BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 4, 2026
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service for Sunday, October 4:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurc
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/
To donate to BCMC go to the website: bethelcollegemennonitechurch.
BCMC Offering Sept. 27: Gen. Fund $9,835.34; Plant Fund $25; Sr Hi Youth $50; Caring Fund $25; Kitchen Fund $10.85.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 4, 2026
World Communion Sunday: A Global Table of Grace
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music— Break Thou the Bread of Life (Eithun)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Land Acknowledgement & Welcome—Raylene Hinz-Penner
Land Acknowledgement from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month,
we acknowledge that we worship
on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land
and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories
and find new paths of right relationships with them
and all of creation.
*Hymn—What is This Place—VT 22
Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Kreider Eash
Worship Music— He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands (Waldron)—Chancel Bells
Scripture Reading—Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26—Brett Gaeddert
*Hymn—Seed, Scattered and Sown—VT 477
Sermon—Table of Grace—Joanna Harader
Communion (liturgy from Global Ministries World Communion Resources)
*Hymn—In the Quiet Consecration—VT 484
Prayer of Confession (from South Africa)
One: For our failure to feel the sufferings of others, and our tendency to live comfortably with injustice,
Many: God forgive us.
One: For the self-righteousness which denies guilt, and the self-interest which strangles compassion,
Many: God forgive us.
One: For those who live their lives in careless unconcern, who cry ‘Peace, peace’ when there is no peace,
Many: We ask your mercy.
One: For our failings in community, our lack of understanding,
Many: We ask your mercy.
One: For the times when we are too eager to be better than others, when we are too rushed to care, when we are too tired to bother, when we don’t really listen, when we are too quick to act from motives other than love,
All: God forgive us.
Silence
Assurance of Pardon (from Bangladesh)
Call to Communion
One: From every corner of the earth, Christ calls us to the table.
Many: Christ welcomes us all.
One: We come from many peoples, many places, many traditions. We come with the songs of our ancestors and the prayers of those who came before us, carrying stories of faith, struggle, hope, and joy.
Many: Christ welcomes us all.
One: From the villages of Africa and the islands of the Pacific, from the
mountains of Asia and the cities of the Americas, from the churches of Europe and the Middle East—we come as one people.
Many: Christ welcomes us all.
One: Some come to this table with abundance. Some come longing for daily bread.
Many: Christ welcomes us all.
One: Some come rejoicing. Some come grieving. Some come with questions. Some come with gratitude.
Many: Christ welcomes us all.
One: Today, the walls that divide us do not have the final word. Language does not divide us. Geography does not divide us. Culture does not divide us.
Many: Christ welcomes us all.
One: Come, people of God. Come with open hands and open hearts.
All: We come to receive. We come to remember. We come to share. We come to be made one.
Words of Institution
Sharing the Meal
Hymns during Meal
Come to the Table of Grace—VT 461
Come Now, O Prince of Peace—VT 391
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Come with Joy VT 478
*Benediction
Postlude—Little Prelude and Fugue in C Major (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard-Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—John Thiesen
The Week at BCMC: October 4—11, 2026
Sunday, October 4
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/
10:45 a.m. Safe Sanctuary Training in Fellowship Hall
Monday, October 5
9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets at Lois Goertzen’s home
Wednesday, October 7
9:30 a.m. Life Enrichment in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. Safe Sanctuary Training in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m. Youth Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 8
11 a.m. Revelation Study in the Chapel
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Saturday, October 10
4 p.m. Memorial for Marvin Dirks in the Sanctuary
Sunday, October 11
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
Pastor Nathan will be on a retreat from Oct. 4-8.
Visit the Church Library and explore our collection of Indigenous fiction and nonfiction, featuring novels, history, culture, religious perspectives, biographies, and more. Discover stories and perspectives—there’s something for every reader!
Sympathy Notice for the Boschmann Family
Harald Boschmann suffered a major heart attack and multiple strokes on Monday, September 28, and passed away Wednesday, September 30. His family was at his bedside to surround him in prayer and love as he took his last breaths. Please pray for his family, friends, and the wider community as we mourn his sudden loss. A Celebration of Life for Harald is scheduled at BCMC on Saturday, November 14. The time for the service has yet to be determined. Consider sending prayers, cards, and emails to Lotti in the coming days as the outpouring of phone calls, questions, meals, and visits can become overwhelming. May God’s love continue to surround the Boschmann family and all of us in our grief.
Open Table and Wednesday Evening Suppers Announcement
Everyone is invited to join us for our next Open Table on Wed., Oct. 14, at 6 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. We will have a pizza supper and then an interactive, all-age, Bible study as we continue exploring the monsters of the Bible.
Our Wednesday Suppers will begin on Oct. 21 and continue for five weeks–through Nov. 18. All are invited to come at 6 p.m. for fellowship and a meal provided by Brenda Turner and Ben Lichti. There are no programs planned for after the meals except for the meal on Nov. 11, which will be followed by our Open Table all-age Bible study. There is no charge to attend the Wednesday evening meals. Financial contributions toward meal costs are welcome and appreciated.
Worship Time at BCMC
Beginning this fall, all BCMC Sunday morning worship services will begin at 9:30 am. Special services–which have sometimes started later–will also begin at the normal start time. The first example of this: Fall Fest Sunday Worship on October 18 will begin at 9:30 am. Please mark your calendars.
Worship Commission hopes a consistent start time will help everyone know when worship begins at BCMC.
Questions? Please contact a Worship Commission member.
All volunteers who work with children and/or youth at BCMC should plan to attend one of two Safe Sanctuary workshops: Sunday, October 4, during the Sunday School hour OR Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. (before choir). These trainings are important for our church’s efforts to be a survivor-centered community that provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for all ages. Thank you for your faithfulness in nurturing our young people. Contact Brad Kohlman or Joanna Harader with questions.
Music Events in the Area
The Central Kansas Master Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, will present a Choral Festival concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 4. Please join us for this special event held at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main St, Hesston, KS. Admission is free, donations accepted. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.
The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra opens its 70th Season with the Fall Classics Concert Sunday, Oct. 11 at 4:00 p.m. in Bethel College Memorial Hall. The NHS Orchestra joins NMKSO on selections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.” Also featured is Carlos Simon’s “Tales: A Folk Symphony.” Tickets: Adults $15-20, Students $7, available at Faith and Life Bookstore and online at www.nmkso.org
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
The International Students Club Curry Booth is returning to Fall Fest, and you can help make it a welcoming experience for Bethel’s international students! Consider preparing a batch of curry or dal. Funds raised through the booth support the International Students Club in creating opportunities for international students to connect, build community and share their cultures at Bethel.
Both recipes can be prepared ahead of time and should be brought to 1887 Café by 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. When you click the link below (grasshopper signup) there is a link to the recipes.
Sign up: https://grasshoppersignup.com/
NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE: Life Enrichment, the series at Bethel College for adults age 60 and older, will meet this week at Bethel College Mennonite Church. This week’s programs (Oct. 7): 9:30 a.m., “Schubert: Master of Melody,” Doyle and Mary Jo Preheim; 10:50 a.m., “And We Entered a New Era: The 1941 Deportation of the Volga Germans,” Brent Mai. Details here, along with a link to the complete fall schedule.
Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “This is Bob: Student, Teacher, Artist,” a career-spanning review of work by Bob Regier, through Oct. 17. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
The Kauffman Museum “first-Saturday” bird walk will be held Oct. 17, during Fall Fest.
Bethel College’s 2026 Fall Fest is Oct. 14-18, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 17, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football (Bethel vs. Tabor), the musical The Spitfire Grill by James Valcq and Fred Alley, and a 75th-anniversary celebration of the Bethel-Wuppertal student exchange. See the complete schedule here.
SAVE THE DATE: Bethel College’s biennial Senses & Aging Symposium, on Charles Bonnet syndrome, Oct. 22, Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village
Bethel College is offering a new Math Problem-Solving & Test Prep Series for high school juniors and seniors looking to prepare for the ACT, build confidence, master new strategies and tackle tough math challenges. Fall dates are Sat., Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m., with different topics and activities each time and with lunch provided after. There is no cost to attend (one, two or all three) but registration is required.
Fall Fest is coming and Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of homemade peppernuts, whole fruit pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls and other home-made goodies. We are happy to have donated craft items to sell as well. We would also welcome help staffing the Market in the Round, located in the Luyken Fine Arts Center. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about donations, please contact Valerie Klaassen at jvklaassen@gmail.com. Donated baked and craft items can be brought to Luyken Fine Arts Center music library on Friday, October 16, between 1 and 5 pm or on Saturday, October 17, between 7 and 9 am.
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dam removal on October 18 at 2:30pm! Spectators and helpers are welcome. This task involves heavy boards and rushing water, so younger ages should plan on watching the process, not helping. Wear appropriate clothing for the task and weather. Watch Facebook for any changes or text/call 316-293-7313.
Camp Mennoscah will have a booth at Bethel College’s Fall Fest, October 17, through mid-afternoon. There will be a silent auction for a Camp Mennoscah tee shirt (tied) comforter. Timothy Schrag, the new Development Director, will also be there to meet you.
HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
| Fall theatre production, “The Children’s Hour” Hesston College Theatre department will perform “The Children’s Hour” October 1 to 4 in the Black Box Theater located in Keim Center. Performance times are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Show information will be posted soon at hesston.edu/news and tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104. |
Kidron Bethel Village Announcements
Lauren Friesen’s New Play
The staged reading of Lauren Friesen’s new play “Kindness by the Cup” will be in Kidron Hall, Monday October 5, starting at 2 PM. The play centers on three retirees who meet regularly at a local coffee shop. Their conversation includes idle banter, tales of trauma, resilience, and a love of trivia. Free and open to the public. Invite your friends.
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 17, from 7 to 10 a.m., at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Come enjoy pancakes, eggs and sausage by donation. Proceeds benefit the Health Care Benevolent Fund to assist residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
Kidron Bethel Village is now accepting vendors for its Holiday Market, which will be Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The Holiday Market is a chance for Kidron Bethel Village residents and the wider community to shop with local artists and vendors. To reserve a spot as a vendor, please contact Sheri Esau at SheriE@bluestem.org or 316-836-4821.
Mennonite Church of the Servant, Wichita, would like to invite you and your members to join us in our fall book study by Zoom to discuss Sara Wenger Shenk’s book, Tongue-Tied: Learning the Lost Art of Talking About Faith on the four Wednesdays evenings in October at 7 pm. Tongue-Tied explores an important problem facing contemporary Christians: many Christians have become uncomfortable or unable to talk openly and naturally about their faith. Shenk asks why Christians can easily discuss politics, sports, and everyday life but often become “tongue-tied” when the subject turns to God. Tongue-Tied calls Christians to recover the language of faith without turning to judgmental or formulaic evangelism. Shenk believes that Christians need to speak about God honestly, humbly, and courageously–and that their words should be supported by lives characterized by love, justice, reconciliation, and love.
You can order Shenk’s book at Herald Press (heraldpress.com), Amazon (amazon.com) or through your local bookstore.
If interested, please email the church and we will send you the Zoom link: mcswichita@gmail.com
Announcement from Willmar T. Harder, KCADP Board Secretary
I serve as the secretary of the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty. Each year we host an annual Abolition Meeting. This year the annual meeting will be entirely virtual. I would love it if you would share this information and invitation with your congregation.Often when people think about the death penalty and the “toll” it takes, their minds go to the person who is executed. In reality, executions harm many more people than just the one who is killed.
Join us at 1 p.m. on Saturday November 21st to hear from persons with first hand experience of the death penalty. This is a virtual event so persons all over Kansas or elsewhere are welcome to join us! There is no charge to attend. We hope you can join us!
Panelists will be:
· Celeste Dixon is a murder victim family member. The man who murdered her mother was executed in Texas.
· Dale Baich is a death penalty attorney. He witnessed 16 executions.
· Gary Mohr is a corrections professional. He supervised 15 executions.
Time: 1 p.m. conference, 2:30 annual meeting. Location: Zoom
Registration: https://forms.gle/
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) Announcement
Register today for MEDA Convention 2026 in Tampa, Florida, November 5-8. Join us as we explore this year’s theme, “Lead with Light,” and grow as servant leaders in our businesses, churches, and communities. Connect with entrepreneurs, professionals, and others who see business as a calling. Explore how we can serve others through business solutions to poverty. First-time attendees may qualify for free registration and hotel stay. View the schedule, learn more, and register at MEDAconvention.org. Email inquiries can be sent to convention@meda.org.
The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association (SMCHA) annual banquet will be held at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge on November 12 at 6 pm. Our guest speaker will be Kate Brubacher. The cost of the meal is $25, payable at the door or on our website, swissmennonite.org . RSVP by email to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com .
For September Schweitzer Salt press here
Hoffnungsau Church, 43 13th Ave, Inman, invites you to our annual Mission Supper on Saturday, October 24, 5:00 – 6:30. It will be curbside pick up with tables outside and inside available if you want to stay and eat. Please text or call Barb at 620-543-6863 to order a meal of German sausage, mashed potatoes, creamed peas, zwiebach and pie. Payment is by donation with all proceeds going towards Safe Hope in Harvey, McPherson and Marion Counties.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
Mennonite Central Committee is evaluating, working with local partners, and responding to recent disasters, please join us in supporting:
Nepal flooding response: MCC is responding to the impact of deadly flooding in Nepal. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this disaster. MCC is working with local partners to provide food, supplies and trauma support to those in need. We welcome your donations. Donate to MCC’s response at mcc.org/nepal-flooding
Colombia earthquake: MCC is also providing emergency relief in Colombia following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Donate to MCC’s response at mcc.org/colombia-earthquake
Sign up to participate in the Conscientious Objection: understanding the legacy and what it means today webinar,
Tuesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. MDT. This webinar will provide space to reflect on what it means to be a Conscientious Objector (CO), remember its history, learn about how to declare CO status, and how to connect with MCC Central States and other churches around the topic of CO. Register at mcc.org/co-today and contact beckyteiwes@mcc.org for more information.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! The fall 2026 issue of Intersections on “Reproductive Health,” compiled by MCC health program lead, Laena Maunula, is now on the MCC website. See the link to the issue here. MCC staff reflect on learnings from MCC-supported reproductive health efforts in Chad, Kenya, Burundi, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Bolivia.
As always, please do reach out with any thoughts or questions you might have about Intersections!
Peace,
Alain Epp Weaver
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network “All In Project Launches” press here
For Mennonite Women USA “Womens Voices” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Now Hiring” press here
Apply now for Mennonite Voluntary Service and Service Adventure! Secure your place early for the 2027-28 service term. Whether you are finishing high school, leaving college, or anywhere in between, these two programs offer young adults a meaningful way to serve, learn new skills, and grow.
Visit MennoniteMission.net/Serve to learn more.
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Church USA Announcements press here
Dear Bethel College Mennonite,
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul encouraged early Christians to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ… whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.” (Galatians 6:2, 10a).
The latest issue of the Peace & Justice Journal invites us to reflect on investing in humanitarian assistance, and includes statistics, policy principles and worship resources.
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From a practical perspective, voters and policymakers should support U.S. foreign assistance for humanitarian needs and peacebuilding because peaceful communities and sustainable livelihoods contribute to greater stability and prosperity worldwide.
And as Christians, God calls us to act with compassion and generosity (Isaiah 58:7). Jesus frequently reminded his followers about the importance of meeting basic needs, particularly for groups made vulnerable by systemic injustice and oppression (Matthew 25:31-45). Instead of wealth concentration and warmaking, we could choose to invest in human needs at home and abroad. We could choose to work for the good of all.
To have the Journal delivered to your doorstep, send an email to npjm@mcc.org or call 202-544-6564.
In gratitude,
Tammy Alexander
Director, MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for participants and leaders in the Faithful Response Immigration Gathering in Texas beginning today, as an ecumenical event co-sponsored by a variety of church groups including WDC to build skills and relationships to respond to the current crisis of immigration detention and deportation.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On August 26, Nepal experienced a severe flood that resulted in severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, as well as the deaths of several thousand people, many of whom are still missing or unidentified. Pray for the people of Nepal who have lost their homes and loved ones.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming
congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, immigration status, gender identity,sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.