BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 11, 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 11:
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.
Marvin Dirks Memorial
To Live Stream the Marvin Dirks’ Memorial which is Saturday, October 10 at 4 p.m. click here
BCMC Offering Oct. 4: Gen. Fund $11,353.89; Sr Hi Youth $100; Library Reserve Fund $13; Kitchen Fund $18.
From the Finance Committee — As the 3rd quarter of the financial year of our church ends, we offer gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. The BCMC financial report of the general fund: income and expenses as of Sept. 30 (75% of the year)
Income $ 397,554 68% of budget
Expense $ 378,010 65% of budget
Net income $19,544
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 11, 2026
Exploring Revelation
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music— Prelude in B minor (Chopin)
Come Away from Rush and Hurry (VT #9)– Verlene Garber
Welcome and Opening Prayer—Lois Preheim
*Hymn—Holy, Holy, Holy—VT 76
Children and Youth Conversation—David Kreider
Worship Music— In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting (arr. Jonah Kliewer)–
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director
Scripture Reading—John 8:13-20—Jeanette Stucky
*Hymn—How Can We Be Silent, verses 1, 2, 4—VT 790
Scripture Reading—Revelation 1:4-8
Sermon—It’s the End of the World as We Know It—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—From the Parent’s Heart, the Firstborn—VT 418
Receiving the Offering and Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Love Divine, All Loves Excelling—VT 638
*Benediction
Postlude— When in our Music (arr. by Larson)—Verlene Garber
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Verlene Garber
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
The Week at BCMC: October 11—18, 2026
Sunday, October 11 Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/
Tuesday, October 13
11 a.m. Poems & Prayers in the Chapel
12 noon Mid Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
5:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, October 14
2 p.m. Local Pastors meeting in Room 14
6 p.m. Open Table in Fellowship Hall– Everyone is invited to join for a pizza supper and then an interactive, all-age, Bible study as we continue exploring the monsters of the Bible.
7 p.m. Youth Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, October 15
11 a.m. Revelation Study in the Chapel
6 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal has been cancelled for tonight
Friday, October 16
4 p.m. African American Alumni Association in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, October 18—Fall Fest Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Wynn Goering; music by Bethel College Concert Choir
If you would like to explore the book of Revelation beyond Sunday morning worship, check out some of the resources on this web page.
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!
Women’s Fellowship will meet Tues., Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Men are invited. The program is “Exploring our Amazing Library” presented by members of the Library Committee. Please come prepared to share a favorite book.
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.
Note from the BCMC Board: At the recent congregational meeting we heard general affirmation for an AV project that would improve the sound quality for both in-person and on-line worshippers as well as improve the usability of the Fellowship Hall for various types of gatherings. Some people expressed concerns about the cost of the proposed project. The board considers these proposed improvements an accessibility justice issue and, with cost concerns in mind, is developing a proposal to bring to the congregation for a vote at a special congregational meeting on Oct. 25. Please reach out to a board member with your questions and comments as we continue to move forward together: Bill Eash, Dennis Loepp, Carolyn Penner, Elaine Schurr, Kathryn Simmons, Frank Stucky, Marvin Thieszen, Margaret Toews, Tim Voth, John Waltner
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.
Thank you to everyone who gave to support earthquake relief in Colombia! Bethel College Mennonite has sent $6,465 to this project and we look forward to hearing about the progress of the home repairs in Colombia. While the church fundraiser for this project has concluded, you can contact Joanna for the link to make a direct donation.
The small chapel here at BCMC is home to a new piano! Over the last several months, the Worship Commission has been engaged in discussing the poor condition of the chapel’s old piano–which was recently declared “un-tunable” after some 70 years of service–with one that will better accompany the small services that take place in the chapel and be easily transportable to other rooms in the church building. Purchased in “gently used” condition, our new Yamaha piano will serve us well for many decades to come. If you’d like to take it for a spin, feel free to stop by!
Mennonite Central Committee Meat canning is Oct. 27-29 at the MCC Center, 121 E. 30th. Your financial support is needed to make this project successful. Make checks payable to BCMC with “MCC meat canning” on the memo line and place in the offering. Envelopes for donations are in your mailboxes.
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/
- Wed., Oct. 14: NO LIFE ENRICHMENT at Bethel College (Fall Fest week)
- Bethel College’s 2026 Fall Fest is Oct. 14-18, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 17, on campus. See the complete schedule here.
- Wed., Oct. 14: Fall Fest parade, west on 24th St., north on Main St. to Thresher Stadium, North Newton, 6 p.m.
- Thurs., Oct. 15: Bethel College Jazz, 6 p.m. on the Main & Broadway stage at Taste of Newton, downtown Newton
- Fri., Oct. 16 – Public reception for “This is Bob: Student, Teacher, Artist,” 6-7 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The exhibit is open through Oct. 17. Regular gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (closed Oct. 11-13 for fall break; open extended hours during Fall Fest, Oct. 16-17).
- Fri., Oct. 16, 7 p.m., Sat., Oct. 17, 3 p.m., Sun., Oct. 18, 2 p.m.: The Bethel College music and theater departments present the musical The Spitfire Grill by James Valcq and Fred Alley during Fall Fest, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., online or at the door. (Friday performance interpreted for the D/deaf community.)
- Sat., Oct. 17: Kauffman Museum Fall Fest Bird Walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
- Sat., Oct. 17: Fall Fest programs at Kauffman Museum (in the museum auditorium): recital on the Teschemacher parlor organ with Rosi Penner Kaufman and Donna Hetrick, 10 a.m.; “A Tactile Cogitation,” with artist Karen Reimer, 1 p.m.
- Tues., Oct. 20: Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, Dr. Kelly Poquette, director, 7 p.m., Ad Building chapel (NOTE CHANGES from some printed calendars)
- Thurs., Oct. 22: The biennial Senses & Aging Symposium, “Charles Bonnet Syndrome,” with presenters Daniel Kish and Jaymes Squires, 6-7:30 p.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village (3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton)
- Sun., Oct. 25 & Mon., Oct. 26: Annual Menno Simons Lectures, with Dr. Gerald Mast, Bluffton University. The overall theme is “Anabaptist Hermeneutics, Figural Reading and the Gospel of Peace.” First lecture: Sun., Oct. 25, 7 p.m., “The Holiness of War and the Victory of Peace in Anabaptist Figural Bible Reading”; second, Mon., Oct. 26, 11 a.m., “The Violence of the Bible and the Gospel of Peace”; third, Mon., Oct. 26, 7 p.m., “The Bride of Christ and the Unity of the Church in Anabaptist Figural Bible Reading.” All in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, with audience discussion following each lecture. Free and open to the public.
- 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 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
- Prints and Mixed Media art exhibit by Susan Fox open at Hesston College. A prints and mixed media exhibit by Newton artist Susan Fox is featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) from October 1 through 30. A reception with the artist is scheduled for October 14. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
- Disc Golf Tournament, October 10 during Hesstival: Join the Hesston College disc golf team for its annual fundraiser tournament, now rescheduled as part of the Hesstival! The tournament takes place Saturday, October 10, at the Doug Unruh Memorial Disc Golf Course on the Hesston College campus. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. All ages and skill levels are welcome; cost is $20 to enter. Register at hesston.edu/dgtourney or walk up the morning of the event.
- Larktoberfest: Fall Fun at the Diamond, October 30: Hesston College Softball is excited to announce a new event, Larktoberfest: Fall Fun at the Diamond on Friday, October 30. Come for a softball scrimmage versus Fort Hays Tech Northwest at 5 p.m. and stay for this family-friendly fall festival for the entire community featuring a bounce house, games, food, trunk-or-treat and face painting.
- Request for singers – Masterworks concert: Community singers are invited to join Hesston College for “Let All the People Praise,” an evening of thanksgiving for choir, brass, organ and percussion, featuring John Rutter’s “Gloria.” There will be four rehearsals leading up to the Masterworks concert on November 21 at 7 p.m. Visit hesston.edu/masterworks for more information and details on how to sign up.
Kidron Bethel Village Announcements
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.
Paula Brunk Kuhns, owner of Just Cause, a fair trade store based in Portland, OR, will be setting up her store at Hesston Mennonite Church for a 2-day event, October 23 & 24 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Find beautifully crafted baskets, jewelry, home decor, kitchenware, metal art, cards, Christmas nativities and ornaments, and so much more from over 30 countries around the world. When you shop Fair Trade, you’re not just buying a beautifully crafted item. You’re partnering with artisans around the world as they preserve their craft, support their families, and build a sustainable future. Each piece holds a story, and you become part of it. In addition to supporting Fair Trade artists, this is also a fundraiser for the Hesston Mennonite Youth Groups, who will host a coffee shop while the store is open. Come join us!
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
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Everence 4th quarter Newsletter press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Webinar with Dr. Benjamin Conner next week press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities “Opening Doors Blog” press hereFor Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
October 11
Just Peace Pilgrimages
Book your Just Peace Pilgrimage for 2027 and step into stories that still shape the world today. Together we’ll walk in solidarity, open our eyes to the beauty and struggle of life, and come home changed.
Choose your adventure:
- Civil Rights Pilgrimage
- Christ at the Borders (Arizona)
- Underground Railroad
Embark on one of these life-changing journeys with your congregation, Sunday school class, youth group, or other group.
Visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace to learn more about the pilgrimages or start booking your experience today.
| Dear Bethel College Mennonite,On October 20, organizations and individuals across the U.S. will gather at their nearest congressional office, 30 minutes before the office opens for the day, and ask their members of Congress to take action to stop the U.S. war against Iran. |
| If a peace deal isn’t reached ahead of the U.S. midterm election, we are at risk of the war against Iran becoming a forever war. We need decisive action by our members of Congress to stop the war.In this key moment, you can call on your members of Congress to:Pledge to oppose any defense appropriation or authorization spending that fails to end the war against Iran.Release a statement affirming the legally binding nature of the Iran War Powers Resolutions and support future war powers resolutions.Publicly push for the full release of the Department of Defense’s investigation into the U.S. bombing of the Minab Elementary School.Publicly call for and support a peace agreement, which will require lifting sanctions and unfreezing assetsFind events near you and sign up here.In peace,Zachary Murray Legislative Associate MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries |
| MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries 920 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, D.C. 20003Visit our homepage.Email us.Make a donation. |
For Mennonite Church USA Announcements press here
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC commissions meeting this month, as they discern the Spirit’s leading in equipping ministry leaders, resourcing congregations, accompanying emerging faith communities, and nurturing relationships and resources to support WDC’s ministries.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Praise God with Kate Widmer, who serves at La Prairie Church of Montbéliard, France, for a season of rest, as her life and ministry slowed down over the summer. Now that the school year has begun again, pray for stamina to keep up with the increased demands she encounters.
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.