Author Archives: Monica Lichti

2025 04 20 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 20, 2025
EASTER SUNDAY

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:

On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/2ZIAC8vrzS8?feature=share

EASTER MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES

6:30 a.m.   Easter Sunrise Service at Hank & Elaine Prouty’s, 332 N. Hoover Rd., Newton. Worship service by the BCMC Senior High Youth Group—Breakfast potluck will follow; please bring a breakfast item to share—All are invited! We are keeping an eye on the weather for Sunday morning — if there is inclement weather, the service may be moved to Fellowship Hall at BCMC. Please be sure to check your emails.

At the church ……..
An extended organ prelude will begin at 9:40 a.m.

10 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; Easter Sunday at BCMC will include some exciting music! The Chancel Choir will be joined by organ and orchestra to present Vivaldi’s Gloria. In addition to this, the congregation will join in singing several favorite Easter hymns.
There will be no Sunday School

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 20, 2025—Easter Sunday!

Prelude–Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing [VT 359] (arr. J. Wayne Kerr)
Were You There? [VT 329] (arr. Diane Bish)
Christ ist erstanden, BWV 627 [VT 358] (J.S. Bach)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today [VT 346] (arr. Jason Payne)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Resurrection Proclamation– Elizabeth Schmidt
One: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed!
One: Christ is risen!!
All: Christ is risen indeed!!
One: Christ is risen!!!
All: Christ is risen indeed!!!

Christ Candle Lighting

*Hymn–Low in the Grave He Lay–VT 333

Welcome
*Hymn–Lift Your Glad Voices– VT 340
(Children are invited to go to the chapel as hymn is sung.)

Introduction to Gloria–Joel Garber

                           Gloria in D Major RV 589 (Antonio Vivaldi)
     Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
I.   Gloria (Glory to God in the highest)
II.   Et in terra pax (And on Earth, good will to all.)
III. Laudamus te (We praise you, we bless you
      We worship you, we glorify you.)
       [Virginia Mininger, soprano; Ron Garber, tenor]

Scripture Reading–Luke 24:1-12–Mary Ellen Hodge

IV. Gratias agimus tibi (We give thanks to you)
V. Propter magnum gloriam (For your great glory!)
VI. Domine Deus (Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty)
     [Virginia Mininger, soprano]

Scripture Reading–Luke 2:8-14–Mary Ellen Hodge

VII. Domine fili unigenite (Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.)
VIII. Domine Deus (Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
                            Heavenly King, only begotten Son,
                            Who takes away the sins of the world,
                             have mercy on us.)
                            [Allie Soeken, Mezzo soprano]

IX. Qui tollis peccata mundi (Who takes away the sins of the world.)
X. Qui sedes ad dexteram patris (You who sits at the right hand of the father, Have mercy on us.
     [Allie Soeken, Mezzo Soprano]

Meditation– Messy Glory–Joanna Harader

XI. Quoniam to solus sanctus (For you alone are holy,
       you alone are the Lord
       you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ.)
XII. Cum sancto spiritu (With the holy spirit,
        in the Glory of God, the Father, Amen)

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–The Lord is Risen Indeed!–VT 357
(Children return during hymn.)

Children Share Resurrection Gardens

*Hymn–Christ the Lord is Risen Today–VT 346

*Benediction

Postlude–Toccata from Symphony 5 (Widor)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

*You are invited to stand     VT—Voices Together     Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Welcome and thank you to the orchestra members Sunday: Violin 1: Joan Griffing
Violin 2: Marta Prugar; Viola: Joey Menninga; Cello: Caleb Garber
Bass: Derek Jesse; Oboe: Aaron Robinson; Trumpet: Greg Bergman
And of course, thank you to the BCMC Chancel Choir, director Joel Garber, accompanist Will Wiebe-Friesen, and the soloists, Virginia Mininger, Ron Garber, and
Allie Soeken. Happy Easter to everyone!

Sunday’s service contains quite a variety of music! Some highlights—in addition to the Gloria—include some of the prelude and postlude music as well as congregational hymns. Christ ist erstanden is a chorale prelude—that’s music talk for a spiced-up setting of a hymn—from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein (Little Organ Book), in which he composed a chorale prelude for every Sunday of the Church Year. It is meant as a teaching tool, where the student can study different musical techniques in challenging, bite-sized pieces that are useful for worship. This hymn, which translates as “Christ is Arisen” and is found in VT 358, is interesting as it includes a joyful text paired with a minor tune, the oldest known German liturgical song, dating to around 1100.
Despite its somber tone, listen for the empathic alleluias in the third verse. The congregational hymn “The Lord is Risen Indeed” was composed by William Billings, regarded as the first American choral composer. His music has a distinct, primitive, folk-like sound and helped to shape the blossoming American Sacred Harp style of song. A tanner by trade, Billings was gifted in his art despite financial struggles, missing an eye, and being short in one leg. Ending the service is a portion of the famous toccata from Charles Marie Widor’s Fifth Organ Symphony. The toccata, a musical form named for the Italian “to touch,” is the final movement in the symphony and is his most well-known work. Imagine hearing it in the sonorous acoustics of the Parisian Church of St. Sulpice where Widor was organist for over 60 years.

The Week at BCMC: April 20—27, 2025
Sunday, April 20, 2025: 9:40 a.m. Organ Prelude   10:00 a.m. Easter Worship
No Sunday school today
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/2ZIAC8vrzS8?feature=share

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
2:30 p.m. Staff Meeting
7 p.m.       Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6 p.m. Chancel Bell Rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday, April 26 and Sunday April 27—BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah

Retreat at Camp Mennoscah – April 26 & 27

It is once again time for the BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah! This year’s retreat is the weekend of April 26 and 27. Whether this might be your first time at camp, or you are a seasoned pro, the weekend has something to offer for all ages! Come on Saturday for some play time, a meal (this year, we’re doing a Saturday evening potluck), a hayrack ride, and some fellowship – and stay overnight if you’d like! And/or come on Sunday for Worship (which begins at 10 AM and will feature baptism activities – with no worship held at BCMC), breakfast and/or lunch, and some afternoon play/fellowship time. More information about the retreat can be found at the following links:
Information and Schedule

Registration Form

So that we can have an idea of how many to plan for on Sunday for breakfast and lunch, we would appreciate your registrations by no later than Monday, April 21. Retreat cost – mostly fees that we pay to Camp Mennoscah – can be found on the registration form. Please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com OR 620-747-0185) with any questions OR if you’d like to help out with the retreat in some way. We once again look forward to this time of fellowship on the grounds of Camp Mennoscah!

Upcoming Events at BCMC
· Zwieback Fundraiser Sale by the Youth Group—Pickup is Sun., April 20 (Easter morning) Minimum donation $10 per dozen
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be Apr.26-27. See email for more details.
· The memorial service for Merrill Raber will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We will be having a Congregational Meeting following church on May 4. More details and agenda will follow as the date approaches. Committee and Commission chairs: Please turn in your annual reports as soon as you can!

BCMC Offering for Apr. 13: Gen. Fund $21,276.19; Wed. Supper $331; Caring Fund $350; Flower Fund $150; Kitchen Fund $26; Solar Fund $4,000.

What hymn holds a special place in your heart? The worship commission wants to sing the hymns you love during our summer worship services. We will collect hymn requests through the month of April and then sing as many of your requests as we can over the summer months. We will also include notes in the bulletin about who chose which hymns and why. You may submit requests by filling out a “Summer Hymn Request” paper and placing it in the designated box or by emailing Pastor Joanna. Be sure to include a 1-3 sentence statement with your request letting us know why that hymn is special to you. What a gift it is to sing together!

Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be July 12. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.

Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Apr. 21: Bethel College Distinguished Achievement Award presentation to Carolyn Coon ’82, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Fri. April 25, Sat., April 26, Sun., April 27: Spring play at Bethel College, The Bookstore by Adam Szymkowicz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee,
Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center). Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door).
· Weds., Apr. 30: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m.,
Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., May 1: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., May 4: Masterworks concert at Bethel College: Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson
· SAVE THE DATE: Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to become a Junior Volunteer at Schowalter Villa (Hesston) or Kidron Bethel Village (North Newton) for the summer. The Bluestem Communities Junior Volunteer program runs from June 2 to July 25. Participants will interact with residents in a variety of ways, including activities, games, exercise, conversation and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational connections and to enrich the lives of all involved! Applications are required and must be submitted by May 9. For an application or questions, contact Bluestem Communities Volunteer Coordinator Sheri Esau at SheriE@bluestemks.org.

Support Camp Mennoscah on May 2 with purchases at The Hub. 10% of all sales on May 2 will be donated to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups will play from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org . Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S. Christian, Moundridge, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)

Want to make your voice heard but don’t know how? Check out “5 Calls,” an easy and effective way to be in touch with your congressional reps. The website provides help with knowing how to make your calls, provides a timely list of topics to address (gets updated frequently) and a handy script guide to help you know what to say. Check them out at https://5calls.org/ —Witness Commission

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs for April 23 are:
9:30 a.m.: “Near-Death Experience: Anecdotes and Analysis,” Dr. Herb Smith, professor emeritus of philosophy and religion, McPherson College
10:50 a.m.: “Fill Your Heart with Music,” Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra ensemble

Western District Women in Mission potluck salad meal shared with women and girls of the surrounding area followed by meditation on God’s creation through a floral design workshop by Rebecca Schrag on Mon., Apr. 28, 6 p.m., at Tabor Mennonite Church. Bring a salad to share, table service provided, and a small vessel (shallow bowl, tea cup size). Also bring garden or kitchen shears if you have one. RSVP: westerndistrictwomeninmission.org. For transportation: call Marlene V. Faul 316-288-9650 or email at marlene.violet@gmail.com

Conversation on Immigration Concerns: Is your congregation seeking to learn more about current immigration issues, discern forms of action and advocacy, or offer solidarity and support for members of the immigrant community? WDC will host a zoom gathering for pastors and interested church members on Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30-8:30 pm to provide updates, information and resources, and an opportunity to connect with each other around these shared concerns. Guest presenter Esmeralda Tovar-Mora, Executive Director of Hutch in Harmony and founding member of the Kansas Immigration Coalition, will join us to focus particularly on resources in the Kansas region. To receive the zoom link, please contact WDC at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300 by noon on April 28.
For additional resources, also see the WDC website: https://mennowdc.org/immigration-justice-resources/; resources from Mennonite Church USA: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/resource-portal/resource/immigration-resources-advocacy/; and resources from Mennonite Central Committee: https://mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/disaster-response/support-immigrant-neighbors

Public Witness: Sat., Apr. 26, 11:30 a.m. the Western District Conference Israel-Palestine Task Force with Mennonite Action are hosting a “God’s Love Knows No Borders” gathering at the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main St, Newton. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. at Military Park, 200 E Broadway, if at all possible, to prepare for the event. For more information, email: robertleeatchison@gmail.com

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

Everence will hold a Medicare workshop at its office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, Thurs., Apr. 24, 6:30 p.m. Topics include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

National Poetry Month Guest Artist. The New York Actress Michele LaRue Kliewer will perform Warren Kliewer’s poetry, Places, Please: Act One, Fri., Apr. 25, 11 a.m. at Kidron Bethel. On Sat., Apr. 26, 3 p.m., she will perform Bedquilt by Dorothy Canfield Smith at the Newton Public Library. Free admission to both performances although donations to defray costs will be graciously accepted. Warren Kliewer spent his early years in Mt. Lake, MN and then taught at Wichita State University before moving to New York where he founded the East Lynne Theatre Company. A selection of Warren’s publications will be for sale. — Lauren Friesen

Register today for the Mennonite Central Committee Immigration Learning Tour in South Texas, Oct. 4-9. This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. Find out more at mcc.org/learning-tour-texas.

The Great Winter Warm-Up
Hello congregations and friends,

Our goal was to collect 7,000 comforters this winter – and the results are in. We gathered your comforter donations across the U.S. and Canada, tallied the numbers and are so excited to share the result!

Between January and March 2025, you knotted 18,368 comforters!

This is incredible! We are so thankful for your hard work, creativity and generosity. These comforters will keep people warm all over the globe. Their colorful, cozy patterns will be a tangible expression of God’s love, letting families know that they have not been forgotten.

Please enjoy this story and video about how comforters are already making an impact on people in Zambia.

Thank you for your continued care and support of people around the world.

For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “Volunteer Update” Press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On this Easter Sunday, join Mennonite Mission Network’s 74 workers and 183 partner organizations throughout the United States and 45 other countries around the world in proclaiming the message of Jesus’ resurrection power and love to those we encounter.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for all WDC congregations, as they embody the presence of the risen Christ, and live out resurrection hope through ministries of compassion, peacemaking, and justice.

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, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.

2025 04 13 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—with Palm Parade—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna—VT 313—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome—Jill Robb

Leader: Shout hosanna!
Congregation: Jesus comes in the name of God.
Leader: Sing songs of praise!
Congregation: Glory in the highest heaven.
Leader: We enter into this Holy Week together
Congregation: With joy and gratitude; in fear and trembling.
Leader: Let us hear the story–
Congregation: The whole story.
Leader: Let us worship in faith,
All: Confident of God’s loving presence.

*Hymn—Jesus Is Coming—VT 312

Children and Youth Conversation—Megan Kohlman & Michelle Burkholder

*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315

Worship Music— Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (arr. Mark Hayes)–Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist/Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Mark 11:1-10—David Kreider

Reflection—Save Us, We Pray!–Joanna Harader

*Hymn—With Astonishment, Fear, and Wonder—VT 579—Joel Garber, Leader

Scripture Reading—Luke 23:44-56—David Kreider

Reflection—What Kind of Salvation is This?–Joanna Harader

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Ride On, Ride On in Majesty—VT 316

*Benediction

Postlude– Trumpet Tune (by David German)

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

2025 04 13 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 13, 2025
PALM SUNDAY

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:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/s-XO5FCEu6g?feature=share

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

The Week at BCMC: April 13—20, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/s-XO5FCEu6g?feature=share

4 p.m.     Hymn Sing in the Sanctuary (to raise funds for Youth Group to go to
MennoCon25.

Monday, April 14, 2025
6:30 p.m. Community Playschool Board Meeting in Fellowship Hall
7:15 p.m. Community Playschool Annual Corporation Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1 p.m.       Staff Meeting
7 p.m.       Women’s Fellowship General Meeting and Tea in Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 17, 2025—Maundy Thursday
5:30 p.m. Family Friendly Worship in the Chapel
6:30 p.m.   Maundy Thursday Worship Service with Communion, in the Sanctuary
No Chancel Bell Rehearsal this Thursday
Friday, April 18, 2025—Good Friday
This is a designated holiday for the BCMC staff—church office will be closed
Sunday, April 20, 2025—Easter Sunday
6:30 a.m.   Easter Sunrise Service at Hank & Elaine Prouty’s, 332 N. Hoover Rd., Newton. Worship service by the BCMC Senior High Youth Group—Breakfast potluck will follow; please bring a breakfast item to share—All are invited!
10 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; Easter Sunday at BCMC will include some exciting music! The Chancel Choir will be joined by organ and orchestra to present Vivaldi’s Gloria. In addition to this, the congregation will join in singing several favorite Easter hymns. An extended organ prelude will begin at 9:40 a.m.; there will be no Sunday School

We offer sympathy to the family of Rosalie Neufeld. Rosalie died on April 4 at Kidron Bethel Village.
Please remember her sons, Kevin Neufeld and Keith Neufeld in prayer. Memorial plans are pending.

“Every Quilt Has a Story”, presented by Chris Allen, and Tea coordinated by Brenda Turner and Lois Brubacher will be Tue., April 15, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All women and Girls are invited to this Women’s Fellowship General Meeting.

You are invited to join us for the next concert of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting Mennonite Central Committee. Concert is Sunday, April 13, 4 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton

Special Offering for BCMC Caring Fund on Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17 : The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to BCMC and designated “caring fund.” Two fish bowls will be in the back of the church for this special offering on Maundy Thursday.

Upcoming Events at BCMC
· Members of the Agape class are leading a book discussion of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander, during Lent. We meet in the chapel during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is not necessary. All are welcome.
· Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt is on vacation Apr. 9 through 16. In her absence, please contact Pastor Nathan Koontz or Pastor Joanna Harader.
· Women’s Fellowship Tea for Women & Girls will be Tues., Apr. 15, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Chris Allen portraying her life with quilts. Tea chaired by Brenda Turner with WF Executive Board.
· On Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, in addition to the previously announced Maundy Thursday worship, we will also have a family friendly worship service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. This family service is appropriate for all ages as we will share the story of Holy Week with interactive stations. You can reach out to Jill Robb or Pastor Joanna with questions.
· Zwieback Fundraiser Sale by the Youth Group—Pre-orders will be taken. Pickup will be Sunday, April 20 (Easter morning) Minimum donation $10 per dozen
· Easter morning, April 20, 6:30 a.m. Senior High Youth Group Sunrise Service at Hank & Elaine Prouty’s, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton—Breakfast potluck follows
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be Apr.26-27. See email for more details.
· We will be having a Congregational Meeting following church on May 4. More details and agenda will follow as the date approaches.

From the Finance Committee
As the 1st 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. A brief report is listed below.
The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on March 31, 2025 (25% of the year).
Total income $ 85,112 15% of budget
Total expense $136,017 24% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 50,905

BCMC Offering for Apr. 6: Gen. Fund $17,306; Wed. Supper $220.80; Caring Fund $50; Flower Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $16.60; Solar Fund $500.

The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will be conducting a regular pastoral review for Pastor Nathan Koontz this Spring. Pastor Nathan will be concluding his current term in October. We believe that the purpose of a pastoral review is to review the relationship between the congregation and the pastor and assess whether we have the right environment to foster growth. Because Pastor Nathan’s upcoming sabbatical will affect our timeline, we will be using an open-ended questionnaire for this review. Questionnaires will be sent to Sunday School class contacts, Commissions and Committees who work closely with Pastor Nathan, and will be available to all in the Gathering Place. Please return questionnaires to either the box near the mailboxes or electronically to Megan Kohlman by April 13.
You may also access a digital copy of the survey here, to be emailed to Megan when completed: http://bit.ly/4bILIgy
Direct any questions to Megan Kohlman, meganbkohlman@gmail.com.

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corp. will be Mon., Apr.14, 7:15 p.m. at the BCMC Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Enter through south doors.

Western District Women in Mission potluck salad meal shared with women and girls of the surrounding area followed by meditation on God’s creation through a floral design workshop by Rebecca Schrag on Mon., Apr. 28, 6 p.m., at Tabor Mennonite Church. Bring a salad to share, table service provided, and a small vessel (shallow bowl, tea cup size). Also bring garden or kitchen shears if you have one. RSVP: westerndistrictwomeninmission.org. For transportation: Call Marlene V. Faul 316-288-9650 or email at marlene.violet@gmail.com

Public Witness: Sat., Apr. 26, 11:30 a.m. the Western District Conference Israel-Palestine Task Force with Mennonite Action are hosting a “God’s Love Knows No Borders” gathering at the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main St, Newton. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. at Military Park, 200 E Broadway, if at all possible, to prepare for the event. For more information, email: robertleeatchison@gmail.com

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Announcements

MCC grateful for shipments of Material Resources in 2024 – MCC, despite the bridge collapse in Baltimore, weather-related and other unexplained delays, strikes and piles of required paperwork, shipped 48 containers to MCC partners in 9 countries and Puerto Rico. Five were shipped from Canada, 42 from the U.S. and one from Europe. Items shipped included canned meat, comforters, soap and school, relief, hygiene, sewing, infant care and dignity kits. These shipments are a result of the thousands of MCC supporters, donors, and volunteers. Thanks be to God!

MCC Great Winter Warmup surpasses goal! Thank you for helping MCC surpass the Great Winter Warmup goal of 7,000 comforters during the months of January, February and March. During this 3-month campaign MCC received 12,875 comforters! Thank you to each person who tied knots this winter to share warmth, comfort, and love around the world!

Register today for the MCC Immigration Learning Tour in South Texas, October 4-9. This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. Find out more at mcc.org/learning-tour-texas.

Volunteer with MCC Appalachia Build: We have had some spots open in our volunteer schedule for the summer. Consider bringing your group for a life-changing week of serving and learning with MCC Appalachia Build (formerly SWAP), a home repair ministry in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Volunteers help families make their homes safe, warm and dry, while building relationships and learning about Appalachia. Learn more and register your group at mcc.org/appalachia-build.

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

From MCC US National Peace & Justice Ministries
Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Registerto participate in “The promise we dream” Peace Camp, June 16-21!“I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28, NIV)
What does it mean to live into God’s promise? As God’s Spirit is poured out onto us, we are called to go forth searching for and proclaiming justice and love for all. With division and inequalities in our world, we can come together to imagine and create a world that is home to each one of us. Join us for a week of exploration and adventure as we discover and learn how to build bridges across our diverse identities and unique perspectives, living into God’s promise cohesively. Surrounded by the pristine beauty of Camp Deerpark, we will address how to lean into restorative justice, power, and identity both in an interpersonal and societal context.
MCC Peace Camps are one-week, hands-on learning experiences for young adults to build community together, experience personal transformation and apply Anabaptist foundations of peace and justice to real world issues.

When: June 16-21, 2025
Where: Camp Deerpark, Westbrookville, New York
Who: Young adults aged 18-30
How: Register by May 30.
Registration Fee: $250.00 guarantees your spot at the camp. For all New York City residents the fee is $50.00.
Peace Camps are one way to encourage and support the next generation of the Church to live out an active faith as peacemakers. Young adults, ages 18-30, are invited to apply. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families and friends to support participants in the registration fee where possible. This is an opportunity not to be missed, so tap someone on the shoulder or come join yourself!
Warmest regards,
Nathan Toews
Peace Education Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be held on July 12. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.

National Poetry Month Guest Artist. The New York Actress Michele LaRue Kliewer will perform Warren Kliewer’s poetry, Places, Please: Act One, Fri., Apr. 25, 11 a.m. at Kidron Bethel. On Sat., Apr. 26, 3 p.m., she will perform Bedquilt by Dorothy Canfield Smith at the Newton Public Library. Free admission to both performances although donations to defray costs will be graciously accepted. Warren Kliewer spent his early years in Mt. Lake, MN and then taught at Wichita State University before moving to New York where he founded the East Lynne Theatre Company. A selection of Warren’s publications will be for sale.
— Lauren Friesen

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Apr.13: John Thiesen, “Re-membering the 1870s Migration,” 3 p.m.
Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum
program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past:
Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell.” Thiesen is co-director of libraries
and archivist at the Mennonite Library and Archives at Bethel College.
· Thurs., April 17: Senior recital by BC student Benjamin Rudeen, voice, 7 p.m., Ad Building chapel
· Fri. April 25, Sat., April 26, Sun., April 27: Spring play at Bethel College, The Bookstore by Adam Szymkowicz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center). Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door).
· Last chance to see the 2024 Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center, featuring the work of 45 Bethel College students, which closes April 18. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Weds., Apr. 30: Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Thurs., May 1: Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· SAVE THE DATE: Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., May 4: Masterworks concert at Bethel College: Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to become a Junior Volunteer at Schowalter Villa (Hesston) or Kidron Bethel Village (North Newton) for the summer. The Bluestem Communities Junior Volunteer program runs from June 2 to July 25. Participants will interact with residents in a variety of ways, including activities, games, exercise, conversation and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational connections and to enrich the lives of all involved! Applications are required and must be submitted by May 9. For an application or questions, contact Bluestem Communities Volunteer Coordinator Sheri Esau at SheriE@bluestemks.org.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Support Camp Mennoscah on May 2 with purchases at The Hub. 10% of all sales on May 2 will be donated to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups will play from approx. 6pm-8:30pm and include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org and is attached. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)

Music and office summer staffers are needed! If you know of someone who you think might be great for these positions, please tap them on the shoulder. Olivia would love to talk to them, even if they are only available for part of the summer. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313 (call or text). Summer staffers must be 18 or older and are usually college or near-college age folks.

Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313. Summer youth camps cannot happen without you!

Camp Mennoscah is busy preparing for summer youth camps and guests. It may take additional time to respond to your email or phone call. We will answer as soon as possible. If a quicker response is needed, please call 316-293-7313.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Seeds of Peace” press here

Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
MC USA has launched the newest Learn, Pray, Join, initiative, titled Undoing Patriarchy. This educational initiative provides an opportunity for churches to deepen understanding around a common topic and to come together in prayer and support. Learn more about Undoing Patriarchy here: mennoniteusa.org/lpj/undoing-patriarchy

MC USA has launched an online storefront featuring hats, sweatshirts, mugs and more. Check out the selection of merch that displays Follow Jesus, The MC USA dove and a retro line of gear from past conventions. Every sale helps support MC USA ministries! bonfire.com/store/mc-usa-gear/

Season One of MC USA’s The Competent Pastor podcast addresses the question: What is the most important skill of a competent pastor? Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor/ View the playlist here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor-playlist

Menno Snapshots

Abby Endashaw, a member of the MC USA Women in Leadership steering committee, shares how our uncertainty because of the many fears we face today can be quelled by offering ourselves compassion, as an access point to God. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/uncertainty-calls-compassion

A look at how the (Old) Mennonite Church addressed the crisis of decreasing youth involvement with innovative solutions and an emphasis on the value that young ideas offered. Read the article, written by Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for MC USA, here: mennoniteusa.org/rise-of-youth

College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana, received a surprise grant to spread kindness and learned about the needs of their community in return. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/college-mennonite-kindness

For information about the Women’s Summit at MennoCon press here

BCMC RETREAT

It is once again time for the BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah! This year’s retreat is the weekend of April 26 and 27. Whether this might be your first time at camp, or you are a seasoned pro, the weekend has something to offer for all ages! Come on Saturday for some play time, a meal (this year, we’re doing a Saturday evening potluck), a hayrack ride, and some fellowship – and stay overnight if you’d like! And/or come on Sunday for Worship (which begins at 10 AM and will feature baptism activities – with no worship held at BCMC), breakfast and/or lunch, and some afternoon play/fellowship time. More information about the retreat can be found at the following links:
Information and Schedule

Registration Form

So that we can have an idea of how many to plan for on Sunday for breakfast and lunch, we would appreciate your registrations by no later than Monday, April 21. Retreat cost – mostly fees that we pay to Camp Mennoscah – can be found on the registration form. Please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com OR 620-747-0185) with any questions OR if you’d like to help out with the retreat in some way. We once again look forward to this time of fellowship on the grounds of Camp Mennoscah!

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for those participating in a 12-day Christ at the Borders Just Peace Pilgrimage to Calais, France, where they are visiting organizations that work with migrants who are trying to cross the English Channel. Pray for the participants as they get first-hand experience with Mission Network partner ministries at Maria Skobtsova House, in Calais, and Peaceful Borders, in the United Kingdom.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff as they gather tomorrow for a retreat for fellowship, planning, prayer and discernment together.

2025 04 06 worship service

press here for the video

Recognition of Nursery, Children, and Youth Volunteers-Jill Robb

*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Mark 5:21-34—John Waltner

Sermon—Immediately–Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Healer of Our Every Ill—VT 644

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Will You Come and Follow Me—VT 540

*Benediction

Postlude–Have Thine Own Way Lord (arr. Wilhelmi)–Meghann Rogers

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—Francis Toews

2025 04 06 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 6, 2025
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

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.

Organ Recital and Hymn Sing to Honor Shirley King: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave, North Newton.

Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. King taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Shaw will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with King. In addition to organ pieces and hymns, there will be remembrances of Shirley.
The recital will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fantasia in G Major and chorale prelude based on In Dir Ist Freude. Three pieces from King’s CD, Hymnal Masterworks: Organ and Instrument, will be performed, including Robert Hobby’s prelude on ENGELBERG, Libby Larsen’s piece for flute and organ Fantasy on SLANE, and Phillips Jone’s prelude on TOKYO. King commissioned a piece for the Region III AGO Convention in Harrisburg, PA, June 2011 by Robert Lau, Fanfares and Toccatas on ‘Engelberg’ that will be performed.
Christopher Shaw is an active accompanist, organist, guest conductor and recitalist. He is a graduate of Bethel College (KS) and Wichita State University, holding a bachelor’s degree in organ performance and a master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in choral conducting. Shaw teaches choral music at Goddard High School, where he directs five choirs, teaches music theory and music theatre, and music directs the spring musical. He is the organist at Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita, joining the staff in the fall of 2011.
The live-stream link for the recital is: https://youtube.com/live/5vYX01V00ek?feature=share

BCMC WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR APRIL 6, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 6, 2025
Fifth Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Secreto from “impressions Intimas” by (Mompou)–Meghann Rogers

Land Acknowledgement–Dale Schrag

Welcome & Prayer
Leader: We come in search of healing for ourselves and for those we love.
Congregation: We come in hope and in faith, reaching out to Jesus.
Leader: Let this be a place where our names are known and our stories honored.
Congregation: Let this be a time when our suffering is met with compassion.
Leader: Let this be a space for us to experience wholeness and peace.
All: Let this be a moment when our fingertips graze the hem of the holy.

*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828

Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Koontz

Recognition of Nursery, Children, and Youth Volunteers-Jill Robb

*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Mark 5:21-34—John Waltner

Sermon—Immediately–Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Healer of Our Every Ill—VT 644

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Will You Come and Follow Me—VT 540

*Benediction

Postlude–Have Thine Own Way Lord (arr. Wilhelmi)–Meghann Rogers

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—Francis Toews

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.

GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice is in touch with Sarah Augustine and Indigenous leadership about how members of the newly forming Kansas Repair Coalition can support Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. A sister institute of higher learning in the state, Haskell was founded in 1884 as a land grant institution for educating Indigenous students from all over the country. Haskell was devastated recently by faculty and staff cuts when federal funding was withdrawn in violation of yet another treaty with Indigenous peoples.

The Week at BCMC: April 6—13, 2025
Sunday, April 6, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/ospt49ZRjbc?feature=share

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
9 a.m.   Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14
1 p.m. Staff Meeting
Wednesday, April 9, 2025—Last Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Supper in Fellowship Hall (Menu is: Tetrazzini, peas, Stéphanie & Caroline Tatin Apple Tarte)
6:30 p.m.   Program in Fellowship Hall—exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 10, 2025
6 p.m.        Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, April 13, 2025—Palm Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir and
Chancel Bells      10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

Are you new to or newly exploring Bethel College Mennonite Church? Pastor Joanna will host a gathering for newcomers in her office today, April 6, after worship. This will be an informal time for people to get to know each other and ask questions about the church. All are welcome!

Upcoming Events at BCMC
· Members of the Agape class are leading a book discussion of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander, during Lent. We meet in the chapel during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is not necessary. All are welcome.
· Join us for the remaining Wednesday night supper Apr. 9, at 5:30 p.m.  After the meal there will be a brief program at 6:30 p.m. exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt will be taking vacation Apr. 9 through 16. In her absence, please contact Pastor Nathan Koontz or Pastor Joanna Harader.
· Lilies for Easter. You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, Apr. 20.  BCMC will purchase the lilies. The cost will be $15 per lily. Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place today, April 6, for you to sign up for a lily.
· Women’s Fellowship Tea for Women & Girls will be Tues., Apr. 15, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program by Chris Allen portraying her life with quilts. Tea chaired by Brenda Turner with WF Executive Board.
· On Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, in addition to the previously announced Maundy Thursday worship, we will also have a family friendly worship service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. This family service is appropriate for all ages as we will share the story of Holy Week with interactive stations. You can reach out to Jill Robb or
    Pastor Joanna with questions.
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.
· We will be having a Congregational Meeting following church on May 4. More details and agenda will follow as the date approaches.

Special Offering for BCMC Caring Fund on Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17 : The Caring Fund is an above budget benevolent fund administered by the Deacon Commission for the purpose of assisting our congregation’s members and community persons in need. The fund is generated by above budget offerings made payable to BCMC and designated “caring fund.” Two fish bowls will be in the back of the church for this special offering on Maundy Thursday.

SAVE THE DATE! Newton Community Vacation Bible School 2025!
Where: First Mennonite Church, Newton
When: May 27-30, 2025 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Who: Ages 4 through Just finished 5th grade
Registration opens April 13

Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be held on July 12. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.

BCMC Offering for Mar. 30: Gen. Fund $7,942; Wed. Supper $203; Plant Fund $50; Flower Fund $45; Kitchen Fund $20.22; Edie Krehbiel Mem.$550; Louise Thieszen Mem.$70; Cal Flickinger Mem.$50.

From the Finance Committee
As the 1st 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. A brief report is listed below.
The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on March 31, 2025 (25% of the year).
Total income $ 85,112 15% of budget
Total expense $136,017 24% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 50,905

Lenten Sunday Scripture Readings from Pastor Joanna:
April 6: Mark 5:21-34
April 13: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:44-56

Dear Church Family: I was overwhelmed with the many “Acts of Kindness” shown me during my recent illness. I would like to thank the pastors for their visits and prayers. Also my heartfelt thanks to so many who visited me, brought food between my four hospitalizations, provided transportation and prayed for me. I feel very blessed to be part of such a caring community. Justina Neufeld

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corp. will be Tues., Apr.14, 7:15 p.m. at the BCMC Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Enter through south doors.

The Central Kansas Master Chorale, directed by Dr. Joel Garber, is Sunday, Apr. 6, 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main Street. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org

Sunday, March 23, the BCMC Abuse Prevention and Response Committee provided an informational session during the Sunday School hour about the abuse of employees by the Mennonite Central Committee. For more information please click this link to a document from which you can find numerous resources about these issues, including documents posted both by MCC and by their critics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jFPcfR5AZSe0vmLdSG-RH2srTl3LZ3Lcsr98ZnOLV5E/edit?usp=drive_link

Kansas Interfaith Action is hosting a coffeehouse on Apr. 6, 7 p.m. at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Avenue, Newton. A wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people of faith in the Newton area to sing, pray, and talk together. Contact Pastor Joanna for more information.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is this coming weekend! Come Fri. evening or Sat. to volunteer in a booth, eat great food, bid at an auction, walk or run the 5K, meet a new friend, or simply enjoy a spring day at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Everything you spend will go to supporting the world-wide relief, development and peace efforts of Mennonite Central Committee.
· Sunday, April 6, is the last day to sign up to bake pies or zwieback. Come to the back of the sanctuary immediately after worship to sign up and get tins and bags.
· Contributions to the Plants Sale (bulbs, flowers, vegetable starts, herbs–anything that grows) are welcome. Deliver plants and baked goods to BCMC on Fri. or by 7:30 Sat. morning for transport to the sale. Take baked goods to the BCMC kitchen and plants to the south entry. Make sure everything is labeled.
· Volunteers are still needed! For many opportunities to help in a booth, see the online sign up sheets at https://kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer/
· Auction items. BCMC members and friends have donated many items to be sold at one of the six different KMRS auctions. Go to the Auctions page at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/ to see some of the wonderful donations.
· This is the last Sunday to add your coins to the My Coins Count jug in the Gathering Place. Thanks to all who have already added coins and bills to support food assistance around the globe.
· For more information, go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).
· Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. If you wish to volunteer for the auction by clerking or helping in other ways contact Brad Kohlman– bkohlman32@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements—All student recitals are in the Administration Building Chapel
· Mon., Apr. 7: Bethel College Outstanding Alumnus Award presentation to George Rogers III ’69, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Tues., Apr. 8: All interested singers are invited to participate in the 2025 Masterworks Concert at Bethel College. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays (April 8, 15, 22, 29), 6-8 p.m., Choir Room in Luyken Fine Arts Center, with several longer rehearsals the weekend of the concert, which is May 4 andfeatures Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson. Sign up ahead of time at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMh6YvC_A3y1u5lzgphiXMJss8yKT59MTEm_QB4kgWfwWwmg/viewform (so that your contact information is available for digital materials, etc.) or at your first rehearsal.
· Thurs., Apr. 10: Senior recital—BC student Dylan Yoder, voice, 7 p.m.
· Fri., Apr. 11: Junior recital—BC student Caleb Garber, cello, 7 p.m.
· Sat., Apr.12: Senior recital—BC student Sophia Chindamo, voice & piano, 4 p.m.
· Sat., Apr. 12: Senior recital—BC student Emil Benavides, voice and clarinet, 7 p.m.
· Sun., Apr.13: John Thiesen, “Re-membering the 1870s Migration,” 3 p.m.Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past:  Immigrant Artifacts & the Stories They Tell.” Thiesen is co-director of libraries and archivist at the Mennonite Library and Archives at Bethel College.

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over.  Programs on April 9: 9:30 a.m.: “Thriving Through the Years: The Value of Active Daily Living,” Tracie Strain, Newton Recreation Commission wellness director and ACE personal trainer and Candice Egizi-Sifuentez, NRC program director
10:50 a.m.: “Fire Safety From Above,” Andy Harder, division chief, Community Risk Reduction, Newton Fire/EMS

You are invited to join us for the concerts of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. The concert at Tabor will include students in the Chamber Voices student ensemble. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting Mennonite Central Committee.
Concert Dates—April 6, 4 p.m.: Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro
April 13, 4 p.m.: Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton

From the Western District Conference
Public Witness: Saturday, April 26, 11:30 am the WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force with Mennonite Action are hosting a “God’s Love Knows No Borders” gathering at the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main St, Newton, KS. Please join us at 10:30 am at Military Park, 200 E Broadway, if at all possible, to prepare for the event. For more information, please email robertleeatchison@gmail.com.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Men “ENGAGE” press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Join Camp Mennoscah from 6-8:30pm for an evening of music, food and fellowship to benefit Camp Mennoscah. The Hub will donate 10% of all sales on May 2 to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt will soon be at www.campmennoscah.org Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)

Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at Olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Now is the time to register for MC USA’s Follow Jesus ’25 biennial convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025! Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registration/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/register-for-FJ-25_slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/register-for-FJ-25_PDF

MC USA invites women from across the denomination to reclaim rest as resistance at the MC USA Women’s Summit on July 8, 2025, a transformative one-day event immediately preceding the Follow Jesus ‘25 national convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. Read the news release here: mennoniteusa.org/news/womens-summit/ Register and learn more here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/women-summit/ View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/WIL-Womens-Summit_slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/WIL-Womens-Summit_PDF

MC USA’s Climate Justice Ministry has begun accepting applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, due June 15, 2025. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in forms of renewable energy. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/25-energy-grants

Menno Snapshots

Matt Prichard, associate conference minister for emerging communities of faith in Central District Conference, shares his view that “to revitalize the church and effectively address global issues, Mennonite communities must focus on three key areas: deep community engagement, revitalized peacemaking and radical hospitality.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/good-time-to-be-mennonite

Dianne Garcia, pastor of the Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Refugio in San Antonio, Texas, reflects on what it means to celebrate Lent, even while being oppressed and experiencing injustice, in addition to offering Lenten challenges to those who experience privilege. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/lent-for-the-oppressed

Duncan Smith, director of The Corinthian Plan, MC USA’s healthcare plan for pastors and church workers, addresses the measles outbreak and MC USA’s position on vaccines and medical exemptions. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mennonites-measles

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Michael Oyer, in his new capacity as MMN’s program director for Service Adventure, has just completed a three-day visit to the unit in Colorado Springs, CO. Pray for wisdom for Michael and the unit leaders, Christian and Leigha Stoltzfus. Pray for a year of growing in faith for participants ‬— Elisabeth Daudey, Alea Sagert, Sadie Sherman and Hannah Smith — and for their host congregation, ‬Beth-El Mennonite Church.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for youth ministry in WDC congregations, as pastors, families, mentors and teachers support young people and nurture their growth.

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, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,economic status, marital status, or age.

2025 03 30 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 30, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—In the Garden (Dobrinski)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Welcome—Tim Hodge

Leader: You are welcome in this space with all of who you are:
Your body, with its pain and its pleasure;
Your heart, with its passion and its longing;
Your feelings of relief and grief, anger and elation.

Congregation: We bring into this space all of who we are:
Committing to love ourselves,
Endeavoring to love each other,
Trusting in the fierce and eternal love of God.

All: We offer our full selves in this time of worship.

*Hymn—We Sing to You, O God—VT 80

Children and Youth Conversation—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Worship Music—And He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word (Gross)—Chancel Bells

One-Minute Meditation

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

Scripture Reading—1 Kings 17:8-24—Ani Koontz

Sermon—God Saves Us as We Save Each Other—Joanna Harader

*Hymn –Christ Has No Body Here but Ours–VT 568

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Great Is Thy Faithfulness—VT 419
Those with March birthdays are welcome to come forward as we sing this hymn. Please bring a hymnal.

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction

Postlude—Trumpet Concerto in D (Giuseppe Tartini) Allegro–Karen Schlabaugh, organ; Evan Koch, trumpet

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Francis Toews

2025 03 28 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARCH 30, 2025
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

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.

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Francis Toews

The Week at BCMC: March 30—April 6, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/YXAd7GZAbBU?feature=share

Tuesday April 1, 2025
1 p.m. Staff Meeting
Wednesday, April 2, 2025—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Supper in Fellowship Hall (Menu is: Salisbury steak, potatoes, green beans, Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies)
6:30 p.m.   Program in Fellowship Hall—exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30 to 7 p.m. Community Playschool Family Night in Fellowship Hall
6 p.m.        Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting in Room 14
Saturday, April 5, 2025
7:30 p.m.   Shirley King Memorial Organ Recital in the Sanctuary
Sunday, April 6, 2025—Fifth Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

BCMC Offering for March 23: Gen. Fund $15,022; MCC $25; MCC Sale $100; Library Reserve Fund $3; Kitchen Fund $14.80; Women’s Fellowship $385; Kurt Friesen Memorial $250; Edie Krehbiel Memorial $50.

Lenten Sunday Scripture Readings from Pastor Joanna:
· March 30: 1 Kings 17:8-24
· April 6: Mark 5:21-34
· April 13: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:44-56

Are you new to or newly exploring Bethel College Mennonite Church? Pastor Joanna will host a gathering for newcomers in her office on April 6 after worship. This will be an informal time for people to get to know each other and ask questions about the church. All are welcome!

The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will be conducting a regular pastoral review for Pastor Nathan Koontz this Spring.
     Pastor Nathan will be concluding his current term in October. We believe that the purpose of a pastoral review is to review the relationship between the congregation and the pastor and assess whether we have the right environment to foster growth. Because Pastor Nathan’s upcoming sabbatical will affect our timeline, we will be using an open-ended questionnaire for this review.
     Questionnaires will be sent to Sunday School class contacts, Commissions and Committees who work closely with Pastor Nathan, and will be available to all in the Gathering Place beginning Sunday, March 16. Please return questionnaires to either the box near the mailboxes or electronically to Megan Kohlman by April 13.
     You may also access a digital copy of the survey here, to be emailed to Megan when completed: http://bit.ly/4bILIgy
     Direct any questions to Megan Kohlman, meganbkohlman@gmail.com.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
The Memorial service for Louise Thieszen is Sat., March 29, 11 a.m. at BCMC–Live stream link is: https://youtube.com/live/Eap4D0-5dnQ?feature=share
· The memorial service for Merrill Raber will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Helen Bargen. Helen died Mar. 21. Helen’s memorial service has not yet been scheduled.
Future Events at BCMC:
· Members of the Agape class are leading a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will meet in the chapel for the weeks of Lent: Mar. 9 – Apr. 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
· Join us on Wednesday nights with the remaining suppers on Apr. 2 and 9, at 5:30 p.m. Sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Cost is $6 per person or $18 per family. After the meal there will be a brief program at 6:30 p.m. where we will explore some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· Lilies for Easter. You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on
Easter Sunday, Apr. 20.  BCMC will purchase the lilies. The cost will be $15 per lily. Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place today, March 30, for you to sign up for a lily.
· Women’s Fellowship Tea for Women & Girls will be Tues., Apr. 15, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Program by Chris Allen portraying her life with quilts. Tea chaired by Brenda Turner with WF Executive Board.
· On Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, in addition to the previously announced Maundy Thursday worship, we will also have a family friendly worship service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. This family service is appropriate for all ages as we will share the story of Holy Week with interactive stations. You can reach out to Jill Robb or  Pastor Joanna with questions.
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.

Join us for an interfaith prayer vigil on the eve of our historic lawsuit against DHS’s (US Department of Homeland Security) rescission of the sensitive locations memo. Thu., April 3 6:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church, DC. Stand with us in faith and solidarity. Register to attend in person or via the livestream: https://tinyurl.com/mr3xdv58

John Mark Koontz Senior Double Bass Recital Sat., April 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wichita State University, Wiedemann Hall. John will be performing mostly classical bass and ending with a jazz piece.

The Central Kansas Master Chorale, directed by Dr. Joel Garber, is Sun., Apr. 6, 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main Street. They will present Rutter’s Requiem and Vivaldi’s Gloria with pianist Karen Unruh and orchestra. Admission is free, donations encouraged. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org

Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be held on July 12. Early Bird pricing is available until March 31. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is less than two weeks away—Apr. 11 & 12
· My Coins Count! This year, coins will support food programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. Last year BCMC raised almost $800 in this way!
· Pies and zwieback. We have already made great progress toward our quota of 35 pies and 60 dozen zwieback, but we still need bakers. Look for tins, bags, and sign-up sheets at the back of the sanctuary.
· Volunteers wanted. Many of the sign-up sheets are now conveniently located on line at kansas.mccsale.org/volunteer. The sooner you sign up, the better chance you have to get your preferred job and time slot.
· Auction items. Photos at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/general-auction/
· See the poster board in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).
· Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. If you wish to volunteer for the auction by clerking or helping in other ways contact Brad Kohlman– bkohlman32@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Mar. 30: Michelle Armster and Heidi Regier Kreider, “The Impact of Immigration on Mennonite Churches Today,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Michelle is director of Mennonite Central Committee Central States and Heidi is conference minister for Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
· Mon., Mar. 31: Bethel College Young Alumnus Award presentation to Jerrell Williams ’15, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Mon., Mar. 31: The annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of more than 40 Bethel College students in various media, opens in the Regier Art Gallery through Apr. 18. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Fri., Apr. 4: Senior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, oboe and piano, 7 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
· Sat., Apr. 5: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. in the museum parking lot at 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.
· Sat., Apr. 5: Senior recital by Bethel College student Josué Coy Dick, violin, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Kansas Interfaith Action is hosting a coffeehouse on Apr. 6, 7 p.m. at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Avenue, Newton. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people of faith in the Newton area as we sing, pray, and talk together. Contact Pastor Joanna for more information.

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs on April 2: 9:30 a.m.: “The Rhino Keeper,” Jillian Forsberg, author, Wichita
10:50 a.m.: “Arts Behind Bars/Arts Unlocked,” Larry Temple, storyteller, director of Ellsworth Prison Arts, McPherson

Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with Shirley. There will also be remembrances of Shirley. Event is scheduled for Sat., Apr. 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at BCMC.

Western District Women in Mission (WDWM) invites women and girls to their annual potluck salad supper, themed, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” Mon., Apr. 28, 6 p.m. at the Tabor Mennonite Church. After the potluck and a meditation on God’s creation, Rebecca Schrag will lead a floral design workshop with flowers provided by Firebranch Farm and other sources. Each participant will make a small bouquet to take home. RSVP appreciated and required by April 15 at website link: https://www.westerndistrictwomeninmission.org/events-1 Please bring: a salad to share (table service will be provided); a small vessel to make a bouquet (a tea cup is ideal);
several flowers from your garden if you have them to share; a kitchen or garden shear if you have one. An offering will be taken to help cover expenses. Questions:email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com

You are invited to join us for the concerts of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. The concert will include traditional hymns and contemporary selections performed in four-part harmony. The concert at Tabor will include students in the Chamber Voices student ensemble. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting Mennonite Central Committee. Concert Dates—April 6, 4 p.m.: Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro and April 13, 4 p.m.: Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton Note that these dates were switched in last week’s email.

Rehearsals begin for the 2025 Masterworks Concert at Bethel College, Tues., Apr. 1, 6-8 p.m., Choir Room in Fine Arts Center. All interested singers are invited to participate. The concert is May 4 and will feature Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson. Sign up ahead of time on-line (so that your contact information is available for digital materials, etc.) or at the first rehearsal. Rehearsals will be Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, from 6-8 p.m., with several longer rehearsals the weekend of the concert.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcement.
For Mennonite Church USA How is your church following Jesus request for videos press here

FloraKansas Native Plant Days
Join Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston for their FloraKansas Native Plant Days taking place April 24 through 28. This event is a semi-annual fundraising plant sale for the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains where you can view and purchase native plants. For more information and to peruse the available plant lists, visit: dyckarboretum.org/florakansas-native-plant-festival.

Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit at Hesston College
The annual Hesston College Juried Student Art Exhibit will be open and available for viewing April 22 through May 9 in the Regehr-Friesen Gallery located in the Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Drive, Hesston. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.

From Mennonite Church USA

Executive Director Glen Guyton recently joined MC USA’sThe Competent Pastor podcast to addressthe question: What is the most important skill of a competent pastor? Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/the-competent-pastor/

Menno Snapshots

Dr. Paul Kyu-Jin Choi, ninth lead pastor at Village Church, a multicultural church in Portland/Beaverton, Oregon, shows how Paul and Barnabas’ conflict in Acts 15 is less about Paul and Barnabas and more about what the Holy Spirit is doing. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/wisdom-from-luke/

Spiritual director Sherah-Leigh Gerber reflects on how Jacob’s time wrestling with God in Genesis reminds her of staying present in discomfort. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/wrestling-with-god

Are you subscribed to our convention newsletter? See the special edition of PeaceMail here.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: This month, Zing Bawi Ken, Schyler Entz, Hannah Lehman, and Patrick Webb, participants in MMN’s Tucson, AZ Mennonite
Voluntary Service unit, have been immersed in studying vocational discernment. Pray that this time of reflection will provide tools and insights, as they begin to plan for life after a year of service.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for strength, hope and courage for our church planters as they work to build the church community. Pray that God may help us, as the Church Planting Commission, to know the best ways to support them. -WDC Church Planting Commission

2025 03 23 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 23, 2025
Third Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Summoned by the God Who Made Us [VT 1], (arr. Robert Lau)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome-Raylene Hinz Penner
Leader: We come to listen
Congregation: So that we can go out and speak.
Leader: We praise God’s power
Congregation: So that we might rightly use our own.
Leader: We pause and pray
Congregation: So that we might plan faithfully.
Leader: We consider the ancient Scriptures
Congregation: So that we might better understand our present reality.
Leader: We continue this wilderness journey
Congregation: Following God’s way together.

*Hymn—Brethren, We Have Met to Worship—VT 25

Children’s Conversation–Jerry Buller

Worship Music—Come Ye Disconsolate (Terre Johnson)—Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Numbers 27:1-11–Margaret Toews

Sermon—Advocacy 101—Joanna Harader

*Hymn—Lord Jesus, Come and Overturn—VT 146

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—God of the Bible—VT 420

*Benediction

Postlude—Joys are Flowing Like a River [VT 375], (arr. Will Wiebe-Friesen)–
Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

2025 03 16 worship service

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 16, 2025
Second Sunday of Lent

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—As the Deer Runs to the River (Uehlein)–Karen Unruh

Call to Worship—Mary Ann Boschmann

Leader: In the wilderness we gather
Congregation: with friends and strangers,
     All: forming a community of support.
Leader: In the wilderness we struggle
Congregation: against forces of violence,
      All: conspiring together for life.
Leader: In the wilderness we wander
Congregation: through unfamiliar landscapes,
     All: seeking a faithful path.
Leader: In the wilderness we worship
Congregation: our God of love and life,
      All: opening ourselves to the power of the Spirit.

*Hymn—Spirit of God! Descend—VT 557

Children’s Conversation— Brad Kohlman

*Hymn—With Mary Sing Magnificat–VT 208

One-Minute Meditation

Scripture Reading—Exodus 1:22-2:10; Acts 7:17-22—Jim Robb

Sermon—Ground-level God—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—O Healing River—VT 706

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song—VT 581

*Benediction

Postlude–He Comes to Us as One Unknown (Weber)–Karen Unruh

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio-Visual–Ken Lamp

2025 03 23 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARCH 23, 2025
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

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.

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

The Week at BCMC: March 23—March 30, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025: 9:30 a.m. Worship — 10:30 a.m. Faith Formation
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:  https://youtube.com/live/ZHmFC8aSv8A?feature=share
The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) invites BCMC congregants to an informational meeting today in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour.

Monday, March 24,2025
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday March 25, 2025
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, March 26, 2025—Wednesday Night Supper
5:30 p.m.   Supper in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.   Program in Fellowship Hall—exploring some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir practice in the Sanctuary Chancel area
Thursday, March 27, 2025
6 p.m.        Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
7 p.m.        Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
Saturday, March 29, 2025
11 a.m.      Memorial Service for Louise Thieszen in the Sanctuary
Sunday, March 30, 2025—Fourth Sunday of Lent
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by the Chancel Bells
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation

BCMC Offering for March 16: Gen. Fund $10,187.21 Community Play School $500; Kitchen Fund $17.80; Solar Fund $5,000; Merrill Raber Mem. $200; Wed. supper $313.15

Lenten Sunday Scripture Readings from Pastor Joanna:
· March 23: Numbers 27:1-11
· March 30: 1 Kings 17:8-24
· April 6: Mark 5:21-34
· April 13: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:44-56

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· Memorial service for Louise Thieszen, Sat., March 29, 11 a.m., BCMC Sanctuary.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Merrill Raber. Merrill died Feb. 16 at Kidron Bethel Village. Merrill’s memorial service will be May 3, 11 a.m. at BCMC.
· We offer sympathy to the family of Helen Bargen. Helen Died March 21 in Salem, OR. Please keep her children, Jan and Dale, in your prayers at this time. We will share plans for Helen’s memorial service once they are finalized.

Future Events at BCMC:
· Members of the Agape class are planning to lead a book discussion during Lent of Joanna’s new book, Prone to Wander. We will meet in the chapel for the weeks of Lent: Mar. 9 – Apr. 13 during the Sunday School hour. Reading the book is helpful, but not necessary. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
· The Abuse Prevention and Response Committee (APRC) invites BCMC congregants to an informational meeting this Sunday, March 23, in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. We will be describing our work over the past year and a half, particularly what we have learned about abusive treatment by the Mennonite Central Committee of some of its workers. We will provide links to resources to enable further learning and exploration of these issues.
· Join us on Wednesday nights! Wednesday night suppers are Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, at 5:30 p.m. Sign up at a sign up sheet on bulletin board, on table in south entrance, or on ledge between the mailboxes in gathering place. Cost is $6 per person or $18 per family. During Lent, after the meal there will be a brief program each Wed. evening at 6:30 p.m. On Mar. 26, Apr. 2, and Apr. 9 we will explore some biblical stories through art and poetry using the new Anabaptism at 500 resource: Drawing Near.
· On Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, in addition to the previously announced Maundy Thursday worship, we will also have a family friendly worship service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. This family service is appropriate for all ages as we will share the story of Holy Week with interactive stations. You can reach out to Jill Robb or Pastor Joanna with questions.
· BCMC’s Camp Mennoscah Retreat will be April 26-27.

Destination: Greensboro, NC: Mennonite Church USA conference 2025, July 8-12
If interested in being a delegate, contact any Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) member: Jeanette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, Francis Toews or the church office. Delegate sessions will be held on July 12. Early Bird pricing is available until March 31. GDC reimburses registration fees to delegates.

John Mark Koontz Senior Double Bass Recital Sat., April 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wichita State University, Wiedemann Hall. John will be performing mostly classical bass and ending with a jazz piece.

The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will be conducting a regular pastoral review for Pastor Nathan Koontz this Spring.
     Pastor Nathan will be concluding his current term in October. We believe that the purpose of a pastoral review is to review the relationship between the congregation and the pastor and assess whether we have the right environment to foster growth. Because Pastor Nathan’s upcoming sabbatical will affect our timeline, we will be using an open-ended questionnaire for this review.
     Questionnaires will be sent to Sunday School class contacts, Commissions and Committees who work closely with Pastor Nathan, and will be available to all in the Gathering Place beginning Sunday, March 16. Please return questionnaires to either the box near the mailboxes or electronically to Megan Kohlman by April 13.
     You may also access a digital copy of the survey here, to be emailed to Megan when completed: http://bit.ly/4bILIgy
     Direct any questions to Megan Kohlman, meganbkohlman@gmail.com.

Are you new to or newly exploring Bethel College Mennonite Church? Pastor
Joanna will host a gathering for newcomers in her office on April 6 after worship. This will be an informal time for people get to know each other and ask questions about the church. All are welcome!

An Invitation from Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Interests: The spring Supportive Communities Network (SCN) meeting will be Tues., Mar. 25, 12 p.m. Central Time, via Zoom, featuring a workshop on how to interrupt the political violence that increasingly targets LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized groups. We offer this training to SCN members for *free* via a grant in collaboration with SCN member “On Earth Peace and HOPE PV” (Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence). The Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart and SCN’s own Matt Guynn will co-facilitate. Come build power, skills, and relationships across the SCN network. While especially planned for SCN leaders, anyone is welcome. Email Pastor Joanna for more details and to receive the link. The training is two hours.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) is less than three weeks away—Apr. 11 & 12
· My Coins Count! This year, coins will support food programs around the world. Bring coins (and bills!) to church Sunday mornings until the sale. Place coins into collection jars in Sunday School rooms or in the large jug in the gathering place. Last year BCMC raised almost $800 in this way!
· Pies and zwieback. Sign up to bake pie or zwieback for the sale. Look for tins, bags, and sign-up sheets at the back of the sanctuary.
· Volunteers wanted. Many of the sign-up sheets are now conveniently located on line at KANSAS.MCCSALE.ORG/VOLUNTEER . The sooner you sign up, the better chance you have to get your preferred job and time slot.
· Auction items. Photos at https://kansas.mccsale.org/auctions/general-auction/
· See the poster board in the Gathering Place for KMRS information and extra forms, or go to the KMRS website at https://kansas.mccsale.org/ or contact a BCMC liaison (Brad and Diane Born, William and Esther Kreider Eash, and Steve and Elaine Schurr).
· Children’s Auction – Consider donating new, in-the-package, items to this year’s auction! Talk with the youth in your church to see what items they would like to bid on, but you can never go wrong with Hot Wheels, Barbie, board games, Lego sets, art kits, and sports equipment. If you wish to volunteer for the auction by clerking or helping in other ways contact Brad Kohlman– bkohlman32@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
· Mon., Mar. 24: Bethel College Department of Social Work presents the annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture with Kylee Schunn (2018), “Immigration 101,” 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Kylee, Fresno, CA, is an immigration advocate at Centro La Familia in Fresno.
· Thurs., Mar. 27: KIPCOR Peace Lecture: A conversation with Sister Barbara McCracken, a Benedictine from Mount St. Scholastica, Leavenworth, KS, on community, social responsibility, and daily faith, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Sun., Mar. 30: Michelle Armster and Heidi Regier Kreider, “The Impact of Immigration on Mennonite Churches Today,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program is in connection to the current special exhibit, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Michelle is director of Mennonite Central Committee Central States and Heidi is conference minister for Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
· Fri., Apr. 4: Senior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, oboe and piano, 7 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
· Sat., Apr. 5: Senior recital by Bethel College student Josué Coy Dick, violin, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

The Mennonite Heritage & Agriculture Museum’s (Goessel) annual Heritage Dinner is Mar. 29, 6:30 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail Road, Newton. After the meal Donna Becker portrays Helena Schroeder, a fictionalized Mennonite immigrant around 1879. Tickets are $75 per person (Ages 12 & under $15) 1st time attender tickets are $40 per person. Contact the museum by Mon., Mar. 24 at 620-367-8200, email goesselmuseum@gmail.com

Life Enrichment, in the Bethel College Krehbiel Auditorium, is a series designed especially for adults age 60 and over. Programs on March 26: 9:30 a.m.: “Relocating to America from Ukraine,” Lidiia and Oleksandr Lukach, Newton. Evelyn Mierau, Newton, Janet Dixon, North Newton, Ron Flaming, North Newton.
10:50 a.m.: Museum on the Move: Kauffman Museum Traveling Exhibits,” Andi Schmidt Andres, Kauffman Museum director, and museum staff

Organist Christopher Shaw will present an organ recital/hymn festival to remember Shirley Sprunger King. Shirley taught at Bethel College for twenty years and was organist at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Christopher will be joined by Lorraine Miller (flute) and Don Kehrberg (oboe), both former members of the Deknatel Consort with Shirley. There will also be remembrances of Shirley. Event is scheduled for Sat., Apr. 5, 7:30 p.m. (note the time change from 7 to 7:30 p.m.) at BCMC.

Western District Women in Mission invites women & girls to our annual potluck salad supper Mon., April 28, 6 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church, rural Newton. The theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth” presented by WDWM executive committee member and Kansas City floral designer, Becca Schrag. Bring a salad to share and a small vessel to make a floral design in (a tea cup, bowl, or small vase). This is a free event with an offering taken to help cover expenses. RSVP not required but appreciated by email: westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com

You are invited to join us for the concerts of the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), a 120-member chorus including members from BCMC. The concert will include traditional hymns and contemporary selections performed in four-part harmony. The concert at Tabor will include students in the Chamber Voices student ensemble. Students in the Open Road and Woven choirs join KMMC at Bethel College. Concerts are free with an offering benefiting the global mission support work of Mennonite Central Committee. April 6, 4 p.m.: Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton April 13, 4 p.m.: Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Registration for Men & Boys Retreat, April 4-6, is now available online! Log in using your Camp Mennoscah account or create one, then scroll down to Start a New Registration. Click Men & Boys Retreat. Registration will also be available upon arrival.

Other News and Events:

Putting the dam in! The dam will go back in on March 23 at 2pm. Spectators and helpers are welcome. Young ages cannot help with putting in the dam due to heavy boards and rushing water. They are welcome to watch and cheer!Dress for the weather. The river is expected to be cold.

Camp Mennoscah is currently understaffed and it may take additional time to respond to your email or phone call. We will answer as soon as possible. If a quicker response is needed, please call 316-293-7313.

Hoodies are ready to ship or pick up! If you have not been contacted regarding your hoodie(s), please contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org

Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Join Camp Mennoscah from 6-8:30pm for an evening of music, food and fellowship to benefit Camp Mennoscah. The Hub will donate 10% of all sales on May 2 to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt will soon be at www.campmennoscah.org Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)

Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at Olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313.

Dear Intersections readers:

Greetings! I am happy to announce the publication online of the spring 2025 issue of Mennonite Central Committee’s publication, Intersections, compiled by Zacharie Leclair on the topic of reparations and reconciliation. The issue can be found here. From contexts in Burundi, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala and Palestine and Israel, authors reflect on the biblical, theological, and practical dimensions of the interrelationship between reparations and reconciliation in the work of just peacemaking. Share this issue widely!

As always, your thoughts and questions about Intersections are always welcome!

Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver

To Western District Conference congregations and ministers,

I am writing to share with you that the WDC Executive Committee and conference ministers are issuing a public statement in support of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. Haskell Indian Nations University provides educational opportunities for students from Tribal Nations and serves as a cultural center for Indigenous people from across the country. Attached is this statement, which has been sent to government legislators and officials, as well as several media in Kansas.

The statement is in response to the U.S. federal government’s recent firing of a significant number of employees at Haskell, resulting in harmful impacts on students, faculty and staff and on the mission of the university. A number of WDC congregations are engaged in advocating for Indigenous justice, including support for Haskell, so our statement also reflects WDC’s mission to empower WDC congregations to Witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just and loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world.

May God’s Spirit of wisdom, justice and hope empower us all to discern how we are called to live out our calling as Jesus’ followers in our communities and the world today.

Grace and peace,
Heidi Regier Kreider
Conference Minister
For a pdf of the letter press here
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Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

For Mennonite Women USA Women’s Blog press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Being Present on the Journey” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
On March 24 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, join MC USA’s Nancy Kauffmann, interim denominational minister of Church Safety, and Michael Danner, associate executive director for Church Vitality, for a webinar as they discuss the common understanding of the role of forgiveness in responding to abuse in the church and how it is often misused or misunderstood in the context of abuse. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/forgive-forget-safe-church-register View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/forgive-forget-safe-church-slide View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/forgive-forget-safe-church-webinar-pdf

Watch the recording of MC USA’s webinar, “Following Jesus in challenging times… What does it mean to provide sanctuary for undocumented people?” in English here: mennoniteusa.org/following-jesus-challenging-times-recording and en español here: mennoniteusa.org/following-jesus-challenging-times-sp

Menno Snapshots

Rena LeBlanc, a graduate student at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, recently completed an internship with the MC USA Archives. During her internship, LeBlanc worked extensively with the historical collection of Ed Stoltzfus, a longtime pastor, professor and leader. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-shorts/leblanc/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Lane Miller, one of Mennonite Mission
Network’s regional directors for Africa and Europe, is in Europe this month to improve his French language skills. Pray for him as he also visits partner institution LCC International University and Robin Gingerich, who has served with Mission Network at LCC in Lithuania since 2001.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s Executive Board meeting this week, as they discern priorities, resources and vision for WDC.
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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, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.