BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 31, 2025
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/xa1XxbfY-is?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 31, 2025
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music–Savior of the Nations, Come, BWV 659 [VT 214] (J.S. Bach)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome–Wynn Goering
*Hymn–As I Went Down to the River to Pray–VT 453
Children and Youth Conversation–Judy Harder
Worship Music–Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV 1043–(Johann Sebastian Bach, I. Vivace)
Violinists: Daniel Colwell & Angel Garcia
Pianist: Ken Rodgers
Scripture Reading with hymn–Matthew 3–David Kreider
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord–VT 219–[Please sing as prompted]
Sermon–Fruit Worthy of Repentance–Joanna Harader
*Hymn–Crashing Waters at Creation–VT 441
Welcoming New Members–Elizabeth Schmidt
Introduction to Church Membership–VT 959
New Members: David Mathis and Jay Newton
Membership Covenant Questions
Welcoming New Members–VT 961
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–Comfort, Comfort, O My People–VT 212
Those with August birthdays are welcome to come forward during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.
*Benediction
Postlude–Prelude in G Major, BWV 550 (J.S. Bach)
*You are invited to stand VT—Voices Together Audio visual— Ken Lamp
Be sure to go to the end of this email to see photos from the Game Night at Pastor Joanna’s home.
The Week at BCMC: August 31—September 7, 2025
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Worship 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/xa1XxbfY-is?feature=share
Monday, September 1, 2025—Labor Day—Church will be locked; office closed
Tuesday, September 2, 2025—Church office will be closed
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
8-10 a.m. Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café on the Bethel College campus. Stop in and visit!
4:30 to 6 p.m. Community Playschool Open House—Basement
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, September 4, 2025
9-11 a.m. Community Playschool First Day of School
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal—Room B7
7 p.m. Church Board meeting—Room 14
Sunday, September 7, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
3 p.m. Max Ediger shares about his life and work in Cambodia—Fellowship Hall
Upcoming Memorial Services:
· September 15, 11 a.m. Ilene Schmidt Memorial—BCMC
· September 20, 10 a.m. Betty Schmidt Memorial—Kidron Hall
Save the date for Max Ediger Visit. Max Ediger, of Pursat Province, Cambodia, is traveling to the U.S. for a visit in early September and will be coming to Bethel College Mennonite Church on Sunday, September 7. Max will share the Children’s Conversation during Sunday morning worship. That afternoon, at 3 p.m., in the BCMC Fellowship Hall, Max will share about his life and recent work. We look forward to this time together with our most distant member!
BCMC Offering for August 24: General $6,927; Sr Hi Youth Fund $100; Jr
Hi Fund $30; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $150; Kitchen Fund $14.61; Betty Schmidt Mem. $125.
All people aged 16-25 are invited to participate in three Sunday School hour sessions on Creating a Conscientious Objector File. In the event of a draft, a c.o. file is a great support for those who do not wish to participate in armed military service. Sessions will be held after worship today and September 21, and 28 in the chapel. We will go over both theological and practical considerations for creating a file and have time to work on materials for your files. For questions, contact: Joanna Harader (joanna@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org)
It’s that time of year for our Sunday School year to begin and our youth need your help to teach Sunday School! Faith Formation is looking for teachers and helpers for the 2025-2026 school year. If you feel the nudge to spend an hour with our amazing elementary or middle/high school youth please email Jill Robb at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.
Save the date of Sept. 14 for a Congregational Meeting during the Sunday School hour followed by a fundraising lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group.
Messy Church starts September 10! We will gather the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. to share a meal and a time of all-age, interactive worship. The Faith Formation Commission is excited to offer Christ-centered, all-age worship that values creativity, hospitality, and celebration. You can learn more about the Messy Church USA organization on their website. Contact Joanna Harader or Jill Robb with any questions. (Note that we will not be charging a fee for these Wednesday evening meals. There will be a basket out and donations toward the cost of food are welcome. Please bring your own table service which will help with cleanup.)
The Education Service and Scholarship Committee (ESSC) thanks the congregation for supporting the Bethel College Scholarship fund, especially in recent weeks. All but $100 has been received toward the goal of funding scholarships for all our Bethel College students this academic year. Thank you — Karen Ediger, Brad Kohlman, Margaret Toews (ESSC)
Whether a seasoned veteran or new to the BCMC family, you are invited to participate in the community life of BCMC by joining a small group! Small groups are flexible, fun, community building opportunities that connect folks from different (and similar) circles together to play and pray with each other. They don’t have a set schedule – gatherings can be built based on the availability of the members, and there is no “agenda” (although some ideas for ways to connect can be provided). If you are interested in being part of a small group, please reach out to Megan Kohlman (meganbkohlman@gmail.com). She would appreciate responses by September 7 so that new group(s) can begin this fall! Thank you for helping build community at BCMC!
Last Sunday we packaged approximately 350 school kits in about 40 minutes with the help of around 50 volunteers. With all of those numbers that deserves a hearty THANK YOU!!
Worship is a central spiritual practice for us at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and we rely on many people within our church community to make it happen! The Worship Commission is hosting a worship participant workshop on Sat., Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. As a large group, we will briefly talk about BCMC worship and then break into smaller groups to offer input and support in particular areas. This is for everyone interested in worship leading, scripture reading, leading children /youth conversation, or being an usher or greeter–whether you have done it before or not. All are welcome!
Resources from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee
The Western District Conference Executive Board, Moderator, and Conference Ministers have sent a letter to the MCC-US Executive Director and Board Chair, copied to MCC Abuse Survivors Together (MAST), calling for a full external investigation of all abuse allegations by a firm and with a mandate approved by MAST. A copy of the letter can be found here: https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/mastnews/wdc
Other recent developments include a summary of the 67 cases reported to MAST (https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/), a second statement of support from Sara Wenger Shenk (“A Modest Proposal to Pivot”: https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/supporters/sws), and the recently revealed story of an MCC thrift store employee who was fired after a false accusation of theft (https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/survivors/thrift-nda).
Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: September 3
9:30 a.m. “Experiences Traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia,” Kris Schmucker, collections manager at Kauffman Museum
10:50 a.m. “Long-Lost Sisters,” Richard Hofer, retired aerospace materials and processes engineer, Hillsboro
The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. The cost of the banquet is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.
Climate Change Conference virtual meeting: The Witness Commission invites you to a virtual seminar on climate change, sponsored by Central Seminary and the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence in the KC metro area. The virtual meeting is Sat., Sept. 20, 9 to 11:45 a.m., and is free for online guests. The seminar focuses on faith responses to climate change. Join members of the Witness Commission in Room 14, Sept. 20, to hear the keynote speakers at this seminar.
Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., Sept. 6: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Fri., Sept. 12: Bethel College music faculty recital, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel with a reception to follow.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Decororator,” works by Jordan Buschur, through Sept. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., Oct. 4: (during Fall Festival): Internationally renowned theologian Miroslav Volf, Yale University, will speak at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 10 a.m.
· Sun., Oct. 19, and Mon., Oct. 20: Dr. Kat Hill, a religious and cultural historian from Scotland, will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures
[these dates are different from some previously printed material]
· Sun.-Tues., Nov. 2-4: The biennial Worship and the Arts Symposium will focus on homiletics (preaching) with special guest Dr. Luke Powery from Duke Divinity School at Duke University. The symposium will also feature an art exhibition by Merrill Krabill and the fall choral concert “Bethel Sings.”
All events are free and open to the public.
Bulletin Announcements for Hesston College: September 2025
Student photographer exhibit open at Hesston College
An exhibit titled “Travelogue of Photos Presenting the Connection to Home and the Allure of Away” featuring the work of Hesston College student photographer Audrey Befort will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) from September 1 to 28. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
Save the date for Homecoming at Hesston College
Hesston College will celebrate with alumni and friends of the college during Homecoming weekend, September 26 to 28. President Mark Landes will be inaugurated during the weekend activities. For a full schedule of events and to register to attend, please visit hesston.edu/homecoming.
Fall theatre production, “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility”
The Hesston College Theatre department will perform “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility,” a new comic fantasy play by Craig Pospisil, October 2 to 5 in the Black Box Theater located in Keim Center. Performance times are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/bookstore or by calling 620-327-8104.
Fall HC Lark athletic events have begun
Hesston College athletics begins a new athletic era as a member of the NAIA this fall. Schedules, rosters and game information for Lark volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, golf and cross country can be found online at HCLarks.com. Come out and support the Larks this fall!
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
From Mennonite Mission Network
Mennonite Voluntary Service
Live out your faith through service! Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 term. This one-year volunteer experience is open to individuals age 20+, with the option to extend placements for an additional one to two years.
Serve with organizations addressing critical community needs, such as health, education, immigration and more. You won’t do it alone, though! By living with peers in a unit house and growing with a local faith community, MVSers join in the global movement to work for peace and a more just world. Ready to jump in? Go to MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more and apply.
Service Adventure
Can a gap year change your life? Only if you’re up for adventure! Service Adventure applications are now open for the 2026-27 term.
Service Adventure is a 10-month volunteer experience for young adults ages 17-20. Live in community with peers and unit leaders, serve with local nonprofit agencies, and grow in your faith with a supporting church congregation! Learn more and apply at MennoniteMission.net/ServiceAdventure.
International workers need support
Mennonite Mission Network invites prayer and financial support for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who serve with the Maria Skobtsova Housing Association in Calais, France. This ministry provides vital shelter and support to migrating people seeking refuge as they journey toward England.
To sustain this critical work, additional funding is urgently needed. You can make a difference! Visit MennoniteMission.net/Workers/Givens and click or tap the “Give Now” button.
For questions or to learn more about the Givens’ work with immigration, contact Elizabeth Eby at ElizabethE@MMNWorld.net.
A Final Update on a Once-In-A-Lifetime Event – Anabaptism at 500 – click here
From Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
From Mennonite World Conference press here
Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
The MC USA Women’s Summit 2025, hosted by MC USA’s Women in Leadership ministry, addressed learning to pause, restore and resist. This dichotomy was discussed by inviting participants to consider a radical way to think about rest – as not just a necessity, but as an act of defiance. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/womens-summit-2025/
The MC USA Women’s Summit on Monday, July 8, featured two panels where the attendees heard from eight women and gender-expansive people about their experiences in leadership. Eight panelists spoke at MC USA’s Women’s Summit. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/panelists/
Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH), the Hispanic Mennonite Church of MC USA, has canceled its in-person meeting and will now hold a virtual Biennial Assembly on August 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hispanic-mennonite-church/
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: MMN requests prayer for the Mennonite Christian Hospital (MCH) in Taiwan, the largest Mennonite hospital in the world, which offers diverse medical specialties and advanced technologies across multiple campuses. Pray that MCH’s commitment to serving marginalized people in remote communities will continue to offer well-being to all of Taiwan’s people.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: We pray for protection, wisdom, courage , strength and blessings for our church planters and those who support this work as they build faith communities in difficult times. -WDC Church Planting Commission
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.
