BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 11, 2025–Sixth Sunday of Easter
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/iSofBMyRy3c?feature=share
When you arrive at church Sunday morning, be sure to pick up the blue hymnal – Hymnal A Worship Book on the table at the back of the sanctuary.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 25, 2025
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Master Tallis’ Testament (Herbert Howells)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome—Lauren Friesen
*Hymn—God Sent His Son—HWB 345
Children and Youth Conversation—BCMC Youth
High School Graduate Recognition—Faith Formation Commission
God of wisdom and transitions, today we hold in prayer these beloved young people: Lucy, Payne, Adah, Ani, Mara, Chris, Lily, and Abram.
Thank you for their presence as part of our church community.
We pray your blessings for them as they have graduated from high school and transition into the next stage of their lives.
Grant them your protection and guide them as they go.
We know Jesus came that we might all have life and have it abundantly. So even in the midst of struggles and grief, may these dear ones know the abundant life they have in you.
We pray they will have good friends, meaningful activities, and deep joy.
Holy Parent, guide and guardian, we send them with our love and know that they are forever within your love.
May you, O God, bless them and keep them.
May your very face shine on them and be gracious to them.
May your presence embrace them and give them peace.
Amen.
*Hymn—Here from all nations (verses 1, 3, 4,5)—HWB 296
Scripture Reading—Revelation 22:1-5, 16-17—Adam, Gabby, and Jake Robb
Sermon—Life-Giving Water—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Oh, have you not heard—HWB 606
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—O Power of Love—HWB 593
(During the hymn those with May birthdays come forward
to receive a birthday blessing.)
*Birthday Blessing and Benediction
Postlude—Tongues of Fire: Pentecost Dance (A. Fedak)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
HWB—Hymnal A Worship Book
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
There is much that could be said about today’s music! The centering music, Master Tallis’s Testament, was composed by English composer Herbert Howells (1892-1983) in 1940. It begins with a quiet presentation of a theme inspired by 16th century composer Thomas Tallis and is developed in three variations that build in volume and complexity, contrasting 16th century modality with lush 20th century harmonies. The postlude, by living composer Aldred Fedak, is perhaps less substantial than the Howells, but I think it’s a pretty neat musical description of the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost in Acts 2: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” Even though it is not yet Pentecost, I wanted to share this piece as I always seem to be out of town when Pentecost actually rolls around. Finally, the hymn O Power of Love deserves mention. A favorite hymn tune and text of many, it is somewhat befuddling why it was omitted from Voices Together. At any rate, its text by Tersteegen (Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe) and tune by Bortniansky seem a perfect match that Mennonites living in Russia adopted soon after its initial publication in the Choralbuch in 1825. It remains a much beloved Kernlied, the so-called core songs of the Russian Mennonites.
— Will Wiebe-Friesen
Sunday’s Hymn Requests
· God sent his Son was requested by Kathryn Stucky who says: “I heard this hymn sung as a solo and was so moved by it many years ago.”
· O Power of Love is a favorite hymn for many people and is not included in Voices Together. In a conversation with Kidron residents, Pastor Elizabeth notes that six BCMC congregants raised their hands when asked how many would like to sing “O Power of Love”, after one person mentioned missing it and it’s strong history of being sung in the former General Conference.
– Janet Voth requested this hymn because her dad directed a men’s choir that sang on a radio station and this was the theme song. “I also think love is very powerful,” writes Janet.
– Lenore Waltner notes that “the chorale, ‘Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe,’ (O Power of Love) included in our three previous hymnals, has been a favorite in many (General Conference) Mennonite congregations for generations.”
The Week at BCMC: May 25-June 1, 2025
Sunday, May 25, 2025: Worship—9:30 a.m.
YouTube Link for the worship service this Sunday:
https://youtube.com/live/iSofBMyRy3c?feature=share
Monday, May 26, 2025—Memorial Day—Church will be locked and church office will be closed
Tuesday, May 27 through Friday May 30—Vacation Bible School at First Mennonite Church, Newton, 5-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
10 a.m. Anabaptist 500 Anniversary Worship Service from Zurich, Switzerland Viewing in the Sanctuary
Anabaptism 500 Worship Celebration. BCMC will host the live-stream of the May 29 worship service at Mennonite World Conference in Zurich, Switzerland, celebrating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism. The live-stream begins at 10 a.m. in the BCMC Sanctuary. Join us in lifting glad voices with other Anabaptists around the world in this joyful celebration!
Friday, May 30, 2025
11 a.m. Memorial for Helen Bargen in the Sanctuary
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Family and friends will gather in memoriam, to honor the lives of Eleanor
Claassen Hiebert and Kenneth John Hiebert at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Please contact us if you would like to join us christinehiebert@gmail.com or
347-262-7254
Sunday, June 1, 2025—10 a.m. VBS Sunday in Athletic Park followed by a potluck lunch (If rain, worship and lunch will be moved to First Mennonite Church)
Monica Lichti will be on vacation from June 2-13. During these weeks the office will be open Mon., Tues, Wed., Thurs. mornings, and closed on Fridays. For emergencies call Pastor Joanna Harader.
BCMC Offering for May 11: Gen. Fund $5,063.01; Plant Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $26; Merrill Raber Mem. $50.
May 15: General Fund $8,599.16; Merrill Raber Mem. $540.
Community Playschool, Inc. has recently completed our 59th school year! Eighteen children of the Newton community participated in the program this year at a minimal cost to their families, thanks to five area sponsoring churches. We again want to thank BCMC for being one of those supporting churches through monetary donations, the use of the facilities, secretarial and custodial services and a welcoming attitude toward our program. It is nice to have a home here! We also are grateful for the matching grant that we received from this church through the Everence Sharing Fund. We want to acknowledge the service of Cliff Dick as BCMC’s representative on our board, also serving as treasurer. Barb Voran, Stahli Claassen,
Carolyn Penner, Cliff Dick and Cynthia Linscheid, served respectively as teacher, helpers, and substitute this year. These volunteers help make it possible for us to continue to provide an affordable preschool experience to families who need it most. A big thanks to Monica Lichti for her extra duties related to our being housed here at BCMC! We would be happy to talk to you about the opportunities we have for your involvement with this program. If you have any interest in volunteering with the children or providing your individual financial support for our scholarship program, please give us a call. We solicit your prayers and continued support for the future of our organization. With gratitude, Co- Directors, Kasey Newell (316 772-3350) and Jeanette Leary (316 217-2548)
BCMC SUMMER READERS: Be Part of the Picture—Between now and the end of August, take a digital photo of you and your book or of you reading with others.
Send the photo as an attachment to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Become part of the BCMC photo collage of summer readers on display in the
Gathering Place.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Central States is hiring for the following positions and MCC Lunch & Learn is back:
· Do you thrive completing a variety of tasks while connecting with people? MCC Central States is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for the Material Resources Center in North Newton. This half-time position involves working with volunteers to prepare humanitarian aid for those in need around the world. View the full job description and apply online at mcc.org/cs-volunteer-coordinator by June 2. Contact brociamueller@mcc.org.
· The Peace and Justice Practice Coordinator is responsible for planning and coordinating activities that articulate the vision of a holistic, biblical, Anabaptist vision of peace and justice ministry to staff, board, conferences, and churches of MCC Central States. This is a full-time position and is offered in the MCC office in North Newton or remotely in these states: Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Montana, Minnesota, New Mexico, or Oklahoma. View the full job description and apply online at mcc.org/cs-pjp-coordinator by June 4. Contact: andrewwright@mcc.org
· The MCC Lunch & Learn is back! Join us Tues., June 17 from 12-1 p.m. at MCC in North Newton, 121 E. 30th St. Becky Teiwes, MCC Central State’s Borderlands Program Coordinator will share about courage, compassion, and faithfulness as MCC continues to work with partners and churches at the U.S./Mexico border. Lunch will be provided for a suggested donation of $10-$15. Please RSVP by June 9 at mcc.org/events/lunch-learn-mcc-partners-usmexico-border or by calling the office at 316.283.2720.
– MCC school kits for South Texas, June 18, 6-8 p.m. Bring your kids, grandkids, and friends to MCC (121 E. 30th St, North Newton) for a fun evening of packing school kits for MCC partner The Sidewalk School. Hear about this partner from MCC Borderlands Program Coordinator, Becky Teiwes and for extra summer fun, enjoy hand-made ice cream from Salted Creamery at the end of the evening. Donations welcome to help cover the cost of school kit materials. For more info: call 316.283.2720.
– Sewing Days of Summer, June 20 from 5-8 p.m. and June 21 from 8:30 a.m. -12 p.m. All sewers are welcome to come to MCC (121 E. 30th St, North Newton)! Bring your own projects or sew kit bags/comforters/dignity kits for MCC, everyone from beginners to experts are welcome! Bring your kids or grandkids and pass along the joy of sewing. Please RSVP online at mcc.org/events/sewing-days-summer or call Brocia at 316.836.5054.
MCC is excited to begin our third School Kit Challenge!
Often families, especially in areas affected by war, cannot afford simple school supplies.
In 2024, we invited children, families and churches like yours to pack 24,000 school kits, full of essentials like pencils, notebooks and erasers — and you far exceeded the goal!
Now, we are hoping to collect 25,000 school kits in 2025!
Just like last year, we are also running a contest on social media where the winners will receive a pizza party courtesy of MCC! You can find the contest details here.
If you’d like to join the challenge and help us promote it, you can sign up below to receive a publicity kit. (We are still happy for you to join in the challenge if you don’t request a publicity kit.) The kit includes:
- 2 posters (11×17 in) with space for you to add your own information
- 20 school kit packing instruction cards
- 20 colorful “Make an MCC school kit” pencils, just for fun!
- And new this year – stickers!
Please sign up by June 18!
Sign up here
From MCC U.S.Peace and National 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.View and download the flyer.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 |
Bethel College Announcements
· Sunday, June 1: Kauffman Museum will host the U.S. premiere of the documentary Where the Cottonwoods Grow by Dale Hildebrand, 3 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Ticket purchase is required. Purchase tickets online at https://kauffmanmuseum.org/event/film-premiere-where-the-cottonwoods-grow/ or at Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
· Sat., June 7: The public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, 6 a.m.-8 p.m., as part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail.
Kidron Bethel Village is hosting a vintage car show Fri., June 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you have a vehicle you would like to bring to show, we would love to have you share it! Register your vehicle by contacting Kelli at 316-836-4865 or KelliM@bluestemks.org. No entry fee, judging or prizes; just a rewarding day of sharing your favorite cars, trucks and tractors.
Saturday, May 31, there will be an international finger food brunch in Fellowship Hall at First Mennonite Church, 429 E. First St., Newton. This will be a come-and-go event 10:30 – 12:00 with a brief presentation and prayer at 11:30. It is a fundraiser to support for Laura and Nick Sharp – Mennonite Mission Network as they prepare to serve with Mennonite Mission Network in Colombia for one year.
We also recently produced a brief video that you would be welcome to use as a Moment in Mission or share in any other way:
https://www.mennonitemission.net/video/meet-laura-and-nick-new-mission-network-workers-designated-for-colombia/
Announcing Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference
It’s a Party! Join WDC Resource Library staff for stories and come & go activities for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. New this year: Virtual participation with mailed craft kits available–sign up for virtual participation at forms.gle/8DnWnLs64VkZJoeB6. No sign up for in-person activities in North Newton. Join us June 7, July 12, and August 9. See attached image or flyer for more information or contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.
Resource Library staff for stories and come & go activities for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. New this year is virtual participation with mailed craft kits available–sign up for virtual participation at forms.gle/8DnWnLs64VkZJoeB6. No sign up for in-person activities in North Newton. Join us June 7, July 12, and Aug. 9. See flyer for more information or contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
Camp Mennoscah Announcements:
· The camp needs a commercial vacuum for the pool. The commercial vacuum is an intricate part of the pool process of keeping it clean and running properly and is priced $2,000-$2,500. Please mark donations for Camp Pool Vacuum on the memo line or note field.
· Sponsor Pop Break for summer youth camp! Generic pop has been an integral part of Camp Mennoscah for years. The cost per day for a camp with 75 campers and staff is approximately $30. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to be a soda pop hero!
· Camp Nurses needed for June 26-28 (3rd & 4th graders), July 13-18 (6th-8th graders), and July 27-Aug. 1 (Senior High camp). Nurses can receive a stipend or parent discount for a camper of up to full camp fees. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
· Campers! We’re taking “Another Way” and finding transformation in Jesus’ way of living. Summer camps are open for those going into grades 3-12. Scholarships are available and parents volunteering as kitchen helpers can receive a discount up to full camp fees for a camper. Register at
https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com/
Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration will open on our website on June 7 (register & pay online or print out form and mail with your payment). For more information go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org This year’s featured speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen and Pastor Laura Goerzen. Comforter tying will start Sat. at 10 a.m. Afternoon seminars will include dried flower bookmarks, yoga, guided nature walk, book reviews with Bethany Martin from Faith & Life Bookstore and free time. Come for fun and fellowship!
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the level” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Service Adventure” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network Announcements press here
For Mennonite World Conference “The Courage to Love” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Follow Jesus ’25 worship planning committee has announced the worship speakers for MC USA’s national convention in Greenville, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. The convention’s overall theme, “Follow Jesus,” is rooted in MC USA’s Renewed Commitments, which call for the denomination to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/FJ25-meet-worship-speakers
The Big Dove is here! 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/
Stay up to date on all things Follow Jesus ’25, MC USA’s national convention, by subscribing to the weekly convention newsletter! Subscribe here: mennoniteusa.org/fj25-newsletter
Menno Snapshots
Olivia Krall, archives coordinator for MC USA, shares how the stories of Mennonite women included in the Mennonite Church USA Archives have inspired her to push for a better future. This blog is part of MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Undoing Patriarchy” educational campaign. Read more about Krall’s findings here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/women-of-the-archives/
Chris Hoover, panelist for the July 8 MC USA Women’s Summit, reflects on the divine feminine voice and how it seems to be missing from the world today. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-wild-feminine-voice/
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for a Youth Venture team of 11 young adults and two leaders, who are visiting sites in Germany and Switzerland in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism. Pray that their faith will grow, as they begin to understand more about the historical foundations of the church and build global relationships through attending Mennonite World Conference’s Young Anabaptist Global Youth Summit.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for undocumented persons in church plants that have anxiety about being able to remain safe. -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.