Category Archives: Announcements

Worship service and announcements for August 24, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 24, 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/ybPrmkaP2wU?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 24, 2025
Backpack Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Semplice (Robert Schumann)–Mary Jo Preheim

Welcome & Prayer–Adam Robb

*Hymn–Just As I Am, without One Plea–VT 560

Children and Youth Conversation-Backpack Blessing–Jill Robb

Scripture Reading–Matthew 2:13-23–Dianne Epp

*Hymn–Jesus Entered Egypt–VT 279

Sermon–Hosting Jesus–Nathan Koontz

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

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–Go, My Friends, in Grace–VT 810

*Benediction

Postlude– Andante (Franz Schubert)–Mary Jo Preheim

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

The Week at BCMC: August 24—31, 2025
Sunday, August 24, 2025—Backpack Sunday
Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Nathan Koontz
Youtube Link: https://youtube.com/live/ybPrmkaP2wU?feature=share

Monday, August 25, 2025
10 a.m. Library Committee meeting—Room 14
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
7 p.m.        Board Game Night at Pastor Joanna Harader’s home
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café on the Bethel College campus. Stop in and visit!
7:30 p.m.    Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, August 28, 2025
9-11 a.m. Community Playschool Orientation session—Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting—Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal—Room B7
Saturday, August 30, 2025
11 a.m.      Memorial Service for Keith Rhoades—Sanctuary
Sunday, August 31, 2025
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Rebecca Schloneger

Mennonite Central Committee School Kits—Thank you for your generous donations over the last few months! We collected almost $2,000 which will make around 350 school kits. THANK YOU! Please come to Fellowship Hall today during the Sunday School hour to help assemble kits.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· August 30, 11 a.m. Keith Rhoades Memorial—BCMC
· 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 17: General $5,167; Sr Hi Youth $2,496; Kitchen Fund $11; Solar Fund $500.

Pastor Joanna will host a board game night at her house on Tues., Aug. 26, from 7-? (Email Joanna for address/directions.)

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 on September 7, 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)

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!

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 September 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.)

Joanna’s 1887 Cafe office hours this semester will be from 8-10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Stop in and say “hi”!

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)

Are you new to the Bethel College Mennonite Church community? Join Pastor Joanna and other new attenders for a special “getting to know each other” Sunday School session after worship on August 31 in Joanna’s office.

In February of this year, Pastor Elizabeth let us know of her plans to retire this fall. September 28, 2025, will be her final Sunday on the pastoral staff here at Bethel College Mennonite Church. We are deeply grateful for her ministry here and pray for God’s guidance and blessing as she enters a new season of life. Details for a farewell reception will be forthcoming.

A pastoral search committee has been formed to fill an opening created by Elizabeth’s upcoming retirement. Megan Leary will chair, Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews are additional committee members. They will soon begin their work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.

BCMC Mission quilters are looking for more hand quilters for our group. Experienced quilters are welcome and we are willing to teach new quilters. We meet on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. Carol Flickinger comes to read to us for one hour while we quilt. We also have a snack at 3 p.m. If you are interested, contact Rose Haury at : haury@juno.com or 316-288-0079.

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. The first session is August 27.
9:30 a.m. “Accepting Change: the Key to Bethel’s Journey,” Dr. Jon C. Gering, president, Bethel College.
10:50 a.m. “Hidden Connection: The Bethel Bell and Brown vs. Board of Education in the Supreme Court,” Levi H. Goossen, attorney, Goossen Law Office, Newton.

Camp Mennoscah announcements:
· The Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is Oct. 10-12. Registration will be open soon.
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting will be held at Hope Mennonite Church on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.
· Volunteers are needed for grounds work. Mowing, trail maintenance, string trimming, poison ivy and sticker plant control, or any number of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290 to discuss opportunities!

Western District Conference Affinity Group forums: The WDC Listening Process has highlighted common themes and concerns shared by congregations, inspiring ideas for helpful resources from WDC. As one way to follow up, WDC will provide Affinity Group forums for congregational members and leaders to engage a particular topic together. First forum: the WDC Resource Commission will host a Voices Together mini webinar via zoom Sept. 30 at 7-8:30 p.m., featuring Joanna Harader and Cynthia Neufeld Smith. Joanna is a pastor at BCMC and writes worship and devotional resources. Cynthia is a musician and retired pastor, and served on the Voices Together hymnal committee. The focus will be worship resources and music that nurture all ages, including kids. Bring questions about music and/or worship resources in Voices Together and there will be time to share ideas about how your congregation has used Voices Together to create life-giving worship. We hope to see you on Zoom, but the webinar will also be recorded and posted on the WDC website. Look for registration information coming soon.

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

Western District Conference Mustard Seed grants are back! Does your congregation have a great idea for how to reach out to your neighbors, but are low on funds? Apply for a Mustard Seed grant. See the link https://mennowdc.org/wdc-mustard-seed-grant/. The WDC Resource Commission would love to support your great ideas that may ultimately help plant seeds of faith!

August 29 is the due date for registering for Western District Women & Girls Retreat at Camp Mennoscah Sept. 6 & 7. Register and pay online at westerndistrictwomeninmission.org or print out the registration form online and send in your payment to the address on the form. This year’s theme is Courageous Women of the Bible with Katherine Goerzen and Laura Goerzen as our speakers. Girls age 8 and up are welcome to attend with an adult. Questions: email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com

Bethel College Announcements
· Fri., Aug. 29: “Decorator,” works by Jordan Buschur, opens in the Regier Gallery, Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (reception 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.

As part of the Salt City Film Fest in Hutchinson at the Fox Theater Sept. 25-27, the film “Where the Cottonwoods Grow” by Dale Hildebrand (Canada) will be shown 7 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 25. Tickets are $5. The film tells the story of the Mennonite migration from Ukraine and Russia to North America, the same film that Kauffman Museum earlier sponsored for screening at Bethel College. —SCFF Programming Director, Sheri Kaufman-Marsh.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Women USA “Women’s Voices” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
On the final night of Mennonite Church USA’s national convention, Follow Jesus ’25, MC USA and MennoMedia hosted an Anabaptism at 500 party, in celebration of the tradition’s 500th anniversary. The event consisted of fellowship, trivia and an attempt to read the entire Bible in under 15 minutes. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/anabaptism-500-reception

Menno Snapshots

Jessica Griggs, a freelance writer and copy editor with the MC USA communications team, shares the experience of collective camaraderie and competition she witnessed at the Anabaptism at 500 celebration on July 11 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Read about her experience here: mennoniteusa.org/camaraderie-competition

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Austin Roberts, who is completing his doctoral dissertation on youth and the church. Pray that he will have the time he needs to prepare to defend his dissertation, while also overseeing the kitchen and mentoring participants with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Northern Ireland.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for youth and children and their families, and for mentors, sponsors and teachers in WDC congregations, they begin a new school year.

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.

Worship service and announcements for August 17, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 17, 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 17, 2025
Bethel College New Student Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–My Soul Cries Out [VT 412] (arr. Wiebe-Friesen)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome Brad Kohlman

*Hymn–Come, Thou Fount–VT 563

Children and Youth Conversation–Esther Koontz

Worship Music–Waitin’ for the Light to Shine (Roger Miller)
Ben Lichti, trumpet; Suzanne Burch, guitar

Kin-dom Report–Ani Koontz

Scripture Reading–Matthew 1:18-25–Adah Hodge

*Hymn–Helpless and Hungry–VT 268

Sermon–God-With-Us–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Joy to the World–VT 240

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–The Lord Lift You Up–VT 832

*Benediction

Postlude–Toccata on Joy to the World (Brenda Portman)

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

Waitin’ for the Light to Shine is from the musical Big River, based on Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Born to an abusive father and then taken in by seemingly pious people whom he watches mistreat enslaved persons, Huck has decided to run away and help his friend Jim escape enslavement. He laments that he has “lived in the darkness for so long,” not realizing that he himself is a bearer of the light that he seeks. — Ben Lichti

Hymn Requests this Sunday
· The Lord Lift You Up is a blessing hymn which fills my soul. I miss her very much–but love her gift of music! —Dorothy Nickel Friesen

· “I sat with a good friend while she was in a coma and dying from brain cancer. I held her hand and sang this song to her several times over four days as she passed away. Patty Shelly gave us this beautiful gift.”
   –Pam Epp

· Come Thou Fount–Jake Robb’s favorite hymn

The Week at BCMC: August 17—24, 2025
Sunday, August 17, 2025—Worship 10 a.m. with sermon by Joanna
Harader
https://youtube.com/live/CabHpZiHFlw?feature=share
2:30—4:30 p.m. Newton Community Children’s Choir Parents’ Meeting in the Sanctuary

Monday, August 18, 2025
6:30 p.m. Community Playschool Board meeting—Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
3 p.m.        Deacon Commission meeting—Room 14
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café on the Bethel College campus. Stop in and visit!
7:30 p.m.    Chancel Choir first rehearsal of the season—Sanctuary
Thursday, August 21, 2025
1 p.m.      Library Committee—Room 14
6:30 p.m. Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting—Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells first rehearsal of the season—Room B7
7 p.m.       Bethel College Women’s Association meeting—Fellowship Hall
Sunday, August 24, 2025—Backpack Sunday
Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Nathan Koontz
For Backpack Sunday bring to church worship service your backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, whatever you might carry to school or to work, for a special blessing.

BCMC Offering for August 10: General $5,117; Caring Fund $500; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $12; Solar Fund $1,000; Mary Gaeddert Mem. $100.

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 on September 7, 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)

Are you new to the Bethel College Mennonite Church community? Join Pastor Joanna and other new attenders for a special “getting to know each other” Sunday School session after worship on August 31 in Joanna’s office

Upcoming Memorial Services at BCMC:
· August 30, 11 a.m. Keith Rhoades Memorial
· September 15, 11 a.m. Ilene Schmidt Memorial

Mennonite Central Committee School Kits—Thank you for your generous donations over the last few months! We collected almost $2,000 which will make around 350 school kits. THANK YOU! Please come down to Fellowship Hall August 24 during the Sunday School hour to help assemble kits.

Pastor Joanna will host a board game night at her house on Tues., Aug. 26, from 7-? (Email Joanna for address/directions.)

Joanna’s 1887 Cafe office hours this semester will be from 8-10 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning Aug. 20. Stop in and say “hi”!

Thank you, all, for the many get well cards, visits, and meals as I recover from my emergency appendectomy. As I am balancing getting well and preparing for my upcoming semester at Bethel, not having to worry about fixing meals has been a real gift to John and me. I am doing well and hope to be back on the organ bench like normal soon!
— Will Wiebe-Friesen

The BCMC Bell Choir is beginning practice on August 21, 2025. Persons who have some experience reading and counting music, are invited to come and “give it a try.” We meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in BCMC Room B7.

Calling youth and adult singers: The BCMC Chancel Choir welcomes you! We sing two Sundays each month with Director Joel Garber and Organist Will Wiebe-Friesen. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. FIRST REHEARSAL is August 20. There are no auditions — just come and join the fun!

Save the date of September 14 for a Congregational Meeting during the Sunday School hour followed by a fundraising lunch served by the
Senior High Youth Group.

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.

NEED SOMETHING TO READ THIS SUMMER? Visit the BCMC library to check out a book from the display of books most checked out by BCMC readers. ALSO, ask to see our wish list. Perhaps you own and have already read a book on the list. We appreciate donations. And, one last request. If you have the book, King by Jonathan Eig, please leave a note on our desk or return it. The computer did not properly check it out.

BCMC Mission quilters are looking for more hand quilters for our group. Experienced quilters are welcome and we are willing to teach new quilters. We meet on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. Carol Flickinger comes to read to us for one hour while we quilt. We also have a snack at 3 p.m. If you are interested, contact Rose Haury at : haury@juno.com or 316-288-0079. Please join us.

The board is pleased to announce that we have formed a pastoral search committee to fill an opening created by Elizabeth’s upcoming retirement. Megan Leary will serve as chair. Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews are additional committee members. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.

From the Education Service and Scholarship Committee: BCMC is helping to support seven students at Bethel College this coming academic year! We are grateful for the choice our high school and college age youth are making to attend Bethel. As a result, however, the scholarship fund needs $3000 to make up the difference between the church’s budget amount and what will be needed for this year. Please consider supporting Bethel in this way. Make checks out to BCMC with Bethel College Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you.

As Bethel College welcomes students for the fall semester, we would like you to be aware of several events coming up in the next few months:
· 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
[please note that 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. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

August 29 is the due date for registering for Western District Women & Girls Retreat! Join us at Camp Mennoscah Sept. 6 & 7. Register and pay online at westerndistrictwomeninmission.org or print out the registration form online and send in your payment to the address on the form. This year’s theme is Courageous Women of the Bible with Katherine Goerzen and Laura Goerzen as our speakers. Girls age 8 and up are welcome to attend with an adult. Questions: email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com

As part of the Salt City Film Fest in Hutchinson at the Fox Theater Sept. 25-27, the film “Where the Cottonwoods Grow” by Dale Hildebrand (Canada) will be shown at 7 pm on Thursday, September 25th. Tickets are $5. The film tells the story of the Mennonite migration from Ukraine and Russia to North America. This is the same film that Kauffman Museum earlier sponsored for screening at Bethel College. Please join us!
—SCFF Programming Director, Sheri Kaufman-Marsh.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

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

From: Mennonite Central Committee U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries
Dear Bethel College Mennonite,
Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”We invite all young adults to be a part of MCC’s Seeking Shalom Peace Camp, November 1–8! Come explore the meaning of shalom as a wholistic sense of peace that is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of life-giving relationships and dignity for all people. Jeremiah’s call for “peace and prosperity of the city” is a call of shalom for everyone, understanding that the wellbeing of any one of us is dependent on the wellbeing of all of us. Jesus amplifies this call to love our “enemies,” knowing that shalom requires us to work together as God’s people.

This camp will begin at Camp Friedenswald in Cassopolis, Michigan, November 1–4, diving deep into God’s word, and into practical tools of peacebuilding, as we dream possibilities of shalom for our communities and gain tools for engaging conflict effectively. For November 5–8, we will transition to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and participate in the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) annual conference. This is a rich opportunity to hear from leaders across the country, connect with community development organizations, experience worship and attend workshops.When: November 1-8, 2025
Where: Camp Friedenswald in Cassopolis, Michigan, and Grand Rapids, Michigan
Who: Young adults aged 18–30
How: Register here by October 5
Registration Fee: $250.00 (includes CCDA registration fee) guarantees your spot at the campView and download the flyer.During this Peace Camp you will:Reflect on issues of inequality and violence in a broken worldEngage components of shalom such as healing, justice, power and identityExplore theological grounding for Jesus-centered peacebuildingParticipate in the annual CCDA conferencePeace 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, and church leaders who work with young adults, are invited to apply. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the $250 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!Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Otherwise, head over to our website to register. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to put theory into practice with an MCC Peace Camp! Shalom, Nathan Toews
Peace Education Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

From Mennonite Church USA
The MC USA Executive Board thanked four outgoing members for their service to the denomination at an abbreviated Executive Board meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, on July 10, 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/thanks-members-service

On behalf of Mennonite Church Canada, Executive Minister Doug Klassen extended a warm welcome to the MC USA Delegate Assembly gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina, on July 11, 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/greeting-at-convention

Menno Snapshots

Sally Weaver Glick, a spiritual director, writer, photographer and a graduate of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Goshen, Indiana, and some of her spiritual directees find it difficult to pray during these troubled times, but she finds hope in the idea of the river of prayer. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/river-of-prayer/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Pamela Obonde, who has joined the administrative team of Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM), as a church and donor relations coordinator. AIMM and Mission Network collaborate closely in ministries on the African continent. Pray for Pamela, who is based in Manitoba, Canada, as she builds bridges across agencies, cultures and nations.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations in pastoral transition, for candidates considering a call to ministry, and for congregational leaders as they nurture church life and witness in times of change and uncertainty.

Worship service and announcements for August 10, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 10, 2025–Camp 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 10, 2025
Camp Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Verlene Garber

Welcome–Mara Oswald

*Hymn–What Is This Place–VT 22

Camp Slide Show–with music from Verlene Garber

Children and Youth Conversation–Kevin Neufeld

*Hymn–Rain Down–VT 703

Scripture Reading–Acts 9:10-20–Kerm Gingerich

Sermon–Another Way–Joanna Harader

Prayer Hymn–Seek Ye First (v. 1, 2, 1)–VT 417

Prayers of God’s People–Mara Oswald

*Hymn–You Shall Go Out with Joy–VT 847

*Benediction

Postlude

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

Hymn Requests
Rain Down requested by Payne Claassen

What Is This Place: Joining membership we (my wife, Jeanette and I) found this a powerful welcoming hymn. “This is the place where we can receive what we need to increase: God’s justice and God’s peace.” How powerful an ending!–Steve Stucky

The Week at BCMC: August 10—17, 2025
Sunday, August 10, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Joanna
Harader
https://youtube.com/live/mFsSQTi0RC4?feature=share

Tuesday, August 12, 2025
2 p.m. Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
4 p.m. Worship Commission meeting in Room 14
Friday, August 15, 2025
10 a.m. Sharon Stucky Inurnment at the BCMC Columbarium
2 p.m.    Memorial Service for Sharon Stucky at Kidron Bethel Village,
Kidron Hall
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10 a.m.   Marion Deckert Inurnment at the BCMC Columbarium
11 a.m.   Memorial Service for Marion Deckert in the BCMC Sanctuary
Sunday, August 17, 2025—Bethel College New Student Sunday—Worship 10 a.m. with sermon by Joanna Harader; special music by Ben Lichti (Note the later beginning worship time of 10 a.m.)
2:30—4:30 p.m. Newton Community Children’s Choir Parents’ Meeting in the Sanctuary

Backpack Sunday is coming August 24! Bring to church worship service your backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, whatever you might carry to school or to work, for a special blessing August 24.

BCMC Offering for August 3: General $6,061; MCC $525; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $1,750; Kitchen Fund $17; Solar Fund $50.

Upcoming Memorial Services
· August 15, 2 p.m.      Sharon Stucky Memorial at Kidron Bethel Village,Kidron Hall

Memorial Services at BCMC:
· August 16, 11 a.m.        Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m.        Keith Rhoades Memorial
· September 15, 11 a.m. Ilene Schmidt Memorial

Save the date of September 14 for a Congregational Meeting during the Sunday School hour followed by a fundraising lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group.

The BCMC Bell Choir is beginning practice on August 21, 2025. Persons who have some experience reading and counting music, are invited to come and “give it a try.” We meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in BCMC Room B7.

Calling youth and adult singers: The BCMC Chancel Choir welcomes you! We sing two Sundays each month with Director Joel Garber and Organist Will Wiebe-Friesen. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. FIRST REHEARSAL is August 20. There are no auditions — just come and join the fun!

Pastor Joanna will host a board game night at her house on Tues., Aug. 26, from 7-? (Email Joanna for address/directions.)

This fall, Faith Formation and Hospitality Commission will be offering “Messy Church” on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. beginning Sept. 10. This will be instead of the previous 6-week meal and program sessions we have had in the past. Messy Church is an ecumenical program that provides “A way of being church for all-ages to join in experiencing fun and faith formative activities. Found throughout the globe. Based on the values of all-ages together, celebration, creativity, hospitality, and centering ourselves in Christ.” We hope you will join us for these times of fellowship and worship.

Joanna’s 1887 Cafe office hours this semester will be from 8-10 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning Aug. 20. Stop in and say “hi”!

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.

NEED SOMETHING TO READ THIS SUMMER? Visit the BCMC library to check out a book from the display of books most checked out by BCMC readers. ALSO, ask to see our wish list. Perhaps you own and have already read a book on the list. We appreciate donations. And, one last request. If you have the book, King by Jonathan Eig, please leave a note on our desk or return it. The computer did not properly check it out.

BCMC Mission quilters are looking for more hand quilters for our group. Experienced quilters are welcome and we are willing to teach new quilters. We meet on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. Carol Flickinger comes to read to us for one hour while we quilt. We also have a snack at 3 p.m. If you are interested, contact Rose Haury at : haury@juno.com or 316-288-0079 . Please join us.

Subscriptions—“Rejoice” and “Anabaptist World”—Last Call
· It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue is in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed). If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
· It’s also time to renew for “Anabaptist World”. If you wish to renew through the BCMC Group subscription, please remit $54.00 payable to BCMC in the offering plate or bring to the church office.

The board is pleased to announce that we have formed a pastoral search committee to fill an opening created by Elizabeth’s upcoming retirement. Megan Leary will serve as chair. Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews are additional committee members. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.

From the Education Service and Scholarship Committee: BCMC is helping to support seven students at Bethel College this coming academic year! We are grateful for the choice our high school and college age youth are making to attend Bethel. As a result, however, the scholarship fund needs $3000 to make up the difference between the church’s budget amount and what will be needed for this year. Please consider supporting Bethel in this way. Make checks out to BCMC with Bethel College Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you.

Recycling opportunities at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in North Newton. MCC accepts the following materials for recycling: cardboard, books, and paper. We also recycle soft plastics (any plastic packaging that you can stretch with your finger, including Amazon mailers and bubble wrap). We also accept and process wearable clothing, shoes and purses/bags. However, it is best to donate those items to an Et Cetera Shop first, if possible. When you arrive at MCC, follow the signs toward the warehouse and you’ll find bins outside under the covered roof for each recyclable item. MCC is located at 121 E. 30th Street in North Newton, questions can be directed to duaneunruh@mcc.org or
316-283-2720.

Here is a quick canning update. Mennonite Central Committee has been able to recruit a full canner crew this year! The draft canning schedule follows.
Moundridge: Oct. 28-29
Buhler/Inman/Wichita: Oct. 30-31
Hutchinson: Nov. 3-4
Newton: Nov. 5-7
Hillsboro: Nov. 10-11
This schedule leaves Saturdays Nov. 1 and 8 open. This leaves some flexibility if the dates for your group don’t work. Please let Jason Unruh (620-381-4328) know in the next couple of weeks if changes need to be made.

For Mennonite Central Committee newsletter “In Touch” press here

Online registration is open for the Womens & Girls Retreat Sept. 6-7 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen (Tabor Mennonite Church) and Pastor Laura Goerzen (First Mennonite, Newton). For a detailed schedule go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org, register and pay online, or print out forms to register and pay by mail. Registration is due Aug. 29. Questions: Email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com Share the news and bring a friend!

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

The 2025 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with a theme of anniversaries – 150 for immigration to the Great Plains of North America, 500 for Anabaptism. There are articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John Thiesen.

Greetings from the newly renovated Newton Et Cetera Shop! We’re thrilled to share our fresh new look with you and the community! On an insert, (found at the back of the church where there are bulletins) you will find a few pictures of our renovations, but they must be seen in person! Bring the insert to the shop, check out the new view, and turn it in to save 10% off your entire purchase! We want to say “Thank You” for supporting the Newton Et Cetera Shop for all these years! With the utmost gratitude, James Wilson, General Manager, Newton Et Cetera Shop

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

For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Last year, MC USA awarded Justice Fund grants to nine congregations involved in dismantling racism, addressing police brutality, reimagining policing and combating poverty. Read their inspiring stories and learn more about how your congregation can apply for the grant. Applicants planning to use the funds for immigration or climate justice will receive priority in 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/justice-fund-2025

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/

Catch up on all the happenings at Follow Jesus ’25, MC USA’s national convention, July 8-12! Read Grits & Bits, the daily convention newsletter here: mennoniteusa.org/gritsandbits

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Seth and Stephany Rudeen hope to begin ministry with Mennonite Mission Network in Guatemala this month. Pray for them as they spend their first months there perfecting their Spanish, before moving on to the Q’eqchi’ (Kekchi) Bezaleel Mennonite Educational Center, where they will assist students in learning English and provide tutoring in other core subjects.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for persons who accepted new nominations or who are continuing in elected leadership roles in WDC, and pray for God’s wisdom and joy to guide them in the year ahead.

Worship service and announcements for August 3, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 3, 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 3, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting & Land Acknowledgement–Lyn Krause

Centering Music–For the Beauty of the Earth (arr. Lee Dengler)–Karen Unruh
Welcome–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–“Great is Thy Faithfulness”–VT 419

Children and Youth Conversation–Joanna Harader

Worship Music–Valse Sentimentale No. 2 (Eric Christian von Fricken)–Abby Koontz

Scripture Reading–Ephesians 4:11-16–Adam Robb

*Hymn–One Is the Body–VT 386

Sermon–Putting Faith Into Action–Mandy Todd, KIFA
Hymn–We are People of God’s Peace–VT 797

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–The Love of God–VT 162

*Benediction

Postlude–Earth and All Stars  (arr. John Leavitt)
   Karen Unruh

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

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:
COME pray with us in the BCMC sanctuary at 11 a.m. Wed., Aug. 6 for the Apache Stronghold as they go to court to try to save Oak Flat from desecration by copper mining.  On that date Apache Stronghold and allies will be at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse in District Court in Phoenix and those of us not able to be with them in Phoenix will be praying and sending pictures of our groups across the country who stand in solidarity. We in central Kansas want to be among that number praying. Come and bring others.  Try to be here a bit early so that we can be on line together at 11 a.m. CDT as a part of a great host of allies.   Among the allies of the Apache Stronghold are environmental groups, political groups, land justice groups, Arizona groups, and surely those of us Christians who would wish to help in the dismantling of the Doctrine of Discovery which has caused so much harm to our Indigenous sisters and brothers. Let us pray together in solidarity with them for respect for religious freedom.

Hymn Request for August 3
The Love of God (VT 162) “The last verse is a unique expression of faith.” —Lee Suderman

Great is thy Faithfulness (VT 419) I first heard it sung by MCC workers on the dyke in Holland when I was a refugee. The words completely resonated with my experience of fleeing my homeland. “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.” — Justina Neufeld

The Week at BCMC: August 3—10, 2025
Sunday, August 3, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Rev. Dr. Mandy
Todd. Rev. Dr. Todd serves as the Director of Engagement & Development at Kansas Interfaith Action, and as Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. Mandy is a Kansas native who grew up in Junction City and attended Bethany College, earning a BA in Music Education. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has over 20 years working in local congregations in Colorado and Kansas. Mandy has a Masters degree in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO, and a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology from Drew University in Madison, NJ, where her research focused on the intersection of social justice, spirituality, and the arts. Mandy lives in Lindsborg with her family.

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/S1w08uN1s6k?feature=share

Wednesday, August 6, 2025
11 a.m. BCMC Indigenous Justice Task Force prayer for Oak Flat—in the sanctuary

Prayer Service for Oak Flat: This coming Wed., Aug. 6, there will be a hearing in the U.S. District Court in Phoenix, AZ. Two plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to prevent the land transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, currently scheduled to take place Aug. 19. The first lawsuit plaintiffs are Apache Stronghold and the San Carlos Apache Tribe who are seeking the injunction on the grounds of religious freedom, since Oak Flat has been the center of Apache spiritual life for generations. The second lawsuit plaintiffs are a coalition of environmental groups (Center for Biological Diversity, Arizona Mining Reform Coalition,
Earthworks, Intertribal Association of Arizona, and Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter) who are seeking the injunction on the grounds of environmental degradation. This hearing may well be the “last gasp” for saving Oak Flat. The Coalition for Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery is holding a Zoom-accessible prayer service to be held during the court hearing. BCMC’s Indigenous Justice Task Force will be participating in that service here in the sanctuary on Wednesday at 11 a.m. (CDT). All are welcome to attend!

Thursday, August 7, 2025
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sunday, August 10, 2025—Camp Sunday—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Joanna Harader; special music by Holly Swartzendruber

Hymns requested July 27
July 27—Holy, Holy, Holy (VT 76)
· This is the impressive opener in the previous Menno Hymnary, but also the German tradition I experienced with gatherings of a small, singing, Kasper family in Kansas, plus, of course, two years of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Pax in Germany. – Arlo Kasper
· This was always our first hymn for worship at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls, MN. At age 5 I remember how grown up I felt when I knew all the stanzas by heart and the whole liturgy. My dad gave me some coins to put in the offering plate. In Kansas I heard the hymn with descant. Beautiful. —Marlene Faul
· I had the privilege of singing it a lot and also singing it in different languages when I was overseas. —Norma Johnson (via Marlene Faul)
My Jesus, I Love Thee (VT 133) “This hymn is very special to me because it was sung at my baptism.” —Nadine Peters

Praise God (VT 71) request from Hilda Regier (via Marlene Faul)

Wear your camp t-shirt to church on August 10 for our Camp Sunday celebration! As part of worship that day, we will see some photos of Bethel College Mennonite folks at Camp Mennoscah this summer and give thanks for the ways camp helps us to connect more deeply with God, each other, and creation.

Pastor Joanna will host a board game night at her house on Tues., Aug. 26, from 7-? (Email Joanna for address/directions.)

This fall, Faith Formation and Hospitality Commission will be offering “Messy Church” on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. beginning Sept. 10. This will be instead of the previous 6-week meal and program sessions we have had in the past. Messy Church is an ecumenical program that provides “A way of being church for all-ages to join in experiencing fun and faith formative activities. Found throughout the globe. Based on the values of all-ages together, celebration, creativity, hospitality, and centering ourselves in Christ.” We hope you will join us for these times of fellowship and worship.

Joanna’s 1887 Cafe office hours this semester will be from 8-10 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning Aug. 20. Stop in and say “hi”!

Upcoming Memorial Services
· August 15, 2 p.m.      Sharon Stucky Memorial at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall
Memorial Services at BCMC:
· August 16, 11 a.m.    Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m.    Keith Rhoades Memorial
· September 15, 11 a.m.  Ilene Schmidt Memorial

BCMC Offering for July 27: General $6,162; MCC $400; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $1,200; BC Scholarship Fund $650; Kitchen Fund $18.

From the Education Service and Scholarship Committee: BCMC is helping to support seven students at Bethel College this coming academic year! We are grateful for the choice our high school and college age youth are making to attend Bethel. As a result, however, the scholarship fund needs $3000 to make up the difference between the church’s budget amount and what will be needed for this year. Please consider supporting Bethel in this way. Make checks out to BCMC with Bethel College Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you.

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.
NEED SOMETHING TO READ THIS SUMMER? Visit the BCMC library to check out a book from the display of books most checked out by BCMC readers. ALSO, ask to see our wish list. Perhaps you own and have already read a book on the list. We appreciate donations. And, one last request. If you have the book, King by Jonathan Eig, please leave a note on our desk or return it. The computer did not properly check it out.

BCMC Mission quilters are looking for more hand quilters for our group. Experienced quilters are welcome and we are willing to teach new quilters. We meet on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. Carol Flickinger comes to read to us for one hour while we quilt. We also have a snack at 3 p.m. If you are interested, contact Rose Haury at : haury@juno.com or 316-288-0079 . Please join us.

BCMC will be putting together Mennonite Central Committee school kits in August. If you would like to donate money for this special project, place your donations in the designated fish bowls at the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to “BCMC” with “school kits” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted into August.

Subscriptions—“Rejoice” and “Anabaptist World”
· It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue is in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed). If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
· It’s also time to renew for “Anabaptist World”. If you wish to renew through the BCMC Group subscription, please remit $54.00 payable to BCMC in the offering plate or bring to the church office.

Readers for a new one-act play needed. Lauren Friesen has written a new play on Erasmus and is inviting interested persons who would like to be readers for a rehearsed staged-reading of the play. One rehearsal on Mon. evening Sept. 15 (7 – 8:30 p.m.) in Kidron Hall (3001 Ivy Drive) and the staged-reading with audience on Tues., Sept. 16 (7 p.m). The play is approximately 40 minutes long. Ten characters (three female, six male, one stage-manager with lines). Notify Lauren if you are interested. If I get an avalanche of responses, I’ll need to be selective. No cost to you and no residuals, either. Contact Lauren at Lfriesen@umich.edu

Western District Conference Assembly will be held Aug. 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews) Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS Aug. 8-9. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/

Online registration is open for the Womens & Girls Retreat Sept. 6-7 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen (Tabor Mennonite Church) and Pastor Laura Goerzen (First Mennonite, Newton). For a detailed schedule go to
westerndistrictwomeninmission.org, register and pay online, or print out forms to register and pay by mail. Registration is due Aug. 29. Questions: Email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com Share the news and bring a friend!

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

The 2025 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with a theme of anniversaries – 150 for immigration to the Great Plains of North America, 500 for Anabaptism. There are articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John Thiesen.

Rocky Mountain Peace Camp

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. (Micah 4:3)How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. This MCC Peace Camp will work on building a deeper understanding of trauma healing, restorative justice, identity and power, among other topics that impact our communities. We will explore these ideas from a Jesus-centered lens and consider how they can be applied in our world to build God’s Kingdom here on Earth. All learning will be collective and participatory, building off the experiences and insight that each participant brings to the camp.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

Just Peace Pilgrimages

Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples — You and your community are invited to engage with contemporary Indigenous realities, explore the histories of Indigenous Peoples, and examine the complexities of Indigenous-settler relations. What might it mean for your community to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and actively contribute to the work of truth telling and repair?
Date: October 7 – 11, 2025
Contact: StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net
MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace
Civil Rights Pilgrimage — This special pilgrimage tailored specifically for young adults will be led by MC USA executive director Glen Guyton. Join for a unique multiracial pilgrimage through the southern United States with opportunities for shared learning and deep understanding of the racial divides that our society perpetuates.
Date: October 28 – November 2, 2025; register by September 15
Contact: StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net
MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace

To register for these pilgrimages or to inquire about scheduling a group trip, email Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.

To learn more about these and six more pilgrimages, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Women USA “Voices” Blog press here

From Mennonite Church USA
The MC USA Delegate Assembly installed Marty Lehman as the moderator for the new biennium and provided unanimous affirmation for a slate of new Executive Board members and other nominees, including incoming Moderator-elect Todd Lehman (no relation). Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/marty-lehman-as-moderator/

A spirit of hope and shared purpose marked the opening of MC USA’s biennial Delegate Assembly on July 11, 2025, as more than 350 delegates gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina, to reimagine the denomination’s future and approve four key measures to strengthen and equip the church. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/delegates-propel-mc-usas-forward/

Menno Snapshots

In response to the escalation of violence involving Israel, Iran and the United States, Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz offered this litany that reminds us of God’s call to peace. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/instruments-of-your-peace/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the youth of First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, as they begin a week-long Christ at the Border Just Peace Pilgrimage. Pray for the participants as they learn about the realities of migration at the Mexico-United States border and the justice that Jesus is calling them to.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for congregation members, delegates, families and guests gathering next weekend for WDC 2025 Annual Assembly! Pray for God’s Spirit to enliven our worship, discernment, fellowship and learning around the theme Anabaptism@
500: Faithfulness Then and Now.

Worship service and announcements for July 27, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 27, 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 27, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Adagio (Mozart)–Mary Jo Preheim

Welcome–Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn–Holy, Holy, Holy!–VT 76

Children and Youth Conversation–Tim Hodge

Worship Music–Sing Ye a Joyful Song (Dvorak)–Doyle Preheim

Scripture Reading–Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:7-13–Justin Zerger

*Scripture Response Hymn–Praise God–VT 71

Sermon–Pray, then, in this way . . . –Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Be Thou My Vision–VT 549

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–My Jesus, I Love Thee–VT 133
Those with July birthdays are welcome to come forward during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.

*Benediction

Postlude–Maestoso (Handel)–Mary Jo Preheim

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

The Week at BCMC: July 27—August 3, 2025
Sunday, July 27, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m.
https://youtube.com/live/Q4gzwR52utc?feature=share

Monday, July 28, 2025
10 a.m. Library Committee in Room 14 and the Library
Sunday, August 3, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Rev. Dr. Mandy Todd. Rev. Dr. Mandy Todd serves as the Director of Engagement & Development at Kansas Interfaith Action, and as Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. Mandy is a Kansas native who grew up in Junction City, KS and attended Bethany College, earning a BA in Music Education. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has over 20 years working in local congregations in Colorado and Kansas.
Mandy has a Masters degree in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO, and a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology from Drew University in Madison, NJ, where her research focused on the intersection of social justice, spirituality, and the arts. Mandy currently lives in Lindsborg with her family.

BCMC Offering for July 20: General $4,357; MCC $10; Kitchen Fund $13; Betty Schmidt Memorial $100.

Upcoming Memorial Services
· August 15, 2 p.m.      Sharon Stucky Memorial at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall
Memorial Services at BCMC:
· August 16, 11 a.m.    Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m.    Keith Rhoades Memorial

Send some camp mail! Senior High Camp is This Week!
As a congregation we are fortunate we have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert, Adah Hodge, Ani Koontz, Adam Oswald, Mara Oswald, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah, 9458 SE 40th St., Murdock, KS 67111.Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!

Wear your camp t-shirt to church on August 10 for our Camp Sunday celebration! As part of worship that day, we will see some photos of Bethel College Mennonite folks at Camp Mennoscah this summer and give thanks for the ways camp helps us to connect more deeply with God, each other, and creation.

BCMC Mission quilters are looking for more hand quilters for our group. Experienced quilters are welcome and we are willing to teach new quilters. We meet on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. Carol Flickinger comes in to read to us for one hour while we quilt. We also have a snack at 3 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Rose Haury at : haury@juno.com or 316-253-6221. Please join us.

BCMC will be putting together Mennonite Central Committee school kits in August. If you would like to donate money for this special project, place your donations in the designated fish bowls at the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to “BCMC” with “school kits” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted through July and into August.

Subscriptions—“Rejoice” and “Anabaptist World”
· It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue will be in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed) in late July, early August. If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
· It’s also time to renew for “Anabaptist World”. If you wish to renew through the BCMC Group subscription, please remit $54.00 payable to BCMC in the offering plate or bring to the church office.

From the Education Service and Scholarship Committee: BCMC is helping to support seven students at Bethel College this coming academic year! We are grateful for the choice our high school and college age youth are making to attend Bethel. As a result, however, the scholarship fund needs $3000 to make up the difference between the church’s budget amount and what will be needed for this year. Please consider supporting Bethel in this way. Make checks out to BCMC with Bethel College Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Thank you.

From Pastor Joanna Harader–Thoughts about MennoCon25
I attended my first Mennonite Church USA Convention in San Jose, California, in 2007, where I roomed with the pastor I had recently served under as an intern, Kathy Neufeld Dunn, and a sweet lady I had never met before named Marlene Faul. At that point I was a fairly new Mennonite and had only been a pastor for about a year. I hardly knew anyone at the convention and still had a lot to learn about Mennonite practice and polity.

MennoCon 25 was my 10th Convention! I now know more than anyone really should about MC USA polity, and I know enough people at Convention to consistently sidetrack me on my way to wherever I’m going and to keep me up way too late every night. It was a gift and a joy to connect with so many beloved friends, to learn from the offered seminars, and to worship with Mennonites from across the country.

This felt like a particularly important time to gather around shared Anabaptist values of peace and justice; an especially critical time to re-commit ourselves to following Jesus. With our national atmosphere of increased (illegal and unconstitutional) immigration enforcement and detention, I am proud to have been part of the delegate body that overwhelmingly approved a Churchwide Statement on Immigration. In a country that (twice) elected a president found guilty of sexual assault, I am glad to be part of denomination that is taking steps to prevent and address abuse by those in power.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of MennoCon 25. There are certainly particular pieces I carry with me from worship, seminars, and conversations throughout the week. And it was an incredible joy to get to travel with and connect a little bit with our amazing youth. The deepest gift of the Convention, though, was the reminder–in my mind, my body, and my spirit–that I am not alone in my desire and efforts to follow Jesus’ way of peace and justice in these difficult days. We, as a congregation, are not alone. We are joined by others on this difficult and joy-filled path as we seek to follow Jesus together. Thanks be to God.

Pastor Joanna with a few of her friends at MennoCon.

Standing With Immigrants: What people of faith can do to help the strangers living amongst us. Shalom Mennonite Church will be hosting Sandrine Lisk, Esq., managing attorney of Immigration Law & Advocacy, Wichita, July 30, 7 p.m. at Shalom Mennonite Church, 800 E. 1st, Newton. Come learn how we can support and advocate for immigrants in our community. Bring your questions and share your stories with others who are concerned about the state of immigration in our country in light of Jesus’ call to love our neighbors. As a tangible way of supporting immigrants among us, donations will be collected for a scholarship fund supporting immigrant high school graduates and international students. Checks can be made payable to “Wichita African Business & Professional Network”.

Know Your Rights virtual training, Aug. 14 & 15 led by Mennonite Central Committee Central States Immigration Program Coordinator Abraham Diaz Alonso. This virtual training will help facilitate information to vulnerable immigration populations. For more information go to the Mennonite Central Committee website and click on Events.

Readers for a new one-act play needed. Lauren Friesen has written a new play on Erasmus and is inviting interested persons who would like to be readers for a rehearsed staged-reading of the play. One rehearsal on Monday evening Sept. 15 (7 – 8:30 p.m.) in Kidron Hall (3001 Ivy Drive) and the staged-reading with audience on Tuesday, Sept. 16 (7 p.m). The play is approximately 40 minutes long. Ten characters (three female, six male, one stage-manager with lines). Notify Lauren if you are interested. If I get an avalanche of responses, I’ll need to be selective. No cost to you and no residuals, either. Contact Lauren at Lfriesen@umich.edu

Western District Conference Assembly will be held August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Would you consider being a delegate for Bethel College Mennonite? Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews)
For the Western District Conference Assembly:
Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS August 8-9, 2025. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/

Online registration is open for the Womens & Girls Retreat Sept. 6-7 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen (Tabor Mennonite Church) and Pastor Laura Goerzen (First Mennonite, Newton). For a detailed schedule
go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org, register and pay online, or print out forms to register and pay by mail. Registration is due Aug. 29. Questions: Email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com Share the news and bring a friend!

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

The 2025 issue of “Mennonite Life”, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with a theme of anniversaries – 150 for immigration to the Great Plains of North America, 500 for Anabaptism. There are articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John Thiesen.

Sat., Aug. 2: Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail

Dear Bethel College Mennonite Church Congregation,
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the many ways you supported us during the funeral services for Keith Woolery. Your kindness and generosity were deeply felt during every step of the process. We are especially grateful for the members who served as ushers, attended the guestbooks, and worked behind the scenes in the kitchen to prepare and serve lunch. Each role—whether visible or quietly carried out—helped create a welcoming, comforting space for family, friends, and community to gather, grieve, and remember Keith’s life with love and dignity. The BCMC community embodies the spirit of service and compassion, and we are so thankful for the way you came together to care for us during this difficult time. Thank you. —The Woolery Family (Donna, Jesse, and Danielle)

Planning a small group retreat or church leadership getaway?
Consider the North Newton Family Retreat as your next destination! This spacious home in North Newton, Kansas features 5 bedrooms with 9 beds and 3 full bathrooms—comfortably sleeping up to 12 guests. It’s an ideal setting for meaningful connection with close friends or focused planning time. Generous common areas provide the perfect space to gather, relax, and recharge.
For questions or to make a reservation, please contact Amy Funk at 316-284-7208 or newtonksvacationrentals@gmail.com. Scan the QR code for full details and availability!
North Newton Family Retreat is the personal residence of Mennonite Mission Network (MMN) missionaries Laura and Nick Sharp. During their year of service in La Mesa, Colombia, they’re offering their home as a short-term vacation rental to help offset living expenses back in the U.S. Your stay helps support the meaningful work taking place in Colombia. Rental proceeds help cover personal expenses not included in their MMN budget (mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc.).

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” press here
Just Peace Pilgrimages

Civil Rights Pilgrimage — This special pilgrimage, tailored specifically for young adults, will be led by MC USA executive director Glen Guyton. Join for a unique multiracial pilgrimage through the southern United States with opportunities for shared learning and deep understanding of the racial divides that our society perpetuates.
Date: October 28 – November 2, 2025; register by September 15.
Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples — You and your community are invited to engage with contemporary Indigenous realities, explore the histories of Indigenous Peoples, and examine the complexities of Indigenous-settler relations. What might it mean for your community to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and actively contribute to the work of truth telling and repair?
Date: October 7 – 11, 2025

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Last year, MC USA awarded Justice Fund grants to nine congregations involved in dismantling racism, addressing police brutality, reimagining policing and combating poverty. Read their inspiring stories and learn more about how your congregation can apply for the grant. Applicants planning to use the funds for immigration or climate justice will receive priority in 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/justice-fund-2025

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

Watch the Church Vitality webinar, discussing changes to MC USA abuse prevention and accountability policies here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/prevention-accountability

Menno Snapshots

After her uncle died, Linda Lehman Thomas, a spiritual director for the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network, sought out a spiritual director to heal childhood trauma, but it affected her life even more deeply than she expected. Read more about her experience in her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/meeting-spiritual-director

Beryl Jantzi, Everence director of stewardship education, shares three tips on how people can enhance their act of giving deeper. Read his Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/spiritual-worship-includes-finances

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God for the three-way learning partnership that builds up the body of Christ through Meserete Kristos Seminary, with two campuses in Debre Zeit and Nazareth, Ethiopia; Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, in Elkhart, Indiana; and Mission Network. Pray for deepened faith on both the African and North American continents.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s emerging congregations and ministries during this time of political turmoil: for courage, wisdom, and a faithful witness to Christ’s peace. -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.

Worship service and announcements for July 20, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 20, 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  July 20, 2025
MennoCon Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting–Chris Sattler

Centering Music–“Prelude in Classic Style”– (Gordon Young)–Karen Schlabaugh

Welcome–Adam Oswald

*Hymn–“Mountain of God”–VT 11

Children and Youth Conversation–Youth
         Children’s Hymn–“Alleluia”–VT 72

Scripture Reading–Deuteronomy 10:18-20–Pozzi Krehbiel

Delegate Reflection–Jill Robb and David Kreider

*Hymn–“You are Salt for the Earth”–VT 297

Scripture Reading–Luke 4:16-21–Emma Gering

Reflection–Lucy Burch, Mara Oswald, Adah Hodge

*Hymn–“My Soul Cries Out”–VT 412

Prayers of God’s People–Rylee Schmidt Stapleton

Convention Highlights–Youth

Video–“Praise God Above”–VT 70

*Hymn–“Praise God Above”–VT 70

*Benediction
Youth: The spirit of the Lord is upon me
Congregation: because the Lord has anointed me
Youth: The Lord has sent me
Congregation: to preach good news to the poor
Youth: The Lord has sent me
Congregation: to proclaim release to the prisoners
Youth: The Lord has sent me
Congregation: to proclaim recovery of sight to the blind
Youth: The Lord has sent me
Congregation: to liberate the oppressed
Youth: The Lord has sent me
ALL: to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

Postlude–“Postlude on ‘Fredericktown'”–(Robert J. Powell)–Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT—”Voices Together” Audio visual— Francis Toews & Ben Lichti

After the worship service on Sunday, July 20 come to the Gathering Place and have cake with Justina Neufeld! Justina celebrated her 95th birthday on July 16 and wishes to celebrate with BCMC. Come wish Justina a Happy Birthday!

Anabaptist World adult Sunday School elective – immigration update. Join with others in the Chapel to hear Pastor Joanna share an update from a MennoCon seminar by Pastor Diane Garcia of Iglesia Chrisiana Roca de Refugio on the status of congregants detained by ICE after legal entry (see “Anabaptist World” July 2025, page 28).

The Week at BCMC: July 20—27, 2025
Sunday, July 20, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m.
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/yRh8ZuQrDp8?feature=share

Monday, July 21-Sunday July 27
Pastor Elizabeth will be taking time away July 21 – 27 for vacation and rejuvenation. Pray for travel blessings and wellsprings of refreshment and renewal. In her absence, contact Pastor Joanna or Monica at the church office.
Sunday, July 27, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Joanna
Harader; special music by Doyle Preheim

Upcoming Memorial Services in the BCMC Sanctuary:
· August 16, 11 a.m.    Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m.    Keith Rhoades Memorial

Sympathy Notices:
· We extend sympathy to the family of Sharon Stucky. Sharon died July 11 at Kidron Bethel Healthcare. Please keep Sharon’s husband Wayne and their extended family in your prayers.  The memorial service for Sharon will be Aug. 15, 2 p.m., at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall.
· We extend sympathy to the family of Ilene Schmidt. Ilene died July 11, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare. Memorial service plans are pending.
    Please keep Ilene’s children and the extended family in your prayers.

Subscriptions—“Rejoice” and “Anabaptist World”
· It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue will be in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed) in late July, early August. If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
· It’s also time to renew for “Anabaptist World”. If you wish to renew through the BCMC Group subscription, please remit $54.00 payable to BCMC in the offering plate or bring to the church office.

BCMC will be putting together Mennonite Central Committee school kits in August. If you would like to donate money for this special project, place your donations in the designated fish bowls at the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to “BCMC” with “school kits” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted through July and into August.

The board is pleased to announce that we have formed a pastoral search committee to fill an opening created by Elizabeth’s upcoming retirement. Megan Leary will serve as chair. Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews are additional committee members. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.

From the Finance Committee
As the 2nd 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 June 30, 2025 (50% of the year).
Total income $ 220,458 40% of budget
Total expense $ 265,753 48% of budget
Net income/expense – $ 45,296

BCMC Offering for July 13: General $3,107; MCC $433; Library Reserve Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $20; Solar Fund $200.

Readers for a new one-act play needed. Lauren Friesen has written a new play on Erasmus and is inviting interested persons who would like to be readers for a rehearsed staged-reading of the play. One rehearsal on Monday evening Sept. 15 (7 – 8:30 p.m.) in Kidron Classroom A (3001 Ivy Drive) and the staged-reading with audience on Tues., Sept. 16 (7 p.m.) in Kidron Classroom A. The play is approximately 40 minutes long. Ten characters (three female, six male, one stage-manager with lines). Notify Lauren if you are interested. If I get an avalanche of responses, I’ll need to be selective.
Scripts will be provided at no cost to you and there will be no honoraria. Contact Lauren at Lfriesen@umich.edu

Send some camp mail! Senior High Camp is Next Week!
As a congregation we are fortunate we have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert, Adam
Oswald, Mara Oswald, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah, 9458 SE 40th St., Murdock, KS 67111.Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!

Western District Conference Assembly will be held August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Would you consider being a delegate for Bethel College Mennonite? Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews)

For the Western District Conference Assembly:
Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS August 8-9, 2025. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/

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

Colorado peaches are coming to Mennonite Central Committee: Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for order and purchase until July 30. Two sizes are available: 9 lb. for $30 and 18 lb. for $42. Orders can be placed by emailing patsydirksen@mcc.org or by calling MCC, 316.283.2720. Payment in the form of cash or check is due by July 30. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line and mail to: MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117 or drop off at MCC at 121 East 30th, North Newton. Peaches will be ready for pick-up on Mon., Aug. 18 at the MCC warehouse. Beth-El Mennonite Church sells peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale in October.

Online registration is open for the Womens & Girls Retreat Sept. 6-7 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen (Tabor Mennonite Church) and Pastor Laura Goerzen (First Mennonite, Newton). For a detailed schedule
go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org, register and pay online, or print out forms to register and pay by mail. Registration is due Aug. 29. Questions: Email westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com Share the news and bring a friend!

Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference 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 August 9 as a part of WDC Annual Assembly. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.

David E. Ortman, currently of Seattle, WA, will be attending his 50th Bethel Class Reunion (’75) Oct. 2-5. If anyone would be willing to host four nights (Thurs-Sun), contact him at (206) 789-6136 or deortman@msn.com. A couch or cot is fine, no meals required. Avoidance of a motel would mean a larger class gift. David is a friend of Lauren Friesen (Lauren was his former pastor.)

Mennonite Central Committee Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27: How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by Aug. 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp.

The 2025 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John D. Thiesen.

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Ervin R. Stutzman, 72, who served as MC USA’s first moderator and second executive director, died on June 3, 2025. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/ervin-r-stutzman-dies

The Church Planting Grant nurtures MC USA-affiliated missional peace churches. New church plants — churches that are less than three years old — can apply for the $5,000 grant each year from May 1 to July 31. Learn more and apply here: mennoniteusa.org/thrive-grant

Menno Snapshots

As part of MC USA’s Learn, Pray, Join: Undoing Patriarchy blog series, Daniela Lázaro-Manalo reflects on the myth of moon goddess, Coyolxauhqui, and how this myth relates to her own story and the invitation to divine love that she sees through it. Read her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/lessons-from-moon

Stanley W. Green, executive conference minister of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, in consultation with the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference Board, addresses the immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles and around the country. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/los-angeles-letter

When Rebeka Moeljono moved from a small midwestern town to the big city, she experienced a deep shift in how she approached her spiritual life, as well as her spiritual direction. Read more about her experience in her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-god-city

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Laura Schlabach, who, for the past two years, has served on the interim executive director team for JCS International, in addition to being the organization’s finance and IT director. Pray for wisdom, energy and patience for Laura, as she carries a double workload for this consortium of mission agencies in Mongolia. Pray for the executive director search committee as they work through the recruiting process.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s guidance and blessing for all who are preparing for WDC Annual Assembly, coming up August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Worship service and announcements for July 13, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 13, 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 13, 2025
Hymns, Poetry, Prayer and Scripture for God’s Justice and Peace

Christ Candle Lighting–Karen Ediger

Centering Music–Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arr. Robert Lau)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome–Karen Ediger
*Hymn–Here in this Place–VT 10

Children and Youth Conversation–Rebecca Schloneger

*Hymn–Could it Be that God Is Singing–VT 42

Scripture Reading–Matthew 5:1-16–Mary Ann Boschmann

Hymn–Let There Be Light–VT 714

Hymn–Longing for Light–VT 715

Prayer–We Pray This Day (by Anne Weems)

Hymn–What Comfort Can Our Worship Bring–VT 623

Hymn–A Voice Was Heard in Ramah–VT 278

Commissioning and Blessing for Lyn Krause–Elizabeth Schmidt

Responsive Reading–VT 1043

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

Hymn–This Is My Song–VT 710

Reading–Hymn for the Hurting (by Amanda Gorman)

Hymn–Jesus Loves Me–VT 516

Hymn–God Speaks to Us in Bird and Song–VT 539

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–My Soul Cries Out–VT 412

*Benediction

Postlude–Precious Lord Take My Hand (arr. Jack Schrader)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

Hymn Request this Sunday:
Jesus Loves Me (VT 516) “It is a bottom line song, tells it like it is, encompasses the whole story of God’s love. 🙂 -Al Peters

BCMC Indigenous Justice Task Group prayer request.
When the Repair Coalition for dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery asked its members to send representatives to Oak Flat, in perilous circumstances now with an imminent takeover by Resolution Copper possible, Lyn Krause from the BCMC Task Group answered the call to go. Dr. Wendsler Nosie and the Apache Stronghold will lead attendees from all over the U.S. in spiritual ceremonies on the sacred lands of Oak Flat July 18-20. Please pray for Lyn for safe travels and rich spiritual blessings as he represents the support of BCMC for protecting the sacred lands of Oak Flat.

BCMC Offering for July 6: General $16,921; MCC $90; Kitchen Fund $24.50; Solar Fund $550; Merrill Raber Mem. $50.

From the Finance Committee
As the 2nd 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 June 30, 2025 (50% of the year).
Total income $ 220,458 40% of budget
Total expense $ 265,753 48% of budget
Net income/expense – $ 45,296

The Week at BCMC: July 13—20, 2025
Sunday, July 13, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m.
YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/-AUpmDicn2s?feature=share

Tuesday July 15, 2025
1:30 p.m. Church Moderators/Pastors Meeting
4 p.m. Worship Commission meeting in Room 14
Sunday, July 20, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with a “Follow Jesus” MennoCon report by the Senior High Youth Group

Sympathy Notices:
We offer sympathy to the family of Mary Gaeddert, daughter Susan Bartel (Allan) of North Newton; daughter Dee Gaeddert Dorsey (Jim) of Grant, MN; and Russell Gaeddert (Jean Flickinger) of Hutchinson, and the extended family. Mary died July 4, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare. The family is planning a private service for a later time.

We extend sympathy to the family of Betty Schmidt, daughter Rebecca (Gary) Dick, Baldwin City, son Brian (Debra) Schmidt, Lenexa, daughter-in-law Linda Schmidt, Salt Lake City and Karen (Kent) Richards, Baldwin City, and other family members. Betty died July 4. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later time.

Anabaptist World adult Sunday School elective. Join with others in the Chapel to read and discuss articles in the current edition of “Anabaptist World”. No subscription or preparation necessary. Everyone welcome!

Upcoming Memorial Services in the BCMC Sanctuary:
· August 16, 11 a.m. Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m. Keith Rhoades Memorial

Send some camp mail!
As a congregation we are fortunate we will have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert, Adam
Oswald, Mara Oswald, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah, 9458 SE 40th St., Murdock, KS 67111.Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!

The church board is pleased to announce that we have formed a search committee! Megan Leary will serve as chair. Additional committee members are Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.

Subscriptions—“Rejoice” and “Anabaptist World”
· It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue will be in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed) in late July, early August. If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
· It’s also time to renew for “Anabaptist World”. If you wish to renew through the BCMC Group subscription, please remit $54.00 payable to BCMC in the offering plate or bring to the church office.

The 2025 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John D. Thiesen.

Sat., July 19: The first-ever group to win the national talent competition “The Voice” is three Mennonite siblings from Pettisville, OH. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty, “Girl Named Tom”, will give a free concert at Bethel College, with opening act “The Flannelbacks”. The Green “opens” at 4:30 p.m. and food and beverage trucks/vendors start serving at 5. Local favorites and Bethel alumni The Flannelbacks open the show at 7, with Girl Named Tom taking the stage at 8. Plan now to attend!

Mennonite Central Committee Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27: How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by Aug. 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp.

Western District Conference Assembly will be held August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Would you consider being a delegate for Bethel College Mennonite? Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews)

For the Western District Conference Assembly:
Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS August 8-9, 2025. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/

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

Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration is open. 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!

Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference 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 August 9 as a part of WDC Annual Assembly. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.

The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (KIPCOR) affiliated with Bethel College, is offering a 2-day training on “Managing Differences Within Faith Communities” on Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, 2025, at KIPCOR’s training facility in North Newton. This course is designed for congregational leaders, pastors, and anyone who would like to explore ways to navigate differences as a faith community in a healthier way. This training is led by Robert Yutzy, KIPCOR Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries, and Keren Kandel, KIPCOR Executive Director. This course will help to better understand the dynamics when there is disagreement and gives opportunities to engage in practical tools that can transform conflict and difference into spiritual and community renewal. Please see the flier on the church bulletin board for more information and the cost of registration.

Colorado peaches are coming to Mennonite Central Committee: Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for order and purchase until July 30. Two sizes are available: 9 lb. for $30 and 18 lb. for $42. Orders can be placed by emailing patsydirksen@mcc.org or by calling MCC, 316.283.2720. Payment in the form of cash or check is due by July 30. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line and mail to: MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117 or dropped off at MCC at 121 East 30th, North Newton. Peaches will be ready for pick-up on Mon., Aug. 18 at the MCC warehouse. Beth-El Mennonite Church sells peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale in October.

Peace Connections is hosting a Bridges Out of Poverty Training on August 1st from 9 am-4 pm. This training experience is a great way to invest in your community and expand resources, to help individuals understand the impacts of poverty. This FREE and ENGAGING training will explore the root causes of poverty, increase personal understanding and identify ways to reduce barriers for all members of our community. For more information or to sign up for this training experience, please visit https://www.peaceconnections.org/events
Kendra Davila
PEACE CONNECTIONS
Home of Harvey County Circle of Hope & Summer Enrichment Activities for Kids (SEAK)
209 S. Pine
P.O. Box 1147
Newton, KS 67114
316-284-0000
www.peaceconnections.org

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here

For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here

For Mennonite Women USA “Grapevine” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
MC USA Moderator Jon Carlson provides an update on the Mosaic Mennonite Conference process in his letter to all MC USA members. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/news/jon-carlson-re-mosaic

MC USA is seeking a Denominational Minister/Director of Education to oversee education-related ministries within MC USA, including developing new educational ministries, expanding existing ministries, building/strengthening relationships with educational partners. To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call 574-523-3027. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/employment/minister-education

MC USA is seeking an archivist coordinator for the Elkhart office. The coordinator oversees the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of permanent records for MC USA in textual, photographic, audiovisual, micrographic and multimedia formats. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/employment/archivist To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call 574-523-3027.

Menno Snapshots

Anita J. Castle never dreamed of being a pastor. In fact, she had rarely even heard of a woman being a pastor before. But after one fateful conference, she knew she was being called. Read more about her calling in her MC USA blog here: mennoniteusa.org/my-calling-pastor

Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA’s denominational minister for Peace and Justice, cries out to God for those who are harmed by changes in U.S. immigration policy and enforcement, as well as those who seek justice through peaceful demonstration, and those with the power to effect change. Read her prayer here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/prayer-for-those-experiencing-crisis/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, participants begin Mennonite Mission Network’s week-long Underground Railroad Racial Justice Pilgrimage, which will take them from Washington, D.C., to Florida. Pray for open minds and hearts, as they retrace the courageous journeys of faith communities and individuals who helped enslaved people find their way to emancipation. Pray also that participants will be inspired to act for justice in their own communities.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations offering support and advocacy for immigrants, as they seek God’s justice and compassion in the face of threat and fear.

2025 07 06 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 6, 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:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 6, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music

Land Acknowledgement and Welcome–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen
*Hymn–Precious Lord, Take My Hand–VT 610

Children and Youth Conversation–Kohlman Family

Scripture Reading–2 Kings 5:1-5a–Lyn Krause

*Hymn–Be Still My Soul, verse 1–VT 664

Scripture Reading–2 King 5:5b-7–Lyn Krause

*Hymn–Be Still My Soul, verse 2–VT 664

Scripture Reading–2 Kings 5:8-14–Lyn Krause

*Hymn–Be Still My Soul, verse 3–VT 664

Sermon–I’d Rather my Soul be Busy–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Healer of Our Every Ill–VT 644

Prayers of God’s People–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

MennoCon Blessing–Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn–When We Walk with the Lord–VT 570

*Benediction

Postlude

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

Hymns Sunday, July 6, were requested by the following.
Be Still, My Soul (VT 664) “This hymn was sung often in my childhood and later as a member of Pretty Prairie Mennonite Church. At times of loss of family and friends it was sung! This hymn’s music was written by Jean Sibelius (Finlandia) with text going back to 1752. Stille, mein Wille, translated in 1855, was also sung in my youth in the German language. Also VT 649, When Memory Fades, uses the same music (Finlandia).
—Steve Stucky

Precious Lord, Take My Hand (VT 610) Years ago, some time in the early ’70s, Richard and I went to a movie in Denver, Colorado about the life of Thomas A. Dorsey–the text and tune originator of this hymn. When this particular hymn was part of the movie script, the entire audience, mostly Black, stood up and sang along filling the theatre with powerful emotion. We simply sat and knew we had experienced a holy moment of solidarity with people who loved Jesus! —Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Trust and Obey (When We Walk with the Lord) (VT 570) “This hymn became our ‘family song’ after we sang it together at a C.E. program in my home church. It’s been sung many times over the years–including at my parents’ funerals–and brings smiles to my siblings and me whenever we hear it! — Carol Flickinger

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 Apache Stronghold led by Dr. Wendsler Nosie requests our prayers on their behalf.  Pray for decision makers to revere the Earth, and for the Spirit to speak through all those in defense of Oak Flat. Ask your prayer circles to pray with you. Post a prayer on Facebook. Ask others if they know about Oak Flat and the work of the Apache Stronghold, a seminal case of shortsighted extraction for profit that decimates the sacred Earth and also religious freedom.
–Read about the extraction mindset we hold that has so harmed our Earth, a central theme in Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler’s last book, So We and Our Children May Live (2023), available in our church library.
–Read the story of Oak Flat.  Browse on line, or read a fascinating visual nonfiction account by Lauren Redniss, Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West (2020). (Check the “New Yorker” review, “Lauren Redniss and the Art of the Indescribable” by Max Norman, July 23, 2021, available on line).

The Week at BCMC: July 6—13, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with Joanna Harader
Live-Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/JeQ6QVropsE?feature=share

Monday, July 7, 2025—Church office will be closed

Sunday, July 13, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with a hymn sing

Send some camp mail!
Summer camping season is in full swing! As a congregation we are fortunate we will have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert, Adam
Oswald, Mara Oswald, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah, 9458 SE 40th St., Murdock, KS 67111.Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!

Remember in your prayers the following BCMC members and friends who will be attending Mennnonite Church USA’s MennoCon in Greensboro, NC this coming week: BCMC Delegates: Joanna Harader, David Kreider, Jill Robb; Western District Conference Delegate, Heidi Reiger Kreider
Youth: Kaiya Anderson, Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Orlando Gonzalez, Adah Hodge, Pozzi Krehbiel, Adam Oswald, Mara Oswald, Chris Sattler, Lily Schloneger, Rylee Schmidt-Stapleton, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall; Youth Sponsors: George Leary, Megan Leary, Marlene Ewert, and Cliff Dick.

It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue will be in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed) in late July, early August. If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.

BCMC Offering for June 29: General $10,647; MCC $460; Plant Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $17.50; Misc. Income $6.99; Merrill Raber Mem. $500.

Colorado peaches are coming to Mennonite Central Committee: Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for order and purchase until July 30. Two sizes are available: 9 lb. for $30 and 18 lb. for $42. Orders can be placed by emailing patsydirksen@mcc.org or by calling MCC, 316.283.2720. Payment in the form of cash or check is due by July 30. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line and mail to: MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117 or dropped off at MCC at 121 East 30th, North Newton. Peaches will be ready for pick-up on Mon., Aug. 18 at the MCC warehouse. Beth-El Mennonite Church sells peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale in October.

Mennonite Central Committee Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27: How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by Aug. 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp.

Sat., July 19: The first-ever group to win the national talent competition “The Voice” is three Mennonite siblings from Pettisville, OH. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty, “Girl Named Tom”, will give a free concert at Bethel College, with opening act “The Flannelbacks”. The Green “opens” at 4:30 p.m. and food and beverage trucks/vendors start serving at 5. Local favorites and Bethel alumni The Flannelbacks open the show at 7, with Girl Named Tom taking the stage at 8. Plan now to attend!

Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration is open. 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!

It’s a Party! Announcing Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference 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 July 12 at 11 a.m. for a special virtual author visit from Aimee Reid and August 9 as a part of WDC Annual Assembly. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.

The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (KIPCOR) affiliated with Bethel College, is offering a 2-day training on “Managing Differences Within Faith Communities” on Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, 2025, at KIPCOR’s training facility in North Newton. This course is designed for congregational leaders, pastors, and anyone who would like to explore ways to navigate differences as a faith community in a healthier way. This training is led by Robert Yutzy, KIPCOR Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries, and Keren Kandel, KIPCOR Executive Director. This course will help to better understand the dynamics when there is disagreement and gives opportunities to engage in practical tools that can transform conflict and difference into spiritual and community renewal. Please see the flier on the church bulletin board for more information and the cost of registration.

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

For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

August 10, 2025 | 1:05 PM | Equity Bank Park, Wichita, KS
Join Prairie View on August 10th at 1:05pm for Family Funday as the Wind Surge take on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Every ticket purchased through our link will have a donation straight back to Prairie View!When you support Prairie View, you help make vital behavioral health services accessible to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), Prairie View provides comprehensive care, including Behavioral Health Urgent Care, same-day access, and critical services for uninsured and underinsured individuals.Your participation in events like Prairie View Day at the Ballpark ensures that children, adults, and families in crisis can receive timely, compassionate mental health support when and where they need it most.Together, we’re removing barriers, responding to urgent needs, and creating a stronger, healthier community for all.For group tickets in our section of 20+, please contact Alissa directly to help get your group set up: abasabe@windsurge.com or 316-221-8023.We hope to see you there!Ashleigh Hollis
Director of Fundraising and Community Events
316-284-6400 | 800-992-6292 | Ext. 6379
Prairie View, Inc. | Newton Campus
hollisar@pvi.org | prairieview.org
Facebook.com/PrairieViewInc | @PrairieViewKS on TwitterBuy Tickets Here!Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Sunday, July 6The MC USA Delegate Assembly is Friday, July 11, at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons in Greensboro, North Carolina. Delegate resources, including the agenda, bylaws, proposed bylaw changes, previous minutes and proposed resolutions, will be posted on MC USA’s Delegate Assembly website, as they are available. See the web page here: mennoniteusa.org/2025-delegate-assembly-resources/ Register for Delegate Assembly here: mennoniteusa.org/registration/

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 Follow along online here: mennoniteusa.org/gritsandbits

MC USA lives into its Accessibility Resolution by removing barriers and providing resources to make the Follow Jesus ’25 convention accessible to all. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/accessibility-fj25

Menno Snapshots

As part of MC USA’s Learn, Pray, Join: Undoing Patriarchy blog series, Sheri Hostetler shares how a dream about her deceased mother reminded her about our need to care for Earth, just as her mother took care of the household. Read her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/planetary-homemakers

In her blog for MC USA’s Learn, Pray, Join: Undoing Patriarchy series, Hannah Geiser shares that as a child, she felt the need to hide the feminine side of herself, so she could excel at soccer, but as she grew, she realized that she was hiding part of herself. Read more about her experience here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/finding-my-femininity

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Church of Christ in Thailand District 20 Hmong, which is an organization that facilitates ministry among Hmong communities around the world. Pray for the leaders and lay people as they witness to Jesus’ love, wherever they find themselves.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for all WDC members participating in Mennonite Church USA convention this week, as they worship, fellowship, learn and discern together with others from across our wider church body.

2025 06 29 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 29, 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/d15Fo5nuJBE?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  June 29, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation– (Johann Gottfried Walther)–Karen Schlabaugh

Welcome–Darlene Dick

*Hymn–Great Is Thy Faithfulness–VT 419

Children and Youth Conversation–Joanna Harader

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

Scripture Reading–Amos 5:21-24, Mark 2:1-12–Carol Peters

Sermon–Walking Home Together–Jeff Koller

*Hymn–Bless the Arms That Comfort–VT 527

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–Heart with Loving Heart United–VT 813
Those with June birthdays are invited to come to the front during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.

*Benediction

Postlude–Tuba Tune in D Major–(C.S. Lang)–Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Francis Toews

Jeff Koller serves Mennonite Disaster Service as Regional Board Chair for MDS Region 3. Jeff is responsible for disaster response and recovery efforts in the fourteen-state region bounded on the east by the Mississippi River and on the west by the Rocky Mountains. He also serves on the MDS National Board of Directors.
Jeff and his wife Becky live on a farm near Elyria KS and have two adult children and four grandchildren. Jeff is active in leadership roles in his home church, and in the wider church conference.

The Week at BCMC: June 29-July 6, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with Jeff Koller, retired Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Region 3 Operations Coordinator
LiveStream Link: https://youtube.com/live/d15Fo5nuJBE?feature=share

Monday, June 30
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Newton Community Theater rehearsal in Fellowship Hall
Friday, July 4—Independence Day—Church will be locked; office will be closed
Saturday, July 5
2 p.m. Memorial Service for Myron Voran in the Sanctuary
Sunday, July 6, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with sermon by Joanna Harader

Hymns Sunday morning were requested by the following:
· Great Is Thy Faithfulness “Because . . . “ —Di Suderman
· Heart with Loving Heart United “I served on the Integration Committee from 1995-1999 representing the General Conference Mennonite Church. There were four GC, four MC members plus three staff members of three bodies (GCMC, MC, and Conference of Mennonites in Canada) which met three times a year to strategize integrating the three bodies. Staff members were Vern Preheim (GCMC), Jim Lapp (MC), Helmut Harder (CMC)–all three extraordinary singers. Every meeting ended with the committee standing and singing ‘Heart with Loving Heart United’ with gusto. While this committee was hard work and rewarding at other times, I remember feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence as we concluded each intense meeting and returned to our homes in Canada and the United States.” —Dorothy Nickel Friesen
· Will You Let Me Be Your Servant “When John Murray became pastor at Hesston Mennonite years ago, at his installation service we sang ‘Will you let me be your servant’ responsively. I found it moving. Could we sing it responsively between the north and south sides of the audience?” — Carol Peters

Pastor Joanna Harader will be out of the office July 7-12 attending the Mennonite Church USA Convention (MennoCon) in Greensboro, NC.

We have several people who are willing to provide transportation to medical appointments for those who need it. If you need a ride to a medical appointment, please contact the church office or our congregational care pastor, Elizabeth Schmidt, to be connected to one of these wonderful volunteers!

“Anabaptist World” adult Sunday School elective.   Join with others in the Chapel to read and discuss articles in the current edition of Anabaptist World. No subscription or preparation necessary. Everyone welcome!

Send some camp mail!
Summer camping season is in full swing! As a congregation we are fortunate we will have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
June 29-July 4 Faith Burch, Brett Gaeddert, and Jude Oswald @ Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert,
Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah
Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!

The church board is pleased to announce that we have formed a search committee! Megan Leary will serve as chair. Additional committee members are Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.

Upcoming Memorial Services in the BCMC Sanctuary:
· July 5, 2 p.m.              Myron Voran Memorial
· August 16, 11 a.m.    Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m. Keith Rhoades Memorial

BCMC will be putting together Mennonite Central Committee school kits in August. If you would like to donate money for this special project, place your donations in the designated fish bowls at the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to “BCMC” with “school kits” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted through July and into August.

BCMC Offering for June 22: General $3,354; Plant Fund $500; Kitchen Fund $11; Merrill Raber Mem. $100.

Care Connections, sponsored by Deacon Commission, offers a variety of opportunities for extending care.  Do you enjoy conversation? In-person visiting? Visiting by phone? Writing caring messages in cards, email or text? Preparing food or care packages? Delivering food or care packages? Individualized creative care possibilities? To learn more, express interest, or share ideas, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.

BCMC Library Announcements:
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.
NEED SOMETHING TO READ THIS SUMMER? Visit the BCMC library to check out a book from the display of books most checked out by BCMC readers. ALSO, ask to see our wish list. Perhaps you own and have already read a book on the list. We appreciate donations. And, one last request. If you have the book, King by Jonathan Eig, please leave a note on our desk or return it. Somehow, how computer did not properly check it out.

Mennonite Central Committee Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27: How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by Aug. 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp.

The Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas and Prairie View Behavioral Health will co-host a community mental health town hall at 5:30 p.m. Mon., June 30, at 1901 E. 1st St., Newton. The event will bring together local and state mental health leaders, community partners and members of the public for an evening of conversation and connection. Attendees will learn about emerging trends in behavioral health care and how community mental health centers are evolving to meet the needs of Kansans. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. No registration is required.

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza Fri., July 4, at 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The evening includes fun for the whole family with games, giveaways, food and fireworks. Arrival may begin at 8 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream bars will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the Health Care Benevolent Fund. Fireworks will begin at sundown, approximately 9:45 p.m.

Colorado peaches are coming to Mennonite Central Committee: Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for order and purchase until July 30. Two sizes are available: 9 lb. for $30 and 18 lb. for $42. Orders can be placed by emailing patsydirksen@mcc.org or by calling MCC, 316.283.2720. Payment in the form of cash or check is due by July 30. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line and mail to: MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117 or dropped off at the MCC at 121 East 30th, North Newton. Peaches will be ready for pick-up on Mon., Aug. 18 at the MCC warehouse. Beth-El Mennonite Church sells peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale in October.

Sat., July 5: Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.

Sat., July 19: The first-ever group to win the national talent competition “The Voice” is three Mennonite siblings from Pettisville, OH. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty, “Girl Named Tom”, will give a free concert at Bethel College, with opening act “The Flannelbacks”. Plan now to attend!

Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration is open. 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!

Mennonite Central Committee is looking for anyone traveling between North Newton and Dallas or all the way to South Texas between now and mid-August. We have kits in Kansas that need to get to Texas, and it would be great to utilize vehicles that are already going that direction to save resources. If you can help MCC, please contact Brocia Mueller at brociamueller@mcc.org or call Brocia at 316.836.5054.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here

Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! The summer 2025 issue of Intersections, organized around the theme of “Churches Reaching Out in Mission,” is now on the Mennonite Central Committee website. See here. Authors reflect on how churches in Canada, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, and the United States understand their relief, development, and peacebuilding efforts as part of the church reaching out beyond itself to join the mission of God’s reconciling Spirit in the world.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions you might have about Intersections!
Warm regards,
Alain Epp Weaver

From Mennonite Church USA
Visit the MC USA Follow Jesus ’25 Congregation Kit for ways to help share convention details with your church! The kit includes easily shareable logos, social media posts and other materials to make keeping your congregation up to date a breeze. Learn more here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/follow-jesus-25-press-kit/

Watch the second of two MC USA Women in Leadership webinars, discussing the upcoming Women’s Summit, July 8, a transformative one-day event immediately preceding the Follow Jesus ‘25 national convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. View it here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/women25

Seminars during Follow Jesus 25 exist to transform us as youth, adults and communities of MC USA into Christ-shaped vessels to serve both church and world. The seminars are typically 60 minutes in length and cover a variety of categories. The list of available seminars during Follow Jesus 25 can be found here: mennoniteusa.org/fj25-seminars

Menno Snapshots

For spiritual director Ruth Johnston, who is ordained for ministry in MC USA, contemplation is easier than action. In this blog post, she shares how her friend and spiritual director helped her put her contemplative writing into action. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/weakness-into-strength

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Church of Christ in Thailand District 20 Hmong, which is an organization that facilitates ministry among Hmong communities around the world. Pray for the leaders and lay people as they witness to Jesus’ love, wherever they find themselves.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations, members and friends whose generous financial support makes it possible to carry out WDC’s mission of empowering 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.

2025 06 22 worship service and announcements

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 22, 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/yJRmvZevqto?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 22, 2025
Second Sunday after Pentecost

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Manz)–Karen Unruh, organ
Welcome–Jim Robb

*Hymn–We Long to Know Her–VT 44

Children and Youth Conversation–Kathy Stucky

Worship Music–Collin and Brett Gaeddert

Scripture Reading–Psalm 42:1-5; I Kings 19:11-13–Crystal Gaeddert

*Hymn–Lord, You Sometimes Speak–VT 537

Sermon–What are you doing here?–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Here I Am, Lord–VT 545

Prayers of God’s People–Jim Robb

*Hymn–Move in Our Midst–VT 827

*Benediction

Postlude–Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (Weber)–Karen Unruh

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

Here I Am, Lord “The words and music of this beautiful hymn are fun and easy to sing and tell the story of a loving God who asks for our help in restoring the human condition. The words are based on Isaiah 6:8 and Samuel 3:4. This hymn was written by Daniel Schutte, a Catholic Jesuit priest who introduced guitar/folk music that revolutionized the sound of Catholic worship music.
—Vern Goering

BCMC Offering for June 1: General $1,785; Plant Fund $50.
For June 8: General $26,056; Caring Fund $450; Kitchen Fund $15.96; Solar Fund $1,550.
For June 15: General $19,987; Kitchen Fund $10; Women’s Fellowship $30; Solar Fund $500; Helen Bargen Mem. $50.

The Week at BCMC: June 22-29, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m.
LiveStream Link: https://youtube.com/live/yJRmvZevqto?feature=share

2-4 p.m. Pride Popsicles in the Park, Athletic Park
June is Pride Month! You are invited to Pride Popsicles in the Park on Sunday, June 22, from 2-4 p.m. at Athletic Park. The BCMC Witness Commission is helping to provide popsicles for this event.

2-6 p.m. Newton Community Theater rehearsal in Fellowship Hall

Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Newton Community Theater rehearsals in Fellowship Hall
Monday, June 23
11 a.m. Memorial service in the BCMC Chapel for Erwin Loeffler
Tuesday, June 24
9 a.m. Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Room 14
Sunday, June 29, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with Jeff Koller, retired Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Region 3 Operations Coordinator

Send some camp mail!
Summer camping season is in full swing! As a congregation we are fortunate we will have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
June 29-July 4
Brett Gaeddert and Jude Oswald @ Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65,
Murdock, KS 67111
July 27-August 1
Abram Wall, Mabel Wall, Maisie Brubacher, and Collin Gaeddert
@ Camp Mennoscah
Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!

Sympathy Notices:

We offer sympathy to the family of Marion Deckert. Please pray for Marion’s sister, Alison (Deckert), and husband Harvey Hiebert, son Alan and wife Ulla of Germany, daughter Alice and husband Michael McGrath of Pennsylvania, and their families. Marion died June 6 at Kidron Bethel Village. The memorial service will be Aug. 16, 11 a.m. at BCMC.

We extend sympathy to the family of Keith Rhoades, son Marc and family of Florida, son Eric and family of Maryland, and daughter Stacey of Utah, and the extended family. Keith died in Maryland on Sat., June 7. The memorial service is planned for Aug. 30, 11 a.m. at BCMC.

Please remember in your prayers the family of Keith Woolery as they continue to grieve his death. Keith died June 8 in Texas. Remember his wife Donna of Denton, Texas; son Jesse and family of Ponder, Texas; and daughter Danielle of Sanger, Texas, and extended family. The funeral service was at BCMC on Saturday, June 14.

We offer sympathy to the family of Myron Voran. Myron died June 12 at Presbyterian Manor, Newton. Please remember in prayer Myron’s wife Mildred, his sister Florine Eitzen, and brother-in-law Marles Preheim. Also Myron and Mildred’s children Barb Voran, Jeanette and George Leary, Brent and Cora Voran; grandchildren Megan Leary, Kevin and Naomi Leary, Rachel and Graham Unruh, Paul and Sarah Voran; and great grand-children Owen and Ivy Unruh, and Maggie and Silas Leary. The memorial service for Myron will be Saturday, July 5, 2 p.m. at BCMC.

We extend sympathy to the family of Dorothy Unruh: daughter LaDonna (Eugene) Voth of Newton, KS, and their children Aneka and Josef; son
Rodney (Sherry) Unruh and family; and daughter Terry Arthur and family. Dorothy passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 103. The family will have a private inurnment service at a later date.

Care Connections, sponsored by Deacon Commission, offers a variety of opportunities for extending care. Do you enjoy conversation? In-person visiting? Visiting by phone? Writing caring messages in cards, email or text? Preparing food or care packages? Delivering food or care packages? Individualized creative care possibilities? To learn more, express interest, or share ideas, please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care.

BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.

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.

NEED SOMETHING TO READ THIS SUMMER? Visit the BCMC library to check out a book from the display of books most checked out by BCMC readers. ALSO, ask to see our wish list. Perhaps you own and have already read a book on the list. We appreciate donations. And, one last request. If you have the book, King by Jonathan Eig, please leave a note on our desk or return it. Somehow, how computer did not properly check it out.

Western District Conference Assembly will be held August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Would you consider being a delegate for Bethel College Mennonite? Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews)

For the Western District Conference Assembly:
Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS August 8-9, 2025. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/

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

It’s a Party! Announcing Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference 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 July 12 at 11 a.m. for a special virtual author visit from Aimee Reid and August 9 as a part of WDC Annual Assembly. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.

Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration is open. 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!

Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza Fri., July 4, at 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The evening includes fun for the whole family with games, giveaways, food and fireworks. Arrival may begin at 8 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream bars will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the Health Care Benevolent Fund. Fireworks will begin at sundown, approximately 9:45 p.m.

For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Women USA “Women’s Voices” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Church Resources” (Service opporunities) press here
For Kansas Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) Newsletter press here
For Mennonite World Conference information press here
For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” Press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah needs a nurse for July 27-Aug. 1 (Senior High camp) and a music leader for June 22-26 and July 20-24. 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 with questions or to claim a week. Have other skills? Camp has other needs, too–maintenance, custodial, musician/guitarist.

Summer Camp registration is still open! We’re taking “Another Way” and finding transformation in Jesus’ way of living. Summer camps are open for those going into grades 3-12. Register here! (https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com/) Come build your house on the rock and play in the sand!

Camp T-shirt comforter being raffled off (and another one sold)! Throughout the summer you can purchase raffle tickets at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/camp-mennoscah-t-shirt-comforter-raffle (1 ticket for $5, 5 tickets for $20). Pictures of the quilt (front and back) are attached. The raffle ends after summer youth camps (August 3). If you want to be guaranteed you get a Camp Mennoscah tee shirt comforter, raffle or not, one is also being sold for the flat price of $500 (the amount that the past two comforters sold have raised in silent auctions). Contact us at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

There are two 20 amp RV hookups and two 30 amp RV hookups available in the south (boys) cabin area on a pole of the gazebo. The hookups/outlets are not spread out. Please communicate with others in your group, if there may be high demand for RV hookups. Camp Mennoscah only has electrical hookups.

From Mennonite Central Committee U.S. National Peace and Justice Ministries

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,
They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. (Micah 4:3)How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. This MCC Peace Camp will work on building a deeper understanding of trauma healing, restorative justice, identity and power, among other topics that impact our communities. We will explore these ideas from a Jesus-centered lens and consider how they can be applied in our world to build God’s Kingdom here on Earth. All learning will be collective and participatory, building off the experiences and insight that each participant brings to the camp.

When: September 21-27, 2025
Where: Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Divide, Colorado
Who: Young adults ages 18-30
How: Register here by August 31
Registration Fee: $250.00 guarantees your spot at the campView and download the flyer.MCC 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 $250 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!We hope you will join us!
Warmest regards,
Nathan Toews
Peace Education Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
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

The Church Planting Grant nurtures MC USA-affiliated missional peace churches. New church plants — churches that are less than three years old — can apply for the $5,000 grant each year from May 1 to July 31. Learn more and apply here: mennoniteusa.org/thrive-grant

Menno Snapshots

As part of the ongoing Learn, Pray, Join: Undoing Patriarchy series, Linda Gehman Peachey, a member of Blossom Hill Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, looks at how women, as well as other marginalized peoples and the broader society, are oppressed by the existence of patriarchy. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/painful-legacy

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Rev. Bercie Mundedi, director of the Kalonda Bible Institute, who is beginning a two year study program that will allow her to complete her university degree. Pray for Rev. Mundedi’s health and family during this time. Pray also for the Bible Institute as it continues to train Mennonite pastors in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for delegates, youth groups and other members of WDC who are preparing to attend Mennonite Church USA convention next month!