Category Archives: Announcements

Worship service and announcements for October 5, 2025

A reminder that this Sunday, October 5, 2025 is Fall Fest Sunday. The worship service will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school, but, there will be cake in the Gathering Place after the service.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 5, 2025–FALL FEST 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 for Sunday, October 5:

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/tqJbHX9mOZo?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 5, 2025–Fall Fest Sunday

Prelude—Symphony of Spirituals (arr. Joel Raney)—Christina Liu, piano; Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment— Dale Schrag

Centering Music—Cantate Domino (Monteverdi)—Chamber Singers; director Russell Adrian
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing and give praise to the name of the Lord.
For the Lord has done marvelous deeds
Sing and exult and praise with the harp and voice.

Call to Worship—Psalm 96—Dale Schrag
Leader: O sing to the LORD a new song;
    sing to the LORD, all the earth.
People: Sing to the LORD; bless the holy name;
    tell of God’s salvation from day to day.
Leader: Declare God’s glory among the nations
   and marvelous works among all the peoples.
People: For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
The Holy One is to be revered above all gods.
All: Worship the LORD in holy splendor;
     tremble before God, all the earth.

*Hymn Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing— VT 7

Children and Youth Conversation—Naomi Krause and Barb Koontz

Worship Music—When the Morning Stars Together (Ferguson)—Bethel College Concert Choir
Congregation joins for verses 2 and 4

Sing Me UP to Heaven (arr. Christopher)—Woven

Scripture Reading— Matthew 13:31-33, 44-48—William Eash

*Hymn Be Thou My Vision—VT 549
(Melody only on last verse)

Sermon The Kin(g)dom of God is Like . . . What!?—Joanna Harader

Worship Music—Spirit (Harbor—Concert Choir
It Is Well With My Soul (arr. Harrington) Open Road

Prayers of God’s People—Dale Schrag

*Hymn—Praise God—VT 70

*Benediction
Postlude–Prelude in G Maj (BWV 550) (JS Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
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.

The Week at BCMC: October 5—12, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Worship 10 a.m.
Live-Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/tqJbHX9mOZo?feature=share

Wednesday, October 8, 2025—Messy Church
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café— Bethel College campus
6—7:30 p.m.  Messy Church—Fellowship Hall
We will gather at 6 p.m. to share a meal and a time of all-age, interactive worship. The menu for this Wednesday is “Stone Soup” (chicken and vegetables)/ bread/ peach cobbler. Please bring your own tableware to assist in the cleanup. Be sure to bring a bowl for the soup.

Messy Church
Our next Messy Church gathering is this Wednesday, October 8, at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited for supper and a time of interactive worship for all ages. What is the reign of heaven like? And which table team will win this month’s challenge? Join us Wednesday to find out!
The menu for Wednesday, October 8 is:  “Stone Soup” (chicken and vegetables)/ bread/ peach cobbler.  Please bring your own tableware to assist in the cleanup. Be sure to bring a bowl for the soup.

7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, October 9, 2025
7 p.m.        Church Board—Room 14
Sunday, October 12, 2025—Immigration Sabbath
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader, communion will be served; music by Chancel Bells
3 p.m.       Pet Blessing in the Church Playground

Our next Messy Church gathering is this Wednesday, October 8, at 6 p.m.
Everyone is invited for supper and a time of interactive worship for all ages. What is the reign of heaven like? And which table team will win this month’s challenge? Join us Wednesday to find out!

Bring your pets to the church playground for a pet blessing on Sunday, October 12, at 3 p.m.! This event is a special request from one of our younger community members and will be a fun time to gather, appreciate our animal companions, and give thanks for God’s creation. All animals (that do not pose a danger to people or other animals) are invited to come with their people to receive a blessing.   You are also welcome to bring a picture of your pet or one of their toys.

BCMC Offering for September 28: General $2,585; Plant Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $14; Ilene Schmidt Mem. $25.

Conscientious Objection – Christian Peacemaker Registration Form
During September we had three Sunday School sessions focused on conscientious objection. Most of the resources that were shared in that class are available on this web page. We encourage all young adults (aged 16-25) to fill out and file the “Christian Peacemaker Registration Form” that is available on that page. Pastors Nathan and Joanna are happy to answer any questions and the church office can provide stamps, envelopes, and copies as needed.

Mennonite Action is coming to Newton on Friday, October 10^th @ 5:45 p.m. as part of their national To Build Our Courage tour! This training will be held at New Creation Fellowship Church and offer skills in noncooperation, grassroots organizing, and mutual aid, along with time for worship in prayer, song, and sharing a meal together. Join us as we continue to organize against ICE and for an end to the genocide in Gaza; join us as we seek courage, inspiration, and deeper commitment to peace and justice

Here is the sign up link: https://www.mennoniteaction.org/tour

Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Oct. 5: Last chance to see the 2025 Fall Festival play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Ticket purchase required, online https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/#tickets) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Thurs., Oct. 9: Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, Chris Miertschin, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., Oct. 12: As part of the annual KIPCOR Film Series, the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Bethel College and Peace Connections are co-sponsoring a screening of the documentary Join or Die, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Based on the book Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam (Simon & Schuster, 2000); followed by a mini-fair of local nonprofits and community organizations
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center: “Made for you by a professional seamstress,” fiber art by Karen Reimer, through Oct. 27. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATES [please note change from some previously printed calendars]: Oct. 19-20, Dr. Kat Hill will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures.
· Registration is now open for Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, “Preaching Good News in a Troubled World,” Nov. 2-4 on the Bethel campus. There is no fee, but registration is needed to get accurate numbers. Go to https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/worship-and-the-arts-symposium/ and click the “Registration” button. The focus of the 2025 symposium is homiletics, with Dr. Luke Powery from Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C. Of particular interest to pastors but open to everyone is a preaching masterclass from 9 a.m.-noon on Tues., Nov. 4. The featured visual artist is Merrill Krabill, Goshen, IN, a former professor at Bethel and now retired from teaching at Goshen College. Use the link above to see a complete schedule.

Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: October 8
9:30 a.m. “Peace Work in Chicago,” Mark Frey, finance manager/administrative coordinator, Community Peacemaker Teams, Chicago
10:50 a.m. “Indigenous Residential Schools in Canada,” Dr. Trent Voth,
Bethel College assistant professor of Bible and Religion

Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning is Nov. 5, 6, & 7
Sign up to be one of the volunteers at the mobile meat cannery in North Newton on November 5, 6 or 7 at https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2025
If you wish to make a monetary contribution please write your checks to “MCC Central States” with “Newton Area Meat Canning” in the memo line.

The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Music provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. Cost is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.

The Goessel Arts Fund Committee is hosting an Arts Soirée on Sun., Oct. 19, 2-5 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church north of Newton. There will be an art show in the hospitality hall that will feature local and regional artists. A concert at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary will include performances by the Salina Symphony Brass Quintet, Holly Swartzendruber (soprano), and a piano duo extravaganza that will feature Goessel area pianists Russell Adrian, Marcia Brubaker, Jason and Renae Peters, and Karen Unruh performing works for 4-10 hands! Following the concert at 4 p.m. refreshments will be served in the hospitality hall. Plan now to attend this free event! (The Goessel Arts Fund Committee is a subsidiary of the Goessel Community Foundation)

FREE Authors Speaking Series will be Oct. 13 starting at 10 a.m. in Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Dr. Two speakers will discuss the published books they have written. Both are amazing stories based on their lives. They will share those stories with a question-and-answer session following.
· Mon., Oct. 13: Justina Neufeld will discuss her book, “A Family Torn Apart”, about her escape from Ukraine in her youth after WWII.
   Wilma Loganbill will discuss her book, “A Very Fortunate Woman”, about
   the tragedy of losing her husband and son and how God gives us the strength
   to go through what we could never survive on our own.
· Mon., Nov. 10: Lauren Friesen, discusses his two new books coming out in October, “The Anabaptists: a Comedy in Two Acts” and “Acting Up: An Anthology of Mennonite Playwrights” Lauren has spoken around the globe, has awards from the Kennedy Center, and many other awards and degrees.
   Janice Pauls will discuss her children’s book “Dandelions are Beautiful”

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Dam will be taken out Oct. 5, 2 p.m. Meet at the shelter area. Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for the youngest ages due to the weight of the boards, but spectators of all ages are most welcome! Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s fun for both those helping and those watching!
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, Oct. 10-12, is open. Activities and lodging will be in the dining hall and bunkhouses. Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is at Hope Mennonite Church, 868 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A silent auction for a few items will take place.
· Volunteers are needed for grounds work. This could be mowing, trail maintenance, string trimming, poison ivy and sticker plant control, or likely any number of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290 to discuss opportunities!

Calling All Helpers! The retreat center at Camp Mennoscah has provided many folks with the opportunity to participate in a multitude of camp activities and we are looking to jump start the renovation project with new management, fresh volunteers, and renewed financial assistance. To complete the project, we need your help whether you have construction skills or not! We’d like to create a list of people who we can email for specific work day projects as they come up. Please call or text Tom Gaeddert at 316-288-7766 with your name and email address if you are willing to help and we will send out info for projects a week or two in advance of work to be done. Donations are also greatly appreciated and can be sent directly to camp designated for “Retreat Center”. Thanks for your help!

For Mennonite Women USA “Women’s Voices” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond Press here
From Mennonite Mission Network–Live your faith through action!
Join Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) for a transformative one-year volunteer experience for ages 20+ starting August 2026, with an option to extend your placement. Serve with organizations addressing critical community needs, like health, education and immigration. By living with peers in a unit house and growing with a local faith community, MVSers join in a global movement for peace and a more just world. Ready to make a difference? MennoniteMission.net/MVS

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here

Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
Menno Snapshots
“Conflict happens … but it doesn’t have to be destructive and can, in fact, be a catalyst for growth, healing and deeper faith,” writes Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA denominational minister for Peace and Justice, in her Menno Snapshots blog. Read it and find resources for addressing conflict here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/conflict-transformation

Upcoming Event
Eastern Mennonite Seminary and MC USA are hosting an on-location training event at Village Church, Beaverton, Oregon, November 6-8, titled “Practicing Conflict Transformation in Community.” This interactive workshop provides conflict resolution tools and restorative practices for community leaders, educators, faith leaders or anyone striving for healthier relationships. Facilitators include MC USA’s Sue Park Hur, director of Racial/Ethnic Engagement, and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace & Justice. Learn more and register here: https://emu.edu/seminary/shalom/conflict-transformation

Upcoming Event
Wondering what’s ahead for your health coverage in 2026? Join MC USA for an interactive Zoom meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET to explore upcoming changes in the health coverage market and what they could mean for your premiums. The second half will feature a Q&A time about The Corinthian Plan. Register here: https://bit.ly/TCP2026 Download a slide/pdf here:http://bit.ly/4pz6O7E

Employment Opportunity: Mennonite Church USA is seeking an Executive Director for The Corinthian Plan to lead, manage, and grow The Corinthian Plan, the health coverage plan sponsored by MC USA covering pastors and other church workers, according to the strategic direction of the Church Benefits Board and consistent with MC USA vision. Pastoral/leadership experience is preferred. Must have strong writing and communication skills and the ability to creatively adapt to a changing industry and church environment. FTE: 1; Location: Dispersed. MC USA is committed to diversity among staff and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply. To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call (574)523-3027. The application deadline is November 1, 2025. View the job description here: http://bit.ly/4o4Mda3

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service units bring closure to their five-day retreat, hosted by the Alamosa Colorado unit in Colorado. Pray that participants will return to their units renewed by this time of worship, mutual encouragement, learning and fun.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the rich variety of study materials available in the WDC Resource Library, and pray for WDC congregations hosting Bible studies and book discussions to strengthen Anabaptist witness and courageous faith as followers of Jesus in today’s world.

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 September 28, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 28 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 for Sunday, September 28:

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/gJ0wwBSNeAo?feature=share

The order of service for Sunday appears below – after the Pastoral Search Committee announcement.

But First–If you have not filled in the pastoral search committee survey, please do it now.
The pastoral search committee is asking members of the congregation to fill out this survey on what priorities we are looking for in an associate pastor to join the pastoral team of Joanna and Nathan. Please fill it out by September 28.

This survey is designed to identify the perceived needs/priorities of the congregation and the priorities and vision of pastoral candidates. It is an initial screen that helps identify general agreement between what the church is seeking and the priorities a pastor has for their ministry. It can also serve as a useful discussion guide between a pastoral candidate and a search committee/congregation.

If you would like to see all the statements at the same time before filling out the survey form, the attached document has all 24 statements.

Focus on what your perceived needs and expectations are for the pastor you are seeking to hire and how they may use their time and energy. Remember, no pastor can do everything! Here’s the link to the survey – https://forms.gle/BxKTcaisDo4FDEAV6

Thank you!
BCMC Pastoral Search Committee

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 28, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome—Mary Ellen Hodge

*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1

Children and Youth Conversation—Elizabeth Schmidt

Worship Music—Holly Swartzendruber and Lucy Burch

Scripture Reading—Matthew 9:16-26—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—Healer of Our Every Ill—VT 644

Sermon—Joanna Harader

Prayers of God’s People—Mary Ellen Hodge

Special Music—God, Be the Love—BCMC Ensemble

Litany of Release and Blessing for Elizabeth Schmidt—Kathy Neufeld Dunn
with BCMC leaders

*Hymn—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832
Those with September birthdays are welcome to come forward during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.

*Benediction

Postlude

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Litany of Release and Blessing for Elizabeth Schmidt:

Congregational Moderator: Today we give thanks to Elizabeth for answering the call to serve Bethel College Mennonite Church in congregational care in a time of transition, and for becoming credentialed for specific ministry through Western District Conference/Mennonite Church USA.

Congregation: All praise be to our God. In God there is one Body, one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us all.

Elizabeth: Surely the Spirit has been with me and equipped me to minister in many shared moments of sorrow and joy, and it has been a deep privilege to serve. I treasure the gifts of precious stories and liminal threshold moments during these years together. I will always hold this congregation in my heart.

Nathan: God has blessed this congregation richly through your ministry of visitation, pastoral care, and spirit-filled presence.

Joanna: God has blessed us as a pastoral team richly through your kindness, open-heartedness, and compassion.

Congregation: We give thanks for your caring presence among us.

Conference Minister: Do you, the people of Bethel College Mennonite Church, bless Elizabeth as she enters retirement, and release her from pastoral responsibilities and relationships?

Congregation: With the help of God, we do. We give thanks for Elizabeth’s service and now release her from pastoral responsibilities and relationships. We ask God’s blessing on her retirement.

Conference Minister: Elizabeth, do you release the congregation from seeking your service as part of the pastoral team at BCMC?

Elizabeth: With the help of God, I do. When we meet again in the future, I will no longer be a pastor on the pastoral team. I look forward to returning after a time away to join you again as a congregant, at a time “unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”

Conference Minister: Elizabeth, may God bless you on your retirement, and bless the rest and change of pace that you seek. May God continue blessing and guiding this vibrant congregation in its hopeful future of kindom work as it seeks to meet the new pastor that God is preparing to join the pastoral team. May God bless and guide each of us in the new relationships that we now will share.

Congregation: God, who is Alpha and Omega, we thank you for your faithfulness in all our beginnings and endings, and for the companions you provide for us on the journey. Amen.

(the last line is from Voices Together 962)

The Week at BCMC: September 28—October 5, 2025
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Worship 9:30 a.m.   Worship
Live-Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/gJ0wwBSNeAo?feature=share

A farewell reception for Elizabeth will be held in the Fellowship Hall today, Sept. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Monday, September 29, 2025
10 a.m.        Library Committee—Room 14
4 p.m.          Meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café— Bethel College campus
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, October 2, 2025
4 p.m.        Staff Congregation Relations Committee—Room 14
Saturday, October 4, 2025
10 a.m. Miroslav Volf, “Striving for Superiority and Striving for Excellence,” at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Volf, a Croatian Protestant theologian, is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology and director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture at Yale University. His latest book, The Cost of Ambition, examines why ambition is at odds with the Christian faith.
Sunday, October 5, 2025—Fall Fest Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by the Bethel College Chancel Choir

BCMC Offering for September 21: General $5,410; Sr Hi Youth $2,554; Kitchen Fund $30; Women’s Fellowship $250; Betty Schmidt Mem. $25; Ilene Schmidt Mem. $315; Marion Deckert Mem. $30; Doug Penner Mem. $50; Dorothy Unruh Mem. $100.

All young people aged 16-25 are encouraged to attend the final session on conscientious objection (c.o.). Meet at 10:45 in the chapel room.Sunday, September 28, participants will receive resources and support for creating their own c.o. file. Bethel College students can receive convocation credit for today’s session. Participants are invited to a pizza lunch hosted by the Agape Sunday School class after the session.

There is a new prayer app available for parents of children (birth through pre-teen) called Unbridled Prayers. The app provides a short prayer and optional activity for each day. You can find information to download the app at Unbridled Prayers.

Bring your pets to the church playground for a pet blessing on Sunday, October 12, at 3 p.m.! This event is a special request from one of our younger community members and will be a fun time to gather, appreciate our animal companions, and give thanks for God’s creation. All animals (that do not pose a danger to people or other animals) are invited to come with their people to receive a blessing.

The nursery has openings for one volunteer each Sunday in October. If you are interested in joining the list of volunteers who choose to spend a delightful and always interesting hour in the church nursery, please let Barb Voran or Margaret Toews (mctoews1@gmail.com) know. The process of training has been made very easy and we would love to have more names on our list!

The Western District Conference (WDC) Listening Process has highlighted common themes and concerns shared by congregations, inspiring ideas for helpful resources from WDC. WDC will periodically provide Affinity Group forums for interested congregational members and leaders to engage a particular topic together. For the first forum, the WDC Resource Commission will host a Voices Together mini webinar via zoom Sept. 30, 7-8:30 pm, 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 of this webinar will be worship resources and music that nurture all ages, including kids. Bring your questions about music and/or worship resources in Voices Together. There will be time to share some great ideas about how your congregation has used Voices Together to create worship. We hope to see you on Zoom, but the webinar will also be recorded and posted on the WDC website. Go to the WDC website to
register.

We want to inform you about two upcoming immigration justice advocacy training events that will be presented by Abraham Diaz Alonso, Immigration Program Coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee – Central States, who will be visiting in the Newton area Sept 27-30:

Sunday, September 28, 3-5 pm at First Church of the Brethren, 1103 North Jefferson Street, Wichita, KS: Active by-stander training and resources for rapid response if ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) comes to your church or community. Presented in English. (Hosted by First Church of the Brethren)

Monday, September 29, 6-9 pm at MCC-Central States, 121 E. 30th Street, North Newton, KS – Know Your Rights training, and resources for rapid response if ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) comes to your church or community. Presented in English with Spanish interpretation provided. Refreshments will be served. (Co-Hosted by MCC-Central States and Western District Conference.)
For more information or to arrange for a separate meeting with Abraham Díaz Alonso while he is in Kansas, contact him at abrahamdiazalonso@mcc.org

Bethel College Announcements—All events free and open to the public
· Tues., Sept. 30: Come enjoy the 2nd annual Fall Fest parade, 6 p.m., North Main (starting at stadium parking lot) to 24th, 24th to residence halls driveway, North Newton
· Thurs., Oct. 2:  Bethel College Jazz, 6 p.m. on the Main & Broadway stage at Taste of Newton, downtown Newton
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Sept 29- Oct. 5, with most activities Sat., Oct. 4, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, soccer (vs. Sterling), softball (vs. Dodge City CC), football (vs. Sterling), a hymn festival, the Fall Fest play, and a ribbon cutting for the new Wellness Center. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Fri., Oct. 3: “Made for you by a professional seamstress,” fiber art by Karen Reimer, opens in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center with the exhibit reception also Fri., Oct. 3, 6-8 p.m., in the gallery, as part of Fall Fest. The exhibit is open through Oct. 27. Regular hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. (extended hours: Sat., Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
· Fri., Oct. 3, 7 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 4, 3 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 5, 2 p.m.: The Bethel College theater department presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; online (https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/#tickets); or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Dr., will host its annual Country Breakfast Sat., Oct. 4, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village, that assists residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
· Sat., Oct. 4: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 a.m. meet in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St.) Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail
· Sat., Oct. 4: Miroslav Volf, “Striving for Superiority and Striving for Excellence,” 10 a.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church. Volf, a Croatian Protestant theologian, is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology and director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture at Yale University. His latest book, The Cost of Ambition, examines why ambition is at odds with the Christian faith.
· Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m.: Fall Fest programs: Kauffman Museum auditorium: “The Organ Still Sings,” with Rosi Penner Kaufman and Donna Hetrick;
    1:30 p.m.“Revisiting the Voth-Unruh-Fast House: 150 Years of History,” with
    Kris Schmucker
· Thurs., Oct. 9: Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, Chris Miertschin, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center

QUILTERS CORNER IS HAVING A FALL SALE Fri., Oct. 3, from 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Mennonite Central Committee Central States Warehouse, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton. Come and shop ALL things quilting! SPECIAL ITEM FOR SALE: Husqvarna-Viking Designer Epic 1 sewing and embroidery machine with many, many accessories – $4,500. Contact person for this item is Charlotte Wenger: wengercd@gmail.com All proceeds support MCC work around the world for relief, development, and peace.

BETHEL COLLEGE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION is looking forward to Fall Festival, our biggest money-raising event. We will have our usual New Year’s cookies, borscht and zwiebach and pie by the slice all outside Luyken Fine Arts Center and Market-in-the-Round inside. We again welcome your donations of homemade peppernuts, whole fruit pies, poppyseed rolls, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, cookies, jams and jellies and other goodies. We’d love to have you donate your craft items as well! Please bring baked goods and craft donations to the Luyken Fine Arts Center Music Library between 1-5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 3, or 7-9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 4. If you have questions, contact us at bcwa@bethelks.edu. Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, click on the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall
This announcement is in the all church email.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, Oct. 10-12, is open. Activities and lodging will be in the dining hall and bunkhouses. Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is at Hope Mennonite Church, 868 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A silent auction for a few items will take place.
· The next tee shirt comforter will be (silent) auctioned off at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on Oct. 4. Also, tee shirts and souvenirs will be available.

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

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

From Mennonite World Conference press here

October 5
Live your faith through action! Join Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) for a transformative one-year volunteer experience for ages 20+ starting August 2026, with an option to extend your placement. Serve with organizations addressing critical community needs, like health, education and immigration. By living with peers in a unit house and growing with a local faith community, MVSers join in a global movement for peace and a more just world. Ready to make a difference? MennoniteMission.net/MVS

From Mennonite Church USA
Menno Snapshots

Emma Nord, a recent graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, spent July traveling Europe with the EMU Chamber Singers. The choir concluded their trip by performing with four other ensembles at Mennonite World Conference’s Anabaptism at 500 celebration in Zurich, Switzerland. Read about her experience in MC USA’s Menno Snapshots here: mennoniteusa.org/united-to-sing

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray that Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service participants in San Francisco, California — Bella Kephart, Keyan Krabill, Emmi Scott and Ana Esperanza Neufeld Weaver, who is continuing for a second year — will build good rhythms of life, as they learn to live as a household, adjust to their service assignments and integrate into their host congregation, First Mennonite Church of San Francisco.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the new and emerging faith communities at WDC, that God will guide their growth and bless their leaders with wisdom and vision. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Worship service and announcements for September 21, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 21, 2025–Peace 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.

Announcement for Saturday, September 20 2025
Climate Change Conference virtual meeting: The Witness Commission invites you to a virtual seminar on climate change, sponsored by Central Seminary and the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence in the KC metro area. The virtual meeting is Sat., Sept. 20, 9 to 11:45 a.m., and is free for online guests. The seminar focuses on faith responses to climate change. Join members of the Witness Commission in the chapel, Sept. 20, to hear the keynote speakers at this seminar.

To livestream the worship service for Sunday, September 21:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 21, 2025
Peace Sunday

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Thou True Vine That Heals the Nations–(arr. Raymond Haan)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome & Prayer–Heather Esau Zerger

*Hymn–Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing–VT 359

Children and Youth Conversation– Esther Kreider Eash

Worship Music– Children of the Heavenly Father (arr. Robert Scholz)
Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading–Matthew 5:33-48–Lauren Friesen

*Hymn–How Can We Worship Caesar’s Cross–VT 308

Sermon–Concerning Coercion–Nathan Koontz

*Hymn–Rain Down–VT 703

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–For the Healing of the Nations–VT 705

*Benediction

Postlude–Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing (arr. J. Wayne Kerr)

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

All young people aged 16-25 are encouraged to attend the final two sessions on conscientious objection (c.o.). Both sessions will meet at 10:45 in the chapel room. Sunday, September 21, we will learn about the history of conscientious objection and go on a field trip to see the new exhibit at the Kauffman Museum: “Voices of Conscience”. On September 28, participants will receive resources and support for creating their own c.o. file. Bethel College students can receive convocation credit for the September 28 session. On September 28, participants are invited to a pizza lunch hosted by the Agape Sunday School class.

The Week at BCMC: September 21—28, 2025
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Worship 9:30 a.m.   Worship
Livestream Link: https://youtube.com/live/IptX4PkotvE?feature=share

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
4 p.m.       Worship Commission—Room 14
Wednesday, September 24 , 2025
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café— Bethel College campus
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, September 25, 2025
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission—Room 14
Saturday, September 27, 2025
2-4 p.m.    Worship Learning Communities Workshop—Fellowship Hall
Sunday, September 28, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Holly Swartzendruber and Lucy Burch; Retirement Blessing for Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt
In February, Pastor Elizabeth let us know of her plans to retire this fall. Sept. 28 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.  A farewell reception for Elizabeth will be held in the Fellowship Hall Sept. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first Messy Church Wednesday, September 10! And a special thanks to those who helped with the meal. We talked about how God is mighty and powerful while also caring for us intimately and tenderly. The paper fish races were a highlight of the night. Congratulations to Rachel on her victory and to Mara as a close runner-up! Remember to pray for your prayer partners this month. Messy Church is the second Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30. We hope you can join us on October 8.

Worship is a central spiritual practice for us at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and we rely on many people within our church community to make it happen! The Worship Commission is hosting a worship participant workshop on Sat., Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. As a large group, we will briefly talk about BCMC worship and then break into smaller groups to offer input and support in particular areas. This is for everyone interested in worship leading, scripture reading, leading children /youth conversation, or being an usher or greeter–whether you have done it before or not. All are welcome!

We offer sympathy to the family of Lela Schmidt. Lela was a long-time and cherished helper in the Community Playschool which meets in the BCMC basement and she was a long-time BCMC member. Lela died Wed., Sept. 17 at Paramount, Newton.

Sunday, in the Catacombs Sunday school class, Room B5, Janet and Lauren Friesen are presenting an account with pictures of their recent trip to Poland . Guests are welcome.

The BCMC Pastoral Search Committee is asking you to fill out the survey about congregational and pastoral priorities found here – https://forms.gle/BxKTcaisDo4FDEAV6 – Please fill it out by September 28. See the email sent out about the survey for more details. If you would prefer paper copies of the survey, please contact the church office.

BCMC Offering for September 14: General $4,202; Bethel College $50; Wed. Night Supper $154; Sr Hi Youth $400; Kitchen Fund $14.

The 19th Annual United Way Chili Cook-Off is Sat., Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 6th & Main, Newton. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the gate and can be purchased from Community Playschool because Playschool is once again participating in the cook-off! Buy tickets from Community Playschool (meets Tuesdays and Thursdays in the BCMC basement from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.—come after Playschool is over—or contact director Jeanette Leary.) Come eat chili and have a wonderful time at the Chili Cook-Off!

Resources for addressing the Problem of Christian Nationalism

Drew Strait, Professor of New Testament and Public Faith at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, presented a seminar at our recent Western District Conference assembly on “Why Biblical Interpretation Matters for Challenging Christian Nationalism.” Dale Schrag shared briefly about this seminar at Sunday’s congregational meeting and has provided a link to a video of the seminar available online.
Joanna has posted a manuscript of Sunday’s sermon on Matthew 5:1-20. The sermon from August 31 also addresses Christian Nationalism.
This Sunday, September 21, the special Sunday School class on Conscientious Objection will take a field trip to the Kaufmann Museum to see the Voices of Conscience exhibit. Join us in the chapel at 10:45 Sunday morning, or take a trip to the museum on your own sometime soon!
From Western District Conference: “Christian nationalism threatens democracies and the church’s witness around the world. How do we challenge it?” Mennonite Church of the Servant in Wichita, KS invites folks to join a fall book study focusing on Drew Strait’s book, Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism. We will be meeting on zoom every Wednesday evening in October at 7pm. If you would like to join these sessions, email ltschlosser@yahoo.com and a zoom link will be sent to you at the end of September. We welcome everyone to be a part of this timely study and conversation! A limited number of copies of the book will be available through the WDC Resource Library. Contact Jennie Wintermote at crlib@mennowdc.org to reserve a copy.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, Oct. 10-12, is open. Activities and lodging will be in the dining hall and bunkhouses. Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is at Hope Mennonite Church, 868 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A silent auction for a few items will take place.
· The next tee shirt comforter will be (silent) auctioned off at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on Oct. 4. Also, tee shirts and souvenirs will be available.
· Volunteers are needed for grounds work like 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!

Mennonite Central Committee is hiring a Transformative Justice Program Coordinator to advance MCC Central States’s work on transformative and restorative justice, addressing mass incarceration, supporting justice-impacted people, and promoting change through education, capacity building, program development, and advocacy. This full-time position is offered in these locations: the MCC office in North Newton, or remotely in: Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Montana, Minnesota, New Mexico, or Oklahoma. View the full job description and apply online at mcc.org/cs-tjp-coordinator by October 17. Questions? Contact roxyreyes@mcc.org.

Thank you for taking part in this year’s Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge! Thanks to the work of people like you throughout the U.S. and Canada, we went well above our goal of 25,000 school kits for the 2025 challenge. Working together, you, your community and other devoted supporters packed 29,639 school kits! Each of the 29,639 school kits you shared will be a gift and treasure for a student dreaming of a bright future — and for the loved ones, teachers and community members dreaming alongside them. Thank you for being part of this year’s School Kit Challenge. We hope you’ll join us again next year!

Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: September 24
9:30 a.m. “Music Theater in the USA,” Dr. Doyle Preheim, Goshen, IN College professor emeritus of music, and Mary Jo Preheim, North Newton
10:50 a.m. “Birds of Kansas,” Bob Gress, photographer, naturalist and retired director of Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita, and Peter Janzen, writer and field birder, Wichita

QUILTERS CORNER IS HAVING A FALL SALE Fri., Oct. 3, from 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Mennonite Central Committee Central States Warehouse, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton. Come and shop ALL things quilting! SPECIAL ITEM FOR SALE: Husqvarna-Viking Designer Epic 1 sewing and embroidery machine with many, many accessories – $4,500. Contact person for this item is Charlotte Wenger: wengercd@gmail.com All proceeds support MCC work around the world for relief, development, and peace.

The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Music provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. Cost is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.

BETHEL COLLEGE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION is looking forward to Fall Festival, our biggest money-raising event. We will have our usual New Year’s cookies, borscht and zwiebach and pie by the slice all outside Luyken Fine Arts Center and Market-in-the-Round inside. We again welcome your donations of homemade peppernuts, whole fruit pies, poppyseed rolls, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, cookies, jams and jellies and other goodies. We’d love to have you donate your craft items as well! Please bring baked goods and craft donations to the Luyken Fine Arts Center Music Library between 1-5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 3, or 7-9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 4. If you have questions, contact us at bcwa@bethelks.edu. Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, click on the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall

Bethel College Announcements—All events free and open to the public
· Thurs., Sept. 25: Closing reception for Jordan Buschur and “Decororator,” 6-7 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 2-5, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 4, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football (Bethel vs. Southwestern), the play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, and a ribbon cutting for the new Wellness Center. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Fri., Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 4, 3:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 5, 2 p.m.: The Bethel College theater department presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang during Fall Festival, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Ticket purchase required, in Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Dr., will host its annual Country Breakfast Sat., Oct. 4, from 7 to 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs by donation. Proceeds benefit the Health Care Benevolent Fund, a ministry of Kidron Bethel Village, that assists residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
· Sat., Oct. 4: Miroslav Volf, “Striving for Superiority and Striving for Excellence,” 10 a.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church. Volf, a Croatian Protestant theologian, is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology and director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture at Yale University. His latest book, The Cost of Ambition, examines why ambition is at odds with the Christian faith.
· 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.”

On September 30, from 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm EDT, MCC will host a webinar to discuss the overlapping systems of immigrant detention and mass incarceration. Through guided panel conversation, speakers will consider the shared historical underpinnings, current manifestations, and spiritual ramifications of our approach to enforcement in the U.S. Join us to learn why solidarity with affected communities is important and how you can get involved to interrupt systems of harm!

Speakers: Kara Hartzler is a senior appellate attorney at the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. Prior to joining the Federal Defenders, she served as the Legal Director and Criminal Immigration Consultant at the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Arizona. She has written numerous books and articles on the intersection between criminal and immigration law; served as an adjunct immigration professor; litigated hundreds of immigration and criminal appeals before the Ninth Circuit; and testified in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Immigration on the detention and deportation of citizens and other due process violations in the immigration system. Felix Rosado is a co-founder of Let’s Circle Up a restorative justice project he helped build while fighting a death by incarceration sentence. In 2022, Felix narrowly escaped that fate via governor clemency after 27 years. While incarcerated, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and co-authored “Justice from the Inside Up: A Restorative Justice Education Facilitator’s Manual”. Felix currently serves as Healing Futures Program Manager at Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project, Philadelphia’s first youth restorative justice diversion program, and teaches restorative justice as an adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College and Community College of Philadelphia.

MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries
920 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, D.C. 20003

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.

For Mennonite Men Announcements press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network rejoices with members of the Bolivia Mennonite Church, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Pray for them as they set goals and plan for the future.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for leaders and participants in the Voices Together mini-webinar hosted by the WDC Resource Commission coming up on September 30, as they share ideas, resources and inspiration for meaningful worship and music (https://mennowdc.org/wdc-affinity-group-forums/).

Worship service and announcements for September 14, 2025

The memorial service for Douglas Penner is Saturday, September 13, 11 a.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. The livestream link is: https://youtube.com/live/Hy5SRxqRopQ?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 14, 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
  September 14, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting
     & lighting candles of gratitude and lament for the passing
     of Florine Eitzen– VT 773

Centering Music–How Can I Keep From Singing (Lowry/Moklebust)–Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

Welcome–VT 884
           Margaret Toews

*Hymn–All People That on Earth Do Dwell                    VT 5

Children and Youth Conversation–Carol Flickinger
Worship Music Selvaggio (Waugh)–Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading                            Matthew 5:1-2                     Joyce Holck
                      Matthew 5:3-12: VT 295 Congregation reads bold
                      Matthew 5:13-20 Joyce Holck

*Hymn                             Balaacoolwe (Blessed Are the Persecuted) VT 578

Sermon                           It’s Not What You Think             Joanna Harader

*Hymn                                        Beloved, God’s Chosen                            VT 164

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn                                       You Are Salt For the Earth               VT 297

*Benediction

Postlude                                     Siyahamba (Behnke)                        Chancel Bells

*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Verlene Garber   Audio-visual—Ken Lamp

The Week at BCMC: September 14—21, 2025
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Worship 9:30 a.m.   Worship
Live-stream link: https://youtube.com/live/9QbkDxGhb74?feature=share

10:45 a.m. Congregational meeting in the Sanctuary followed by lunch in Fellowship Hall served by the Senior High Youth Group

Monday, September 15, 2025
11 a.m.   Memorial Service for Ilene Schmidt in the Sanctuary
5:30 p.m. Indigenous Justice Task Group meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Comm.— Jeanette Stucky’s home
7 p.m.       Women’s Fellowship—Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café— Bethel College campus 1:30 p.m.   Care Connections meeting—Room 14
7:30 p.m.   Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, September 18, 2025
4 p.m.       Witness Commission—Room 14
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal—Room B7
7 p.m.        Bethel College Women’s Association—Fellowship Hall
Saturday, September 20, 2025
9 a.m.        Climate Change Conference Virtual Meeting—Chapel
10 a.m.      Memorial Service for Betty Schmidt at Kidron Bethel Village
Sunday, September 21, 2025—Peace Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Choir

Janet and Lauren Friesen are presenting an account with pictures of their recent trip to Poland to the Catacombs class on September 21. Room B5 – below the chapel. Guests are welcome.

Climate Change Conference virtual meeting: The Witness Commission invites you to a virtual seminar on climate change, sponsored by Central Seminary and the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence in the KC metro area. The virtual meeting is Sat., Sept. 20, 9 to 11:45 a.m., and is free for online guests. The seminar focuses on faith responses to climate change. Join members of the Witness Commission in the chapel, Sept. 20, to hear the keynote speakers at this seminar.

BCMC Offering for September 7: General $6,371; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $1,000; Kitchen Fund $14; Solar Fund $50.

Worship is a central spiritual practice for us at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and we rely on many people within our church community to make it happen! The Worship Commission is hosting a worship participant workshop on Sat., Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. As a large group, we will briefly talk about BCMC worship and then break into smaller groups to offer input and support in particular areas. This is for everyone interested in worship leading, scripture reading, leading children /youth conversation, or being an usher or greeter–whether you have done it before or not. All are welcome!

All young people aged 16-25 are encouraged to attend the final two sessions on conscientious objection (c.o.). Both sessions will meet at 10:45 in the chapel room. On Sunday, September 21, we will learn about the history of conscientious objection and go on a field trip to see the new exhibit at the Kauffman Museum: “Voices of Conscience”. On September 28, participants will receive resources and support for creating their own c.o. file. Bethel College students can receive convocation credit for the September 28 session. On September 28, participants are invited to a pizza lunch hosted by the Agape Sunday School class.

SAVE THE DATE. Women’s Fellowship (Men & everyone invited) will be Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The program will be by Monica, Marlin, & Ben Lichti, Suzy, Lucy, & Faith Burch about their Anniversary Trip to Paris.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· September 15, 11 a.m. Ilene Schmidt Memorial—BCMC
Live-stream link is:
https://youtube.com/live/knpaufWv81s?feature=share
· September 20, 10 a.m. Betty Schmidt Memorial—Kidron Hall

The Central Kansas Master Chorale, directed by Joel Garber, will present a Madrigal Festival, today, Sept. 14, 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main St., Hesston, with pianist Karen Unruh. Admission is free, donations encouraged. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.centralkansasmasterchorale.org.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first Messy Church this past Wednesday! And a special thanks to those who helped with the meal. We talked about how God is mighty and powerful while also caring for us intimately and tenderly. The paper fish races were a highlight of the night. Congratulations to Rachel on her victory and to Mara as a close runner-up! Remember to pray for your prayer partners this month. Messy Church is the second Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30. We hope you can join us on October 8.

In February, Pastor Elizabeth let us know of her plans to retire this fall. Sept. 28 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. A farewell reception for Elizabeth will be held in the Fellowship Hall Sept. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.
· 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 are working 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.

The staged-reading for Erasmus Among the Luminaries by Lauren Friesen will be on Sept. 16, Tuesday, 7 p.m., in Kidron Bethel Village’s Kidron Hall. The readers will have area mics but no lapel mics. The play is a fantasy about Erasmus meeting some of the great historical figures. The dialogue is serious although peppered with humor. Free admission.

Bethel College Announcements
· Tues., Sept. 16: Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, Kris Hilding, director, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Decororator,” works by Jordan Buschur, through Sept. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Oct. 2-5, with most activities taking place Sat., Oct. 4, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football (Bethel vs. Southwestern), the play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, and a ribbon cutting for the new Wellness Center. See https://www.bethelks.edu/fallfest/ for the complete schedule.
· Sat., Oct. 4: Miroslav Volf, “Striving for Superiority and Striving for Excellence,” 10 a.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church. Volf, a Croatian Protestant theologian, is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology and director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture at Yale University. His latest book, The Cost of Ambition, examines why ambition is at odds with the Christian faith.
· 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.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, Oct. 10-12, is open. Activities and lodging will be in the dining hall and bunkhouses. Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is at Hope Mennonite Church, 868 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A silent auction for a few items will take place.
· The next tee shirt comforter will be (silent) auctioned off at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on Oct. 4. Also, tee shirts and souvenirs will be available.
· Volunteers are needed for grounds work like 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!

Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: September 17
9:30 a.m. “Mechanical Restorations Benefit Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Sale,” Jerry Toews, retired band director and collector of early gas and steam engines, Goessel
10:50 a.m. “Mask of the Deer Woman,” Laurie L. Dove, Native American researcher, writer and novelist, Valley Center

QUILTERS CORNER IS HAVING A FALL SALE Fri., Oct. 3, from 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Mennonite Central Committee Central States Warehouse, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton. Come and shop ALL things quilting! SPECIAL ITEM FOR SALE: Husqvarna-Viking Designer Epic 1 sewing and embroidery machine with many, many accessories – $4,500. Contact person for this item is Charlotte Wenger: wengercd@gmail.com All proceeds support MCC work around the world for relief, development, and peace.

The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. The cost of the
banquet is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.

BETHEL COLLEGE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION is looking forward to Fall Festival, our biggest money-raising event. We will have our usual New Year’s cookies, borscht and zwiebach and pie by the slice all outside Luyken Fine Arts Center and Market-in-the-Round inside. We again welcome your donations of homemade peppernuts, whole fruit pies, poppyseed rolls, zwiebach, cinnamon rolls, cookies, jams and jellies and other goodies. We’d love to have you donate your craft items as well! Please bring baked goods and craft donations to the Luyken Fine Arts Center Music Library between 1-5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 3, or 7-9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 4. If you have questions, contact us at bcwa@bethelks.edu. Volunteers are needed as well to staff the booths. To sign up, click on the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA8A72FA3F58-50920044-fall

October 7-11: Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp continue their critical fire mitigation partnership to preserve and protect the RMMC facilities and grounds for current and future generations. This work has become a critical part of camp’s property insurance. Because of location, the camp property insurance was dropped and seeking new coverage is $200k premiums for $750k of coverage. Financially, while we are self-funding any response to loss, physically we are addressing the following needs: Forest thinning, removing hazard trees, removing logs, and more. Ten or more volunteers are needed each day. Volunteers for foodservice are also needed to help in support of the week’s efforts. Join us as we practice stewardship in caring for the gifts that have been entrusted to this ministry.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0849a8a729a7ff2-volunteers1#/

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

For Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Women USA “Grapevine” press here
For Mennonite Central Committee Christmas Giving press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

Dear Intersections readers:
Greetings! The fall 2025 issue of Intersections, organized around the theme of “Conflict and Health,” is now on the Mennonite Central Committee website. See here. Authors reflect on the impact of conflict on health and on how MCC and its partners in Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti, Zambia, and DR Congo work to promote health amidst conflict.
As always, please do reach out to me with any thoughts or questions you might have about Intersections!
Warm regards,
Alain Epp Weaver

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Kate Widmer, who serves with Mennonite Mission Network, is in the middle of her two-month North American Ministry. Pray for her as she shares with supporting congregations and individuals about her work alongside members of a French Mennonite congregation that reaches out to women and children in low-income neighborhoods. May she also find rest and renewal during this time in the United States.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff, congregational leaders and members who will gather in Texas this Saturday, September 20, for Preparing the Way for Children in Worship, a day of fellowship, worship and learning hosted by Kids Meet Christ, WDC’s program to support congregations reimagining worship to better engage children (https://mennowdc.org/kids-meet-christ-kmc/).

Worship service and announcements for September 7, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 7, 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
September 7, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Ave Maria (Coccini)- Caleb Garber, cello; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Welcome & Land Acknowledgment–Esther Kreider Eash

*Hymn–Gathered Here–VT 3

Children and Youth Conversation–Max Ediger

Worship Music–Let Thy Holy Presence (P. Tschesnokoff)
             Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading–Matthew 4:12-25–Brad Born

*Hymn--Tú has vendido a la orilla–VT 283
                      (v. 1 in English, v. 1 in Spanish, v. 2-4 as desired)

Sermon–Our Place in the Story–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Healer of Our Every Ill–VT 644

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–Heart with Loving Heart United–VT 813

*Benediction

Postlude–Psalm 19 (Benedetto Marcello)
      Will Wiebe-Friesen

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

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.

Candle Lighting Ritual to Mark Loss

One of the benefits of my sabbatical was extensive conversation with pastor peers from many different Christian traditions as we attended the clergy renewal program at the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Wisconsin. One pastor friend from the Lutheran tradition told me about a short liturgy they do every time that there is a death in the congregation. This idea became a seed for remembering loved ones here at BCMC. After talking with Pastors Joanna and Elizabeth, Joanna put together the candle lighting ritual that we did on August 31 in remembrance of Doug Penner. We lit three candles as part of the Christ Candle lighting: a light of gratitude, thanking the Creator for the loved one’s life; a light of lament, asking the Holy Comforter to hold all who mourn; and the Christ Candle, grounding ourselves in the Divine promise of deep peace, abundant life, and eternal love. We concluded this time by singing Ubi Caritas in Voices Together, 773. Perhaps the details of this ritual will change over time, but we as a pastoral staff hope that we can continue to have a brief liturgy during worship to grieve those who have recently passed.
Pastor Nathan Koontz

The Week at BCMC: September 7—14, 2025
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Worship 9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/fhHKVHfRGuw?feature=share

3 p.m. Max Ediger shares about his life and work in Cambodia—Fellowship Hall. Max lives in Pursat Province, Cambodia and is in the U.S. for a visit. Please join us for this time together with our most distant member!

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
2 p.m.        Facilities Committee meeting—Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, September 10, 2025—Messy Church
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café on the Bethel College campus. Stop in and visit!

6—7:30 p.m. Messy Church—Fellowship Hall
We will gather at 6 p.m. to share a meal and a time of all-age, interactive worship. The menu for this Wednesday is Indian Tacos and all the fixings and Ice cream. The Faith Formation Commission is excited to offer Christ-centered, all-age worship that values creativity, hospitality, and celebration. You can learn more about the Messy Church USA organization on their website. Contact Joanna Harader or Jill Robb with any questions. (Note that we will not be charging a fee for these Wednesday evening meals. There will be a basket out and donations toward the cost of food are welcome. Please bring your own table service which will help with cleanup.)

Wed., Sept. 10: 7:30 p.m.    Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary

Thursday, September 11, 2025
6:30 p.m.  Chancel Bells rehearsal—Room B7

Saturday, September 13, 2025
11 a.m.      Memorial Service for Doug Penner in the Sanctuary
YouTube Link for the memorial service is:  https://youtube.com/live/Hy5SRxqRopQ?feature=share

Sunday, September 14, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Bells
10:45 a.m.  Congregational meeting in the Sanctuary followed by lunch in Fellowship Hall served by the Senior High Youth Group

Starting Sunday, September 7! All people aged 16-25 are invited to participate in three Sunday School hour sessions on Creating a Conscientious Objector File. In the event of a draft, a c.o. file is a great support for those who do not wish to participate in armed military service. Sessions will be held after worship today and September 21, and 28 in the chapel. We will go over both theological and practical considerations for creating a file and have time to work on materials for your files. For questions, contact:
Joanna Harader (joanna@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org)

SAVE THE DATE. Women’s Fellowship will meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month and the first date is September 16 at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Plan to attend. The program will be the Lichtis/Burchs talking about their trip to Paris last June.

BCMC Offering for August 31: General $4,913; Plant Fund $50; Gen. Fund 2026 $1,222; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $200; Kitchen Fund $14.

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· September 15, 11 a.m. Ilene Schmidt Memorial—BCMC
YouTube Link for Ilene’s memorial service: https://youtube.com/live/knpaufWv81s?feature=share
· September 20, 10 a.m. Betty Schmidt Memorial—Kidron Hall

In February of this year, Pastor Elizabeth let us know of her plans to retire this fall. Sept. 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. A farewell reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall Sept. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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.

Bethel College Announcements
· Fri., Sept. 12: Bethel College music faculty recital, 7 p.m., with Christina Liu, piano, Holly Swartzendruber, voice, Kris Hilding, viola, Chris Miertschin, brass, and Russell Adrian, piano, with special guest Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ; Administration Building chapel with a reception to follow.
· Tues., Sept. 16: Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, Kris Hilding, director, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Decororator,” works by Jordan Buschur, through Sept. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., Oct. 4: (during Fall Festival): Internationally renowned theologian Miroslav Volf, Yale University, will speak at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 10 a.m.
· Sun., Oct. 19, and Mon., Oct. 20: Dr. Kat Hill, a religious and cultural historian from Scotland, will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures
[these dates are different from some previously printed material]
· Sun.-Tues., Nov. 2-4: The biennial Worship and the Arts Symposium will focus on homiletics (preaching) with special guest Dr. Luke Powery from Duke Divinity School at Duke University. The symposium will also feature an art exhibition by Merrill Krabill and the fall choral concert “Bethel Sings.”
All events are free and open to the public.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, Oct. 10-12, is open. Activities and lodging will be in the dining hall and bunkhouses. Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is at Hope Mennonite Church, 868 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A silent auction for a few items will take place.
· The next tee shirt comforter will be (silent) auctioned off at Bethel College’s Fall Fest on Oct. 4. Tee shirts and other souvenirs will be available too.
· Volunteers are needed for grounds work like 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!

Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: September 10
9:30 a.m. “Discovering the Blue Zones: Keys to Living Longer and Better,” Sharolyn Jackson, M.S., extension specialist., Family and Consumer Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan
10:50 a.m. “Chance Rides: Engineering the Design of Movement,” Kyle Penner, VP of engineering, Chance Rides LLC, Wichita

The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. The cost of the banquet is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.

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

For Mennonite Disaster Service Volunteer Update press here

From Mennonite Central Committee

Dear Bethel College Mennonite,
Across the nation and within our communities, immigrant families and allies are contending with aggressive immigration raids, addressing fear and uncertainty, and responding to the impacts of family separation with care and compassion.
Please join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for a webinar to hear updates on federal government actions, understand how immigrant families are navigating these incredibly difficult circumstances, and learn how people of faith are mobilizing boldly to stand for welcome.

When: Wednesday, September 10, 6-7pm
RSVP link: https://bit.ly/IICsteadfastseptember
Spanish interpreter: YESMCC is a member of the IIC and a cosponsor of this webinar. MCC Guatemala partner Pop Noj will speak briefly on the call about the context in Central America.
Warmest regards,
Galen Fitzkee
Legislative Associate
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

From Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here

From Prairie View

Double the Difference This September!

Since January 1, 2010, the Justina D. Neufeld Scholarship Fund has put enhancing academic education at the center of our mission: supporting Prairie View para-professional employees with scholarships for continued academic education.All month long, the Central Kansas Community Foundation will match your gift dollar-for-dollar, doubling the support we can provide.Your gift:Covers tuition, books, and required fees.Reduces financial stress so staff can focus on learning.Strengthens the care we deliver across our community.

Give Today!

Mennonite Church USA Announcement
MC USA’s 2025 convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8–12, set records for attendance and racial diversity. Of the 1,640 registrants — the highest turnout in three conventions — a record 17.2 percent (282 attendees) identified as Black, Indigenous or people of color. More importantly, BIPOC voices filled prominent leadership roles at the national convention. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/intentionality-drives-belonging

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Bokgoni Sporting Club, in Francistown, Botswana, which offers young people an alternative to life on the streets by providing a healthy environment, training in life-skills and an opportunity to play sports. The women’s netball team is planning a community day this month to strength relationships between neighbors.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregation members serving on our conference Executive Board, Commissions and other committees and task forces, as they discern vision and offer counsel for WDC ministries.

Worship service and announcements for August 31, 2025

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 31, 2025

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.

To livestream the worship service:

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
August 31, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music–Savior of the Nations, Come, BWV 659 [VT 214] (J.S. Bach)–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Welcome–Wynn Goering

*Hymn–As I Went Down to the River to Pray–VT 453

Children and Youth Conversation–Judy Harder

Worship Music–Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV 1043–(Johann Sebastian Bach, I. Vivace)
Violinists: Daniel Colwell & Angel Garcia
Pianist: Ken Rodgers

Scripture Reading with hymn–Matthew 3–David Kreider
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord–VT 219–[Please sing as prompted]

Sermon–Fruit Worthy of Repentance–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Crashing Waters at Creation–VT 441

Welcoming New Members–Elizabeth Schmidt
     Introduction to Church Membership–VT 959
     New Members: David Mathis and Jay Newton
     Membership Covenant Questions
     Welcoming New Members–VT 961

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn–Comfort, Comfort, O My People–VT 212
Those with August birthdays are welcome to come forward during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.

*Benediction

Postlude–Prelude in G Major, BWV 550 (J.S. Bach)

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

Be sure to go to the end of this email to see photos from the Game Night at Pastor Joanna’s home.

The Week at BCMC: August 31—September 7, 2025
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Worship 9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader
YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/xa1XxbfY-is?feature=share

Monday, September 1, 2025—Labor Day—Church will be locked; office closed
Tuesday, September 2, 2025—Church office will be closed
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
8-10 a.m.   Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café on the Bethel College campus. Stop in and visit!
4:30 to 6 p.m. Community Playschool Open House—Basement
7:30 p.m.    Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, September 4, 2025
9-11 a.m. Community Playschool First Day of School
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bells rehearsal—Room B7
7 p.m.        Church Board meeting—Room 14
Sunday, September 7, 2025
9:30 a.m.   Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
3 p.m.        Max Ediger shares about his life and work in Cambodia—Fellowship Hall

Upcoming Memorial Services:
· September 15, 11 a.m. Ilene Schmidt Memorial—BCMC
· September 20, 10 a.m. Betty Schmidt Memorial—Kidron Hall

Save the date for Max Ediger Visit.  Max Ediger, of Pursat Province, Cambodia, is traveling to the U.S. for a visit in early September and will be coming to Bethel College Mennonite Church on Sunday, September 7. Max will share the Children’s Conversation during Sunday morning worship. That afternoon, at 3 p.m., in the BCMC Fellowship Hall, Max will share about his life and recent work. We look forward to this time together with our most distant member!

BCMC Offering for August 24: General $6,927; Sr Hi Youth Fund $100; Jr
Hi Fund $30; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $150; Kitchen Fund $14.61; Betty Schmidt Mem. $125.

All people aged 16-25 are invited to participate in three Sunday School hour sessions on Creating a Conscientious Objector File. In the event of a draft, a c.o. file is a great support for those who do not wish to participate in armed military service. Sessions will be held after worship today and September 21, and 28 in the chapel. We will go over both theological and practical considerations for creating a file and have time to work on materials for your files. For questions, contact: Joanna Harader (joanna@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org)

It’s that time of year for our Sunday School year to begin and our youth need your help to teach Sunday School! Faith Formation is looking for teachers and helpers for the 2025-2026 school year. If you feel the nudge to spend an hour with our amazing elementary or middle/high school youth please email Jill Robb at jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.

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

Messy Church starts September 10! We will gather the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. to share a meal and a time of all-age, interactive worship. The Faith Formation Commission is excited to offer Christ-centered, all-age worship that values creativity, hospitality, and celebration. You can learn more about the Messy Church USA organization on their website. Contact Joanna Harader or Jill Robb with any questions. (Note that we will not be charging a fee for these Wednesday evening meals. There will be a basket out and donations toward the cost of food are welcome. Please bring your own table service which will help with cleanup.)

The Education Service and Scholarship Committee (ESSC) thanks the congregation for supporting the Bethel College Scholarship fund, especially in recent weeks. All but $100 has been received toward the goal of funding scholarships for all our Bethel College students this academic year. Thank you — Karen Ediger, Brad Kohlman, Margaret Toews (ESSC)

Whether a seasoned veteran or new to the BCMC family, you are invited to participate in the community life of BCMC by joining a small group! Small groups are flexible, fun, community building opportunities that connect folks from different (and similar) circles together to play and pray with each other. They don’t have a set schedule – gatherings can be built based on the availability of the members, and there is no “agenda” (although some ideas for ways to connect can be provided). If you are interested in being part of a small group, please reach out to Megan Kohlman (meganbkohlman@gmail.com). She would appreciate responses by September 7 so that new group(s) can begin this fall! Thank you for helping build community at BCMC!

Last Sunday we packaged approximately 350 school kits in about 40 minutes with the help of around 50 volunteers. With all of those numbers that deserves a hearty THANK YOU!!

Worship is a central spiritual practice for us at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and we rely on many people within our church community to make it happen! The Worship Commission is hosting a worship participant workshop on Sat., Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. As a large group, we will briefly talk about BCMC worship and then break into smaller groups to offer input and support in particular areas. This is for everyone interested in worship leading, scripture reading, leading children /youth conversation, or being an usher or greeter–whether you have done it before or not. All are welcome!

Resources from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee

The Western District Conference Executive Board, Moderator, and Conference Ministers have sent a letter to the MCC-US Executive Director and Board Chair, copied to MCC Abuse Survivors Together (MAST), calling for a full external investigation of all abuse allegations by a firm and with a mandate approved by MAST. A copy of the letter can be found here: https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/mastnews/wdc

Other recent developments include a summary of the 67 cases reported to MAST (https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/), a second statement of support from Sara Wenger Shenk (“A Modest Proposal to Pivot”: https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/supporters/sws), and the recently revealed story of an MCC thrift store employee who was fired after a false accusation of theft (https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/survivors/thrift-nda).

Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: September 3
9:30 a.m. “Experiences Traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia,” Kris Schmucker, collections manager at Kauffman Museum
10:50 a.m. “Long-Lost Sisters,” Richard Hofer, retired aerospace materials and processes engineer, Hillsboro

The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. The cost of the banquet is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.

Climate Change Conference virtual meeting: The Witness Commission invites you to a virtual seminar on climate change, sponsored by Central Seminary and the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence in the KC metro area. The virtual meeting is Sat., Sept. 20, 9 to 11:45 a.m., and is free for online guests. The seminar focuses on faith responses to climate change. Join members of the Witness Commission in Room 14, Sept. 20, to hear the keynote speakers at this seminar.

Bethel College Announcements
· Sat., Sept. 6: Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Fri., Sept. 12: Bethel College music faculty recital, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel with a reception to follow.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Decororator,” works by Jordan Buschur, through Sept. 25. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Sat., Oct. 4: (during Fall Festival): Internationally renowned theologian Miroslav Volf, Yale University, will speak at Bethel College Mennonite Church, 10 a.m.
· Sun., Oct. 19, and Mon., Oct. 20: Dr. Kat Hill, a religious and cultural historian from Scotland, will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures
[these dates are different from some previously printed material]
· Sun.-Tues., Nov. 2-4: The biennial Worship and the Arts Symposium will focus on homiletics (preaching) with special guest Dr. Luke Powery from Duke Divinity School at Duke University. The symposium will also feature an art exhibition by Merrill Krabill and the fall choral concert “Bethel Sings.”
All events are free and open to the public.

Bulletin Announcements for Hesston College: September 2025

Student photographer exhibit open at Hesston College
An exhibit titled “Travelogue of Photos Presenting the Connection to Home and the Allure of Away” featuring the work of Hesston College student photographer Audrey Befort will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) from September 1 to 28. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.

Save the date for Homecoming at Hesston College
Hesston College will celebrate with alumni and friends of the college during Homecoming weekend, September 26 to 28. President Mark Landes will be inaugurated during the weekend activities. For a full schedule of events and to register to attend, please visit hesston.edu/homecoming.

Fall theatre production, “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility”
The Hesston College Theatre department will perform “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility,” a new comic fantasy play by Craig Pospisil, October 2 to 5 in the Black Box Theater located in Keim Center. Performance times are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/bookstore or by calling 620-327-8104.

Fall HC Lark athletic events have begun
Hesston College athletics begins a new athletic era as a member of the NAIA this fall. Schedules, rosters and game information for Lark volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, golf and cross country can be found online at HCLarks.com. Come out and support the Larks this fall!

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

From Mennonite Mission Network
Mennonite Voluntary Service

Live out your faith through service! Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 term. This one-year volunteer experience is open to individuals age 20+, with the option to extend placements for an additional one to two years.

Serve with organizations addressing critical community needs, such as health, education, immigration and more. You won’t do it alone, though! By living with peers in a unit house and growing with a local faith community, MVSers join in the global movement to work for peace and a more just world. Ready to jump in? Go to MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more and apply.

Service Adventure

Can a gap year change your life? Only if you’re up for adventure! Service Adventure applications are now open for the 2026-27 term.

Service Adventure is a 10-month volunteer experience for young adults ages 17-20. Live in community with peers and unit leaders, serve with local nonprofit agencies, and grow in your faith with a supporting church congregation! Learn more and apply at MennoniteMission.net/ServiceAdventure.

International workers need support

Mennonite Mission Network invites prayer and financial support for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who serve with the Maria Skobtsova Housing Association in Calais, France. This ministry provides vital shelter and support to migrating people seeking refuge as they journey toward England.

To sustain this critical work, additional funding is urgently needed. You can make a difference! Visit MennoniteMission.net/Workers/Givens and click or tap the “Give Now” button.

For questions or to learn more about the Givens’ work with immigration, contact Elizabeth Eby at ElizabethE@MMNWorld.net.

A Final Update on a Once-In-A-Lifetime Event – Anabaptism at 500 – click here

From Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
From Mennonite World Conference press here

Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
The MC USA Women’s Summit 2025, hosted by MC USA’s Women in Leadership ministry, addressed learning to pause, restore and resist. This dichotomy was discussed by inviting participants to consider a radical way to think about rest – as not just a necessity, but as an act of defiance. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/womens-summit-2025/

The MC USA Women’s Summit on Monday, July 8, featured two panels where the attendees heard from eight women and gender-expansive people about their experiences in leadership. Eight panelists spoke at MC USA’s Women’s Summit. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/panelists/

Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH), the Hispanic Mennonite Church of MC USA, has canceled its in-person meeting and will now hold a virtual Biennial Assembly on August 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hispanic-mennonite-church/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: MMN requests prayer for the Mennonite Christian Hospital (MCH) in Taiwan, the largest Mennonite hospital in the world, which offers diverse medical specialties and advanced technologies across multiple campuses. Pray that MCH’s commitment to serving marginalized people in remote communities will continue to offer well-being to all of Taiwan’s people.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: We pray for protection, wisdom, courage , strength and blessings for our church planters and those who support this work as they build faith communities in difficult times. -WDC Church Planting Commission

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:

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!

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.

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.

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 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.