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

 BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  July 27, 2025
 
Christ Candle Lighting                                                            
 
Centering Music–Adagio (Mozart)–Mary Jo Preheim
 
Welcome–Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn–Holy, Holy, Holy!–VT 76

Children and Youth Conversation–Tim Hodge
 
Worship Music–Sing Ye a Joyful Song (Dvorak)–Doyle Preheim
 
Scripture Reading–Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:7-13–Justin Zerger    
 
*Scripture Response Hymn–Praise God–VT 71
                       
Sermon–Pray, then, in this way . . . –Joanna Harader
 
*Hymn–Be Thou My Vision–VT 549
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn–My Jesus, I Love Thee–VT 133
Those with July birthdays are welcome to come forward during this hymn to receive a birthday blessing.
 
*Benediction    
                             
Postlude–Maestoso (Handel)–Mary Jo Preheim  
 
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

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

 
Christ Candle Lighting–Karen Ediger                                                             
 
Centering Music–Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arr. Robert Lau)–Will Wiebe-Friesen                  

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

Children and Youth Conversation–Rebecca Schloneger
 
*Hymn–Could it Be that God Is Singing–VT 42

Scripture Reading–Matthew 5:1-16–Mary Ann Boschmann
 
Hymn–Let There Be Light–VT 714
 
Hymn–Longing for Light–VT 715
 
Prayer–We Pray This Day (by Anne Weems)
                       
Hymn–What Comfort Can Our Worship Bring–VT 623
 
Hymn–A Voice Was Heard in Ramah–VT 278
 
Commissioning and Blessing for Lyn Krause–Elizabeth Schmidt
 
Responsive Reading–VT 1043
 
*Hymn–God of Grace and God of Glory–VT 716
 
Hymn–This Is My Song–VT 710
 
Reading–Hymn for the Hurting (by Amanda Gorman)

Hymn–Jesus Loves Me–VT 516
 
Hymn–God Speaks to Us in Bird and Song–VT 539
 
Prayers of God’s People                                                        
 
*Hymn–My Soul Cries Out–VT 412 

*Benediction    
                             
Postlude–Precious Lord Take My Hand (arr. Jack Schrader)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
    
* You are invited to stand   
VT—Voices Together     Audio visual— Ben Lichti

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

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

  BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  July 6, 2025 
Christ Candle Lighting                                                 
 
Centering Music   
 
Land Acknowledgement and Welcome–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen                                                                                
*Hymn–Precious Lord, Take My Hand–VT 610

Children and Youth Conversation–Kohlman Family
 
Scripture Reading–2 Kings 5:1-5a–Lyn Krause

*Hymn–Be Still My Soul, verse 1–VT 664
 
Scripture Reading–2 King 5:5b-7–Lyn Krause
 
*Hymn–Be Still My Soul, verse 2–VT 664
 
Scripture Reading–2 Kings 5:8-14–Lyn Krause
 
*Hymn–Be Still My Soul, verse 3–VT 664                          
                     
Sermon–I’d Rather my Soul be Busy–Joanna Harader
 
*Hymn–Healer of Our Every Ill–VT 644
 
Prayers of God’s People–Ada Schmidt-Tieszen
 
MennoCon Blessing–Elizabeth Schmidt
 
*Hymn–When We Walk with the Lord–VT 570
 
*Benediction    
                             
Postlude                          
 
* You are invited to stand   
VT—Voices Together    Audio visual— Ken Lamp

  BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  June 29, 2025

Christ Candle Lighting                                                   

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

Welcome–Darlene Dick

*Hymn–Great Is Thy Faithfulness–VT 419

Children and Youth Conversation–Joanna Harader

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

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

Sermon–Walking Home Together–Jeff Koller

*Hymn–Bless the Arms That Comfort–VT 527

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction    

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

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

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

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

*Hymn–We Long to Know Her–VT 44       

Children and Youth Conversation–Kathy Stucky
 
Worship Music–Collin and Brett Gaeddert
 
Scripture Reading–Psalm 42:1-5; I Kings 19:11-13–Crystal Gaeddert
 
*Hymn–Lord, You Sometimes Speak–VT 537
 
Sermon–What are you doing here?–Joanna Harader
 
*Hymn–Here I Am, Lord–VT 545
 
Prayers of God’s People–Jim Robb
 
*Hymn–Move in Our Midst–VT 827
 
*Benediction
 
Postlude–Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (Weber)–Karen Unruh
 
 
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

 BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
 May 25, 2025
 Sixth Sunday of Easter 
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Centering Music—Master Tallis’ Testament (Herbert Howells)—Will Wiebe-Friesen         
 
Welcome—Lauren Friesen
                                               
*Hymn—God Sent His Son—HWB 345
           
Children and Youth Conversation—BCMC Youth
 
High School Graduate Recognition—Faith Formation Commission
 
God of wisdom and transitions, today we hold in prayer these beloved young people: Lucy, Payne, Adah, Ani, Mara, Chris, Lily, and Abram.
 
Thank you for their presence as part of our church community.
 
We pray your blessings for them as they have graduated from high school and transition into the next stage of their lives.
 
Grant them your protection and guide them as they go.
 
We know Jesus came that we might all have life and have it abundantly. So even in the midst of struggles and grief, may these dear ones know the abundant life they have in you.
 
We pray they will have good friends, meaningful activities, and deep joy.
 
Holy Parent, guide and guardian, we send them with our love and know that they are forever within your love.
 
May you, O God, bless them and keep them.
May your very face shine on them and be gracious to them.
May your presence embrace them and give them peace.
 
Amen. 
 
*Hymn—Here from all nations (verses 1, 3, 4,5)—HWB 296
 
Scripture Reading—Revelation 22:1-5, 16-17—Adam, Gabby, and Jake Robb
                                              
Sermon—Life-Giving Water—Joanna Harader         
 
*Hymn—Oh, have you not heard—HWB 606
           
Prayers of God’s People         
 
*Hymn—O Power of Love—HWB 593
(During the hymn those with May birthdays come forward
to receive a birthday blessing.) 
 
*Birthday Blessing and Benediction 
                                                  
Postlude—Tongues of Fire: Pentecost Dance (A. Fedak)—Will Wiebe-Friesen                    

* You are invited to stand
HWB—Hymnal A Worship Book
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

There is much that could be said about today’s music! The centering music, Master Tallis’s Testament, was composed by English composer Herbert Howells (1892-1983) in 1940. It begins with a quiet presentation of a theme inspired by 16th century composer Thomas Tallis and is developed in three variations that build in volume and complexity, contrasting 16th century modality with lush 20th century harmonies. The postlude, by living composer Aldred Fedak, is perhaps less substantial than the Howells, but I think it’s a pretty neat musical description of the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost in Acts 2: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” Even though it is not yet Pentecost, I wanted to share this piece as I always seem to be out of town when Pentecost actually rolls around. Finally, the hymn O Power of Love deserves mention. A favorite hymn tune and text of many, it is somewhat befuddling why it was omitted from Voices Together. At any rate, its text by Tersteegen (Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe) and tune by Bortniansky seem a perfect match that Mennonites living in Russia adopted soon after its initial publication in the Choralbuch in 1825. It remains a much beloved Kernlied, the so-called core songs of the Russian Mennonites.
— Will Wiebe-Friesen

 BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
  May 11, 2025
  Fourth Sunday of Easter

Christ Candle Lighting                                                               

Centering Music–Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer  (Dale Wood) — Karen Schlabaugh                                                                                  

Welcome–Brad Kohlman

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

Children and Youth Conversation–Nathan & Esther Koontz

Scripture Reading–Acts 9:36-43–Karen Ediger

Sermon–From the Mundane to the Miraculous–Joanna Harader

*Hymn–Healer of Our Every Ill–VT 644

Prayers of God’s People–Brad Kohlman

Welcoming New Members–Elizabeth Schmidt
New Members by Baptism (April 27, 2025): Emma Gering, Maisie Brubacher
                                                                                   Abram Wall
                 Baptism Videos
     Introduction to Church Membership–VT 959              
     New Members by Transfer: Lorin and Karen Neufeld
  Membership Covenant Questions
     Welcoming New Members–VT 961

*Hymn–For We Are Strangers No More–VT 409

Sabbatical Blessing for Pastor Nathan–Sondra Koontz and Megan Kohlman

Leader: Nathan, BCMC thanks you for postponing your sabbatical and for calmly guiding us through transitions. We celebrate your leadership, the encouragement and guidance you provide us. And now it is time for a Sabbatical.

Congregation: We acknowledge the unique challenges of pastoral leadership. We send you on this Sabbatical journey, confident that God will bless you, refresh your spirit, and provide you with new vision for our continued ministry. May this Sabbatical be a time of rest and discovery for you.

Leader: We pray that you will enjoy poetry and play, leisurely dreaming and
focused reflection, contemplation and rich conversation at the Holy Wisdom Monastery, and moments of wonder in the Colorado wilderness.

Congregation: We will miss you as we continue our ministry here. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, that we support you, and that we look forward with joy to your return.

Nathan: I will miss you as well and I will pray for you. I too look forward to returning and sharing again in our ministry. Thank you for creating this opportunity for renewal and rest in my ministry.  

*Hymn of Blessing–The Peace of the Earth Be with You–VT 838

*Benediction    

Postlude–Postludium (Flor Peeters)– Karen Schlabaugh

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 4, 2025
Third Sunday of Easter

Christ Candle Lighting

Centering Music—Lift High the Cross (Weber)—Karen Unruh
Land Acknowledgement—Jim Robb
Welcome & Prayer 
*Hymn—I Know That My Redeemer Lives (verses 1-4)—VT 347
Children and Youth Conversation—Deb Gering 
Worship Music—Do Lord, O Do Lord (Bill Ingram)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director 
Scripture Reading—John 21:1-19—Dorothy Nickel Friesen
*Hymn—Seeking Warmth from Charcoal Blazing—VT 344
Sermon—From the Miraculous to the Mundane—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Now the Green Blade Rises—VT 353   
Prayers of God’s People 
*Hymn—The Risen Christ—VT 345
(During the hymn those with April birthdays come forward to receive a birthday blessing.) 
*Birthday Blessing and Benediction  
Postlude–“Excerpts from The Best of John Williams” (arr. Wagner)
                                     (“May the Fourth be With You”)–Chancel Bells

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

Land Acknowledgement  from words by Mark Charles and VT #878 
As we do on the first Sunday of each month,  
  we acknowledge that we worship  
  on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.   
We thank them for their care and respect for this land      
  and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal. 
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories 
  and find new paths of right relationships with them 
  and all of creation.   

GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
From the Repair Coalition:  
“While the Supreme Court has yet to take any action on the Apache Stronghold case, the federal government on Thursday, April 17, 2025, announced that it plans as early as June 16, 2025 to publish a final environmental impact statement and begin moving forward with the transfer and destruction of Oak Flat.  On Friday, April 18, Becket Law filed a letter with the Supreme Court explaining that this makes it even more urgent for the Court to hear the case. 
Thanks to the federal government’s haste, Apache Stronghold now has legal standing to request an injunction, a legal order for ‘the courts to stop this move in its tracks and ensure justice can be delivered before Oak Flat is permanently destroyed,’ with the District Court as another avenue in case the Supreme Court decides to not hear Apache Stronghold’s case.”
BCMC Task Group will be organizing a prayer vigil and letter writing campaign next week on behalf of the Apache Stronghold and Oak Flat. Watch for a request for your help!  “May we lament all that has been and is destroying life.”

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

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

Christ Candle Lighting                                              
 
*Hymn–Low in the Grave He Lay–VT 333
 
Welcome
*Hymn–Lift Your Glad Voices– VT 340
(Children are invited to go to the chapel as hymn is sung.)
 
Introduction to Gloria–Joel Garber
 
                             Gloria in D Major RV 589 (Antonio Vivaldi)
     Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
I.   Gloria (Glory to God in the highest)    
II.   Et in terra pax (And on Earth, good will to all.)     
III.  Laudamus te (We praise you, we bless you
      We worship you, we glorify you.) 
       [Virginia Mininger, soprano; Ron Garber, tenor]
 
Scripture Reading–Luke 24:1-12–Mary Ellen Hodge
 
IV. Gratias agimus tibi (We give thanks to you)
V. Propter magnum gloriam (For your great glory!)
VI. Domine Deus (Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty)
     [Virginia Mininger, soprano]
 
Scripture Reading–Luke 2:8-14–Mary Ellen Hodge
 
VII.  Domine fili unigenite (Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.)
VIII. Domine Deus (Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
                            Heavenly King, only begotten Son,
                            Who takes away the sins of the world,
                             have mercy on us.)
                            [Allie Soeken, Mezzo soprano]
 
IX. Qui tollis peccata mundi (Who takes away the sins of the world.)
X.  Qui sedes ad dexteram patris (You who sits at the right hand of the father, Have mercy on us.
     [Allie Soeken, Mezzo Soprano]
 
 Meditation– Messy Glory–Joanna Harader
 
XI.  Quoniam to solus sanctus (For you alone are holy,
       you alone are the Lord 
       you alone are the most high, Jesus Christ.)
XII. Cum sancto spiritu (With the holy spirit,
        in the Glory of God, the Father,  Amen)
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn–The Lord is Risen Indeed!–VT 357
(Children return during hymn.)
 
Children Share Resurrection Gardens
 
*Hymn–Christ the Lord is Risen Today–VT 346
 
*Benediction    
                             
Postlude–Toccata from Symphony 5 (Widor)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
*You are invited to stand     VT—Voices Together     Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Welcome and thank you to the orchestra members Sunday:  Violin 1: Joan Griffing 
Violin 2: Marta Prugar; Viola: Joey Menninga; Cello: Caleb Garber 
Bass: Derek Jesse; Oboe: Aaron Robinson; Trumpet: Greg Bergman 
And of course, thank you to the BCMC Chancel Choir, director Joel Garber, accompanist Will Wiebe-Friesen, and the soloists, Virginia Mininger, Ron Garber, and
Allie Soeken.  Happy Easter to everyone!
 
     Sunday’s service contains quite a variety of music! Some highlights—in addition to the Gloria—include some of the prelude and postlude music as well as congregational hymns. Christ ist erstanden is a chorale prelude—that’s music talk for a spiced-up setting of a hymn—from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein (Little Organ Book), in which he composed a chorale prelude for every Sunday of the Church Year. It is meant as a teaching tool, where the student can study different musical techniques in challenging, bite-sized pieces that are useful for worship. This hymn, which translates as “Christ is Arisen” and is found in VT 358, is interesting as it includes a joyful text paired with a minor tune, the oldest known German liturgical song, dating to around 1100.
     Despite its somber tone, listen for the empathic alleluias in the third verse. The congregational hymn “The Lord is Risen Indeed” was composed by William Billings, regarded as the first American choral composer. His music has a distinct, primitive, folk-like sound and helped to shape the blossoming American Sacred Harp style of song. A tanner by trade, Billings was gifted in his art despite financial struggles, missing an eye, and being short in one leg. Ending the service is a portion of the famous toccata from Charles Marie Widor’s Fifth Organ Symphony. The toccata, a musical form named for the Italian “to touch,” is the final movement in the symphony and is his most well-known work. Imagine hearing it in the sonorous acoustics of the Parisian Church of St. Sulpice where Widor was organist for over 60 years.