BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 6, 2026
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 6:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurc
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/
To donate to BCMC go to the website: bethelcollegemennonitechurch.
BCMC Offering for August 30: BCMC Offering Aug. 30: Gen. Fund $14,050; Plant Fund $25; Mission Quilters $250.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 6, 2026
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Bound for the Kingdom—(arr. Martin)—Karen Unruh
Land Acknowledgement –Tim Hodge
Welcome and Opening Prayer
*Hymn—O Gott Vater (O God and Father)—VT 45
Children and Youth Conversation—Esther Koontz
Worship Music—Fanfare variations on ‘Make Our Garden Grow’ (Leonard Bernstein)–Ben Lichti
Kin-dom Report —Rebuilding Homes in Columbia—Sara Valentina Ladino
*Hymn—My Hope Is Built—VT 621
Scripture Reading—1 Corinthians 3:11; Mark 10:17-22—Laura Garvin
Sermon—Anabaptist Identity: Believing—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—O Christ, Impart Your Teaching True—VT 583
Receiving the Offering and Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—How Firm a Foundation—VT 592
*Benediction
Postlude—Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Unruh
Audio Visual–John Thiesen and 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
Thank you to Sara Valentina Ladino for sharing on Sunday morning about the efforts of her father and others to rebuild houses that were destroyed by recent earthquakes in Colombia. Your prayers and financial contributions are much appreciated. To support these earthquake relief efforts in Colombia, you can write a check or make an online donation to Bethel College Mennonite Church and note that it is “for Colombia relief.”
All are invited to join us as we study the book of Revelation together each Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at church.
Pastor Joanna’s schedule is shifting a bit as she begins teaching a section of Basic Issues in Faith and Life at Bethel College this semester. Her “day” off will be Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Her 1887 Cafe hours will be 11:45-1:30 each Wednesday.
The Week at BCMC: September 6-13, 2026
Sunday, September 6—Anabaptist Identity: Jesus is the Center of our Faith
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/
Monday, September 7—Labor Day—Office will be closed
Tuesday, September 8
9 a.m.—11:30 a.m. First Day of Community Playschool
9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets in the home of Lois Goertzen
12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
2 p.m. Facilities Committee meets in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Finance Committee meets in Room 14
Wednesday, September 9
6 p.m. Open Table in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m. Youth Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, September 10
11 a.m. Revelation Study in the Chapel
6 p.m Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Sunday, September 13—Anabaptist Identity: Community is the Center of Our Life
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; Bill Unruh of Habitat for Humanity will give a presentation during the SS hour on the progress of rooftop solar projects for homes they are building. The presentation will be held in the Chapel. All are welcome. – the Solar Project Committee
11:45 a.m. Pizza Lunch for college students in Fellowship Hall
Here is the link from the worship service at Camp Mennoscah
https://youtube.com/live/5bEQTLxnj-Y?feature=share
If you are willing to let poetry be a place where the soul wrestles and wonders, please join us for poetry reading and discussion weekly on Tuesday mornings at 11 in the BCMC chapel. Bring a poem of your own or from someone else. The fall poems and prayers session begins on Tuesday, September 15.
We offer sympathy to the family of Wayne Stucky. Wayne died August 28, 2026 at Kidron Bethel Village. His memorial service will be at Kidron Bethel Village, Kidron Hall on September 18, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Laura Goerzen, pastor at First Mennonite, Newton, is extending an invitation to one or two people from BCMC to join a Listening Group on Tuesday, Sept 22, from 5:30-7:00pm to learn about Central Kansas Interfaith Justice Organization. A light faspa meal will be served. This is an opportunity to learn about First Mennonite’s work with this group over the past year. Email mctoews1@gmail.com if you are interested.
LEADERSHIP RETREAT IN SEPTEMBER
The BCMC Leadership Retreat will be Sept. 26 at the Dyck Arboretum Visitor’s Center, from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Coffee, tea, fruit and delicious pastries will be provided. We look forward to leaders and members of commissions and committees joining us for a time of information sharing and discussion of the roles each of us has in caring for a healthy and growing BCMC community. Please RSVP to Monica (office@
All volunteers who work with children and/or youth at BCMC should plan to attend one of two Safe Sanctuary workshops: Sunday, October 4, during the Sunday School hour OR Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. (before choir). These trainings are important for our church’s efforts to be a survivor-centered community that provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for all ages. Thank you for your faithfulness in nurturing our young people. Contact Brad Kohlman or Joanna Harader with questions.
Announcements from the BCMC Indigenous Task Group Going Beyond Land Acknowledgement:
Attend the art exhibit “Alive with Wonder” at Regier Gallery on the Bethel campus by Native Kansan and Cherokee artist Hattie Lee Mendoza which opened Aug. 24 and runs through September 17 with a reception at 6:30 on September 17. See examples of her wide-ranging work at https://hattieleeart.com
BCMC Indigenous Task Group is hosting Cherokee artist and native Kansan Hattie Lee Mendoza whose art show is currently in Regier Gallery on Bethel’s campus through September 17. The salad supper, a meet and greet at 4:30 p.m on Thursday, September 17 in the BCMC Fellowship Hall is for all who have seen Hattie’s show. She will discuss how her art connects with her Indigenous heritage. An artist’s reception will follow at Regier Gallery at 6:30 p.m.
Western District Conference (WDC) is introducing a new program to help keep lines of communication open between it and its member churches. The Conference is asking each congregation to appoint an advocate who would stay in touch with the conference offices via email and share with the congregation any news and requests that WDC might have. At the WDC assembly in Dallas recently, it was obvious how much good work is being done in assisting immigrant churches as they work to create community in difficult circumstances. If you are interested in being a part of this work, email mtoews1@gmail.com or let any board member or pastor know. Thank you. — Margaret Toews, Board Moderator
Save the Date!! — Blueprint for the Future | September 22 – New Hope Shelter
Join us on September 22 for Blueprint for the Future, a Christ-centered evening celebrating what God is doing through New Hope Shelter and casting the vision for the years ahead. Enjoy dinner, dessert, music, testimonials, and fellowship — and be part of an evening that supports the mission and future of this ministry. Check out the Save the Date below for all the details, and use the link or scan the QR code to reserve your tickets today. Seating is limited!
Mennonite Women and Girls Retreat at Camp Mennoscah
Online registration for Mennonite Women & Girls Retreat ended Friday, September 5 at mennonitewomeninmission.org. If you missed the deadline, please email mennonitewomeninmission@
Bethel College Announcements
PLEASE NOTE that the Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert listed on some printed calendars for Sept. 15 has been canceled.
Life Enrichment, the series at Bethel College for adults age 60 and older, meets most Wednesday mornings during the school year in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. This week’s programs (Sept. 9): 9:30 a.m., “The Future of Work: Demographic and Technical Disruptions,” Mark Janzen Jr.; 10:50 a.m., “Railroads: The Industry that Shaped Kansas,” Leo E. Oliva. Details here, along with a link to the complete fall schedule.
Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Alive with Wonder,” fabric art by Hattie Lee Mendoza, through Sept. 17. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Bethel College’s presidential search committee (Cynthia A. Doyle Perkins, Indianapolis, Becky Bartell, Hesston, Zandra Sawatzky, Newton, Sal Lujano, Newton, Clark Oswald, Newton, and Jon Zerger, Newton) continues to solicit nominations, as well as comments and suggestions, at presidentialsearch@bethelks.
Fall Fest is coming and Bethel College Women’s Association welcomes donations of homemade peppernuts, whole fruit pies, poppyseed rolls, zwieback, cinnamon rolls and other home-made goodies. We are happy to have donated craft items to sell as well. We would also welcome help staffing the Market in the Round, located in the Luyken Fine Arts Center. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about donations, please contact Valerie Klaassen at jvklaassen@gmail.com. Donated baked and craft items can be brought to Luyken Fine Arts Center music library on Friday, October 16, between 1 and 5 pm or on Saturday, October 17, between 7 and 9 am.
Hesston College Announcements
| “Section Selections” quilt exhibit opens at Hesston College A quilt exhibit titled “Section Selections” will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) from September 1 through 27 with a reception on September 16. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free. For more information visit hesston.edu/fine-arts.Save the date for Homecoming 2026 Hesston College will celebrate with alumni and friends of the college during Homecoming weekend, September 25 to 27. Some highlights during the weekend include a disc golf tournament, the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, family festival Saturday evening and much more! For a full schedule of events and to register to attend, visit hesston.edu/homecoming.Fall theatre production, “The Children’s Hour” Hesston College Theatre department will perform “The Children’s Hour” October 1 to 4 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. Show information will be posted soon at hesston.edu/news and tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104. |
Invitation to the 10th Annual Grace Hill Community Hog Roast
Grace Hill Mennonite Church warmly invites you to attend the 10th Annual Community Hog Roast, on Sunday, Sept. 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the church located at 10218 SE 12th Street, Whitewater. Come for outdoor fellowship, a delicious pulled pork barbecue meal with sides served from 5 to 7 p.m., yard games and live music by the Schwisters and Brett and Caleb Klingenberg from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. A free-will donation will be accepted with proceeds supporting the Newton, Whitewater, and Potwin food banks.
| For “Schweitzer Salt” newsletter press here |
Mennonite Central Committee is evaluating, working with local partners, and responding to recent disasters, please join us in supporting:
Nepal flooding response: MCC is responding to the impact of deadly flooding in Nepal. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this disaster. MCC is working with local partners to provide food, supplies and trauma support to those in need. We welcome your donations. Donate to MCC’s response at mcc.org/nepal-flooding
Colombia earthquake: MCC is also providing emergency relief in Colombia following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Donate to MCC’s response at mcc.org/colombia-earthquake
From the Newton Et Cetera Shop
Current needs: men’s, women’s, & children’s clothing.
We will be closed Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day & Monday, September 14th, for Fall/Halloween setup.
The Newton Et Cetera Shop is celebrating 50 years of serving the local area and contributing to the missions of MCC and many local organizations throughout September. Beginning September 1, two $5 gift cards will be given out daily to customers selected by staff and volunteers. Also, each Saturday in September, donors will be given a homemade monster cookie and a 20% off coupon for their next purchase. We thank you for your continued support and patronage of the shop!
As of the end of July 2026, the shop has donated $87,473.00 to MCC and its global efforts.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
QUILTOBER AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN – There are four quilt retreats to choose from including: UFO I – October 4-7, UFO II – October 7-11 and UFO III – October 20-25 and last but not least, Fall Mennonite Quilters Retreat, October 29-Nov. 1. Come enjoy good food, accommodations and fellowship as part of working on a variety of projects. Sharing projects, ideas, tips, techniques, walks and snacks are all part of the time shared together. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities at RMMC:
MDS FIRE, HAZARD & DISASTER MITIGATION @ ROCKY MOUNTAIN – On October 6-10, 2026, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp will continue their critical partnership in the work to remove 32 dead standing trees impacting Aspen accommodation, the basketball/volleyball courts and campground and forest thinning behind Pleiades and DH/Lodge on Aspen Ridge. 12-15 volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the tasks at hand along with additional volunteers for foodservice. Please visit www.rmmc.org and click the “VOLUNTEER” link to join in this effort.
Foodservice/Housekeeping Assistance – As the cooler weather starts to move in and the leaves begin to change colors, RMMC is blessed to host Church Retreat weekends as well as multiple Quilt retreats. Kitchen volunteers are an important part of serving delicious and healthy meals to our campers and guests. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.org to see the opportunities where camp could benefit from your help.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Women USA “Women’s Voices” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Extending Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Urgent Prayer for Nepal” press here
Let us turn your group’s next trip into something unforgettable!Book your Just Peace Pilgrimage for 2027 and step into stories that still shape the world today. Together we’ll walk in solidarity, open our eyes to the beauty and struggle of life, and come home changed.
Choose your adventure:
- Civil Rights Pilgrimage
- Christ at the Borders (Arizona)
- Underground Railroad
Perfect for congregations, Sunday school classes, youth groups or any crew ready for more than just another outing.
Visit MennoniteMission.net/
For Mennonite Men “Engage Newsletter” Press here
For Mennonite Church USA Announcements press here
| Dear Bethel College Mennonite,Our world faces the negative effects of dominating power and the aggressive hoarding of resources by Empire nations such as the United States, devastating the beauty of creation and our relationship with God and one another (Genesis 1: 3-31). International armed conflicts and violent abuse by domestic state actors cause deaths, displacement and hunger. Mennonite Central Committee shares God’s love and compassion for all by supporting vulnerable communities through relief, peace and development to meet their needs, and by advocating for the transformation of harmful government policies. In this webinar, panelists will share how the communities where MCC works are affected by Superpower/Empire domination and global inequalities, and how we can commit to being faithful peacemakers. Join us Sept 21, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (EDT) |
| Speakers The Democratic Republic of the Congo – Mulanda Jimmy Juma, Regional Advocacy and Peacebuilding Coordinator for MCC Southern, Central Africa and Nigeria Palestine – Seth Malone, MCC Representative for Jordan, Palestine and Israel Northeast Asia – Stacy Nam, Program Director for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) U.S. (Minneapolis) – Caleb Yoder, Pastor at Faith Mennonite Church, Minneapolis Register here! Peace, Nathan Toews, Peace Education Coordinator Charles Kwuelum, Senior Peace Education and Advocacy Associate, International MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries |
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for participants of all ages who will gather this Saturday at First Mennonite Church, Hutchinson, KS, for Art, Improv, and Lego are Worship, Too – a WDC Kids Meet Christ event for parents, children, leaders, and anyone who wants to see what is possible when all ages are fully engaged in worship!
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: South Sudan has been experiencing escalating conflict, ecological disaster, economic decline, widespread displacement and mass immigration, which has created immense stress for the small country. Pray for immediate support for the South Sudan Mennonite Church and other organizations to be able to provide basic food items to vulnerable households.
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, immigration status, gender identity,sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.