BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 20, 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 20:
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/
The link for the Congregational meeting on Sunday, September 20, at 10:45 a.m. is:
https://youtube.com/live/
To donate to BCMC go to the website: bethelcollegemennonitechurch.
BCMC Offering for September 13: Gen. Fund $12,247.50; Colombia Earthquake Relief $1300; Wed.Supper $93; Library Reserve Fund $17; Kitchen Fund $15.
The Finance Committee offers gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on Aug. 31 (66.7% of the year).
Total income $343,056 (59% of budget)
Total expense $336,303 (58% of budget) Net income $6,753
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
September 20, 2026
Peace Sunday
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music— Give Us Peace In Our Time (arr. Donald E. Allured)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Welcome & Prayer—Lyn Krause
*Hymn—For the Healing of the Nations—VT 705
Children and Youth Conversation—Megan Kohlman
Worship Music—Just As I Am (Eithun)— Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
Scripture Reading—Exodus 3:1-10; John 13:1-17—Carol Peters
Hymn—Jesus Took a Towel—VT 690
Sermon—A Posture of Solidarity—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound—VT 392
Offering Invitation & Prayers of God’s People—VT 996
*Hymn—Beloved, God’s Chosen—VT 164
*Benediction
Postlude– We Are People of God’s Peace (arr. A. Fedak)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—David Sprunger
The Week at BCMC: September 20-27, 2026
Sunday, September 20—Anabaptist Identity: Peace Sunday
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/
10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary
11:45 a.m. Lunch served by Senior High Youth Group in Fellowship Hall
2—5:30 p.m. Offender Victim Ministries M-2 Training in Fellowship Hall
Monday, September 21
7 p.m. Faith Formation Commission meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, September 22
11 a.m. Poems & Prayer in the Chapel
4 p.m. Worship Commission meeting in Room 14
Wednesday, September 23
7 p.m. Youth Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thursday, September 24
11 a.m. Revelation Study in the Chapel
2 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
3 p.m. Cancer Care Group meeting in the Nursery
6 p.m Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Saturday, September 26
9 a.m. to 12 Leadership Retreat at Dyck Arboretum, Hesston
Sunday, September 27— Anabaptist Identity: Reconciliation Is the Center of Our Work 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our fall congregational meeting will be held on September 20 during the Sunday School hour in the sanctuary. Agenda items include a vote to change a provision of the General Fund Balance Policy by increasing the General Fund reserve amount from two months to three months. Another agenda item is a summary of the AV project so far and a chance to weigh in on its direction. To view the proposed wording of the General Fund Balance Policy see below. To view the slide show presented by Jon Zerger at the info sessions in August click here. Lunch will be served following the meeting, hosted by the Senior High Youth. All are welcome!
For the Congregational Meeting Agenda click here
Copies are available in the Gathering Place
As part of the congregational meeting the minutes from the last congregational meeting on April 19, 2026 will be approved. For a copy of those minutes click here.
Text of the General Fund Balance Policy as proposed is below.
To be responsible in the administration of our financial resources, we seek to provide adequate resources to carry on the work of the church throughout the year, including those times when our expenses exceed our income, hence the need for reserves. We do not seek, however, to build those reserves to the point where we no longer need to challenge ourselves to regular systematic giving.
Therefore, it shall be the fiscal policy of our congregation to carry over in the General Fund a maximum sum of not more than three twelfths (three months) of the current year’s budget or the previous year’s maximum, whichever is higher, and not less than one twelfth (one month) of the current year’s budget.
Any contributions to the General Fund which result in a closing balance above the maximum shall be disbursed on a prorated basis to the budget items under Witness Commission: Benevolences prior to the opening of a new fiscal year.
The staged reading of Lauren Friesen’s new play “Kindness by the Cup” will be in Kidron Hall, Mon., Oct. 5, starting at 2 p.m. The play centers on three retirees who meet regularly at a local coffee shop. Their conversation includes idle banter, tales of trauma, resilience, and a love of trivia. Free and open to the public. Invite your friends. – Lauren Friesen
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.
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
Music Events in the Area
The Central Kansas Master Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, will present a Choral Festival concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 4. Please join us for this special event held at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main St, Hesston, KS. Admission is free, donations accepted. For more information, visit the chorale website at www.
The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra opens its 70th Season with the Fall Classics Concert Sunday, Oct. 11 at 4:00 p.m. in Bethel College Memorial Hall. The NHS Orchestra joins NMKSO on selections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.” Also featured is Carlos Simon’s “Tales: A Folk Symphony.” Tickets: Adults $15-20, Students $7, available at Faith and Life Bookstore and online at www.nmkso.org
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sun., Sept. 20: Kauffman Museum annual meeting and student presentation, 3 p.m., museum auditorium. Following a brief update on the museum’s past year from director Andi Schmidt Andres, Bethel College sophomore Faith Peterson will present “Building Bethel: Before, Between and Beyond,” a snapshot of the college in the 1930s through its buildings and those who lived in them, with refreshments after.
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. 23): 9:30 a.m., “Presenting Acting Up: An Anthology of Mennonite Plays (1970-2025),” Lauren Friesen; 10:50 a.m., “A Morning with Marimba,” Daniel Albertson. Details here, along with a link to the complete fall schedule.
Fri., Sept. 25: “This is Bob: Student, Teacher, Artist,” a retrospective of work by Bob Regier, opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center (reception Oct. 16; final day Oct. 17). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 1: Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, Dr. Jonathan Poquette, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
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.
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you to the Women and Girls Retreat for visiting Camp Mennoscah this past weekend! Your generous donations to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry are much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Still space at the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 2-4! Depending on the number of attendees, lodging and cropping will be in the Retreat Center and, with larger numbers, cropping/crafting will move to the Main Camp dining hall. Single rooms are available for a limited number of people and will be assigned 2 weeks before the retreat date. Space heaters (or fans) will be available for the dining hall, if used, since the dining hall HVAC will not be repaired by the beginning of the retreat. Register here! (https://campmennoscah.
Dam removal on October 18 at 2:30pm! Spectators and helpers are welcome. This task involves heavy boards and rushing water, so younger ages should plan on watching the process, not helping. Wear appropriate clothing for the task and weather. Watch Facebook for any changes or text/call 316-293-7313.
Camp Mennoscah will have a booth at Bethel College’s Fall Fest, October 17, through mid-afternoon. There will be a silent auction for a Camp Mennoscah tee shirt (tied) comforter. Timothy Schrag, the new Development Director, will also be there to meet you.
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. |
Announcements from Kidron Bethel
Kidron Bethel Village is now accepting vendors for its Holiday Market, which will be Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. The Holiday Market is a chance for Kidron Bethel Village residents and the wider community to shop with local artists and vendors. To reserve a spot as a vendor, please contact Sheri Esau at SheriE@bluestem.org or 316-836-4821.
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 17, from 7 to 10 a.m., at Kidron Hall, 3001 Ivy Dr., North Newton. Come enjoy pancakes, eggs and sausage by donation. Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Caring Fund to assist residents who are unable to cover the full cost of their care.
KIFA’s 2026 Fall Forum – Promising a future of jobs and economic opportunity, large-scale data centers also come with a host of challenges: land and water use, environmental impacts, impacts on local electricity grids, and concerns about corporate accountability. That’s why they have generated so much opposition throughout the state.
Kansas Interfaith Action, along with our partners in the Kansas WEALTH (Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation and Health) Coalition, will hold a panel discussion at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton on Thursday, September 24th at 6 pm. We will look at the challenges posed by the rapid build-out of data centers and discuss whether it is possible to establish sufficient guardrails to allow these projects to move forward.
As people of faith and conscience, we must consider the implications of large-scale data centers on the earth and on those who are most vulnerable in our communities. RSVP HERE to join us for this important conversation.
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.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
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
Sign up to participate in the Conscientious Objection: understanding the legacy and what it means today webinar,
Tuesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. MDT. This webinar will provide space to reflect on what it means to be a Conscientious Objector (CO), remember its history, learn about how to declare CO status, and how to connect with MCC Central States and other churches around the topic of CO. Register at mcc.org/co-today and contact beckyteiwes@mcc.org for more information.
Thank you for taking part in this year’s MCC School Kit Challenge! Thanks to the work of people like you throughout the U.S. and Canada, we went well above our goal of 30,000 school kits for the 2026 challenge. Working together, you, your community and other devoted supporters packed 46,481 school kits! Each of the 46,481 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!
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 Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Women USA “Grapevine” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “Volunteer Update” press here
For Mennonite Church USA Announcements press here
| Mennonite Central Committee Webinar on Sept. 21, 2026 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 |
| Puerto Rico Peace Camp – Oct 18-24, 2026 – Register by September 20 Dear Bethel College Mennonite,“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed… in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Romans 8:19–22What does it mean to work for peace on Earth when there is constant conflict and exploitation? What can we learn from the experiences of people struggling for dignity, rights and well-being in their homeland? Puerto Rico has experienced highs and lows including hurricanes, earthquakes, and a system of governance that seems to foster crisis.Join this camp on the beautiful island of Borikén to explore how the life of Jesus and the clamor of the land call us together to cultivate peace. It will be a week of learning, collective transformation, solidarity grounded in biblical principles, and a deep connection with the earth. During this peace camp, we will: Explore biblical foundations for peaceLearn practical tools for cultivating peaceDiscuss issues of colonization, migration, trauma, food sovereignty, and other systems that impact well-beingVisit local organizations working to cultivate peace within their specific contextsWhen: October 18-24 Where: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Who: Young adults ages 18-30; the ability to understand and speak Spanish is required How: Register here by September 20 Cost: $250.00 (includes flight to Puerto Rico); payment guarantees your spot at the camp Requirement: Spanish comprehension, as the camp will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Peace camps are a way to encourage and support young adults in the church to live an active faith by cultivating peace. Young adults, ages 18 to 30, are invited to apply. MCC covers all travel, lodging, and meal costs beyond the $250 registration fee. We encourage churches, schools, families, and friends to support participants with the registration fee whenever possible. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss. Otherwise, visit our website to register. |
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for young adults, leaders and other members of WDC who are considering attending Waging Peace: A Militarism Summit sponsored by MCC and MC USA on Nov 6-7, as a way to explore what faithful peacemaking looks like in an age of war, polarization, nationalism and violence.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: The Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI) introduced its new youth initiative, Beyond Borders, at the NARPI Summer Peacebuilding Training last month. Pray for the youth and young adults in this program as they engage in intercultural dialogue, mentoring, networking and self-care practices.
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.