BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 13, 2025
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service:
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/-AUpmDicn2s?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 13, 2025
Hymns, Poetry, Prayer and Scripture for God’s Justice and Peace
Christ Candle Lighting–Karen Ediger
Centering Music–Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arr. Robert Lau)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome–Karen Ediger
*Hymn–Here in this Place–VT 10
Children and Youth Conversation–Rebecca Schloneger
*Hymn–Could it Be that God Is Singing–VT 42
Scripture Reading–Matthew 5:1-16–Mary Ann Boschmann
Hymn–Let There Be Light–VT 714
Hymn–Longing for Light–VT 715
Prayer–We Pray This Day (by Anne Weems)
Hymn–What Comfort Can Our Worship Bring–VT 623
Hymn–A Voice Was Heard in Ramah–VT 278
Commissioning and Blessing for Lyn Krause–Elizabeth Schmidt
Responsive Reading–VT 1043
*Hymn–God of Grace and God of Glory–VT 716
Hymn–This Is My Song–VT 710
Reading–Hymn for the Hurting (by Amanda Gorman)
Hymn–Jesus Loves Me–VT 516
Hymn–God Speaks to Us in Bird and Song–VT 539
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn–My Soul Cries Out–VT 412
*Benediction
Postlude–Precious Lord Take My Hand (arr. Jack Schrader)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together Audio visual— Ben Lichti
Hymn Request this Sunday:
Jesus Loves Me (VT 516) “It is a bottom line song, tells it like it is, encompasses the whole story of God’s love. 🙂 -Al Peters
BCMC Indigenous Justice Task Group prayer request.
When the Repair Coalition for dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery asked its members to send representatives to Oak Flat, in perilous circumstances now with an imminent takeover by Resolution Copper possible, Lyn Krause from the BCMC Task Group answered the call to go. Dr. Wendsler Nosie and the Apache Stronghold will lead attendees from all over the U.S. in spiritual ceremonies on the sacred lands of Oak Flat July 18-20. Please pray for Lyn for safe travels and rich spiritual blessings as he represents the support of BCMC for protecting the sacred lands of Oak Flat.
BCMC Offering for July 6: General $16,921; MCC $90; Kitchen Fund $24.50; Solar Fund $550; Merrill Raber Mem. $50.
From the Finance Committee
As the 2nd quarter of the financial year of our church ends, we offer gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. A brief report is listed below. The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on June 30, 2025 (50% of the year).
Total income $ 220,458 40% of budget
Total expense $ 265,753 48% of budget
Net income/expense – $ 45,296
The Week at BCMC: July 13—20, 2025
Sunday, July 13, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m.
YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/-AUpmDicn2s?feature=share
Tuesday July 15, 2025
1:30 p.m. Church Moderators/Pastors Meeting
4 p.m. Worship Commission meeting in Room 14
Sunday, July 20, 2025—Worship 9:30 a.m. with a “Follow Jesus” MennoCon report by the Senior High Youth Group
Sympathy Notices:
We offer sympathy to the family of Mary Gaeddert, daughter Susan Bartel (Allan) of North Newton; daughter Dee Gaeddert Dorsey (Jim) of Grant, MN; and Russell Gaeddert (Jean Flickinger) of Hutchinson, and the extended family. Mary died July 4, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare. The family is planning a private service for a later time.
We extend sympathy to the family of Betty Schmidt, daughter Rebecca (Gary) Dick, Baldwin City, son Brian (Debra) Schmidt, Lenexa, daughter-in-law Linda Schmidt, Salt Lake City and Karen (Kent) Richards, Baldwin City, and other family members. Betty died July 4. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later time.
Anabaptist World adult Sunday School elective. Join with others in the Chapel to read and discuss articles in the current edition of “Anabaptist World”. No subscription or preparation necessary. Everyone welcome!
Upcoming Memorial Services in the BCMC Sanctuary:
· August 16, 11 a.m. Marion Deckert Memorial
· August 30, 11 a.m. Keith Rhoades Memorial
Send some camp mail!
As a congregation we are fortunate we will have youth attending camps. As our youth form their faith in these special places, we encourage you to send letters of encouragement while they are there.
July 27-August 1 Maisie Brubacher, Lucy Burch, Collin Gaeddert, Adam
Oswald, Mara Oswald, Abram Wall, Mabel Wall @ Camp Mennoscah, 9458 SE 40th St., Murdock, KS 67111.Thank you for encouraging our youth to explore their faith!
The church board is pleased to announce that we have formed a search committee! Megan Leary will serve as chair. Additional committee members are Karen Ediger, Mary Ellen Hodge, Mara Oswald, and Francis Toews. They will soon begin their thoughtful work alongside Western District Conference, our staff, and the board. Brad Kohlman will serve as a liaison between the committee and the board/congregation. Please keep the committee members in your prayers as their work begins.
BCMC will be putting together Mennonite Central Committee school kits in August. If you would like to donate money for this special project, place your donations in the designated fish bowls at the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to “BCMC” with “school kits” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted through July and into August.
Subscriptions—“Rejoice” and “Anabaptist World”
· It’s time to renew the BCMC group subscription for the devotional magazine “Rejoice”. The September-October-November issue will be in your mailboxes here at the church (or mailed) in late July, early August. If you wish to renew or want a new subscription to “Rejoice”, place a check for $36.63 in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
· It’s also time to renew for “Anabaptist World”. If you wish to renew through the BCMC Group subscription, please remit $54.00 payable to BCMC in the offering plate or bring to the church office.
The 2025 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Susan Fish, Ardie Goering, Don Goertzen, Peter Goerzen, Jeff Gundy, Michele Hershberger, Melanie Howard, Melanie Springer Mock, Justina Neufeld, Ken Rodgers, Mary Schertz and John D. Thiesen.
Sat., July 19: The first-ever group to win the national talent competition “The Voice” is three Mennonite siblings from Pettisville, OH. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty, “Girl Named Tom”, will give a free concert at Bethel College, with opening act “The Flannelbacks”. The Green “opens” at 4:30 p.m. and food and beverage trucks/vendors start serving at 5. Local favorites and Bethel alumni The Flannelbacks open the show at 7, with Girl Named Tom taking the stage at 8. Plan now to attend!
Mennonite Central Committee Peace Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, Sept. 21-27: How can we live out God’s call for justice and reconciliation through nonviolence in a world that is built on the myth of redemptive violence? If you are a young adult (age 18-30) concerned about the state of our world and energized to reimagine society built on God’s vision of love and justice for all, come join us for a week of experiential learning rooted in theological reflection, peacebuilding practices, and real-world application. Register by Aug. 31 at mcc.org/events/rocky-mountain-peace-camp.
Western District Conference Assembly will be held August 8-9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Would you consider being a delegate for Bethel College Mennonite? Contact a Gifts Discernment Committee member or the church office to indicate your willingness to participate. (GDC members: Jeannette Stucky, Jerry Buller, Dick Koontz, and Francis Toews)
For the Western District Conference Assembly:
Registration is now open at https://mennowdc.org/2025-wdc-annual-assembly-registration/ Please register soon. Join us at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS August 8-9, 2025. For more information visit our Assembly webpage: https://mennowdc.org/2025-annual-assembly/
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Western District Women in Mission’s annual Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sat., Sept. 6 – Sun., Sept. 7 at Camp Mennoscah. Registration is open. For more information go to westerndistrictwomeninmission.org This year’s featured speakers are Pastor Katherine Goerzen and Pastor Laura Goerzen. Comforter tying will start Sat. at 10 a.m. Afternoon seminars will include dried flower bookmarks, yoga, guided nature walk, book reviews with Bethany Martin from Faith & Life Bookstore and free time. Come for fun and fellowship!
Summer Story Days 2025. Join Western District Conference Resource Library staff for stories and come & go activities for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. New this year: Virtual participation with mailed craft kits available–sign up for virtual participation at forms.gle/8DnWnLs64VkZJoeB6. No sign up for in-person activities in North Newton. Join us August 9 as a part of WDC Annual Assembly. For more information contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org.
The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (KIPCOR) affiliated with Bethel College, is offering a 2-day training on “Managing Differences Within Faith Communities” on Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, 2025, at KIPCOR’s training facility in North Newton. This course is designed for congregational leaders, pastors, and anyone who would like to explore ways to navigate differences as a faith community in a healthier way. This training is led by Robert Yutzy, KIPCOR Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries, and Keren Kandel, KIPCOR Executive Director. This course will help to better understand the dynamics when there is disagreement and gives opportunities to engage in practical tools that can transform conflict and difference into spiritual and community renewal. Please see the flier on the church bulletin board for more information and the cost of registration.
Colorado peaches are coming to Mennonite Central Committee: Palisade peaches from western Colorado are available for order and purchase until July 30. Two sizes are available: 9 lb. for $30 and 18 lb. for $42. Orders can be placed by emailing patsydirksen@mcc.org or by calling MCC, 316.283.2720. Payment in the form of cash or check is due by July 30. Make checks payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “peaches” in the memo line and mail to: MCC, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117 or dropped off at MCC at 121 East 30th, North Newton. Peaches will be ready for pick-up on Mon., Aug. 18 at the MCC warehouse. Beth-El Mennonite Church sells peaches as a fundraiser for bierocks ingredients that are sold at the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale in October.
Peace Connections is hosting a Bridges Out of Poverty Training on August 1st from 9 am-4 pm. This training experience is a great way to invest in your community and expand resources, to help individuals understand the impacts of poverty. This FREE and ENGAGING training will explore the root causes of poverty, increase personal understanding and identify ways to reduce barriers for all members of our community. For more information or to sign up for this training experience, please visit https://www.peaceconnections.org/events
Kendra Davila
PEACE CONNECTIONS
Home of Harvey County Circle of Hope & Summer Enrichment Activities for Kids (SEAK)
209 S. Pine
P.O. Box 1147
Newton, KS 67114
316-284-0000
www.peaceconnections.org
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
For Mennonite Women USA “Grapevine” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
MC USA Moderator Jon Carlson provides an update on the Mosaic Mennonite Conference process in his letter to all MC USA members. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/news/jon-carlson-re-mosaic
MC USA is seeking a Denominational Minister/Director of Education to oversee education-related ministries within MC USA, including developing new educational ministries, expanding existing ministries, building/strengthening relationships with educational partners. To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call 574-523-3027. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/employment/minister-education
MC USA is seeking an archivist coordinator for the Elkhart office. The coordinator oversees the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of permanent records for MC USA in textual, photographic, audiovisual, micrographic and multimedia formats. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/employment/archivist To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call 574-523-3027.
Menno Snapshots
Anita J. Castle never dreamed of being a pastor. In fact, she had rarely even heard of a woman being a pastor before. But after one fateful conference, she knew she was being called. Read more about her calling in her MC USA blog here: mennoniteusa.org/my-calling-pastor
Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA’s denominational minister for Peace and Justice, cries out to God for those who are harmed by changes in U.S. immigration policy and enforcement, as well as those who seek justice through peaceful demonstration, and those with the power to effect change. Read her prayer here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/prayer-for-those-experiencing-crisis/
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, participants begin Mennonite Mission Network’s week-long Underground Railroad Racial Justice Pilgrimage, which will take them from Washington, D.C., to Florida. Pray for open minds and hearts, as they retrace the courageous journeys of faith communities and individuals who helped enslaved people find their way to emancipation. Pray also that participants will be inspired to act for justice in their own communities.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations offering support and advocacy for immigrants, as they seek God’s justice and compassion in the face of threat and fear.
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.