BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
November 9, 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, November 9:
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/4ULkmkNQVrw?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 9, 2025
Stewardship Sunday
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr (BWV 662), [J.S. Bach] [VT 38]–Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome—Esther Kreider Eash
*Hymn—We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer—VT 34
Children and Youth –Naomi Krause
Worship Music—Ubi Caritas (Gjeilo)—Chancel Choir; Joel Garber, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Matthew 26:6-16—Karen Ediger
*Hymn—I Bind My Heart This Tide—VT 556
Sermon—Judging Generosity—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—VT 549
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Life-Giver, Maker, God of All—VT 38
*Benediction
Postlude--Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (BWV 652) [J.S. Bach]
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti
Sunday’s centering music is built on the hymn tune used in today’s closing hymn, Life-Giver, Maker, God of All, with a text by contemporary Catholic lyricist Delores Duffner (b. 1939). The original text is translated “Alone to God in the highest be glory” and is a German paraphrase of the Gloria from the Latin Mass. Interestingly, it is believed that it was initially translated into a Low German dialect and later into High German, and it was likely familiar to our Low German Mennonite forebears in northern continental Europe. Typically sung every Sunday, Bach composed more settings of this hymn than any other. The version played today is highly ornamented and would take very careful listening to discern the chorale melody. A hymn of praise, this tune is often energetic and loud; however, Bach emphasises the phrase “…so that no harm can ever come to us any more” in this expressive, comforting piece. – Will Wiebe-Friesen
The Week at BCMC: November 9—16, 2025
Sunday, November 9, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship service
Live-Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/4ULkmkNQVrw?feature=share
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee—Room 14
7 p.m. Indigenous Task Group—Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m. Finance Committee—Room 14
Wednesday, November 12, 2025—Messy Church
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: Roasted vegetables with sausage, Beet and cucumber salad, Colorful cupcakes. 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 are not 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.)
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, November 13, 2025
4 p.m. Worship Commission—Room 14
5:30 to 7 p.m. Community Playschool Family Night—Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal—Room B7
Sunday, November 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells
2:30—5:30 p.m. Wichita American Guild of Organists—Sanctuary
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP will meet Tuesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The program will be “1929 from Russia, Ukraine, to Paraguay” with Speaker Harald Boschmann. Men are invited.
Our Messy Church session in December will focus on assembling MCC infant bundles. As we prepare for this session, we are asking for monetary or physical donations for the supplies of the bundles. If you would like to donate monetarily, please place checks or cash in the marked fishbowls located in the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to BCMC with “MCC Infant Bundles” in the memo line. Physical items needed for kits are located at the following link: https://mcc.org/get-involved/kits/infant
3 gowns/sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material); 3 undershirts/onesies (short or long sleeves); 1 receiving blanket [lightweight fleece or flannel, minimum 75 cm x 75 cm (30 in x 30 in), larger sizes preferred]; 4 large, heavy-duty safety pins; 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper); 1 pair of socks; 1 cap
Thank you! – Jill Robb, Faith Formation Coordinator
BCMC Offering for November 2: General Fund $12,262; MCC Meat Canning $325; Caring Fund $275; Kitchen Fund $10; Solar Fund $50; Ruth Ann Hiebert Mem. $50; Lela Schmidt Mem. $25.
From the Finance committee
We continue to 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. As the fiscal year end is approaching on December 31, we are offering information on a monthly schedule to offer insight into the financial picture. The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on October 31 (83.3% of the year)
Total income $ 394,497 71% of budget
Total expense $ 438,974 79% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 44,477
We offer sympathy to Stanley Miller and family on the death of his wife, Marianne Krahn Miller, October 28, Newton, KS. Marianne was a wider fellowship member at BCMC. Visitation will be from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Sat., Nov. 15, at First Mennonite Church, 1161 E. A Avenue, McPherson, KS, 67460 with funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m. Faspa will follow the service.
You can view Marianne’s obituary on-line at this link:
https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Marianne-K-Miller?obId=46263133
Poinsettia Time is Coming Soon!
You will be invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season. BCMC will purchase the poinsettias, and have them delivered to the church. More information will be coming soon.
Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Nov. 9: Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with author Daniel Markovitz, (originally from Olpe, KS), reading from his novel The Spoils of Victory, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This program is in connection with the museum’s special exhibit “Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness and the Great War”; the novel focuses on a largely forgotten aspect of World War II history, the confinement and employment of hundreds of thousands of German POWs throughout the United States from 1943-46. The book will be for sale at the event, with a book signing afterward, as well as the pop-up exhibit of WWII artifacts from the museum collection.
· Tues., Nov. 11: The Bethel College Organ Recital Series hosts David Pérez, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Dr. Pérez will present a program of organ works composed primarily by Latin American composers. This is sure to be an enjoyable concert with repertoire you’ve likely never heard before. For more information about Dr. Pérez or to hear some samples of the program, check out his website: www.cubanorganist.com.
· Tues., Nov. 18: Guest recital: Seraph Brass, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College
· Dr. Russell Adrian, Professor Chris Miertschin and the Bethel College Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble will be doing a short fall tour in central Kansas, “The Heavens Are Telling,” with concerts at the following: Fri., Nov. 21, 7 p.m., First Mennonite Church (52 Rambler Rd., Hutchinson); Sat., Nov. 22, 1 p.m., informal destination concert, St. Fidelis Cathedral on the Plains (900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria); Sat., Nov. 22, 7 p.m., Manhattan Mennonite Church (1000 Fremont St., Manhattan); Sun., Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m., morning worship at Southern Hills Mennonite Church (511 SE 37th St., Topeka). Friday evening’s concert, titled “Light,” is a collaboration with the Hutchinson Community College Choir and will feature an original composition by Judson Lee, director of choral activities at HCC.
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Between Earth and Sky,” multimedia ceramic works by Merrill Krabill, through Nov. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Wednesday, November 12 at 9:30—11:50 a.m.
9:30 a.m. “Faith, Family and 4/4Time,” Eric Schrag, assistant administrator, Pine Village (Moundridge), Julianna (Schrag) Kaufman, Jacob Schrag and Timothy Schrag, Newton
10:50 a.m. “Incident in the Congo,” Joe Peters, Newton, retired, Mennonite Central Committee Pax worker 1966-69
Bluestem U, the lifelong learning program of Bluestem Communities, will host a free Authors Speaking Series Thurs., Nov. 10, 10 a.m., in Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Dr., featuring Lauren Friesen with “The Anabaptists: A Comedy in Two Acts and Acting Up: An Anthology of Mennonite Playwrights”,
and Janice Pauls with “Dandelions are Beautiful.” A question-and-answer period will follow the presentations.
Join the 2025 Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty Conference Sat., Nov. 22 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The theme is “Repeal to Heal: Death Penalty Repeal Advances the Culture of Life”, at the Hudson Auditorium in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on the Johnson County Community College campus. Panelists are Krisanne Vallaincourt Murphy (Catholic Mobilizing Network), Nan Tolson (Texas Conservatives Concerned), and State Representative Bill Sutton (R-District 43). Persons may attend in person or register for a virtual link. Register at https://forms.gle/6ynKsgkmPY6rASA87 or in person the day of the event starting at 12:30 p.m. Virtual registration closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 21. There is no admission charge. For information, email info@ksabolition.org or call 785-235-2237. Western District Conference is an abolition endorsing group of the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty (KCADP), based on Mennonite Church USA’s A Resolution: The Death Penalty, resolving that Mennonite Church USA appeal to state and federal governments to abolish the death penalty.
Hesston College Masterworks Concert
The Hesston College Music Department invites the community to their fall Masterworks Concert featuring the piece, “Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle” on Saturday, November 22, at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church. The piece is based on a favorite children’s book. The message and music are beautiful and also deeply meaningful and timely in today’s world. Sing with the choir! Contact Greg Bontrager at greg.bontrager@hesston.edu for details
Buhler Mennonite Church needs your help to package 50,000 meals on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Sand Hills Event Center (4601 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67502) through the Outreach Program! What a great way to give of your time during the Thanksgiving season to help local households who struggle to put food on the table. Please sign up HERE or contact us at 620.543.2733 or bmcpastor@gmail.com. There is a job for all ages 7 to 147 years of age. You can work one shift or both shifts -1st Shift (Arrive 8:45am for the 9-11:00am) 2nd Shift (Arrive 10:45am for 11:00am-1pm). Job orientation is provided and no previous experience is needed!
Food Fund-raising Events Coming to the area:
· Habitat for Humanity of Harvey County invites you to their annual Pork Chop Dinner fundraiser Nov. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave, Newton. Dine-in and carry-out options are available. This is Harvey County Habitat’s largest fundraiser of the year, and we need your generous donations to help ensure we can continue to build a new home for a qualifying family each year. Please reserve your pork chop meal (includes pork chop, potatoes, green beans, dessert, and a drink) by visiting our website at https://harveycountyhabitat.org/pork-chop-dinner-reservation/
· It’s time to stock your freezers with verenika & bohne beroggi. First Mennonite church of McPherson will be selling verenika and bohne beroggi made fresh, then frozen, by members of the church. Gravy and sauce will not be provided, but recipes will be attached. Orders will be taken until Saturday, December 6. Pick up date is Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church 1161 E. Ave A in McPherson. Cost is $12 for half a dozen. Place your order through Facebook page – First Mennonite Church of McPherson or their website: www.firstmennonitechurchmcpherson.org. Pay at time of pick up by check,cash, or Venmo.
An exhibit titled, “Art From the Hearth” will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) Nov. 3 through 28. The exhibit includes various artists’ created bowls, cups, plates, teapots, etc. and includes recipes in which to fill them. A reception with the artists will take place Wed., Nov. 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Normal exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
Give back on Giving Tuesday at Mennonite Central Committee, Dec. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. Make plans to join us on Giving Tuesday! Bring your family and friends to this casual, come-and-go, all-ages event. Kick off your holiday shopping by picking gifts for your friends and family from the MCC Christmas Giving Guide. Pack hygiene kits, tie comforters, make a cardboard comforter block craft, and enjoy snacks. Find out more at mcc.org/giving-Tuesday.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is responding to the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this disaster. MCC is working with local partners to provide food, hygiene items and other emergency supplies. We welcome your donations at mcc.org/hurricane-melissa.
Urgent Need: Jamaica Mennonite Church Photo from affected region in Jamaica, submitted by Jamaica Mennonite Church and shared by Mennonite World Conference. Jamaican Mennonite Church has been hard hit by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that caused widespread destruction in the Caribbean. Mennonite World Conference reported that, “Of the four Jamaica Mennonite Church congregations directly in the path of the storm, Joyland and Abrams lost their roof and have further damage; Ridge had the door blown off; Salter Hill’s building collapsed and the roof of the parsonage is destroyed. Church members in these communities lost their roofs and personal possessions.” Please remember those affected in prayer, and prayerfully consider making a donation to help our sister churches recover from this devastating storm. Donations can be made online here, noting “JAMAICA” in the note field. Give to “JAMAICA” |
| Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements. |
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is hiring a full-time Director of Project Operations to provide strategic leadership for the Field Operations teams and projects. The Director will ensure operational excellence through overseeing the planning, coordination, and evaluation of disaster response and rebuilding initiatives. As a key member of the MDS Leadership Team, the Director of Project Operations will also contribute to organizational strategy, growth initiatives, and long-term planning. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep passion for the mission and vision of Mennonite Disaster Service, along with genuine enthusiasm for strengthening partnerships and building relationships both externally and within the MDS community. Please submit resume and cover letter to North Group at (https://northgroupconsultants.com/jobs/#jobs).
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Extending Beyond” press here
Ready for a life-changing gap year? Dive into Service Adventure, a 10-month volunteer journey ages 17-20, now accepting applications for the term starting August 2026. Live in community with peers and unit leaders, serve with local nonprofits and deepen in your faith alongside a supportive church congregation. Embrace adventure, grow in purpose and make a difference. Apply at MennoniteMission.net/ServiceAdventure.
For KIPCOR’s (The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution) Fall Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press here
From Mennonite Church USA
Menno Snapshots
Executive Director Glen Guyton urges MC USA to face challenges with faith, reimagine its structure, and engage congregations in shaping a hopeful, Christ-centered future together. Read his Menno Snapshots here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/the-future-of-mennonite-church/
The MC USA Archives is seeking a volunteer to manage and update MennObits, the online searchable public database of Anabaptist/Mennonite related obituaries. The primary task is entering information into the database. The volunteer would also review newspapers and funeral home websites in regions of concentrated Anabaptist/Mennonite populations to find related obituaries to enter. Managing MennObits requires your own computer and about 12 to 16 hours of time per month working from your own home. An Archives staff person will provide training and orientation. If interested, please contact Devon Miller at DevonM@MennoniteUSA.org.
| Prairie View is Listening! |
| We have launched the Community Needs Assessment to learn what services our residents need most. Your feedback will help shape the future of mental health and substance use care across Harvey, Marion, and McPherson counties.This anonymous survey takes 5 minutes and is available in English and Spanish!The last day to take the survey is December 8, 2025. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community. |
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Christian Hospital (MCH), in Hualien, Taiwan, was among the first to respond when Typhoon Ragasa devastated villages and caused flooding in their region in September. Pray that MCH personnel will be able to share Jesus’ love, as they continue to care for those who were injured, those who lost loved ones and all who were traumatized by the storm’s destruction.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for all who gather this Sat., Nov. 15, at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita, for Preparing the Way for Children, a special event sponsored by WDC’s Kids Meet Christ program to learn about the scriptural foundation for including children in worship, practical steps to become more intergenerational, and the process of congregational change. (For more information, see https://mennowdc.org/kids-meet-christ-kmc/)
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.