A reminder that this Sunday, October 5, 2025 is Fall Fest Sunday. The worship service will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school, but, there will be cake in the Gathering Place after the service.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 5, 2025–FALL FEST SUNDAY
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, October 5:
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/tqJbHX9mOZo?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
October 5, 2025–Fall Fest Sunday
Prelude—Symphony of Spirituals (arr. Joel Raney)—Christina Liu, piano; Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ
Christ Candle Lighting
Welcome and Land Acknowledgment— Dale Schrag
Centering Music—Cantate Domino (Monteverdi)—Chamber Singers; director Russell Adrian
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing and give praise to the name of the Lord.
For the Lord has done marvelous deeds
Sing and exult and praise with the harp and voice.
Call to Worship—Psalm 96—Dale Schrag
Leader: O sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
People: Sing to the LORD; bless the holy name;
tell of God’s salvation from day to day.
Leader: Declare God’s glory among the nations
and marvelous works among all the peoples.
People: For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
The Holy One is to be revered above all gods.
All: Worship the LORD in holy splendor;
tremble before God, all the earth.
*Hymn Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing— VT 7
Children and Youth Conversation—Naomi Krause and Barb Koontz
Worship Music—When the Morning Stars Together (Ferguson)—Bethel College Concert Choir
Congregation joins for verses 2 and 4
Sing Me UP to Heaven (arr. Christopher)—Woven
Scripture Reading— Matthew 13:31-33, 44-48—William Eash
*Hymn Be Thou My Vision—VT 549
(Melody only on last verse)
Sermon The Kin(g)dom of God is Like . . . What!?—Joanna Harader
Worship Music—Spirit (Harbor—Concert Choir
It Is Well With My Soul (arr. Harrington) Open Road
Prayers of God’s People—Dale Schrag
*Hymn—Praise God—VT 70
*Benediction
Postlude–Prelude in G Maj (BWV 550) (JS Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
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.
The Week at BCMC: October 5—12, 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Worship 10 a.m.
Live-Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/tqJbHX9mOZo?feature=share
Wednesday, October 8, 2025—Messy Church
8-10 a.m. Pastor Joanna will be at the 1887 Café— Bethel College campus
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 is “Stone Soup” (chicken and vegetables)/ bread/ peach cobbler. Please bring your own tableware to assist in the cleanup. Be sure to bring a bowl for the soup.
Messy Church
Our next Messy Church gathering is this Wednesday, October 8, at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited for supper and a time of interactive worship for all ages. What is the reign of heaven like? And which table team will win this month’s challenge? Join us Wednesday to find out!
The menu for Wednesday, October 8 is: “Stone Soup” (chicken and vegetables)/ bread/ peach cobbler. Please bring your own tableware to assist in the cleanup. Be sure to bring a bowl for the soup.
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, October 9, 2025
7 p.m. Church Board—Room 14
Sunday, October 12, 2025—Immigration Sabbath
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader, communion will be served; music by Chancel Bells
3 p.m. Pet Blessing in the Church Playground
Our next Messy Church gathering is this Wednesday, October 8, at 6 p.m.
Everyone is invited for supper and a time of interactive worship for all ages. What is the reign of heaven like? And which table team will win this month’s challenge? Join us Wednesday to find out!
Bring your pets to the church playground for a pet blessing on Sunday, October 12, at 3 p.m.! This event is a special request from one of our younger community members and will be a fun time to gather, appreciate our animal companions, and give thanks for God’s creation. All animals (that do not pose a danger to people or other animals) are invited to come with their people to receive a blessing. You are also welcome to bring a picture of your pet or one of their toys.
BCMC Offering for September 28: General $2,585; Plant Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $14; Ilene Schmidt Mem. $25.
Conscientious Objection – Christian Peacemaker Registration Form
During September we had three Sunday School sessions focused on conscientious objection. Most of the resources that were shared in that class are available on this web page. We encourage all young adults (aged 16-25) to fill out and file the “Christian Peacemaker Registration Form” that is available on that page. Pastors Nathan and Joanna are happy to answer any questions and the church office can provide stamps, envelopes, and copies as needed.
Mennonite Action is coming to Newton on Friday, October 10th @ 5:45 p.m. as part of their national To Build Our Courage tour! This training will be held at New Creation Fellowship Church and offer skills in noncooperation, grassroots organizing, and mutual aid, along with time for worship in prayer, song, and sharing a meal together. Join us as we continue to organize against ICE and for an end to the genocide in Gaza; join us as we seek courage, inspiration, and deeper commitment to peace and justice
Here is the sign up link: https://www.mennoniteaction.org/tour
Bethel College Announcements
· Sun., Oct. 5: Last chance to see the 2025 Fall Festival play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Ticket purchase required, online https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/#tickets) or at the door. Contains adult content and may not be suitable for young children.
· Thurs., Oct. 9: Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, Chris Miertschin, director, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
· Sun., Oct. 12: As part of the annual KIPCOR Film Series, the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Bethel College and Peace Connections are co-sponsoring a screening of the documentary Join or Die, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Based on the book Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam (Simon & Schuster, 2000); followed by a mini-fair of local nonprofits and community organizations
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center: “Made for you by a professional seamstress,” fiber art by Karen Reimer, through Oct. 27. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATES [please note change from some previously printed calendars]: Oct. 19-20, Dr. Kat Hill will give the annual Menno Simons Lectures.
· Registration is now open for Bethel College’s Worship and the Arts Symposium, “Preaching Good News in a Troubled World,” Nov. 2-4 on the Bethel campus. There is no fee, but registration is needed to get accurate numbers. Go to https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/worship-and-the-arts-symposium/ and click the “Registration” button. The focus of the 2025 symposium is homiletics, with Dr. Luke Powery from Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C. Of particular interest to pastors but open to everyone is a preaching masterclass from 9 a.m.-noon on Tues., Nov. 4. The featured visual artist is Merrill Krabill, Goshen, IN, a former professor at Bethel and now retired from teaching at Goshen College. Use the link above to see a complete schedule.
Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in the Bethel College Fine Arts Center, Krehbiel Auditorium, on Wednesdays, 9:30—11:50 a.m. Next session: October 8
9:30 a.m. “Peace Work in Chicago,” Mark Frey, finance manager/administrative coordinator, Community Peacemaker Teams, Chicago
10:50 a.m. “Indigenous Residential Schools in Canada,” Dr. Trent Voth,
Bethel College assistant professor of Bible and Religion
Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning is Nov. 5, 6, & 7
Sign up to be one of the volunteers at the mobile meat cannery in North Newton on November 5, 6 or 7 at https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2025
If you wish to make a monetary contribution please write your checks to “MCC Central States” with “Newton Area Meat Canning” in the memo line.
The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association annual banquet will be Oct. 18, 5 p.m. at the Burrton City Auditorium (203 N. Burrton Ave., Burrton). Peter Buller, recent Bethel College graduate, will speak about his experience this summer at Reba Place in Chicago, connecting with bigger themes about our role as Mennonites in the world. Music provided by the Schwisters. RSVP by Oct. 11 to Dave Stucky at bigdstucky@gmail.com or text or call 620-532-4408. Cost is $25 and can be paid at the door or online at www.swissmennonite.org.
The Goessel Arts Fund Committee is hosting an Arts Soirée on Sun., Oct. 19, 2-5 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite Church north of Newton. There will be an art show in the hospitality hall that will feature local and regional artists. A concert at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary will include performances by the Salina Symphony Brass Quintet, Holly Swartzendruber (soprano), and a piano duo extravaganza that will feature Goessel area pianists Russell Adrian, Marcia Brubaker, Jason and Renae Peters, and Karen Unruh performing works for 4-10 hands! Following the concert at 4 p.m. refreshments will be served in the hospitality hall. Plan now to attend this free event! (The Goessel Arts Fund Committee is a subsidiary of the Goessel Community Foundation)
FREE Authors Speaking Series will be Oct. 13 starting at 10 a.m. in Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Dr. Two speakers will discuss the published books they have written. Both are amazing stories based on their lives. They will share those stories with a question-and-answer session following.
· Mon., Oct. 13: Justina Neufeld will discuss her book, “A Family Torn Apart”, about her escape from Ukraine in her youth after WWII.
Wilma Loganbill will discuss her book, “A Very Fortunate Woman”, about
the tragedy of losing her husband and son and how God gives us the strength
to go through what we could never survive on our own.
· Mon., Nov. 10: Lauren Friesen, discusses his two new books coming out in October, “The Anabaptists: a Comedy in Two Acts” and “Acting Up: An Anthology of Mennonite Playwrights” Lauren has spoken around the globe, has awards from the Kennedy Center, and many other awards and degrees.
Janice Pauls will discuss her children’s book “Dandelions are Beautiful”
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
· Dam will be taken out Oct. 5, 2 p.m. Meet at the shelter area. Spectators welcome, as are people to help take out the boards and clean them. Taking the dam out is not for the youngest ages due to the weight of the boards, but spectators of all ages are most welcome! Be prepared for whatever weather/temperatures there are. It’s fun for both those helping and those watching!
· Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, Oct. 10-12, is open. Activities and lodging will be in the dining hall and bunkhouses. Register at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com
· Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting is at Hope Mennonite Church, 868 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A silent auction for a few items will take place.
· Volunteers are needed for grounds work. This could be mowing, trail maintenance, string trimming, poison ivy and sticker plant control, or likely any number of other things. Contact us at 620-297-3290 to discuss opportunities!
Calling All Helpers! The retreat center at Camp Mennoscah has provided many folks with the opportunity to participate in a multitude of camp activities and we are looking to jump start the renovation project with new management, fresh volunteers, and renewed financial assistance. To complete the project, we need your help whether you have construction skills or not! We’d like to create a list of people who we can email for specific work day projects as they come up. Please call or text Tom Gaeddert at 316-288-7766 with your name and email address if you are willing to help and we will send out info for projects a week or two in advance of work to be done. Donations are also greatly appreciated and can be sent directly to camp designated for “Retreat Center”. Thanks for your help!
For Mennonite Women USA “Women’s Voices” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond Press here
From Mennonite Mission Network–Live your faith through action!
Join Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) for a transformative one-year volunteer experience for ages 20+ starting August 2026, with an option to extend your placement. Serve with organizations addressing critical community needs, like health, education and immigration. By living with peers in a unit house and growing with a local faith community, MVSers join in a global movement for peace and a more just world. Ready to make a difference? MennoniteMission.net/MVS
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Announcements from Mennonite Church USA
Menno Snapshots
“Conflict happens … but it doesn’t have to be destructive and can, in fact, be a catalyst for growth, healing and deeper faith,” writes Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA denominational minister for Peace and Justice, in her Menno Snapshots blog. Read it and find resources for addressing conflict here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/conflict-transformation
Upcoming Event
Eastern Mennonite Seminary and MC USA are hosting an on-location training event at Village Church, Beaverton, Oregon, November 6-8, titled “Practicing Conflict Transformation in Community.” This interactive workshop provides conflict resolution tools and restorative practices for community leaders, educators, faith leaders or anyone striving for healthier relationships. Facilitators include MC USA’s Sue Park Hur, director of Racial/Ethnic Engagement, and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace & Justice. Learn more and register here: https://emu.edu/seminary/shalom/conflict-transformation
Upcoming Event
Wondering what’s ahead for your health coverage in 2026? Join MC USA for an interactive Zoom meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET to explore upcoming changes in the health coverage market and what they could mean for your premiums. The second half will feature a Q&A time about The Corinthian Plan. Register here: https://bit.ly/TCP2026 Download a slide/pdf here:http://bit.ly/4pz6O7E
Employment Opportunity: Mennonite Church USA is seeking an Executive Director for The Corinthian Plan to lead, manage, and grow The Corinthian Plan, the health coverage plan sponsored by MC USA covering pastors and other church workers, according to the strategic direction of the Church Benefits Board and consistent with MC USA vision. Pastoral/leadership experience is preferred. Must have strong writing and communication skills and the ability to creatively adapt to a changing industry and church environment. FTE: 1; Location: Dispersed. MC USA is committed to diversity among staff and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply. To request an application form, contact HR@MennoniteUSA.org or call (574)523-3027. The application deadline is November 1, 2025. View the job description here: http://bit.ly/4o4Mda3
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Today, Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service units bring closure to their five-day retreat, hosted by the Alamosa Colorado unit in Colorado. Pray that participants will return to their units renewed by this time of worship, mutual encouragement, learning and fun.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the rich variety of study materials available in the WDC Resource Library, and pray for WDC congregations hosting Bible studies and book discussions to strengthen Anabaptist witness and courageous faith as followers of Jesus in today’s world.
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.