Bethel College Mennonite Church
2600 College Avenue
North Newton, KS 67117-0364

Phone: (316) 283-3667
Fax: (316) 283-2079
Email:
Founded: 1897

Pastor(s):
   Heidi Regier Kreider, Pastor
   Ruth R. Harder, Associate Pastor

   Jeanette Leary is the Education Coordinator
  

Some adult classes at our church are structured; others are quite informal. Through these classes adults gain support from the church family as well as the Bible. Some groups use the Adult Bible Study or Good Ground materials from Faith & Life Resources, a division of Herald Press, publisher for Mennonite Church USA . All classes welcome new participants.

The Belayers (Room B8). The class is made up of 20- and 30-year-olds who are interested in discussing current political, social and family issues as they relate to the Mennonite faith. The group meets for book study and other discussion, and holds social gatherings.  At present, Belayers are meeting with the Mosaic Sunday school class under the balcony.

Catacombs (Room B5). Members of the Catacombs Class take turns leading or invite guest speakers. They emphasize open-ended discussion, prompted by materials that range from Adult Bible Study to issue-oriented videos. The group holds a quarterly social event, such as dining out or traveling to a point of interest. About 30 people attend representing a variety of professions.

Mosaic (Under the balcony). The class members are adults of all ages. Sources for discussion include The Mennonite, Bible study guides, newspaper articles, current and societal issues and hot topics brought to the class. Social activities include meeting occasionally for games, singing, eating and fellowship.

Seekers (Room 21). The name of this class reflects the exploratory nature of the group, which discusses contem­porary theological and ethical issues, often using books as guides. Members take turns leading discussion. The class has joined the Supporting Congregations Network, an affiliation of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations that welcome gay, lesbian and bisexual members. The group welcomes people of all ages, desiring to be a genuine, intergenerational class open to any “seeker” who wants to explore the Christian faith.

Sojourners (Room 28). In this class, rotating smaller committees choose topics for discussion, including faith and church issues, personal and family issues and other topics. Frequently, outside resource people are invited to give input. The 40 or so people in the class meet bimonthly for a social event.

Bible Study (Room 14). This intergenerational group meets for inductive Bible study from September to May.

Fellowship (Room 11). Discussion in the Fellowship Class is often informal, on topics related to personal experience or various other issues: hot topics in Christian thought, cultural trends and world events. Class members sometimes lead discussion on books or videos. Class members are in their middle years. The group meets for potlucks.

Fine Arts (Room 24). The class begins with sharing of news and concerns and an opening prayer. Class members take turns leading discussions, usually focusing on one chapter of a book chosen for the term. The books deal with theology, social issues, personal growth, Bible interpretation and other topics. Sunday attendance is about 25-35. The class views itself as informal yet informative, “Open to discussion without intimidation.”

Issues and Christianity (Room 23). Members of this group take turns leading discussion on a variety of topics and describe themselves as “very diverse.” Resources may include The Mennonite, newspaper articles, videos or other materials. Topics include world events, religious issues, personal or family experiences. Members eat out together nearly every Sunday noon (usually pizza), and also gather for potlucks. The 24 people in this “warm, accepting, informal group” range in age from 55 to 65.

Chapel Class (Little Chapel). About 40 people participate in the class. The teacher is Floyd Bartel with assistance from various members of the class where needed. The Adult Bible Study is used as the source and discussion guide. The group holds three or four regular socials per year. The class provides funds for the financial support of community and church needs.