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Church Relations
Founded in 1887, Bethel College is the oldest Mennonite college in North America. The college continues to relate closely to Mennonite Church USA and to congregations that are members of MC USA regional conferences. Bethel is also interested in relating to local congregations of other faith traditions.
The Office of Church Relations coordinates activities so that Bethel College – as an institution but also as individual students, faculty and staff – may communicate with, listen to and join in worship with other believers.
Activities
The Office of Church Relations coordinates the following activities:- Bethel College Concert Choir tour – Each spring, the choir travels to a region of the United States to sing in churches and schools, interact with prospective students and visit with alumni, family members and friends of the college at receptions with the choir. An exception to the schedule is made every four years, when the choir travels to Europe (during the January interterm). View photos from the 2007 spring tour.
- Speakers and music groups in churches – We respond to requests for the Concert Choir or other instrumental or choral groups to participate in worship services of area congregations on a Sunday morning. We will also arrange for speakers from the college or other presentations by students or faculty in churches upon request.
- The Church Relations Update is a newsletter that provides news on Church Relations activities, reflections by staff, stories about student involvement in religious life and a schedule of upcoming Bethel presentations in churches. The periodical is distributed electronically in PDF format (you will need Adobe Reader, available for free download, to access a PDF) three times a year. Pastors, church support staff and interested church members are encouraged to print a copy to post on their church bulletin boards.
- Bethel College presence at regional and national Mennonite Church USA conventions – This includes providing speakers and workshop presenters and planning a Bethel College exhibit in cooperation with the Office of Admissions and Office of Alumni Relations.
Church Relations Update
Published three times a year, in electronic format only, to provide news on Church Relations activities. Pastors, church support staff members and interested church members are encouraged to print a copy to post on their church bulletin board. Produced by the Office of Church Relations.Get Involved
- Invite a Bethel College
faculty member or administrator to speak in your
congregation.
- Invite a
Bethel College music group to perform in your church or to be
part of your worship service.
- Schedule a
visit to campus for yourself or members of your congregation.
- Contact the Office of Church Relations with comments or suggestions.
Staff
Dale Schrag, director of Church RelationsContact Information
Office of Church RelationsBethel College
300 East 27th Street
North Newton, KS 67117
Campus phone: 356
Toll-free: 1-800-522-1887 ext. 356
Local: (316) 284-5356
drs@bethelks.edu