After a virtual gathering in 2020, the Lighting of the Green returns as a real-time event on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. around the Green in the center of campus.

Many Western Christian churches, including the Mennonite Church USA denomination with which Bethel is affiliated, observe Advent, the season of preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ on Dec. 25.

The 35th iteration of the college’s Advent tradition took place Sunday, Dec. 13, with participants from (almost literally) everywhere.

And it can be seen on Bethel's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/BethelksEdu1887/videos

As has been true of so many Bethel College events in the fall 2020 semester, the annual Lighting of the Green was open to the world by way of the internet.

Since 1986, Bethel students, staff and faculty have been inviting the wider community to join in the Lighting of the Green.

Current campus pastor Peter Goerzen has been part of this tradition for most of his life, starting from a different and special vantage point.

This year, he saw his experience come full circle.

His first memories of the event are of accompanying his father, Les Goerzen, Bethel physical plant director.

All are invited to join in an annual Bethel Advent tradition that started in 1986.

This year, the Lighting of the Green takes place Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. around the Green in the center of campus.

Many Western Christian churches, including the Mennonite Church USA denomination with which Bethel is affiliated, observe Advent, the season of preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ on Dec. 25.