Hello! This week’s “Hello” video comes from Julianna Schrag, BCMC’s 2020-2021 Faith Formation Intern. Watch this video to learn more about who Julianna is and what her responsibilities will be at BCMC. The link for the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeX7x9kxl24&feature=youtu.be
Peace Sunday
Sunday, September 20, we will be celebrating Peace Sunday with Dr. Christine Miller Hesed as a guest speaker. Miller Hesed is an environmental anthropologist and conservation biologist whose work focuses on engaging underrepresented communities in climate change adaptation planning. She was the project director of Engaging Faith Communities for Coastal Resilience, an applied research project that brought together rural church communities with county and state government employees to address climate change on the Chesapeake Bay. Her work involves cultural consensus analysis and ethnographic methods to understand differences and similarities in cultural knowledge within and across stakeholder groups. Her doctoral research focused on rural African American communities on the Chesapeake Bay in order to understand environmental justice, vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience to sea-level rise. Miller Hesed is a former EPA STAR Fellow. She currently lives in Hesston, Kansas with her husband and young children.
Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation September 21-25.
Keith Sprunger writes the following: “We received word that Janet Sprunger, Harrisonburg, VA, died Sunday, September 13. She was the wife of Hugh David Sprunger (died in 1998), Keith’s brother. Hugh and Janet were General Conference missionaries in Taiwan and Hong Kong for many years. They lived in Newton for several years in the 1980s and attended our church and were active members of the Sojourners Sunday School class.” Please pray for Keith and Aldine Sprunger as they mourn the loss of their sister-in-law, Janet Sprunger.
Jerry Friesen died September 11 at Kidron Bethel Village with his spouse Donna by his side. Jerry had been put on hospice earlier in the week. Please pray for Donna and the Friesen family as they mourn his loss.
A message from the family of Larry Friesen
We deeply appreciate the many expressions of kindness and support during the illness and death of our dear husband, father, and brother, Larry Friesen. Donna June, Katy June Friesen & Christian Samaniego, Duane & Liz Friesen
A message from Pete Janzen, Wichita about his mother Dotty’s birthday
On October 4, 2020 my mom, Dotty Janzen, will reach the age of 90. Kidron Bethel is still on 100% quarantine, so we had to cancel our proposed big bash in her honor. Some of mom’s friends are putting the word out to have a card shower for her. You are invited to participate. If you want to include a snapshot, that is also encouraged because Mom has an easier time remembering people when she has a picture for reference. Send cards to her at this address: Dotty Janzen, Kidron Bethel Health Care, Room 23, 3001 Ivy Drive, North Newton, Kansas 67117
The Library Committee reminds you that our wonderful library is open whenever the church is. Please feel free to come and explore our collection-either at home through TinyCat or on the computer here at church. As an added incentive, we have begun choosing genres/themes that will change every other month or so. Currently, we have pulled the books that share the theme “Racial Justice”. This healthy collection is on the shelves in back of the library check out desk. Also, those of you that have had books checked out since February or before, please return them as soon as possible. If you still don’t feel comfortable bringing them back yourselves, one of us will be glad to pick it up. You can access the church library catalog by going to the BCMC website, click on Resources, then click on Library. Happy Reading! Kathryn Simmons, Margaret Goering, Rose Haury, Barb Koontz, Sondra Koontz, LaVonne Sawatsky
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Diana Cruz and Felipe Preciado of Mennonite Mission Network request prayer for the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Benin since quarantine ended in June. Pray especially for the protection of the children and staff at La Casa Grande and that the children will not fall behind in their education.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Executive Board, Commissions, Gifts Discernment Committee and staff as they meet online next Saturday for Reference Council, a time for orientation and reflection together on common mission and priorities for the coming year.
Western District Conference Announcements:
· The WDC Immigration Task Force introduces its second installment in a series of thought pieces, mindful of immigrants among us without a voice this election season. They seek to make visible what is too often invisible with regard to immigrant lives and immigration issues. Watch for these topics in the coming weeks: “Positions on Immigration Issues of the 2020 Presidential Candidates;” and “Voices of Our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters.”
· You are invited to read the September/October/November issue of WDC’s quarterly newsletter, WDC Garden, now available at: https://mennowdc.org/wdc-garden-september-october-november-2020/.
· The Israel Palestine Relations Task Force of Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force/Mennonite Church USA is sponsoring a webinar on September 21, 7 to 8 pm (CT). UN’s International Day of Peace entitled Racial Justice from US to Palestine features Jonathan Kuttab, Alex Awad and Sarah Thompson Nahar. Instructions for registration and more information about this free webinar attached.
· Include a gift to Western District Conference in your will or estate plan, as a great way to support WDC’s work of sustaining pastors, resourcing congregations and nurturing church planting into the future! To learn more about basic tools of creating an estate plan, see a recording of the recent Everence webinar What to do with your stuff: basic estate planning (https://www.everence.com/everence-articles/core-markets/national-advisors-and-representatives/webinars/20200129-ww-basic-estate-planning). This is part of an 11-week “Webinar Wednesday” series by Everence.
Mennonite Central Committee announcements:
· If you can tie a knot you can help MCC! There are lots of comforters at MCC in North Newton that need to be tied and we’re looking for volunteers! If you would be interested in borrowing a set of sticks/stands from the MCC Workroom to set up and tie comforters at home, please contact Kate Mast at (katemast@mcc.org, 316-804-8432).
· Mennonite Central Committee invites you join Celebration 2020: MCC at 100, a livestreamed event commemorating a century of MCC’s ministry on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 6:50 pm. (EDT). The event will feature photos, videos and storytelling that highlight MCC’s work over the years. Former MCC leader and pastor Leonard Dow of Philadelphia will inspire participants to walk boldly into the next century of MCC’s ministry while talented musicians will lead in prayer and thanksgiving. You can find more information about MCC’s centennial and log in for the livestreamed event at mcc.org/celebration-2020.
· “FORGOTTEN.” This is the word that Ana Alicia Hinojosa, an MCC immigration education coordinator, said has been on her mind since South Texas/Rio Grande Valley was hit with Hurricane Hanna in late July. Read her powerful call to action in her blog, “Do something bold for immigration justice.” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/do-something-bold
· Register NOW for the MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride! Due to COVID-19, the ride is a “virtual” event this year and open to EVERYONE. Riders may register any time until September 29. Register online at Bikereg.com. Join us in raising money for MCC to fund the construction of new wells and repair existing water and sanitary systems at schools in Nicaragua. With these improvements, students will have safe water to drink and wash their hands. In this global pandemic, access to clean water is more essential than ever. Donations from non-riders are welcome! Checks to MCC Flatlander Bike Ride may be sent to MCC Central States, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale is sponsoring an online auction at this time. Here is the Acutria Auction site. https://charityauction.bid/KMRS
Bidding began last week on September 1 with bidding to close at 5 pm, September 26. This auction will feature donations that would have been sold at the silent or general auction at the KMRS event last April. Currently there are over 20 donations and items will continue to be added through the time period of the auction so check out the auction site often. There will not be any quilts sold at this auction but the quilt committee is putting together a quilt online auction for October. More details will follow as those details are worked out. This is an opportunity to contribute to the continuing needs of the Mennonite Central Committee. The auction site is easy to use and is geared for non-profit charitable organizations. Items purchased may be picked up at a distribution points in North Newton, Topeka and Hutchinson. Shipping or delivery will be considered upon request. Again, here is the Acutria Auction website https://charityauction.bid/KMRS Please check out the items on the auction site and bid. If you have something you would like to donate or have questions, please contact me at jimandbeatyrobb@gmail.com or 620-747-0186. You have been very generous in your donations and contributions to KMRS and MCC. For this we are thankful. But in this centennial year we should consider stretching ourselves as the original supporters of MCC did. The best way to celebrate is to “give in the name of Christ.” Jim Robb, KMRS Chair
Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Limited number of openings! Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will take place on Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 6-8. Masks and physical distancing guidelines will be followed and the facility used has been changed. More spaces will be opened as determined safe and feasible, so put your name on the waitlist! Register online at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for further information.
· Camp Mennoscah welcomes guests! Camping areas and cabins are open to guests/groups for overnight stays and day visits. Spend time in the river, have a campfire cookout, and enjoy the open spaces of the tallgrass prairie and the Ninnescah River! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation and to inquire about use of additional facilities. We can’t wait to see you!
· Camp Mennoscah’s annual meeting is September 27. An online link will be shared soon!
Now at Kauffman Museum (through Nov. 29) – “Sorting Out Race: Examining Racial Identity and Stereotypes in Thrift Store Donations.” Regular hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1:30-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays, but with ever-changing COVID-19 protocols, you are advised to check the museum website, kauffmanmuseum.org, or Facebook page or call 316-283-1612 before planning a visit.
Wurst Fundraiser Ever: You’re invited to a German-themed drive-through carryout meal fundraiser to benefit Mennonite Central Committee Sept. 26 held at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, Kan. Tim and Heidi Huber’s family will be offering bratwurst, sides, dessert and drinks, with an RSVP deadline of Sept. 19 or 300 reservations at https://forms.gle/ASndjK9AQPa3BLRS7 or by calling 316-217-1932. Hope to see you there!
Bethel College Announcements:
· Last week to see work by three seniors from the Class of 2020, Georgia Anderson, Blayne Stump and Anna Wiens, in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The exhibit closes Friday, Sept. 25. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Receptions will be individual and by invitation only. Face masks must be worn on the Bethel College campus.
· Join Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution ONLINE for KIPCOR’s 2020 Nonviolence Week Presentation on Friday, September 25, at 11:00 am. KIPCOR will be hosting a ZOOM TED-talk style presentation by the Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding. In these turbulent times, this is a unique opportunity to support one another, to learn from one another, and to add your voice to the ongoing dialogue about race in society.
KIPCOR will host a Q & A session after her presentation. In order to receive the email with the Zoom link, you MUST preregister on the KIPCOR website no later than Noon on Thursday, September 24. Simply go to KIPCOR’s website at http://kipcor.org/ and click on the event, then click on the green “Register Here” button.
· Fall Festival at Bethel College is not canceled but will look different this year. While there won’t be a “Fall Festival fair” on campus Oct. 3, there will be a homecoming football game, an art exhibit by David Long, and a virtual play written by Karen Robu, among other events. The Bethel College Women’s Association is taking orders for baked goods at www.bcwamarketonline.com/shop/preorderforfallfest/9 (ordering deadline: Sept. 30). See www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for a detailed schedule.
· Bethel College Women’s Association is inviting area churches and former BCWA members to help with Fall Fest Baking. Check out items needed and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4ca8a72fa3f58-fall/. Thank you for your continued support of Bethel College!
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home. If circumstances allow, on September 1 we will begin accepting orders for baked goods to be picked up on Fall Fest weekend, October 1-3. Please check the website for updated information.
SAVE THE DATE—IBA BENEFIT DINNER: The annual Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) benefit fundraiser will beFri., Oct. 16 at First Mennonite Church in Newton. A burrito order to go will take place instead of the usual dinner. (You can order Pork, Chicken or Meatless burritos. Sold by ½ dozen-6 burrito and a dozen-12 burritos) Pick up between 4:30-6:30 pm, instructions will be sent later. Sale by donation. If you are not able to order you are invited to give a donation. Your generous gift will help ensure the future of this vital ministry. IBA is a program of Mennonite Education Agency’s Hispanic Ministries for Leadership Development and Pastoral Education. For any inquiries or to ORDER contact Violeta Ajquejay Suastegui at: VioletaA@MennoniteEducation.org or call 316-281-4342. DEADLINE to order: Thursday Oct. 9.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Mennonite Church USA staff invites you to join them in supporting the Mennonite World Conference Global Sharing Fund to provide COVID-19 relief to congregations with less access to aid and resources, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia. For more information: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/word-conference-relief-fund
· Mennonite Church USA is offering Justice Fund grants to congregations that are actively addressing racial justice, poverty, police brutality/reimagining policing and immigration or are seeking start-up money to engage in these areas. For more information on how to apply or donate: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/applications-for-justice-fund/
· In his blog, “Building stamina for anti-racism,” Goshen student Cade Fisher talks about the need for young people to prepare for the long, hard work of anti-racism. Read it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/building-stamina-for-anti-racism/