Christine Miller Hesed spoke to BCMC Peace Sunday, September 20. She writes: “Thank you again for the opportunity to share with your congregation on the topic of climate justice. I had the opportunity to watch a recording of a webinar sponsored by Interfaith Power & Light on connecting action on climate change with our faith values. It features Katharine Hayhoe, who is a climate scientist and evangelical Christian and speaks very clearly on how to talk about climate change with our neighbors. I would encourage you all to watch it. Link for the webinar recording and the links they mention within the webinar are listed Click on the following to access the webinar: Link Interfaith Power & Light Webinar
This week’s “Hello” video comes from the BCMC elevator that was updated and fixed over the summer. Join this elevator tour to see the work that was done and to join Pastor Renee on her first ride in the now working elevator! Watch by clicking here.
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
BCMC Offering for September 20-27: General Fund $8,702; Living Stones $25.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Matthew and Toni Krabill, serving with Mennonite Mission Network at the Paris Mennonite Center in France, help resource Anabaptist Ch ristians to engage with issues of injustice and conflict. Pray that they would continue to draw on God’s words to guide their ministry and that they will help others to be faithful to Jesus’ way.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commission and church planters as they listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading for church development in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.
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/.
· 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.
Quilter’s Corner Fall Announcement: Quilter’s Corner items that would have been sold at the annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale in April will be available for purchase. Come support the relief work of Mennonite Central Committee and start or replenish a quilting stash. Health protocols for Harvey County will be observed during the sale. Questions? Contact Rose Wiebe Haury at 316-288-0079 or haury@juno.com. Times are: Friday October 2, 9 am – 5 pm or Saturday October 3, 9 am – 3 pm Place: MCC Materials Resource Center, 121 East 30th, North Newton
Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 30-Nov. 1 has up to five spaces available. (Nov. 6-8 is waitlist only.) Participants will stay in the Retreat Center with their own bathroom and scrapbook/crafts tables will be set up in the dining hall to provide more space and better ventilation. Register at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for more information.
· Work and Play Day! Camp Mennoscah invites volunteers to sign up for a day of service and fun on October 10. The day begins at 8:30 am and ends approximately 2:30 pm. Contact staff at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org for details. Please bring a mask!
· 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:
· Kauffman Museum First-Saturday bird walk, Sat., Oct. 3 7:30 am, beginning in the museum parking lot, Main & 27th Streets in North Newton. Experienced birders will lead a walk of 1 to 1.5 miles (about an hour) in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· 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: KIPCOR will kick off its 2020-21 Peace Lecture series with journalist and author Sarah Smarsh, Thurs., Nov. 5, 7 pm, in an online format. This is a fundraiser for KIPCOR. More details to follow!
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/
· Joel Miller, pastor of Columbus Mennonite Church, a sanctuary church in Ohio, talks about putting a face on immigration and reminds us that we have choices to make that impact our own humanity. Read more in his blog, “These are my people!” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/these-are-people/
· Writing as part of a blog series on racial justice, Goshen College sophomore Greta Lapp Kassen reminds us that, “Silence is violence, and as pacifists, it is our duty to promote peace.” Read her blog, “Our faith must compel us to work for change”: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/our-faith-must-compel-us-for-change/
Mennonite Church USA Common Read Book Discussion: Join us in September’s MC USA Common Read! Contact the library to borrow your copy of “Signs of Life: Resurrecting Hope out of Ordinary Losses” and join us for a discussion via Zoom on Thursday, September 24 from 7:00-8:00pm. Contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org for the Zoom link.
How has 2020 strengthened, challenged or reshaped your Anabaptist faith and the way you live your life? Share your stories, photos, videos and artwork at Anabaptist History Today, a collaborative, online, Anabaptist storytelling platform. https://aht.libraryhost.com/s/archive/page/Welcome