Sign up to attend Ash Wednesday Services on February 17, 2021 – (LINK NOW WORKING)
BCMC will offer several small Ash Wednesday services on February 17th. In order to ensure we have enough room to properly social distance, please sign up for only one time slot with this link. Time slots will disappear if they become full, so only sign up for the time that you will attend. The service will be less than 20 minutes in length and will include silence, music, scripture, and a time to receive ashes.
Voices Together
The hymnal, Voices Together, is here! We will begin using it in our BCMC worship services soon. If you would like to have your own copy for home use, you can order it here: http://voicestogetherhymnal.org/products/ordering-and-discounts/. We look forward to how this blend of old, familiar, and new will enrich our worship together!
Offerings at BCMC: January 29, 2021 General Fund $3,454; Caring Fund $25; Jr Hi Fund $150; Living Stones $3,550; Women’s Fellowship $100
February 5, 2021 General Fund $14,997; Sr Hi Youth $50; Caring Fund $100; Jr Hi Fund $75; Living Stones $565; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $150
Read the letter from Church Board chair/moderator Elizabeth Schmidt on “A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation.” by clicking on this link: A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation
A Note to Commissions and Committees
Given that Harvey County’s COVID-19 two week percent positivity rate is below 10% (currently 6.06%), commissions and commissions may meet at church, in the Gathering Space or front of the sanctuary, with masks, windows open for ventilation, and with members 6 feet apart. If you would like to have a meeting at the church, please be in touch with Monica for scheduling purposes. In the meantime, Zoom continues to be a great option for meeting safely! If you would like to keep track of Harvey County’s positivity rate for future planning, you can access that information here: https://www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats
Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “After the End of the End of the World,” a collaboration between Rachel Epp Buller and Derek Owens. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. (Because of the pandemic, there will be no public reception for this exhibit.) Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.
Western District Conference announcements
1. WDC Gifts Discernment Committee seeks nominees: Do you know persons who can contribute to the ministry of WDC? The Gifts Discernment Committee invites suggestions of names to consider for positions on the Executive Board and Commissions. All suggestions are recorded for consideration in this or future years. For more information about the work and current members of these groups, see http://mennowdc.org/executive-board-commissions/. Nominees will be presented for affirmation by delegates at the WDC Annual Assembly, July 30-Aug. 1, 2021. Please contact WDC at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300 to offer suggestions. Thank you!
2. Brad Roth, pastor at West Zion in Moundridge, Kansas, will be the featured speaker at the Ohio Mennonite Conference Annual Assembly, March 4-5. Brad will speak on the context and mission of the rural church. He’s the author of God’s Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church and is working on a new book on the rural church for the Lexham Ministry Guides series. You can register to join the conference online.
Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Camp Mennoscah is seeking names of persons interested in being program directors for a Junior week of summer youth camp. This camp week is for 6-7th grades. Program directors should strongly believe in the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have a good understanding of camping ministry, and be dedicated to creating an environment for youth to grow in Christian faith, leadership, and community. Please contact Camp Mennoscah by February 13. Names received after the 13th will be considered for future years.
2. Registration is open for the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats at Camp Mennoscah on March 5-7 and March 19-21! Once the retreats are full, sign up on the waitlist. Register at www.campmennoscah.org!
3. Nothing’s better than a summer at camp! Watch this video created by Mennonite Camping Association about why you should work at camp. Applications for Camp Mennoscah Summer Staff positions are now being accepted!
4. Camp Mennoscah is an amazing space for families and groups to connect! Facilities for differently sized groups are available with a variety of gathering areas. Trails and fields are waiting to be hiked and used for fun activities, too! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve.
Mennonite church announcements1. Mennonite Church USA’s first Learn, Pray, Join initiative of 2021 will focus on the “Cost of War” to highlight a core peace church value: resistance to war, both in our neighborhoods and overseas. In a webinar on Thursday, February 25 at 6:30-7:30 pm Central Time / 7:30-8:30 pm Eastern Time, panelists will bring awareness to the economics of war and share the various ways they have resisted paying for war. For more information and to register, go tohttps://www.mennoniteusa.org/ministry/peacebuilding/learn-pray-join/cost-of-war/webinar/2. Join the Youth Venture Civil Rights Tour! Visit places of historical significance, hear stories and learn why our faith calls us to stand against injustice and with the oppressed. Visit MennoniteMission.net/YouthVenture for more information on this summer trip.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request
Praise God that travel restrictions were lifted, permitting Pablo Sanchez, from Argentina, to finally join the Service Adventure unit in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Pray for him as he adapts to the household which is comprised of Lexie Coburn, Luisa Dutchersmith, leaders, Eric and Julie Yoder and their family.
Western District Conference Prayer Request
Pray for health care workers and chaplains in WDC congregations and communities, as they care compassionately for those in need.