Announcements for February 27-March 6, 2022

 

Lent Prayers 
Pastoral staff at BCMC will be facilitating prayers during lent on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4 pm.  This is a time to take a break from the day and let evening come.  We will pray together via Zoom for about 15-20 minutes using the daily prayer book from the Corrymeela Community, northern Ireland’s longest running peace and reconciliation organization: Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Padraig O Tuama. Please contact Pastor Nathan if you would like to receive the Zoom link.  Purchase of the prayer book will be helpful, but is not necessary.  Prayers will begin on Thursday, March 3.

You can find the BCMC Lent 2022 Devotional by pressing here

This week at BCMC
Sunday, February 27
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am  Children and Youth Sunday School Classes!
Circles of Grace will be offered to children and youth during their in-person
Sunday School hour on February 27 and March 6 
Preschoolers – Room B4        Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26
High School – Room 24   Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House
The Agape Class will meet in Room B8
Adult Classes (If meeting):  Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);
Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)
2-4 pm      BookReviews Reception for Vern Preheim in Fellowship Hall
BookReviews Recognition for Vern Preheim
You are invited to a come and go reception for Vern Preheim who has retired from BookReviews.   This event to recognize Vern’s contributions to BookReviews will be Sunday, February 27 from 2 to 4 pm in the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall.

Monday,  February 28, 2022
7 pm           Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday,  March 1, 2022
9—11 am  Community Playschool
Wednesday, March 2, 2022–Ash Wednesday
7 pm         Ash Wednesday Service—in the sanctuary and live streamed
7 pm          Youth Group
7:45 pm    Chancel Choir in the Sanctuary
Thursday, March 3 2022 
9—11 am  Community Playschool
4 pm          Lent Prayers by Zoom
6:15 pm    Chancel Bells in Room B7
7 pm         Church Board Meeting
Friday-Saturday March 4 & 5
Sunday, March 6—1st Sunday of Lent
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
After the worship service there will be a Land Acknowledgement Discussion in the sanctuary
10:30 am  Children and Youth Sunday School  

BCMC Pictorial Directory
An additional day has been added to the available photography sessions.  Now you can sign up March 23, 24, 25, and 26. ANYONE who wants to be included in the BCMC Photo Directory is welcomed to participate.  Official membership is NOT required.  If you want to be included in the BCMC community, shine up that smile!
All photography sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall, March 23, 24, 25, and 26.  The photo sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will run from 2:00 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
When you sign-up for an appointment, you will have a professional photography session, schedule a ZOOM meeting to see your proofs on computer at a later date where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends.  A computer will be available at the church, along with assistance, to hold the scheduled ZOOM meeting for those Individuals that do not have computer access.
Three options for making an appointment March 24, 25, or 26:
1. Click on the link below and make your appointment yourself on-line
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=63985&step=2
2.     Call Doris Whillock at (316) 283-5561 to set up your appointment date
3.     Sign up before or after the worship service on Sunday (when in-person worship resumes)
Make an appointment to have your picture taken today. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!

Pastoral and Congregational Transition
In an effort to show transparency, the Church Board of the Bethel College Mennonite Church would like to update the congregation on the process surrounding this time of pastoral and congregational transition. After several conversations with Western District Conference Associate Conference Minister Kathy Neufeld Dunn, the church board is in the process of seeking out a consultant who might help us better understand the needs of our congregation. Our hope is to learn more about who and where we are as a congregation so that as we move forward with the process of calling our next pastor(s), the congregation and church board are able to have a clear set of expectations for potential candidates.

At this time, we are not naming a pastoral search committee; rather, we will work through the consulting process first in order to establish priorities and direction. As we move forward, the church board will continue to update and involve the congregation along the way, seeking input and guidance as we proceed. We ask for your prayers that, in this time of transition, the BCMC congregation is able to find clarity and direction in the work that is yet to come – so that we may continue to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Delegates for MSUSA Special Assembly…We are currently seeking one or two additional delegates to attend the upcoming MCUSA Special Delegate Assembly, May 27-30, 2022 in Kansas City, on behalf of BCMC.  Currently four resolutions are being addressed including MCUSA Membership guidelines, MCUSA justice resolution, MCUSA accessibility resolution, and the resolution for repentance and transformation.  If you are interested or have questions please contact Dale Shrag (Gift Discernment Committee) or any of the pastors. 

“Land Acknowledgement:  Then What?” 
You are invited to a discussion: “Land Acknowledgement:  Then What?”  Sunday morning, March 6 after the Worship Service in the sanctuary.   Hosted by Raylene Hinz-Penner, Karin Kaufman Wall, Florence Schloneger and Nathan Koontz.  In February Florence described a land acknowledgement as a reminder, a call, a recognition, a desire to seek out those harmed in acts of restorative justice.  Nikki Sanchez speaks to those of us who are part of the settler legacy:  where you find yourself today may not be your fault, but it is absolutely your responsibility (response-ability). If thinking about the land acknowledgement read each first Sunday of the month at BCMC has led you to wish to talk to other seekers, join us for an open discussion, sharing questions, responses, ideas, and ways to move forward.

BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sun., Feb. 27 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, soprano, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocol requires face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Mon., Feb. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert under the direction of Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., featuring works by Erickson, Ticheli, Mackey, Standridge and Sousa; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Current Bethel COVID protocol requires face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status; livestream option available on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

Fri., March 4 – Bethel College presents the 2nd Annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture with Dr. Rebecca Thomas, professor and director for international social work studies at the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall. Face coverings must be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status; livestream option available on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

Sat., March 5 – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Sun., March 6 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Reinhild K. Janzen, “Ritual Markers of Life and Death in Uganda and Taiwan,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This program is associated with the current special exhibit marking 125 years of Kauffman Museum, and Janzen will be talking about items included in the exhibit. Current Bethel COVID protocol requires face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.
 

HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Spring musical: James and the Giant Peach – March 2 to 6, Black Box Theater, Keim Center
The musical, based on Roald Dahl’s 1961 children’s book, traces the life of the orphan, James Trotter. When he leaves the orphanage to live with his two horrible aunts, he soon discovers a peach growing outside their home and ventures inside of it to befriend five insects. Through a series of odd adventures, James gains an unexpected, unconventional understanding of what it means to be a family. Info and tickets at hesston.edu/theatre.

Where have all the Pastors Gone? – March 25 to 26, Hesston Mennonite Church and online
A Weekend College event presented by Hesston’s Center for Anabaptist Leadership and Learning (CALL) program, the seminar will explore strategies to encourage discernment and development of calls to leadership within our congregations. Discuss barriers to the pastoral call and work at strategies to remove those barriers. Explore ways the church can change to make the pastor role more attractive. Online and in-person options available. Learn more and register at hesston.edu/weekendcollege.
 

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get ready for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, a benefit for Mennonite Central Committee, April 8 & 9 at the Kan. Fairgrounds in Hutch. What can you bring as your gift to the hungry and hurting at home and abroad? Quality woodwork and needlework items, cotton tea towels, hobby items, crafts, plants and baked foods are much in demand.

By working together for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, we have the opportunity to share with the needy of our world. Each year, it is the sale board and supporting committee’s goal to raise funds to cover the budget leading up to the sale. The purchasing committee needs cash gifts for 45 items ranging in cost from $350 for butter to $8,800 for building rentals. By meeting the budget prior to the sale, all proceeds sale weekend can be donated to MCC. If you or your Sunday School class can support the sale budget in this way, get in touch with Dale and Margo Schrag or Steve and Elaine Schurr, your relief sale contact persons, or send contributions to sale treasurer, Jo Kasitz, treasurer, 1715 Casey, Newton, KS 67114.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please continue to pray for peace and safety in Ukraine. MCC is evaluating the situation and giving support to staff and partners as the situation allows. All international MCC staff have been evacuated from Ukraine including two SALT participants from Kansas. Aaron Ensz from Buhler has returned to the U.S. and Micah Epp from North Newton has relocated outside of Ukraine. Please keep them and their families in your prayers as well.  

Impact 2022: Do you care about helping Mennonite Central Committee make an impact in the U.S. and around the world? If so, we want to listen to you. Your input can help fulfill MCC’s desire to find the best ways of responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. Share your ideas in this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCCimpact2022-Media. Thank you!

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

To Western District Conference congregations,  
As the crisis in Ukraine deepens following the invasion by Russian military forces on February 24, I invite you to join Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) and Mennonite World Conference in offering prayer for all who are impacted by this war, particularly for Ukrainians and our Mennonite siblings in Ukraine. MC USA is a member of Mennonite World Conference, a global community of faith in the Anabaptist tradition. 
Here are several resources for participating in prayer and support for peacemaking and justice in Ukraine:

May we join God’s work of justice, mercy and peacemaking,

Heidi Regier Kreider
WDC Conference Minister

Invitation to attend March 6 Meeting on Medicaid Expansion in Kansas
You are receiving this invitation as a church or an organization of faith. As a person of faith, I feel Medicaid Expansion is a moral issue that must be addressed. It is time we step up and see that persons in our neighborhood, community and state have access to affordable health care. 

Do you ever wonder… 
How many Kansans are without affordable health insurance and therefore affordable health care? What is the maximum income a single parent with two children can make and still qualify for Medicaid? What can persons of faith, those who see the need for the expansion of Medicaid (KanCare) and concerned Kansans do to address Medicaid expansion in Kansas? 

You, your congregation, stakeholders and the community are invited to attend an informational meeting of “Faith Voices for Medicaid Expansion” March 6, 2022, 2:30, at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Avenue, Newton, KS.  Parking is available on the east side of the church off Trinity Drive. Please extend an invitation out to other interested parties. 

We will address this information and more with the goal to find out what we can do individually and collectively to address this moral issue and improve the lives of Kansans. On the 6th we look forward to hearing from Matt Schmidt from Health Ministries to share the local impact of expanding Medicaid. 

Trinity Height UMC Missions Committee 

Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World click here
Mennonite Mission Network MVS Mustard Seeds click here
Mennonite World Conference click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
Mennonite Men click here

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Mennonite Church USA annual Lent at Home guide is now available. Find the guide and other Lent resources at mennoniteusa.org/lentathome.

Learn about the “Accessibility Resolution,” which will be voted on at Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30. MHS’ Clare Krabill and Anabaptist Disability Network’s Jeanne Davies will discuss it during a webinar on Monday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m. ET. Read the resolution and register for the webinar on the delegate resource page: mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate

Join author and pastor Osheta Moore on March 3 from 6:30-8:30 pm for “Ain’t Gonna Study War No More,” a hybrid event focused on restoration and shalom and cohosted by Atlantic Coast Conference. Register for your free ticket at tinyurl.com/y4fw578v. 

Menno Snapshots
In his blog, “Not too much or too little,” Beryl Jantzi reflects on the prayer of Agur in Proverbs 30. He reminds us to be content with our “daily bread” and to avoid the dangers of pursing wealth and power. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/not-too-much-little.

Menno Snapshots
In her blog, “A spiritual discipline?” Mag Richer Smith poetically describes how she sees God using her grandma’s sewing box to create the world and mend the brokenness of humanity. Read her poem here: mennoniteusa.org/spiritual-discipline. 

Are you looking for a way to provide a faithful testimony to the world regarding Jesus’ way of nonviolence and peace? This tax season, learn more about Mennonite Church USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/peace-tax-fund/. 

Sand Creek Community Garden Announcement (in anticipation of Spring)
The Sand Creek Community Garden (just north of the Bethel College campus) has a few plots available for rent for the 2022 season. 
Please email communitygarden@bethelks.edu for more information or to request an application.” 

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network, with more than a dozen partners, realized a long-held dream in 2021 — to make Anabaptist theological resources available in the French language. Praise God for the launch of this program with free monthly online webinars offered by le Centre de Formation á la Justice et á la Paix (Justice and Peace Training Center), and pray for its continued development.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commission, as they implement a new strategic plan to engage our whole conference in initiatives for church planting, revitalizing congregations, and fostering relationships with emerging Anabaptist/Mennonite groups.