Last call for Mennoscah Retreat Registrations! Still plenty of space available for overnighters, and an unlimited amount of space on both Saturday and Sunday if you’re just wanting to come for the day! If you’re planning on coming – or even mostly sure you’ll be attending – and would like to have meals, it is really helpful to have even a rough head count. Here’s where you can register: https://forms.gle/p3HXhWXFik11C9N89
It should be a great opportunity to fellowship at Camp, and we would love to see you there! Any questions – reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com). Registration will close on Monday, May 2nd at 9:00 am.
Following is the Retreat Schedule
Saturday – May 7:
1 – 5:30 PM: Arrive, settle in, optional camp activities
5:30 – 6:30 PM – Supper
6:50 – 8:15 PM – Hayrack Ride
8:30 PM – Popcorn under the Shelter
9:00 PM – Camp Songs under the Shelter
9:30 PM – Campfire @ Campfire Pit
After Campfire: Fellowship Continues!
Sunday – May 8:
8 – 9 AM: Breakfast
9:45 AM – Hymn Sing Prelude
10—11 AM: Worship (Dress for outdoor conditions)
12 PM: Lunch
This week at BCMCSunday, May 1, 2022
9:30 am Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am Faith Formation
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
Children and youth Sunday School classes! 10:30-11:30 am
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)
Monday, May 2, 2022
9 am Women’s Fellowship Leadership Meeting in Fellowship Hall
7 pm Facilities Committee Meeting in Room 14
7-9:30 pm Offender Victim Ministries Prison Training Inquiry in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
9-11 am Community Playschool
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
7-8 pm Youth Group in the Gathering Place
Thursday, May 5, 2022
9-11 am Community Playschool
7 pm Church Board Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 7, 2022
10:30 am Memorial service for Keith Sprunger in the Sanctuary (and live streamed)
1 pm BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah
Sunday, May 8, 2022
10 am Worship service at Camp Mennoscah
12 pm Lunch at Camp Mennoscah
BCMC Offerings
April 17, 2022 General Fund $21,074.26; Caring Fund $455; Living Stones $213.33 Flower Fund $11
April 24, 2022 General Fund $4,667; Library Reserve Fund $25; Living Stones $5; Flower Fund $11; Women’s Fellowship $837
We offer sympathy to Aldine and the family of Keith Sprunger. Keith died April 24 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The memorial service will be Saturday, May 7, 10:30 am at BCMC. You can attend the service in person and it will also be live-streamed. Visitation will be 5 pm to 9 pm Friday, May 6, at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.
Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus Concert – May 1
KMMC Concert Sunday, May 1, at 7:00 pm in Presser Hall at Bethany College, Lindsborg KS.
Thank you Bill Eash!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Bill Eash for his many years of musical service to BCMC. Bill is retiring from his role as Chancel Choir Director. At various times, he has also led different iterations of the children’s choirs at BCMC. We appreciate the way he has led our singing, encouraged the musical side of our children, and blended our voices in praise to God. Bill, we wish you many blessings in your next chapter!
Staff Absences
Renee will be out of town for a wedding April 29th-May 1st.
Calling all Graduates!
Graduation season is upon us and we want to recognize all of you! If you are graduating from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate programs, doctorates, etc. please let us know. Email Renee at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org with name, accomplishment, and school by May 18th.
A Message from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee
Are you “Unsatisfied”? Particularly with your knowledge of how you can impact change of our church culture? Join us during the Sunday School hour May 22 to read the article “Unsatisfied”. Lead by members of the APRC, we will read this short article, “Unsatisfied”, together and discuss how purity culture has impacted our current culture at BCMC . Articles will be made available that day. Jill Robb, APRC Chair
Summer Camp Season is approaching!
Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions
For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church.
To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $33.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.
New Hope Shelter Appeal
Once again, I send out an appeal to anyone who would be willing to help in some way at New Hope Shelter. We are running on a skeleton crew of volunteers, and help in the way of new recruits is needed. The following are needed:
1. Volunteers to spend time with residents at New Hope from 5 to 11 PM. BCMC is responsible for having volunteers for a week every 9 weeks. An orientation is given for new volunteers.
2. Evening Coordinators from 5 to 8 PM on Saturday and Sunday evenings every 9 weeks. An orientation is given for this.
3. Meals each evening for a week every 9 weeks.
Please understand that we ask for help only every 9 weeks, and being on the volunteer list doesn’t commit you to each of those weeks. I believe that BCMC is committed to helping with the work of New Hope, but we need volunteers to do so. If you are able to help, or if you have questions, please contact Valetta Seymour: seymour2314@gmail.com, 620-217-7536.
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last week to view the annual Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring the work of 52 Bethel students. Closes Fri., May 6; gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Sun., May 1 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 3 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists performing Requiem by Mozart, and Gloria and For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter, directed by Dr. William Eash; Memorial Hall
Tues., May 3 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band and Steel Paradise concert, directed by Brad Shores, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Weds., May 4 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, directed by Joel Boettger, 8 p.m.(Memorial Hall in case of rain)
Sat., May 7 – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 7 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., May 8 – Woven and Open Road joint Mother’s Day concert, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
Sat., May 14 – Spring choral concert, including pre-Europe tour program by the Bethel College Concert Choir, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. Please note that this is a change in date and time from some previously printed sources.
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Book Sale – The Western District Conference Resource Library in North Newton, KS will be hosting a Book Sale on Saturday, April 30 from 8am -12pm outside in front of the WDC building. There will be a large variety of donated books and books removed from circulation. Donations will be accepted for your selections. Hope to see you there!
2022 WDC Annual Assembly Announcement – What’s God doing through our churches in WDC? Dianne Garcia, Pastor of Family Ministry, San Antonio Mennonite Church, will preach and share stories of their congregation’s ministry with immigrants at WDC Annual Assembly. Heidi Regier Kreider, WDC Conference Minister, will preach and share other stories of how we are “United in Purpose, Together in Love” in our conference at Assembly, July 29-31, Camp Copass, Denton, TX. Assembly registration opens soon. Join us!
Join the WDC Church Planting Commission at 11am on May 11th for a zoom conversation that considers how we can share our faith stories with our neighbors.
1) How can we begin to have meaningful conversations with our neighbors?
2) How do we talk about our experiences with Jesus?
3) What unique perspectives might our faith community have to share?
4) After sharing the story, how can we invite others into the story?
Join the conversation with the following Zoom link on May 11th: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84792614360?pwd=V050eTluY2dzcFpmbUQyRjhEWHN4QT09
EVERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT
Everence® to hold Medicare and retirement income workshops this May and June
This May and June Everence will hold Medicare and Social Security workshops at its office in North Newton. The Medicare workshop (Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m.) will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.
The retirement income workshop (Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m.) will cover, Social Security strategies including when to begin taking benefits, strategies to help your income last throughout retirement, and risks that can impact your retirement savings.
The in-person workshops will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B,
North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Soon you will notice changes at the MCC building in North Newton, Kansas. Construction will address necessary repairs and updates to make the space more welcoming and safer for everyone as we strive to be good stewards of the MCC building and land. We ask for your patience and your prayers as we navigate continuing to do the work of MCC even during this construction process. If you have questions please email centralstates@mcc.org or call 316.283.2720.—
Join the MCC Central States team! We currently have the following openings. Please contact krystalklaassen@mcc.org with any questions.
Young Adult Program Coordinator – Plan, facilitate and recruit for young adult programming in the MCC Central States region. This includes the International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP), Summer Service Worker (SSW) program, the Serving and Learning Together (SALT) program, Seed, and other expanding opportunities for young adults to join with the work of MCC. Check out all the details and apply today!
Material Resources Center (MRC) Volunteer Coordinator – The MRC in North Newton, Kansas hosts volunteers of all ages working together to support the mission of MCC. Primarily, the part time Volunteer Coordinator will welcome, host, educate, assist and supervise the daily volunteers as well as receive donations in the MRC. Please visit mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings for more information and to apply.
For Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly on May 16 click here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network click here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
For Mennonite Church USA We are Better Together click here
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Guten Apetit! Pick up your verenike casserole meals at Moundridge High School this Saturday, April 30, between 5:30-6:30pm! Donations can be made by cash, check, or credit card (if cell service is sufficient). Thank you for supporting Camp Mennoscah!
Other events and happenings:
- Nurses needed for Summer Youth Camps! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Nurses need to be a licensed RN. Nurses are needed for June 12-18, July 3-9, and July 24-29. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
- The theme for Summer Youth Camps is “What’s in a Name?” Come to Camp Mennoscah and discover how God knows us beyond any name we are called. Be called to be a child of God! All weeks of camp still have openings. Sign up at https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com/
- May 21 Work & Play Day at Camp Mennoscah! Projects will start at 8:30am at the maintenance shed. Both indoor and outdoor work available. Bring your water bottle and lunch. Grab a group of friends and make a day of it! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to register.
- The summer staffers for 2022 are (alphabetical by first name) Ben Rudeen (music), Beth Balzer (crafts), Charlie Major (lifeguard plus…), Ethan Entz (unassigned), Harley McCormick (office), Jonah Schloneger (unassigned), Maddie Bollinger (lifeguard), and Schlyer Entz (lifeguard).
- Summer Youth Camp scholarships are available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or fill out the request form. Camp is for everyone!
- Groups are invited to set their own precautions based on the comfort level of their group. Please note the RV electrical hookups are not available due to safety concerns.
- Camp staff work hours vary depending on scheduled events for the week. The office assistant also works part-time from home. (Whenever a group is at camp, a staff person/host will be on duty.) Thank you for understanding! We will be in touch as soon as possible.
Memorial Day Work and Play Retreat is a weekend for families and individuals to volunteer at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. The weekend focuses on getting ready for the coming summer camp season helping with foodservice, cleaning and fixing things while also offering a free day on Sunday to enjoy the holiday weekend. The retreat is scheduled for May 27-30, 2022 beginning at 7:00pm on Friday and concluding after breakfast on Monday. Please visit www.rmmc.org/work-and-play-retreats/ online or email us at info@rmmc.org to let us know you, your family or your friends can help for all or part of the weekend.
FROM MENNONITE CHURCH USA
On Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m. ET, join Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Glen Guyton and guests for a webinar on ways that we can support the Special Session of the Delegate Assembly and our participating church leaders through individual and communal prayer and fasting. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/prayer-webinar-registration
Join Carlene Hill Byron, author of “Not Quite Fine: Mental Health, Faith, and Showing Up for One Another,” for a CommonRead webinar on May 3 at 7 p.m. ET. CommonRead is an initiative from Herald Press, Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. Learn more here: mennomedia.org/register-now/
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary is hosting a webinar, “Political Idolatry: Countering Christian Nationalism” on May 4, 2-3 p.m. ET. Register here: ambs.edu/what-is-christian-nationalism/
Mennonite Church USA has released guidelines for allowable actions and procedures during its Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30 in Kansas City, Missouri. According to the guidelines, delegates must submit suggested amendments to the proposed resolutions by May 6. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/guidelines-special-session
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference invites you to participate in a workshop on baptism in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, featuring John D. Roth, on May 7 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This event is being held online and in person at Waterford Mennonite Church. Learn more here: im.mennonite.net/baptism-workshop/
Registration is open for Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri. The deadline for hotel reservations is May 4. The deadline for registration is May 16. For more information, visit mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network joins Marlene Wall, president of LCC International University in Lithuania, in requesting prayer for faculty and staff, who are caring for both students and refugees from Ukraine. Ukrainian refuges have traveled about 700 miles to flee the violence from the Russian invasion. Pray that God’s people around the world will contribute to this ministry.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for congregational and conference delegates in WDC preparing to join others for discernment at the Mennonite Church USA special assembly May 27-30 in Kansas City.