Announcements for April 23-30, 2023 - Bethel College Mennonite Church

April 23, 2023 – Creation Care Sunday

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 23, 2023
Third Sunday of Easter
The Restoration of Creation

Prelude—Kol Nidrei (Bruch)—Caleb Garber, cello; Lisa Schmidt, accompanist

Christ Candle Lighting—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Anthem—All Creatures, Worship God Most High—VT 81—verses 1-4, 7 –Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Karen Schlabaugh, accompanist—Congregation join in unison on verse 7

Scripture Reading—Genesis 1:24-31; Romans 8:18-24a; Colossians 1:15-20—Jane Goering

Reflections—Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, Ani Koontz

*Hymn of Response—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828

*Benediction

Postlude— Postlude on Fredericktown (Robert J. Powell)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share

The Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) performs, Sun., Apr. 23, 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton. The KMMC is a large, all-volunteer male choir. In recent seasons membership has topped 300. Their motto is “we sing that others may live.” Offerings taken at KMMC concerts are donated to the Mennonite Central Committee.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat
The Mennoscah Retreat is quickly approaching – and we have very few people signed up so far! To help us with food – and making sure we have enough accommodation space – please take a few moments to let us know you’re coming! You can use this link: https://forms.gle/ccavLqvMS1Ft2WBVA to indicate you are able to attend. We’d really like to know by Monday, April 24 so we can most accurately plan for food supplies for our three tasty meals!

This Week at BCMC: April 23—30, 2023
Today is Creation Care Sunday. Copies of our Creation Care Covenant, with suggestions for creation care practices, are available on the table in the Gathering Place.   Thank you to Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, and Ani Koontz for sharing their reflections during the worship service today.
Sun, Apr. 23, 2023—Third Sunday of Easter
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic for Sunday: “Mennonite Contribution to the Dutch Golden Age, Part II” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
3:30—5:30 p.m. Faith Exploration Class in Room 28
Mon., Apr. 24, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., Apr. 26, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 27, 2023
4 pm     Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
5-7:30 pm Community Playschool Book Night in Fellowship Hall/Classrooms
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm     Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sun., Apr. 30, 2023—Camp Mennoscah Retreat
There will be no worship service at BCMC this Sunday

BCMC Offering for April 16, 2023: General Fund $6,075.33; Columbarium Fund $1,000; Caring Fund $750; Living Stones $58.33; Kitchen Fund $23; Tamen Miller Memorial $1,000.

From the Board:
Congregational Meeting
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff. Report booklets will be available soon.

Progress with Pastoral Search
At its April 6 meeting, the BCMC Board approved the Congregational Information Form completed by the Search Committee and the job description for the new pastoral position. The Search Committee has sent these two documents to Western District Conference for official announcement and advertisement of our open pastoral position. Both Search Committee and Board appreciated the congregational input from the congregational priorities survey. Thanks to all who participated in this process; we ask for the congregation’s ongoing support.
The job description is for a full-time Co-Pastor. Primary areas of emphasis will be worship, facilitating the teamwork of pastors and staff, work with board and commissions/committees, and participating with other pastors and staff in the caregiving team. Within the context of a flexible pastoral and staff team, additional emphases may be added dependent upon the gifts and interests of the candidate.

There will be a chance for discussion and questions in the sanctuary this Sunday, April 23, during the Sunday School hour. Questions may also be asked during the congregational meeting on May 7.

BCMC will be hosting the community Vacation Bible School this year, held May 30-June 2 with a joint worship service on the Bethel College Lawn at 10 a.m., June 4. A QR code and link for Registration will be available starting April 30. We are looking for volunteers! If you feel called to volunteer for the week please fill out the bulletin insert (which was in the church bulletin last Sunday, but there are also forms on the ledge between the mailboxes in the Gathering Place) and put it in either Jill Robb or Mary Ellen Hodge’s box, or send either of us an email. Youth older than 5th grade who would like to volunteer will be paired with an adult. We would love to plug you in!

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Topeka next Mon. afternoon (4/24). He will be back in North Newton on Thurs., May 4. Roger checks his phones messages and texts frequently when he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out and be on the look out for a reading contest arriving in May!!

Newton Et Cetera Shop’s board of directors will host a farewell reception for general manager Sara Dick on Sat., Apr. 29, 2-4 p.m. at the shop (619 North Main, Newton). You’re invited to stop by to celebrate seven years of Sara’s leadership and wish her well!

A Newton Et Cetera Shop Volunteer Event will be Tues., May 2, 6:30 p.m. at Shalom Mennonite Church, 800 E. 1st St., Newton. Current and former volunteers and anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the shop are invited. Come to learn more about our mission and opportunities to get involved. 30% of Mennonite Central Committee’s annual budget comes from thrift shops across the United States. Hope to see you there!

Newton Et Cetera Shop’s 2023 Local Giving Grant applications are due Mon., May 1. Information and a link for the application can be found at newtonetceterashop.com/local-giving-fund/.

Peace Connections is hosting Bridges out of Poverty, a free training to be a volunteer for Circle of Hope. The training is a three part workshop on May 5 (2-4 p.m.); June 2 (2-4 p.m.) and July 7 (2-4 p.m.) To RSVP for the workshop or for more information visit www.peaceconnections.org or call 316-284-0000. Harvey County Circle of Hope is a relationship-based initiative that seeks to improve the financial health and well-being of the community and our residents. Circle of Hope connects community volunteers with families ready and willing to begin their journey towards financial stability.

Life Enrichment for April 27—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 a.m. “Crisis Communication Strategies Emerging from the #ChurchToo Movement” Christine Crouse-Dick, Ph.D., Bethel College professor of communication arts
10:35 a.m. “Don’t Let Your Buffalo Run Loose: Stories from Harvey County,” Kristine Schmucker, archivist/curator, and Catherine Graves, director, Harvey County Historical Museum and Archives, Newton
11:30 a.m. “Bethel College Steel Drum Ensemble,” Brad Shores, director

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Apr. 23 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Weds., Apr. 26 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Featuring works by Maslanka, Curiale, Holst, Chance, Ticheli and Sheldon. Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., Apr. 27 – Annual URICA Symposium at Bethel College, with student posters and presentations beginning at 12:30 p.m. in various campus locations. See https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/urica-symposium for a complete schedule.
· Thurs., Apr. 27 – Reception for the annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of Bethel College students in a variety of media, 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. Exhibit remains through Fri., May 5.
· Sat., Apr. 29 – Friends of Kauffman Museum Sale (vintage and antique items and artwork), 9 a.m.-1 p.m., outside the front entrance and in the museum auditorium (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). All proceeds benefit the museum. For a partial list of items, see https://kauffmanmuseum.org/event/friends-of-the-museum-vintage-antique-art-sale/
· Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring mass choir, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall
· Mon., May 1 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, directed by Brad Shores, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Tues., May 2 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Weds., May 3 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7 p.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center in case of rain)
· Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at BCMC, 7 p.m.

Hesston College Announcements

April 20 to 21 – Flora Kansas Spring Native Plant Days
Come find plants at affordable prices and enjoy supporting the mission of Dyck Arboretum. Hundreds of varieties of plants will be available, many locally grown. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. April 20 will be open to members only and the 21st will be open to everyone. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events/

April 27 to 30 – Theatre for Young Audiences: Tomato Plant Girl
Theatre lovers of all ages will love Tomato Plant Girl. It is a powerful exploration of friendship between Little Girl, Bossy Best Friend and the messy Tomato Plant Girl. This production will delight young audiences with its physical action and playful, high-energy conflict. Highlighting the issues of bullying and acceptance of others, this play challenges the character of Little Girl to bravely discover the power of making up her own rules and leading with kindness. Learn more at hesston.edu/theatre.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. This annual event is for all ages. Come for intergenerational fun faith formation, music, worship, work of the broader church, good food, time with old and new friends, and more! The topic is holy listening.

Faith Formation resources for you – The WDC Resource Commission has paid for a subscription for the Vibrant Faith 2023 Masterclass Season Pass of faith formation webinars! Vibrant Faith seeks to transform the way churches envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the 21st century. For more details about the webinars, go to: https://vibrantfaith.org/masterclasses/. To access these resources at no cost to you, email Michelle at wdc@mennowdc.org.

The Western District Resource Commission is offering Mustard Seed Grants for up to $500 to WDC congregations who are seeking to share the good news of Jesus in their communities. This is seed money for creative ideas for connecting with neighbors, so relationships can be strengthened and the reconciling love of God can be shared. The hope is that these grants will empower congregations to examine ways to link good news and good works together in a way that is authentically Anabaptist. The grants are available through January 31, 2024.

Criteria for the Mustard Seed Grant include:

an identifiable connection to the surrounding community
a way to build relationships with fellow church members as well as the broader community
congregational buy-in to the program (matching fund/sweat equity)
applicants must be from a WDC congregation
if awarded grant, a short report about the impact this has made on your congregation and community will be shared with WDC

Go to https://mennowdc.org/wdc-mustard-seed-grant-application-2/ to apply.

Blessings as you ponder ways to embolden individuals to share the good news so that God’s healing and hope may flow through you and out into the world.Ordination Service: A celebration of ordination for Michael Unruh, Campus Pastor at Bethel College, will take place on Sunday, May 7 at 2 pm in the Administration Building Chapel at Bethel College, 300 E. 27th Street, North Newton, KS. Guests are welcome to join the college community and Michael’s congregation, Tabor Mennonite Church, for this special occasion.

All Western District Conference women are invited to join a virtual event sponsored by Western District Women in Mission Tues., Apr. 25. Jenny Gehman, spiritual director, retreat speaker, and writer, will present “Holy Host: the Hospitality of God.” Join in person or virtually. In-person gathering will be at First Mennonite Church, Newton, beginning with a salad potluck at 6 p.m., followed by Jenny joining virtually from Pennsylvania at 6:45 p.m. There is no cost to this event, but please register by April 23 by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com so you can receive a Zoom link if joining virtually. Please email your RSVP if attending in person and bring a salad to share. More information, contact Wendy Schrag at 316-841-5245.

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to be a Junior Volunteer at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton or Schowalter Villa in Hesston June 1 through July 28. Junior Volunteers help facilitate activities with residents in health care and/or assisted living, including playing games, reading, going on walks and more. An application is required and must be submitted by May 10. Spaces are limited. Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination series required. For application, contact 620-327-4821 or shelleyl@bluestemks.org.

Mennonite Church USA is seeking Menno Snapshots blogs on the topic, “I choose to be Mennonite because...” Bloggers are encouraged to reflect on how they came to Anabaptism, what attracted them to our Mennonite theology and practices, and how this has impacted their lives. This is an ideal opportunity for the recently baptized and/or those who may have joined from other faith traditions. Suggested word count is 500-900 words. Youth are also encouraged to participate (no word count requirements). Read the blog guidelines and submit your blog here by May 22: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/blog-guidelines/

For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “A Windmill becomes a windfall” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Anabaptism at 500 and the Anabaptist Community Bible
The five hundredth anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025 gives the church a unique opportunity to celebrate and dream. To celebrate all the ways God has been faithful, and to dream about how we can mend what’s been broken. Join this special event Saturday, April 29 at 7pm at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, KS. John D. Roth, project director, and Mitch Stutzman, director of development and partner engagement will talk about the Anabaptism at 500 project and share the vision behind the Anabaptist Community Bible. The event will include an update on the status of the project and a time for questions and conversation.
The Saturday, April 29 special event for Annabaptsit at 500 at 7pm will also be live streamed through the followingYoutube live link: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitestoneMennoniteChurch

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Scholarship requests are due by May 1. Camp Mennoscah has scholarship funds to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
If you are planning to come for the April 22 Work Day, please contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org, 620-297-3290 or text 316-293-7313. This will help us plan. Please leave a message, if staff do not answer. Thank you!
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the weeks of June 25-29, July 9-14, and July 16-21. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#MennoCon23
Online registration is open for MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s leading faith formation event, in Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center, July 3-6, 2023. Registration is also open for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, and the Delegate Assembly, July 7-8. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-registration

Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY” initiative, Jon-Erik (J. E.) Misz, secretary of the Anabaptist Disability Network board of directors, shares about his awareness of the mental health crisis that continues to grow among youth and young adults. Read more of his thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/telling-whole-story

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration” series, Conrad Moore, writes about his experience with the mass incarceration system as a mechanism to enforce the caste system of the U.S. Read more about his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/mass-incarceration-mechanism

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Bekah York, as she begins six weeks of North American ministry this month. Pray for inspiration, as she speaks in churches, encouraging others to join what God is doing in Colombia, as well as for rest and renewal, as she reconnects with family and friends.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for sponsors, mentors, teachers and pastors who minister with youth in WDC congregations.