Announcements for April 30 to May 7, 2023

Worship for Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Camp Mennoscah

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is here!  There will be no worship service in the church this Sunday.  The worship service at the retreat at Camp Mennoscah will begin at 10 a.m.  We will celebrate two baptisms at the retreat.


Please pray for Harold Thieszen, Barbara and John Thiesen and Andrew Thiesen and their extended family as they grieve the death of their wife, mother, and grandmother, Esther.  Esther died Friday morning, April 28, 2023 at Kidron Bethel Village. 

A date for the memorial service will be announced later.


Please remember in your prayers Diana and Charles Graber and their extended family on the death of Diana’s mother, Mary Kathryn (Yoder) Stucky.  Mary Kathryn died April 23, 2023, at Pine Village, Moundridge.  Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moundridge Funeral Home.  The memorial will be Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. at First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge.
You can read the obituary at this link:  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mcphersonsentinel/name/mary-stucky-obituary?id=51722499


Offering for April 23, 2023:  General Fund $6,495; Caring Fund $175; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $140; Flower Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $16; Women’s Fellowship $458.
 


BCMC 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.  

Click the link below for a pdf of the Annual Report Booklet.  There will be printed copies available in the Gathering Place on the ledge between the mailboxes.

 
Annual Report Booklet for June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023

VBS Registration
It is time to register for Vacation Bible School.  If you have children in Pre-K (4 years) through entering 5th grade this form is for you!  Please invite grandchildren and friends to fill out the form so they can attend.  We would love to have them!  If you have any questions, please email or talk to Jill Robb (jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) or Mary Ellen Hodge (hodge_mar@yahoo.com).

Here is the link to the Registration Form and the QR code.  


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepSN8cyMISPivc5JTk2H_FYfqnJJVXO-E_NlmLJwDApBsHTg/viewform



A message from the Bethel College Relations Team of BCMC

Last year due to COVID the Bethel College Baccalaureate Sunday morning service was held at Memorial Hall at Bethel College, rather than at Bethel College Mennonite Church.  That is the plan again for this year.  

The BCMC ministerial team has decided to cancel the worship service in our sanctuary on May 14 and instead to encourage BCMC members to attend the Bethel College Baccalaureate service in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall at 10 a.m.

The Bethel College Mennonite Church Bethel College Relations Team wanted to inform you of this.  Please consider attending the Bethel College Baccalaureate service on May 14 at 10 a.m. as a way of showing your support and encouragement for this year’s graduates and our friends at Bethel College.

Thank you.  BCMC Bethel College Relations Team:  Dick Koontz, Darlene Dick, Carol Flickinger, Ron Flickinger


To the BCMC congregation: Thank you for your generosity to replenish our caring fund over the Lenten season. We appreciate your continued support.  – The Deacons Commission.


You are invited to contribute non-perishable food for the local Salvation Army food pantry.  On the first Sunday of the month, bring items to BCMC and place them on the cart in the south entrance of the church.  Salvation Army requires food boxes to be sealed but if you have unsealed boxes, with items still sealed in them, you can also contribute these items.  Kathy Stucky will distribute the sealed boxes to the Salvation Army and opened boxes of food with items still sealed to the various food neighborhood pantries in Newton.


New Hope Shelter Announcement
Message from Brian Bisbee, director of New Hope Shelter:

We are transitioning as we head towards the new building.  We only have $20,411 to raise to meet the Mabee Foundation challenge requirement.  That will give us the $1 million we need to complete the fundraising for the new Shelter, furnishings and equipment.  Of course we will be working on the support for the continuing operations. 
 


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. 


An Announcement about Jon Voth
Jon Voth will be joining the Red Lake MN MDS Team April 30, 2023 for most of the summer. His temporary address will be 10200 MN-89, Red Lake MN 56671. It will be updated if it changes.
His Cell phone number is 316-284-1072
 


Book Sale – The Western District Conference Resource Library in North Newton, KS will be hosting a Book Sale on Saturday, May 6 from 8:30am -12:30pm outside in front of the WDC building. There will be a large variety of donated books and books & DVDs removed from circulation. Donations will be accepted for your selections. Hope to see you there!

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.

Western District Conference Prayer Request
Dear Lord, we draw near to the throne of your grace, to give you glory, honor, and praise. And to ask you to hear the prayer of your children crying out to you. My prayer request is that you guide us, in our meetings, that we feel your peace, in every decision. Revive your work amid the times in which we are living, and may the world know you, and may the church take the initiative to be light, to give light, to remain in light and in the midst of darkness to shine like a burning torch. Amen – WDC Church Planting Commission
 


Bethel College Announcements

(Sun., April 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 in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The concert also features the community band Steel Paradise and the McPherson College Steel Drum Band, with hymn arrangements, pop, calypso and original compositions. This will be Brad Shores’ final concert before he moves to Florida. Free admission, with a freewill offering taken to support Bethel College music.
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, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center in case of rain)
 
Sat., May 6 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). 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 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at Bethel College, 7 p.m.Memorial Hall
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 61 Bethel students in a variety of media. Exhibit closes Fri., May 5. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.


Hesston College Announcements

May 12 – Music Recitals

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on May 12 at 2 and 4 p.m. The recitals will feature Luke Huyard, Sadie Oesch, Jesse Kanagy, Ginny Miller, and Abraham Cadillo Quispe. Join in person at the Black Box Theater or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 12 – Bel Canto Singers Concert

Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert over commencement weekend Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 13 – Nursing Pinning

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 baccalaureate degree nursing graduates. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/pinning-webcast.

May 13 – Theatre Showcase & Student Directed One-Act Play

Acting I and Acting II students will perform monologues and scenes from their work this semester. Immediately following, a short one act play, The Wall: A Pilgrimage, directed by Alexis Driscoll, will feature students from both classes. The show is about a family visiting the Vietnam War Memorial and the feelings each member faces when recalling the soldier they lost.  Join in person at the Black Box Theater.

May 13 – Commencement

Riccardo Harris, executive director of Wichita GEAR UP at WSA, will present the commencement address. General seating in the sanctuary will begin at 3:30 p.m. with overflow general seating in the HMC Community Center. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/commencement.
 


Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise.  If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful!  During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more.  This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers.   Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.

Other events and happenings:

  • Scholarship requests are due by May 1.  (After May 1, some funds may still be available.) 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.
     
  • 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.
     
  • Nurse needed for 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).  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.
     
  • 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.
     
  • Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost.  We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets.  Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.
     
  • 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!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY – Now May 6th – The original effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle with pheromone packets here at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp was impacted by snow and cold. Go figure, spring in Colorado. So please consider if the revised date fits into your schedule. Pheromone packets are disbursed and stapled on trees around camp to “communicate” to the beetles to go elsewhere. We need your help by signing up on the camp’s Volunteer page and selecting the “Signup for Maintenance“ button. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and Saturday will begin with a hearty camp breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Hope to have you join us!

VOLUNTEERS & SUMMER STAFF INVITATIONS – With summer camping season fast approaching, Rocky Mountain invites additional volunteers and summer staff to join in providing a fun and meaningful experience to all who come this summer. Volunteer opportunities and sign-up to help with foodservice, housekeeping, maintenance and van driving can be found under the “VOLUNTEER – VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SIGN-UP” link on camp’s web page (rmmc.org). Summer Staff opportunities and sign-up to join campers and facilitate their camp experience can be found under “ABOUT US – SUMMER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES“.


Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:
Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who serve as hosts at the Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, which offers temporary shelter to migrants from Africa and the Middle East. Pray for the Givens family as they work with many volunteers. May their presence encourage the sojourners they encounter.

For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here 
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

 


Mennonite Church USA Announcements
 

Mennonite Church USA is seeking a Director of Archives and Records Management to oversee the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of permanent records for MC USA as well as collections of individuals or institutions closely associated with MC USA. Degree in history, archival studies, library science or related field and/or equivalent work experience preferred. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/archives-position

Menno SnapshotsA spiritual practice can be as simple as praying with beads. Shirley Yoder Brubaker, a retired pastor and educator, and member of Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia uses the concept of the Catholic rosary as a form of Anabaptist prayer beads. Read more of her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/praying-with-beads