Good news BCMC! The BCMC library is now open! Please continue to check out books by signing your name and the title of the book on the clipboard on the desk. Don’t forget to write in your due date on the inside cover of your book-3 weeks from the day you checked it out. The website is also up to date and ready for you to check out what is available-not only from home, but also in the library. An updated What’s New listing will also be available soon. When returning books, please place them in the box on the desk. It is recommended that we quarantine our books for three days before re-shelving them. Happy Reading Everyone!
Continue to be aware that there are Scams out there. As we emailed last week: “If you receive a text allegedly from Pastor Dawn requesting you to run an errand, do a favor for her, etc., it is a SCAM. Please do not respond.” Note: these messages are not coming from Dawn’s phone number.” Also, if you receive a strange email from a pastor saying that you should purchase a Google Play card, or wire money, or whatever, please call the BCMC office. A pastor will never ask you to do such a thing. There is also a scam that calls your cell phone and claims to be Evergy. They say that you have not paid your electric bill and your electricity will be disconnected due to non-payment. This call does not come from Evergy. If you get a call like this, report it to the BCMC office.
As the Reopening Church Task Group works toward beginning in-person worship at BCMC once again, we’d like to share some important information and get your feedback.
Here’s what you need to know: Given the recent rise in COVID 19 cases in Kansas and in Harvey County, we will not begin in-person worship until sometime after the end of July. When we regather for worship, the experience will look and feel much different from what we experienced in pre-COVID days. Here’s what we will need to do to stay safe:
Participation will be limited to 50-60 people per Sunday to ensure physical distancing.
Services will be live-streamed, so those not able to participate on a given Sunday can continue to participate at home. A recorded version of the service will be available following the live-stream on Sunday morning.
Because singing is a “super-spreading” activity, there will be no congregational singing (although there will be music)
Windows will be open to ensure adequate ventilation (no air conditioning)
Masks will be required
All participants will be asked to self-screen before coming to worship (with a provided set of questions)
There will be no indoor fellowship time. You are welcome to greet each other–at a distance–on the front lawn following the service.
Here’s what we’d like to know from you to help us with our planning:
Given these current parameters and assessment of your own personal risk, when would you be most interested in returning to in-person worship?
in August
in September
it depends on the number of COVID 19 cases in our area
not until there is a COVID-19 vaccine
To submit your answer call Monica a call at the office.
Please respond by Tuesday, July 7.
Thank you for your help as we continue to plan!
We would like to thank Jim and Melanie Mueller, and the BCMC family for everyone’s prayers, cards, letters, encouragement, and love following the death of our son Tamen in April. Tamen’s ashes were placed in the Peace Garden on Monday, June 29th. A special thank you to Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms for her love and support and for conducting a personal and heart-felt service. Thank you to Monica Lichti for all the assistance offered to us and for having Tamen’s paver in place for the service. Blessings in Christ, -Vince and Priscilla Miller, Pocatello, Idaho
Western District Conference announcements
· The WDC Virtual Assembly Delegate Session is for you! If you’ve never had a chance to have your congregation’s views heard at the WDC Annual Assembly because of cost, distance, or other limitations, please register as a delegate this year. Language will not be a barrier. We will have separate “channels” for Spanish speakers and English speakers. Hear our Conference Minister’s insights about how the Spirit is at work in Western District Conference, as well as add your perspective to discussions of who will shape WDC ministries and how we will spend our money together. We look forward to seeing you August 1, 9-11 am Central Time. We encourage you or your congregation to make a generous donation, as you are able, for Assembly expenses. After costs are covered, donations will go toward our WDC Hope Fund for congregations in financial need. More information and online registration at: https://mennowdc.org/2020-wdc-annual-assembly
· Kids’ Art Responses to Assembly Scriptures: Remember, we invite kids from any WDC congregation to draw a picture or write a poem in response to our Assembly scriptures Jeremiah 29. 4 and following and 1 Peter 2.11-12. Why would God ask people who’d been forced to move to a strange land to become friends and even family with their enemies? Send your art to: kathynd@mennowdc.org.
Camp Mennoscah announcements
· The Camp in a Boxes and Tees from Camp Mennoscah are being delivered to pick up locations. If you have not told us how to get your box or tee to you, please contact us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org. Due to the large number of boxes and tees ordered, we have not yet shipped boxes and tees. We’re working as quickly as we can to get them to you!
· Camp Mennoscah will be reordering tee shirts! Get your order in no later than July 9 by calling 620-297-3290 or emailing office@campmennoscah.org. Only a high demand will allow us to reorder tee shirts a third/additional time. Now is your chance!
· Camp Mennoscah is open to a limited number of individuals, families, and groups for both days and overnights. Reservations must be made in advance. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 for further information. We are excited to make this sacred space available to you!
· Family Weekend at Camp Mennoscah! Camp Mennoscah is inviting you to join in a modified Family Weekend on July 18-19. Many of the same activities like crafts and s’mores will be offered but adjusted to fit life during a pandemic. The pool is closed for the summer, but the river is still as splashable as ever. Each family group will be assigned their own bathroom. Register online at campmennoscah.org or call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290.
Time of prayer for racial justice via Zoom – July 1, 7 pm – Join Bethel College Campus Ministries for a structured time of Scripture, lament, prayer and hope. Register at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqduGhqzIuGtc5NZOR9oBVO0yPgBvb2DeO
Mennonite Church USA announcements
· Check out the Peace and Justice Support Network, a Mission Network partner that works to provide the tools and encouragement that congregations need to embrace their calling to seek peace. Visit PJSN.org to learn more.
· #BringThePeace Amid widespread civil unrest, Mennonite Church USA has issued a statement on racial injustice. Read it here: http://mennoniteusa.org/news/mc_usa-statement-on-racial-injustice/
· #BringThePeace Mennonite Church USA has launched a Justice Fund to provide a way for individuals and congregations to support fellow congregations that are actively involved in dismantling racism, addressing police brutality, reimagining policing in our society or combating poverty. To learn more: http://mennoniteusa.org/news/mennonite-church-usa-launches-new-justice-fund/
• #BringThePeace The leadership team of Mennonite Church USA recently led an interactive, online panel discussion, entitled Race, Church and Change, about the impact of racism on the church and meaningful approaches for dismantling it. View it here: http://mennoniteusa.org/leadership-development/webinars/
Safehope is partnering with Newton Sat Night Cruising for a food drive to benefit Safehope! Come out for a socially distanced cruise of Main Street Saturday, July 11, 7 to 8:30 pm starting at the Dollar General Parking lot, 320 N. Main. Bring non-perishable food, monetary donations and come celebrate our amazing community!!
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting Darlene Buller at 877-467-7294, 316-333-1808 or darlene.buller@everence.com.
BCMC Offering for June 28: General Fund $3,212; Sr Hi Youth $575; Rejoice $62; Caring Fund $100; Living Stones $40; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Bequests $7,000; Elevator Repair $500.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for a spirit of unity and encouragement among WDC congregations in Texas, as they gather for a joint worship service online next Saturday, July 11.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: LCC University Summer Language Institute in Lithuania normally begins this month. Pray for Robin Gingerich, serving with Mennonite Mission Network, and other administrators as they adapt the program to new realities created by COVID-19.