Pastor Dawn will be on vacation June 7-20. If you have a pastoral concern during that time, please be in touch with Pastors Nathan (June 7-20) or Renee (June 7-12).
Any graduates out there?! This year BCMC celebrated 5 high school graduates, but we know there are others in our community who have graduated this year too. We’d love to hear from you! Whether you graduated from high school, college, or graduate level please let us know your accomplishment. Email Renee Reimer at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org with name, accomplishment, and school/program name. Click here for a current list.
CARD SHOWER for Elizabeth Raid who celebrates her birthday on June 19 and begins treatment for newly diagnosed cancer of the pancreas.
Please join friends and family to shower Elizabeth with special greetings. Send cards to 2121 N. Anderson Ave., Newton, KS 67114.
Link to the Memorial for Esther Rinner
Here is the link to the June 10, 2021, memorial service for Esther Rinner for those interested and unable to attend.
Link to Pastor Renee Reimer’s Ordination Service
Here’s the link to Pastor Renee Reimer’s outdoor ordination service from June 6th for those interested and were unable to attend.
Address Changes for your BCMC Directory
- Marles Preheim new phone number: 620-869-5252
- Janet Stucky’s apartment number correction: 541 W. 78th Street, Apartment 410 (NOT 41), , Chanhassen, MN 55317
- Jeanette and George Leary’s new address: 2913 Wildwood Way, North Newton, KS, 67117
- Vern Preheim and Norma Johnson’s changes to their email addresses: vpreheim1935@gmail.com and njjohnson1998@gmail.com
Vacation Bible School
Bethel College Mennonite Church is teaming up with Casa Betania, Faith Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church, New Creation Fellowship, and Shalom Mennonite Church to offer Vacation Bible School the week of June 28- July 2, 2021. At home VBS bags (filled with lessons, crafts, and activities) will be delivered to homes before the week of June 28, pre-recorded dramas and music with familiar faces will be available, and an in-person field day will take place on Friday, July 2nd from 9-11am. Sign-up here if your child ages 3-5th grade would like to participate.
Summer Sunday School for Children
Outdoor Summer Sunday School for Children and Youth will take place July 4, 11, 18, and 25 on the BCMC playground. All ages are welcome as we will be playing outdoor team building games together.
BCMC Senior High Youth Group Trip to Alabama
12 youth and sponsors are heading to Alabama at 1:00pm on Sunday, June 13th. The group is starting the first leg of their journey at the Kansas African American Museum in Wichita. The following days will include 2 12 hour drives to Alabama, a day trip to Selma to learn more about voter right activists, a day trip to Montgomery to visit the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration, and time spent in Birmingham. We are looking forward to our time together and learning more about past and current civil rights activists. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support in this important learning experience together!
Community Playschool Announcement
It’s been an interesting school year for Community Playschool as we have recently completed an online program in order to stay safe during the pandemic. We posted stories, circle times and activities every day for families to watch and do at their own convenience. Fourteen children of the Newton community have participated in this free program thanks to five area churches and United Way. We want to thank Bethel College Mennonite Church for being one of those supporting churches and are so grateful for your yearly pledge and matching Everence grant. BCMC Women’s Circle contributed a generous donation this year. We also want to acknowledge the service of Clifferd Dick who is currently BCMC’s representative to our board and serves as the treasurer. We did not use our group of teachers, helpers and substitutes this year, however we want to thank Barb Voran and Stahli Claassen for their part in helping us prepare materials that were picked up by the families each month.
At this time, we are planning for an in person program to start up again in the fall. We solicit your prayers and continued support as we work toward a new model of leadership for the future of our organization. Current director, Jeanette Leary, will be taking a leave of absence for the fall semester. Current assistant director, Kasey Newell, will be acting director during this semester. In this time of change, we are also seeking new volunteer teachers and helpers for our classrooms. If you feel that you have an interest and are willing to commit to two mornings a week or would like more information about what we might need, please contact one of the directors at the number below.
With gratitude,
Jeanette Leary and Kasey Newell
316 283-3667
Dedication of the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall
The kitchen and Fellowship Hall renovation project is completed! In worship on Sunday, June 27, we will have a dedication for the new space and say thank you to those who helped bring this project to completion. Following worship, you will have a chance to wander through the basement and see the finished space, including a new accessible family restroom! After your walk- through, enjoy refreshments out on the playground, compliments of the Hospitality Commission.
MCC Relief Sale – Verenike Carry Out Meal needs volunteers. Go to https://kansas.mccsale.org/sign-up-for-ftm-verenike-meal/ and click on “Click Here To Volunteer!”. Email mctoews1@gmail.com with questions.
| 2021 Kansas MCC Sale is July 2 and 3! Please take a moment to visit the KMRS table in the sanctuary at any time during the coming weeks. A sign up for pies, zwieback and other baked goods will be available with bags and tins provided. Anything is welcome! Run for Relief forms can be found at the table, or by visiting the KMRS website at kansas.mccsale.org. Volunteers for working are needed and are being asked to sign up at the website kansas.mccsale.org. Click on the volunteer link. Contact people are Dale and Margo Schrag, 316-283-6031 and Dennis and Kathy Campbell, 316-416-5156. Let the Light Shine!Mennonite Central Committee Announcements June 22 at 7 p.m. CDT join James Wheeler & Linda Herr, Area Directors for Europe & Middle East, to hear The Gift of Love: Doing our part for healing and wholeness in the world. Register for the webinar at mcc.org/mcc-webinar-series. The MCC Alumni Gathering is July 9-11 and all MCC alumni and their families are invited to join us at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Please sign up by June 25! Current openings at MCC can be found at mcc.org. Current open positions include Canning & Trucking Manager, Multimedia Producer, Meat Canner and many international service opportunities. New Hope Shelter Announcement For anyone considering becoming an evening volunteer at New Hope Shelter, this is a summary of the duties of evening volunteers:After arriving at 5:00, meet the New Hope staff evening coordinator and review the board that has photos of residents.Help prepare the serving area for the evening meal at 6:00, and help serve the meal. Take care of any leftovers and wash the dishes in the dishwasher, clean up the kitchen area.Help residents prepare sack lunches for the following day.There will be time to interact with the residents, and this is encouraged.Anyone wanting to serve is asked to take a brief orientation. Contact Valetta Seymour with questions: 620-217-7536, seymour2314@gmail.com |
Western District Conference announcements
1. Michelle Hershberger, Bible Department Chair, Hesston College, will be our keynote speaker and storyteller for WDC Annual Assembly, July 30-August 1. She is the author of God’s Story, Our Story. Michelle never gets tired of telling how Jesus is at work in her life, church, and community! For more hybrid Assembly info, go to https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/. You’re welcome to join us for worship or for the whole Assembly!
2. Special Annual Assembly Storytelling Opportunity! WDC’s Assembly theme July 30-August 1 is “Woven into God’s Story.” When was the last time you really listened to the story of someone who doesn’t see the world as you do? The folks at StoryCorps have invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. One Small Step is an initiative to facilitate conversations across differences, between people who may disagree politically. It’s not a debate. It’s a chance to spend time virtually with someone different than you and discover the stories behind each other’s beliefs. To join another WDC member for an online conversation, sign up at https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/. The registration deadline is June 25 and virtual recordings will be scheduled July 28-30 (space is limited). For more information about One Small Step see the attached flyer.
3. Join others from across WDC to discuss “Why Do We Suffer and Where is God When We Do?” by Valerie G. Rempel on Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Register for the online discussion or to borrow a copy at crlib@mennowdc.org
4. Join us for a worship service sponsored by the Texas Mennonite Churches! Everyone is welcome to come together in scripture, song and prayer at 6:00 pm this Saturday, June 12. Join us on zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86582197725 or on the Houston Mennonite Church facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite). There will be music from Casa Del Alfarero and Hope Fellowship, and a message from Associate Conference Minister Sandra Montes-Martinez. We look forward to seeing you there!
5. Staff position opening: WDC seeks a full time Administrative Assistant to work out of its North Newton, KS office, beginning August 25. Responsibilities include office management, communications, records management, scheduling, and administrative support for staff. Qualifications include strong organizational, computer and communication skills, ability to collaborate as part of a team, and willingness to promote WDC’s mission and priorities. For more information, position description and application materials, contact Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister, at heidirk@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.
Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Camp Mennoscah needs kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers! We are looking for kitchen staff for June 13-17 and maintenance volunteers for all weeks. For the kitchen, no professional cooking skills needed–just an ability to follow directions and some happiness to share! Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
2. Congratulations! Deborah, Camp Mennoscah’s dedicated and generous office assistant of over 7 years, is retiring! She has reduced her hours and has graciously agreed to stay on while the next assistant is found. Camp Mennoscah is seeking someone to share in office/support operations and guest services in a position with potential growth. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for information.
3. There’s still time to register for camp! Camp Mennoscah has a few openings at most camps. Register online at campmennoscah.org!
4. Guidelines for summer youth camps have changed and Camp Mennoscah is working to change within the guidance of state and local agencies. If you have questions or concerns about how the camp masking and distancing guidelines may have changed, please contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.
Mennonite church announcements
1. Mennonite Mission Network has openings for a Director of Finance and Director of Human Resources, two new positions for the agency. You can find details on our website at www.MennoniteMission.net/employment . To begin the application process, send a resume to StaffRecruitment@MennoniteMission.net.
2. Serve with the Immigrant Resource Center through MVS in Alamosa, Colorado! Serve others by connecting them with educational and legal resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more.
3. Mennonite Church USA has released a new Bible-based curriculum, entitled “Laboring Toward Wholeness: A Training on Dismantling Patriarchy.” It addresses the history and impact of systemic patriarchy — and looks at how God calls followers to respond through an intersectional lens. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/dismantling-patriarchy-curriculum/
4. For the first time, Mennonite Church USA is hosting a hybrid convention on July 6-10, 2021. MennoCon21 participants may choose between attending in person in Cincinnati, Ohio, or virtually via Pheedloop, an interactive, online event platform. Learn more about MennoCon21 virtual offerings here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21-virtual-opportunity/
5. Jon Carlson will be the July 9 worship speaker for MennoCon21, Mennonite Church USA’s biennial convention. Carlson reflects on his conference topic, “Trust the Peace,” through his experience with trust in the Mennonite church, in this blog: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/trust-the-peace/
6. In his blog, “An Afro-Latina Who Refused to be Made Invisible,” Mennonite Church USA’s Chief Communications Officer Wil LaVeist reflects on his mother’s life and her Afro-Latina heritage. Despite the racism that she, and countless other Afro-Latino people have experienced, she persisted and proudly represented her culture. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/refused-to-be-made-invisible
The Rocky Mountain June newsletter is here!
Have a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. For this and previous newsletters, please visit the camp website and click on the “News” tab under “About Us”.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Christy Harrison and Peter Sensenig, and their three children, are preparing to return to the African continent to build bridges between Christians and Muslims. Pray for them during their time of orientation at the Paris Mennonite Center in France, where they will ground themselves in language study and in the ministries in French-speaking Africa. They are serving jointly through Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Mission Network.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s guidance and joy for the WDC Annual Assembly planning team, as they prepare for our hybrid (in-person and online) gathering July 30-Aug 1 with worship, delegate business, learning seminars and fellowship.