We offer sympathy to Emerson and LaWanda Wiens upon the death of Emerson’s sister, Doris Guhr (of Hillsboro), on Monday, June 15. A graveside service will be held this coming week, with a memorial service to follow later in the fall.
Join Pastors Nathan and Dawn in the shade of the oak tree on BCMC’s front lawn at 11am on Monday, June 22, for reflection on the scripture text for June 28 worship. Bring a chair, mask, and Bible. Insect repellent will be available.
A Church Board appointed Reopening Church task group has begun meeting to plan for the restart of in-person worship at BCMC. Members of this group are Elizabeth Schmidt (Church Board), Jim Robb (Deacon Commission), Susie Swartley (Worship Commission), Doris Whillock (Hospitality Commission), Jeanette Stucky (Faith Formation Commission), and BCMC staff (Dawn, Renee, Nathan, and Monica). Please know we are proceeding with caution due to the high-risk demographic of our congregation and the significant potential for transmission incurred in large group meetings.
The new director of New Hope Shelter, Brian Bisbee, has been working at the shelter for two weeks. He has been living at the shelter until he and his wife are able to move into their new home. They are planning to have a truck ready to unload at their place on Thursday, July 2, at 6 pm. New Hope Shelter is reaching out to see if anyone could help with unloading the truck and moving on July 2. There will be pizza and pop provided. If you are able to help please contact Ashli Teel at the New Hope Shelter, 316-283-7711 or Valetta Seymour at 620-217-7536.
The WDC Virtual Annual Assembly will be held August 1-2. “Living in Exile” will use Scripture themes from Jeremiah 29:4ff and I Peter 2:11-12 with emphasis on listening to our brothers and sisters on the margins and being missional in new contexts. Everyone is invited to attend (no travel required)!
During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, seeking well-being for all, we will gather for this year’s Assembly virtually. Various online media platforms such as Zoom, FacebookLive and YouTube will be used.
Keynote speaker, Danny Carroll R, Wheaton College professor and author (The Bible and Borders: Hearing God’s Word on Immigration) will engage us in thoughtful conversation about God’s people and their migration in biblical times and today. (Want a taste of his gentle reflection? Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3441Cajdz4.)
There will be no registration fee for delegates or other participants, although donations are invited to help cover Assembly costs. Only delegates need to register. Please contact Dawn Yoder Harms if you would be willing to serve as a delegate.
A group of Mennonites worked together to create a virtual hymn for My Soul Cries Out this week. It is a cry from Mennonites across the US for an end to white supremacy and police brutality against our siblings of color. If you have access to youtube you can listen with the following link.
Just Mercy Movie Discussion
In light of the racial justice conversations that are taking place, the movie, Just Mercy, is being streamed FOR FREE during the month of June. You can watch by “renting” online at: Apple TV, FandangoNow, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, Redbox, the PlayStation Store, Vudu, Microsoft, and YouTube. Just Mercy tells the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a civil-rights attorney who works to defend Walter McMillian, who was wrongfully convicted of murder. Pastor Renee will host 2 talkback sessions on this movie (please watch the movie on your own before joining the talkback session). One virtually over Zoom on Monday, June 29th at 7pm. One out on the front lawn of BCMC on Wednesday, July 1. Please RSVP to renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org if you plan to attend one of these sessions.
Western District Conference announcements:
· Danny Carroll R, child of immigrants, Bible professor and author of several books on God’s people on the move, will be the Western District Conference Annual Virtual Assembly keynote speaker. He is bilingual, so he has graciously agreed to record his addresses in both Spanish and English. During our hour of conversation over Zoom with Danny on August 1, 3:30 pm, he will speak in Spanish. English speakers will have a chance to practice listening carefully to an interpreter, as our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters do much of the time.
· Resources on Racial Justice: The Resource Library has suggestions for growing and learning about the issues of racism and white privilege facing our nation. Check out the lists on our online catalog (under the “Lists” tab and the 2020 Resource Lists Heading) or here: Racism & White Privilege Education 6/9/20 NEW THIS WEEK Racism & White Privilege Education (Kids) 6/16/20 Please contact the library to borrow materials or log into the online catalog to reserve them.
· Resource Library – Summer Reading Programs–Running June 1-August 15
Adults–This year you’re invited to read any title in our collection and submit a brief review. Each review will be a ticket into our prize drawings for books, giftcards, and more. Reviews may be submitted at https://forms.gle/r4kpXQBQqZPuGjiw8, posted on the WDC Resource Library FaceBook page, or given to Library Director, Jennie Wintermote.
Children–Download a reading log here and mark off a box for each book you read (picture books) or every 15 pages (for chapter books) or contact the library for a copy. Turn in your reading log after August 15 for fun prizes. (Turn in by mailing, dropping off, or sending a picture of your log to crlib@mennowdc.org). We would appreciate it if you register your child(ren) at https://forms.gle/mgPPft74HBDs9ZMu6 so we can have enough prizes ready!
Camp Mennoscah Announcements:
· Summer staff are sharing camp with you from a distance! Videos are being posted on the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page daily with some typical activities of camp and some of the wild, creative fun we strive for in a week of camp. A Facebook account is not needed, though they will try to get you to sign up. Just click “not now” at the bottom of the pop-up box. You can get to the Facebook page from www.campmennoscah.org using the button at the top left corner. Send us your thoughts!
· Camp Mennoscah is open to a limited number of individuals and families for both days and overnights. Reservations must be made in advance. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 for further information.
· 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.
· Here are great opportunities to support the mission of Camp Mennoscah
1. Pray for the staff, volunteers, and campers to find creative ways to connect with one another this summer.
2. Make a general fund gift to support creative summer connection content and to sustain camp operations. Maybe even a little extra this year, if you are able to do so!
3. Encourage others to remain involved in camp’s ministry.
It is a blessing to have your support during this unique year! If you have questions about giving options, contact Michael Unruh at 620-382-6560 or michael.unruh@campmennoscah.org.
Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton is open on a limited basis Monday-Friday, 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm. Following the biblical call to love our neighbors as ourselves, there are several COVID-19 protocols in place when you visit MCC. Please take your time, read the posted signs and follow the directions to the best of your ability. Masks are required and some are available, if needed. The material resources center and warehouse are not open to volunteer groups at this time, except for a handful of essential volunteers. Material resource donations are being accepted in the 24-hour donation room on the northeast side of the building for contactless drop-offs. If you need to meet with a staff person, please call the office and set up an appointment with that person at 316-283-2720 or email centralstates@mcc.org.
Prayer request from Mennonite Mission Network: On this Father’s Day, join Mennonite Mission Network in praying for fathers around the world, especially those who struggle to provide life’s necessities for their children. May we share what God has given us, acknowledging that we are all part of God’s one global family.
Prayer request from Western District Conference: Pray for Camp Mennoscah and WDC members and congregations, as they make new kinds of connections this summer in the place of traditional camp experiences.