Vacation Bible School Prayer Note
This week BCMC joined a virtual VBS with Casa Betania Igelsia Menonita, Faith Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church, New Creation Fellowship, and Shalom Mennonite Church, please pray for:
· The children, families, and volunteers gathering in homes and online to worship, learn, and grow.
· All to enjoy the beauty and wonder of creation together.
· Children to love God the creator and follow in the way of Jesus.
· Children to notice the ways that we impact the natural world through our choices and actions.
· All of us to discover ways to join God in caring for all of creation
We encourage you to read the daily scripture text, pray for the children studying that day’s “seed of faith” and consider how it might impact your own life.
Monday: Genesis 2:4-22 God created a beautiful world.
Tuesday: Psalm 104:10-30 God cares for all creation.
Thursday: Mark 4:26-32 We are part of God’s growing kingdom.
Friday: Psalm 52:8-9, Psalm 92:12-15, Jeremiah 17:7-8 We can trust in God’s love.
Saturday: Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 22:1-5 God will make all things new.
In view of the increase of Covid-19 cases this week in Harvey County, we encourage you to heed this wisdom gleaned from a church sign near Kansas City: Thou shalt wear a mask in public! Hygenesis 3:16.
A small group is gathering to read and discuss Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility. The group will meet outdoors, socially distanced, at the home of Jeanette Stucky (see church directory for address) this Friday, June 26, 10am. If you’d like to participate, it’s not too late to join! RSVP Dawn Yoder Harms.
Sunday School Picnics
The Faith Formation Commission would like to gather all the children and youth Sunday School classes for some socially distant picnics. Bring your own lunch and a blanket to sit on and catch up with your Sunday School friends during the Sunday lunch hour. Families and Sunday School teachers are invited to join. Here are the age groups and dates for you to join us on the front lawn of BCMC:
Sunday, July 5, noon: Preschool Sunday School Class
Sunday, July 12, noon: K-4th grade Sunday School Class
Sunday, July 19, noon: Jr high Sunday School Class
Sunday, July 26, noon: Sr high Sunday School Class
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.
Pastor Dawn’s Upcoming Sabbatical
Earlier this year, the Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) and the Church Board approved a sabbatical for Pastor Dawn, which was originally scheduled to take place from May 5 through August 17, 2020. As with a myriad of other scheduled events for our congregation, COVID-19 caused a postponement of Dawn’s scheduled time away. Her sabbatical will now take place from July 27 through October 26, 2020. Plans are well in place for covering congregational needs while Dawn is away.
BCMC is blessed with a strong team of pastors and staff. Pastor Renee, Pastor Nathan and Monica will serve as a leadership team during Dawn’s sabbatical. In addition, Barbara Thiesen has agreed to assist with worship planning and many others have agreed to be on call to assist with various congregational needs as they arise. Thanks to each of you for your willingness to serve in this way.
Part of the purpose of Pastor Dawn’s sabbatical is rest and renewal. To ensure that this purpose can be accomplished, it is important that the congregation give Dawn adequate space while she is away. While she remains the lead pastor of our congregation, she will not be able to take calls, make visits, or respond to congregational needs during this time. If you have questions, concerns, spiritual needs, or other issues that arise during this time, please reach out to one of the following:
Pastor Renee (renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 605-212-0081) or Barbara Thiesen (thiesenjba@gmail.com or 316-284-2191) for worship-related needs;
Pastor Nathan (nathan@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 316-212-4593) for pastoral care needs;
Pastor Renee (renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 605-212-0081) for faith formation needs;
Monica Lichti (office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 316-283-3667) for administrative or facilities needs;
Mike Claassen (treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 316-283-2660) for financial questions;
Patty Shelly (pshelly@bethelks.edu or 316-283-7188) for Church Board concerns
Heather Zerger (hesauzerger@yahoo.com or 316-283-1422) for staff congregational relations issues
If you are unsure who to call, please reach out to Monica (office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or 316-283-3667) and she can help direct you to the right person.
We look forward to blessing Dawn as she leaves for her sabbatical during worship on July 26, 2020 and ask that you hold Dawn and Doug in prayer as they anticipate Dawn’s time of renewal and rest. Please keep each member of BCMC’s capable staff in your prayers as they prepare to provide coverage to our congregation during Dawn’s leave and during these challenging times.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to talk with SCRC members Heather Zerger, David Linscheid, Vern Preheim, or Mary Goering.
The Western District Conference office is open. Visitor protocols include wearing a mask and social distancing. Though the Resource Library remains closed, they offer resources by reservation and pickup. See https://mennowdc.org/library/.
At this year’s virtual WDC Assembly on August 1, there will be four interactive Zoom webinars to choose from and links to many videos from Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Central Committee, Everence, and more of our partners in ministry! Themes include creation care, reconciliation, mission, and immigration justice, among others. Non-delegates don’t need to register this year to have access to all these wonderful resources. Delegates, please register by July 12. Find information and registration at: https://mennowdc.org/2020-wdc-annual-assembly/. Donations for WDC Assembly expenses are welcomed; donations exceeding expenses will go to the WDC Hope Fund to assist WDC congregations with financial need.
The Western District Women’s retreat committee has decided to have a modified retreat this year, due to concerns about COVID19. They will have a one day retreat on Saturday, September 12. There are two options: an in-person retreat at Camp Mennoscah or a virtual retreat. A virtual retreat would take place on the computer over a platform like Zoom. There would be activities to do – some together online, like worship sessions with singing and a speaker; and some smaller group activities like our seminars, where participants would work or talk “together, but separately.” Zoom allows an interactive experience – so it’s not like watching TV. Groups of two or maybe even several could be together watching and participating – like at your church or in your home. Please let us know your preference by completing this survey today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6QXF85X
We’ve been made aware of some phishing (fraudulent) emails going around that appear to be from WDC-related persons. If an email seems odd or not quite right, even though it appears to be from someone you know, do not reply, be alert and proceed with caution!
Camp Mennoscah announcements
The Camp Mennoscah summer staff say Hi and Hello to you! They hope you are enjoying the videos they have created to share a bit of camp with you. More videos are coming! The videos are posted online on the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page. A Facebook account is not needed, though Facebook 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.
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!
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.
Service Adventure only has five spots remaining for the 2020-2021 term beginning this fall. If you are interested in taking a gap year to serve, live in community, and grow spiritually, contact SusanN@MennoniteMission.net or apply online at MennoniteMission.net/ServiceAdventure.
Mennonite Mission Network is seeking a director to provide leadership and oversight to the Marketing and Communication department. This collaborative leader will participate in Mennonite Mission Network organizational leadership by guiding effective promotion of our distinct brand and storytelling of our domestic and overseas work that inspires constituents. The Marketing and Communication director works closely
with the Director of Donor Relations in the Advancement Division and all other department directors to achieve effective stewardship of the Mission Network brand. Previous supervisory experience as well as experience with 501(c)(3) agencies is needed. The ideal candidate will be passionate about God’s reconciling mission to the world and committed to Jesus Christ. Embracing cultural diversity and anti-racism is essential. Anticipated start date is late July 2020. View the complete position description on our website at www.mennonitemission.net or contact staffrecruitment@mennonitemission.net for more information.
Mennonite Central Committee is looking to fill several essential service positions in the U.S. and around the world. We hope you’ll consider applying or give encouragement to someone else who might be interested in serving with MCC.
Canner Operator : MCC is looking for new canner operators! This two year service term is unique and offers the opportunity to travel around the U.S. and Canada, working as a team while meeting new people! Check out mcc.org/canning for details!
Program Manager: DR Congo: Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your planning, budgeting, and problem-solving skills? MCC is looking for a Program Manager to provide management and oversight of projects and partner relations in the DR Congo. For more information, visit serve.mcc.org or click on the following link: Program Manager – DR Congo
MCC Representative for Bangladesh: Interested in providing leadership to a mature, multifaceted MCC program? MCC is looking for an MCC Representative for Bangladesh, to provide leadership and programmatic direction to a well-established program that supports already-existing Bangladeshi agencies. For more information, visit serve.mcc.org or click on the following link: MCC Representative Bangladesh
Prayer request from Western District Conference: Pray for the WDC Annual Assembly planning team, as they prepare creative ways for WDC members to meet, learn and worship together on the weekend of August 1.
Prayer request from Mennonite Mission Network: The Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Colombia is developing new courses and study plans to prepare young church leaders and to encourage established pastors in their roles. Pray for Bekah York, serving with Mennonite Mission Network, as she prepares to teach some of these courses.