THERE WILL BE NO WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE BCMC BUILDING THIS SUNDAY,
MAY 15, 2022Worship this week (May 15th) will be with Bethel College in Memorial Hall beginning at 10:00am. This baccalaureate service will be led by the Bethel College Concert Choir and graduating seniors. We invite everyone to attend in-person at Memorial Hall or by watching via Bethel College’s live stream link: https://youtu.be/mmcmsKR1PC4 Please note that the prelude led by Woven and Open Road will begin at 10:00am. The church building will be locked this Sunday, May 15th.
Prayer Request
Orletta Wiebe continues her stay at Schowalter Villa in Hospice care. Orletta welcomes your thoughts and prayers as she experiences this part of her journey.
Staff Absence
Pastor Todd Schlosser will be out of the church office this Friday, May 13.
BCMC Offerings
May 1, 2022 General Fund $4,542; Community Playschool $250; Columbarium Fund $1,095; Caring Fund $850; Library Reserve Fund $30; Living Stones $305
May 8, 2022 General Fund $10,008.64; MCC Meat Canning $500; Living Stones $3,650.
Address Change
Bruce, Charlotte, and Kristin (and Webster) Kreider have moved to Lititz, Pennsylvania. Their new address:
358 Pin Oak Drive, Lititz, PA 17543
Retractable Screen in the Sanctuary
At the April congregational meeting, members of the BCMC community voted in support of a project that will install a retractable screen in the front of the sanctuary. With this in mind, the Church Board is happy to announce that a special, above-budget fund has been established to accept donations toward this project.If you would like to give to this project, please earmark your donation to the “screen project”. For more information on this, please see the minutes from the April congregational meeting. Thanks for your support! (A copy of the April 24 Congregational Minutes is posted on the church bulletin board.)
Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy WF’s version of crumpets and tea and experience sisterhood.
Farewell Reception for Pastor Renee Reimer
Join us for a come-and-go Farewell Reception for Renee Reimer on Monday, June 13, from 5 – 7 pm. We’ll be outside on the church lawn, wind and weather permitting.
New Hope Shelter Announcement
Shonda Suddeth, volunteer coordinator at New Hope Shelter, will be hosting a Volunteer Training Day at New Hope Shelter on Thursday, May 19th, 2022 from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Their volunteer shift hours are as follows: 5pm to 11pm daily
If you have interest, please let me know no later than May 17. Please understand how important volunteers are to keep our involvement with New Hope going.
Valetta Seymour seymour2314@gmail.com, Phone 620-217-7536.
Chancel Choir Director needed at BCMC
Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton, KS) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately 2 times per month during September-May and participates in a Christmas Eve program. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30.
Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, Music Coordinator. Email: thiesenjba@gmail.com.
Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, Office/Facilities Manager. Phone: 316-283-3667; email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Barbara Thiesen
BCMC Music Coordinator
A Message from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee
Are you “Unsatisfied”? Particularly with your knowledge of how you can impact change of our church culture? Join us during the Sunday School hour May 22 to read the article “Unsatisfied”. Lead by members of the APRC, we will read this short article, “Unsatisfied”, together and discuss how purity culture has impacted our current culture at BCMC . Articles will be made available that day. Jill Robb, APRC Chair
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will happen at First Mennonite Church on May 31-June 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a joint end of the week celebration and worship service at Athletic Park on Sunday, June 5. Our theme this year is Passport to Peace! Families with children ages preschool through 5th grade may register to attend. A light supper will be provided between 5:30-6:00. A huge Thank you to all who volunteered to help during this week! Families may register using the following link or by scanning the QR code: https://forms.gle/F4nMekBbbdAYDve86
Contact Mary Ellen Hodge for any assistance or questions!
Summer Camp Season is approaching!
Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions
For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church.
To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $33.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.
Bethel College AnnouncementSun., May 22 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Dave Kreider, “Collecting for College and Community: Past, Present and Future,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.
Western District Conference Announcements
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
WDC Annual Assembly Van Drivers? – Do you have experience driving 15-passenger vans or a large RV? Would you be willing to drive one of the 15-passenger vans to Denton, TX July 29-31, 2022 for Annual Assembly? Do you know someone who does? Please email Kathy at kathynd@mennowdc.org or call 316-283-6300 for more information.
WDC Annual Assembly Workshops – You are invited to send a suggested topic and brief description of a potential WDC Annual Assembly workshop to Todd Schlosser at todd@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly is scheduled to be held July 29-31, 2022 at Camp Copass, Denton, TX. Our theme for the weekend is “United in Purpose, Together in Love” with the guiding scripture being Hebrews 10:19-25. Please note, we have limited locations for workshops at Camp Copass so we may not be able to accommodate all requests. Thank you for your understanding and interest in resourcing WDC delegates and friends.
The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly at Camp Copass, Denton TX on July 29-31 will feature a youth event for junior high and high school youth across the conference. The youth programming will include times for faith formation, worshiping together, a service project and plenty of recreational activities. Bunk house lodging is available during the retreat. Some scholarships will also be available. Contact Nita Nikkel at nitaknikkel@gmail.com or 316-587-7765 with questions. More information coming soon!
WDC May Final Thursday Book Discussion – Protect your time. Prioritize relationships. Restore your spirit. Learn how to rewire your technology addiction, and step into a deeper stillness and presence with an always present God. Join the WDC Resource Library to discuss Ed Cyzewski’s book–Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction on Thursday, May 26 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Register at crlib@mennowdc.org. Copies of the book available at the Resource Library.
Mennonite World Conference Assembly participants on-site nearly doubledThe Indonesian Assembly just got a little bit larger. The National Advisory Committee for Assembly 17 and the executive committee of MWC have decided to raise attendance numbers for the gathering in Indonesia to 1250.
COVID-19 cases in Indonesia remain low so the Indonesian government has lifted quarantine restrictions for travelers.
“We would love to see you in Indonesia. Please register now! It is not yet too late to make travel plans,” says Liesa Unger, chief international events officer.
“Anyone can register until we reach the limit. Our registration team is happy to put in the extra effort to facilitate these late registrations and General Council arrangements.”
If gathering sizes are increased later, more local participants may join the closing worship service at Holy Stadium, 10 July 2022.
The expanded number of participants allows for the General Council to take place onsite instead of online.
“Mennonite World Conference is a communion – that means we are in a deep, spiritual, unifying relationship with one another,” says César García, general secretary. “The discernment work of the General Council is best done where we can spend time with each other, fellowshipping not only in sessions but also over meals and in leisure outside of meetings.”
The Commissions will also attend Assembly and hold face-to-face meetings.
“Without a doubt, our time in Indonesia will be a blessing for our global communion,” says César García.
Here is the link to this article on the Mennonite World Conference Website: https://mwc-cmm.org/stories/assembly-participants-site-nearly-doubled
Here is the link to the Registration Form and Information: https://event.mwc-cmm.org/event/8c9c9576-4a3d-4ab2-a486-fc5024defbf6/summary
-Please let the WDC office know if you plan on attending in person or virtually. wdc@mennowdc.org
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Work & Play Day on May 21! Camp Mennoscah has projects to complete and plenty to prepare for the summer. You are invited to join in fellowship and service! Projects for all ages and weather are available. Let us know you’re coming so we can be prepared for you! Bring your lunch and a water bottle. The day will start at 8:30 at the maintenance shed. End your day with a leisurely kayak ride or stroll to the sandbar. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to sign up.
Want to volunteer either before or after May 21? Give us a call! This week we’re working on mowing and the swimming pool!
Other events and happenings:
- Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of June 5-10.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. 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.
- ‘Tis the Season for Mowers and String Trimmers! Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to help keep the campgrounds trimmed and looking neat. Let us know when you would be able to mow or string trim! Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org –we’ll get you scheduled!
- Campers are welcome! Summer camps are full to the brim with exciting activities, worship and friends for youth grades 3-12. Register here!
- Summer Youth Camp scholarships are available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or fill out the request form. Camp is for everyone!
- Nurse needed for the July 3-9 camp! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Nurses need to be a licensed RN. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
- Pardon the Mess! Camp Mennoscah is cleaning out and organizing maintenance sheds and other buildings. Items in the front “yard” will slowly find new homes. Thank you for your understanding!
- Groups are invited to set their own precautions based on the comfort level of their group. Please note the RV electrical hookups are not available due to safety concerns.
- Camp staff work hours vary depending on scheduled events for the week. The office assistant also works part-time from home. (Whenever a group is at camp, a staff person will be on duty.) Thank you for understanding! We will be in touch as soon as possible.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gardening for good: Creation care tips for your backyard and stories from Bolivia, May 26 at 7 pm CDT, 6 pm MDT. In this virtual visit, we’ll explore what it looks like to care for the planet––from our own backyards to remote Bolivian communities. Join us to learn gardening and conservation tips in your own garden, then travel south to hear incredible stories from MCC’s projects in Bolivia. Learn more and register at mcc.org/virtual-visits.
Join the MCC Central States team! We currently have the following openings. Please contact krystalklaassen@mcc.org with any questions.
HR Recruiter & Central States HR Coordinator – As a member of the MCC U.S. Human Resources recruitment team, this position will join in carrying out an organization-wide recruitment strategy and selection processes to fill vacancies in MCC U.S. The regional HR Coordinator works directly with a variety of necessary HR tasks within the Central States region. Details about this full time position can be found on mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings.
Young Adult Program Coordinator –The young adult coordinator works collaboratively to expand opportunities for young adults to join with the work of MCC and works at expanding opportunities for young adults towards deepening and developing leadership skills as current and future leaders in peacebuilding, justice, and social change. Plan, facilitate and recruit for young adult programming in the MCC Central States region. Check out all the details and apply today!
Material Resources Center (MRC) Volunteer Coordinator – The MRC in North Newton, Kansas hosts volunteers of all ages working together to support the mission of MCC. Primarily, the part time Volunteer Coordinator will welcome, host, educate, assist and supervise the daily volunteers as well as receive donations in the MRC. Please visit mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings for more information and to apply.
For Mennonite Creation Care Network Announcements press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Webinar “Dementia and Congregational Care” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA has unveiled a new shareable video titled “We are better together.” The video features different voices from across the denomination discussing what it means to do church together. Watch it here: mennoniteusa.org/better-together
Mennonite Church USA has created a new role focused on racial/ethnic engagement and announced several other staff transitions. Sue Park-Hur, the newly appointed director of racial/ethnic engagement, will work with the various racial/ethnic entities within MC USA, support the program agencies in this work and help denominational leaders to define diversity, equity and inclusion goals, standards and desired outcomes. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/new-position-transitions
Mennonite Church USA has announced the worship speakers, led by Dr. Samuel Sarpiya, for the Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30, in Kansas City Missouri. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/worship-special-session
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request
Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure participants are in the final months of living in their unit houses and working in their volunteer placements. Pray for them as they bring closure to the relationships they built in their hosting community and find ways to implement what they learned as they move into their future.
Western District Conference Prayer Request
Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for the WDC Annual Assembly planning team, as they prepare for our conference gathering July 29-31 at Camp Copass in Texas.