Donna June writes that they have moved Larry Friesen back home.  Donna writes:  “Due to Bluestem protocols, we cannot entertain visitors until sometime in the future, even in independent living.  Our visitors will be limited to family and a few close friends, who will have to visit distantly, with masks, on our patio or in the yard.  Some members of BCMC have written to Larry at Schowalter, so any correspondence should now be sent to our address: 241 Lake Vista Circle, Hesston, KS 67062.”

BCMC Women’s Fellowship has a deficit for the 2020 year of $4025. We have missed the March, April and May meetings and may miss the fall meetings too. We are asking the members to contribute to make up that deficit so all our budget commitments can be met. All donations will go to the budget ministries. Please make your checks payable to BCMCWF and send them to Lois Goertzen, P.O. Box 151, North Newton KS 67117.

Louise Koehn is turning 99 on May 26!  You can send her a card at 3054 Ivy Ct. #29N, North Newton, KS 67117.

Congratulations to Nicole Tran who graduated from Newton High School this year!  If you would like to send her a card you can address it to Nicole at 720 Hawthorne, Newton, KS, 67114.

BCMC giving totals for May 10:  General Fund $7,191.60; Caring Fund $550; Living Stones $230; Elevator Repair $1,700. 
For May 17:  General Fund $4,785; Rejoice $279; Caring Fund $300; Living Stones $35; Elevator Repair $1,000.

The Western District Conference office has plans to reopen to the public when Kansas enters Phase 3 of the state reopening plan (currently no sooner than June 15).  Visitor protocols will include wearing a mask and social distancing.  

Western District Conference is working on plans to reopen the WDC Resource Library.  In order to protect library patrons, WDC staff, and recognizing limited library staff hours, we will be reopening with curbside checkout when Kansas enters phase 3 of the reopening plan (no earlier than June 15).  You can  reserve items through our online catalog anytime at https://mennowdc.booksys.net/opac/crl/   Once the library is open for curbside checkout, these items will be pulled and available during pickup hours .  In order to reserve items, you will need to log on with your library barcode number (please email the library if you need your library card number).  You are also welcome to email Library Director, Jennie, at crlib@mennowdc.org in order to reserve items.  Jennie is also happy to offer suggestions for individual study, children’s story, group discussion and other resourcing needs.  Our Book Bundle for Group Study, Box of Books (bulk loans for churches) and service via the US Mail will resume when Kansas enters phase 3 as well.  In the meantime, visit the library website at mennowdc.org/library to view currently available digital resources, information on the summer reading program (coming soon!) and the summer story hour for children (coming soon!)  The Conference Resource Library now has its own FaceBook page.  Like and follow WDC Resource Library to see what’s new in the library, how to access resources, giveaways, and more!  

This summer, Camp Mennoscah is committed to sharing the camp community and God’s love through videos, a Camp in a Box, and/or activities posted online. The videos and activities posted online will be free. A Camp in a Box will contain a camp tee shirt, crafts, activities, devotions, and nature fun. A box will cost $40; a tee shirt alone will be the usual prices of $11/$16. Boxes and tee shirts are available to anyone of any age! To order a Camp in a Box or a tee shirt, go to www.campmennoscah.org and click on Register Online at the top of the page or contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290. Orders accepted until June 3. After June 3, please contact Camp Mennoscah.

It is with both appreciation and sadness that the Camp Mennoscah Board of Directors announces the resignation of Michael Unruh from the position of Executive Director, effective July 1, 2020. In a statement, Michael shared, “I am grateful for each staff person and board member who has worked tirelessly to develop camp’s ministry, and the hundreds of camp supporters I have had the privilege of getting to know.” Michael will begin as Campus Pastor at Bethel College this summer. In the interim period, the Camp Mennoscah Staff and Board of Directors will continue to fulfill camp’s mission by providing space and programs for people of all ages to connect with God, nature, others, and self.  Full statement can be found at campmennoscah.org.

In the midst of the cancellation of in-person summer youth camps, you still have some great opportunities to support the mission of Camp Mennoscah! 
· By praying for the staff, volunteers, and campers to find creative ways to connect with one another this summer.
· By making 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.  If you have questions about giving options,  contact Michael Unruh at 620-382-6560 or michael.unruh@campmennoscah.org. 
· By encouraging others to remain involved in camp’s ministry.

Camp Mennoscah is open to a limited number of individuals and families.  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!

Mennonite Central Committee Flatlander Bicycle Ride:  The planning committee is going ahead with plans for the 2020 Flatlander ride to be held September 19.  More information about this event can be found at:  https://mcc.org/get-involved/events/mcc-flatlander-bicycle-ride.  We are currently looking for additional people to help on the planning committee, and also for individuals or groups to help us with the SAGs (refreshment stops) on the various bike routes.  If you are interested in helping or have questions, please call Donna at 316-727-6346 or email her at beckerdonna2@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there.

Prayer request from Western District Conference:  Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as it continues to select nominees for the WDC Executive Board and Commissions.
And from
Mennonite Mission Network:  DeeDee and Mark Landes and their three children, serving through Mennonite Mission Network, left their home in Colombia two months early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Pray for the family as they grieve the early loss of relationships and as they begin to adapt to life in Kansas.