Announcements for May 22-29, 2022

This week at BCMC
 Sunday, May 22, 2022
9:30 am  Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am Faith Formation 
The church nursery is open but not staffed through the summer months.
Children and youth Sunday School classes! 10:30-11:30 am
Preschoolers – Room B4        Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26
High School – Room 24   Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House   The Agape Class will meet in Room B8
Adult Classes (If meeting):  Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);
Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Book Study(Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)
Monday, May 23, 2022
10 am         Library Committee meeting in Room 14
Tuesday,  May 24, 2022
6:30 pm     Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting
Thursday, May 26, 2022
2 pm            Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 29, 2022  Vlog with Shalom, BCMC (Supportive Community Network churches in Newton)
9:30 am     Watch the collaborative vlog on your own or in the fellowship hall with other BCMC folks followed by informal conversation.  Watch on the BCMC YouTube Channel. 


A Note from the Reopening Task Group Regarding the Fellowship Hall 
The Reopening Committee is recommending removing limitations and allowing the BCMC Fellowship Hall to function as it was functioning pre-pandemic, including potlucks, fellowship coffees, and funeral meals to groups that fit the capacity.  It has been determined the capacity in fellowship hall for health reasons, fire code, and mobility reasons is 125 persons.  With that capacity limit, we may need to be creative in how to serve groups that are larger than 125 persons. Please note that the removal of restrictions does not mean that funeral meals, fellowship coffee, potlucks, and other fellowship hall activities will immediately resume in pre-pandemic fashion. Commissions and committees will still need time to organize and decide how they can best serve our church and our community.  This removal of restrictions is also with the caveat that if our church and broader community needs dictate, we will move to more limited measures in the future.  
– The Reopening Task Group:  Renee Reimer, Adam Robb, Todd Schlosser, Jeanette Stucky, Barbara Thiesen, Doris Whillock, Monica Lichti 


A MESSAGE FROM COMMUNITY PLAYSCHOOL
Community Playschool, Inc. has recently completed our school year and we are excited to say that, despite Covid-19, we were able to stay in person and open all school year! Twenty children of the Newton community participated in the program this year at a minimal cost to their families, thanks to five area churches and United Way. We again want to thank BCMC for being one of those supporting churches through monetary donations, the use of the facilities, secretarial and custodial services and a welcoming attitude toward our program. It is nice to have a home here! We also are grateful for the matching grant that we received from this church through the Everence Sharing Fund, and to the Women’s Fellowship and the Seekers Sunday school class for their donations. Members of the facilities committee also helped with installation of the new storage shed on the playground. I want to acknowledge the service of Clifferd Dick as BCMC’s representative on our board, also serving as treasurer. Barb Voran, Stahli Claassen and Cynthia Linscheid, served as teachers, helpers, and substitutes this year. These volunteers help make it possible for us to continue to provide an affordable preschool experience to families who need it most. A big thanks to Monica Lichti and Mike Crawford for their extra duties related to our being housed here at BCMC!
We solicit your prayers and continued support for the future of our organization.
With gratitude,
Kasey Newell and Jeanette Leary, Directors


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.)



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.



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 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sun., 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.

Sat., June 4 – The public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, dawn to dusk (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail.


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!

Mini Service Projects at WDC Annual Assembly:  July 29-31, at Camp Copass, Denton, TX, adults, youth and kids will help with on-site service projects, including tying comforters for MCC to send to people who have fled their homes, and making MCC hygiene kits.  Please ask your church to help collect the following items and bring them to Camp Copass:

  • 1 adult-size toothbrush (in manufacturer’s packaging)
  • 1 large bar bath soap (leave in wrapper)
  • 1 nail clipper (good quality)
  • 1 hand towel (medium weight, dark or bright colors; approx. 16 in x 26 in)
  • 1 wide-toothed comb (6–8 in)

The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly at Camp Copass, Denton TX on July 29 to 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 and registration coming soon!

Summer Story Hour–God Rocks! – All children ages 3-8 in the central Kansas area are invited to God Rocks! Summer Story Hour at the WDC Conference Resource Library 2517 N. Main in North Newton. Fun Stories and Activities with Leader, Marjie Warkentine and Resource Library Director, Jennie Wintermote. Mondays at 10:00am on June 27, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1 & 8

Building a Lasting Connection Relationship Retreat – Communication is key for a healthy and long-lasting relationship. During this 2-day retreat, couples will learn and practice skills together that promote healthy communication with one another in order to promote ways of effectively expressing hope, validating feelings, and navigating concerns together. While these skills are helpful for all people, this retreat will be geared toward couples who have been together for 10 years or under (married, engaged, or dating are all welcome). This retreat will be held at Camp Mennoscah and led by Katie Dyck (LCMFT) and Renee Reimer (ordained pastor). This retreat will primarily focus on communication and connection on a secular level, but spiritual practices to do together will also be offered for couples searching to connect on the Divine level too. 
To register for this innovating retreat, complete this google form or visit catherinedycktherapy.com.

Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania will host a service of ordination for Pastor Graciela Tijerina on Sunday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 East First Street, Newton, KS.  Members of the wider church community are welcome to this time of worship and celebration!


MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
MCC in need of material resources – MCC is resuming shipments of material resources to Ukraine. Five containers of emergency supplies are being shipped to Ukraine in the next few months with more planned for later in the year. With this increase in demand for supplies for Ukraine and other countries around the world, MCC’s inventory of material resources is getting low. We need comforters, soap and towels as well as dignity, hygiene, infant care, relief, school and sewing kits. Your donations will provide relief and a tangible sign of hope to people in Ukraine and other difficult situations around the world. Go to mcc.org/kits for information on needed supplies and drop-off locations.

Join the MCC Central States team! We are hiring an Human Resources Coordinator, a Young Adult Program Coordinator and a Material Resources Center Volunteer Coordinator. Find out more about each position and apply today at mcc.org/serve/openings.

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.


CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Camper Discount from May 18 to June 1!  Camp Mennoscah is offering a $22 discount to anyone who hasn’t registered for summer youth camp yet.  Already registered?  Get someone else to register and we’ll apply the discount to your account, too.  Register here!  See the attached letter for details!  Summer Youth Camp scholarships are also available.  Contact us at 620-297-3290 or fill out the request form.  Camp is for everyone! 

Other events and happenings: 

  • Work & Play Day on May 21!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.
     
  • Hay bales needed!  Camp Mennoscah needs approximately 24 rectangular bales for hayrack rides.  The ones we have are ready for Rumpelstiltskin to spin into gold.  Contact us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org for information or to donate!
     
  • 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!
     
  • 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.

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level click here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here


MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mennonite Church USA is holding a Special Session of the Delegate Assembly in Kansas City, Missouri, May 27-30. Pray that delegates have open and discerning hearts, as they make decisions that affect the denomination. 

Menno Snapshots
“While Mennonites might be known for peacebuilding efforts and justice-focused upper-education curricula, our internal dynamics hint otherwise,” writes Amanda K Gross, an anti-racist organizer and artist, in her blog, “Playing in the Honeysuckle and Poison Ivy.” Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/honeysuckle-poison-ivy

Menno Snapshots
“What gives you joy?” asks Dan Schrock, one of the wellbeing specialists for Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan. In his blog, he asserts that, by working to find what brings us joy, we are drawn nearer to the heart of God. Read more: mennoniteusa.org/gives-you-joy

Menno Snapshots
Joyce Peachey Lind, who attended the Pastors & Leaders | Deep Faith 2022 conference earlier this year, shares how starting her first pastorate in the middle of a pandemic taught her a lot about being a pastor during wilderness time. Read more about her experiences here: mennoniteusa.org/respite-wandering


Harvey County Bigs Needed
Our youth are waiting to be matched with a mentor like you! Spending a few hours of one-to-one time a month with a Little has a proven, long-lasting impact that will change their life for the better, forever. With individual, couple, and family match options available, it’s never been easier to be a friend. Learn more or sign up by calling or texting the word BIG to Rachel Bachman at 316.282.4721. 
Sincerely, 
RACHEL R. BACHMAN
1311 N. Main Street, Newton, KS 67114
Volunteer Recruiter
Main: (316) 283.0070 Cell: (316) 282.4721


Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Brian and Noelia Fox of Mennonite Mission Network visit the Mennonite church in Barcelona, Spain, monthly. Pray that God will protect the Fox family on the roads, as they make the seven-hour drive from their home in Burgos. Pray also for the congregation in Barcelona as they discern their next avenues of ministry.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Give thanks for the many ways that WDC’s Resource Commission and Resource Library encourage spiritual growth, and pray for meaningful discussion at this week’s “Final Thursday” book discussion sponsored by the Resource Library.