Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your bcmcXpress annual intent form! Please submit your intent form by Nov 22. Click here for the intent form. — Finance Committee (Al Peters. Judy Friesen, Paul Harder, Gwen Neufeld, LaVern Stucky; Mike Claassen, Finance Manager).
On the first Sunday of Advent, Nov 29, we will be celebrating communion together (virtually). If you would like to receive a slice of home-baked bread for this service, please email or call Monica at the church office. Bread will be delivered to your home on Saturday, Nov 28.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach we are provided an opportunity to be generous and exhibit care to those around us. One of the ways BCMC provides help for those in need is through the Caring Fund, administered by the Deacon Commission. In the past year we have sent funds to 5 different agencies, and several individuals. This is an opportunity for you to help replenish the Caring Fund as more needs are expected to become apparent to us. Please help us provide funds for those individuals that need food, rent, utilities, and for organizations that provide shelter, assistance and care for those in this community, this country, and around the world. Please contribute by earmarking your contribution for the Caring Fund. Thanks, Jim Robb, Deacon Chair
Thank you to our BCMC community for your love and support that we have experienced throughout Marvin’s illness and his passing on November 1st. The many gifts through the memorials, the cards with caring notes, the phone calls and the food that was brought to the house indicated the immense impact that his life had on this community of faith. May God richly bless each one of you. The family of Marvin Holck
BCMC’s week to provide volunteers and meals to New Hope shelter is Nov. 18-24. We need some evening volunteers, overnight volunteers, and meals. New Hope takes every Covid precaution, but I understand that that does not give 100% assurance. If you have interest in helping, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.
BCMC Offering for November 15-22: General Fund $3,725; MCC Meat Canning $450; Living Stones $90; Elevator Repair $25.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: In many North American Indigenous cultures, every day is Thanksgiving Day. For the Onondaga People around Lake Ontario, the morning begins with the Thanksgiving Address, known as the “Words that Come Before All Else.” Join Mennonite Mission Network in thanking God for the good gifts that sustain us even in difficult times.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the gifts of leadership, vision, prayer, financial support, and volunteer time that WDC members have shared to support WDC’s ministry this year.
Western District Conference Announcements:
· Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS 67117. Thank you for your generosity!
· Keep Awake! The WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force invites you to use these worship resources for the First Sunday of Advent that highlight liberation for oppressed peoples, including our sisters and brothers in Palestine. See the link here: https://www.fosna.org/keepawake
· Due to Covid-19 concerns, the Western District Conference office and Resource Library are closed until further notice. All staff members are working from their homes. The best way to contact a staff member is by email, or messages can be left at 316-283-6300. Phone messages will be checked as possible.
· Staff email addresses:
· Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister, heidirk@mennowdc.org
· Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister Kansas-Based, kathynd@mennowdc.org
· Lee Lever, Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas (through Nov 30), leelever@mennowdc.org
· Sandra Montes-Martinez, Administrative Assistant (Texas) (through Nov 30, transitioning to Associate Conference Minister Texas-Based beginning Dec 1), sandram@mennowdc.org
· Beth Yoder, Business Manager, busmgr@mennowdc.org
· Jennie Wintermote, Library Director, crlib@mennowdc.org
· Nancy Funk, Administrative Assistant, wdc@mennowdc.org
Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful place for family gatherings of whatever size! A variety of facilities fit any number of family groupings. Or maybe you only need a space during the day for walking the trails or playing disc golf. There is plenty of outdoor space! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve! You are welcome here!
· We’re thinking s’mores and socially distanced activities. The Camp Mennoscah Christmas Gathering is tentatively being planned as an outdoor event on Saturday, December 12 at 2:30 pm. Registration required. Call 620-297-3290! Plans may change depending on coronavirus case rates and the desire to keep everyone safe. Bring your mask!
Bethel College Announcements:
· Order Christmas goodies and gifts at Bethel College Women’s Association online market. Find hand made crafts, and one-of-a-kind items, and fresh homemade treats including peppernuts, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, poppyseed rolls, and candies at bcwamarketonline.com. Place your order by December 1, and pick up at Bethel College Mennonite Church south entrance from 10:00 am to noon Saturday, Dec 5. This event is part of the annual Five Places of Christmas, sponsored by Newton Chamber of Commerce, and all proceeds will support Bethel College. And, if you are not local, most items can be shipped including peppernuts! Christmas shopping and supporting Bethel at the same time doesn’t get much better than that.
· Baked goods sign up: A call-out for local bakers to support Bethel College. For years Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) has been a location for 5 Places of Christmas selling crafts and baked goods. BCWA is asking for support in making baked items for the event which is December 5. Please follow the link below for sign-up options. Thanks for your continued support of Bethel College! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABAF2EA4FDCF8-baked
· Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1. Your contribution to Mission Network will help us Be the Gospel through our valued partnerships, ministries, and resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Donate to give on or before December 1.
· Mennonite Voluntary Service is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 service term. Two units are still accepting applications for this year! Serve, learn, and grow in faith with a community of your peers! Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more!
A memorable, meaningful and unique Mennonite Central Committee gift to give this Christmas! Grab a piece of MCC history to use in a modern day Mennonite feeding station – your home! Get one for yourself and order more for family and friends. Hang it on the wall in your kitchen or dining room, display it on a shelf or use it as a serving tray! Remember the kitchen at your church, too. Each tray was uniquely handcrafted by an artisan in Siberia using Siberian hardwood. The tray is 16” in diameter and 2” deep. Call the Mennonite Central Committee at 316-283-2720 for details.
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is seeking a part time Administrative Assistant that will provide administrative support to the leadership of MDS Region 3 and its units (Central States – west of the Mississippi). The position is home-based within Region 3. Applicants must be active in an Anabaptist church and committed to the Anabaptist faith and peace position. See the full job description at mds.mennonite.net/about-us/employment. Resumes may be sent to jobs@mds.mennonite.net. Review of resumes begins immediately. Recruitment continues until the position is filled. Region 3 is comprised of the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas
Mennonite Central Committee asks for support for Central American hurricane recovery. Not one, but two hurricanes within two weeks have caused extensive flooding in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Hurricanes Eta and Iota have destroyed crops and forced people from their homes. MCC is working with churches and community organization to provide emergency food, hygiene supplies and cleanup support. Join us as we help these communities recover. You can donate online mcc.org/eta-iota-relief, by phone (888) 563-4676 or by mail at MCC, 21 S. 12th St., PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501.
Join MCC for a series of “MCC and me” webinars to hear more about service opportunities. Are you ready to step out and into service? To gain new skills and experiences while working for relief, development and peace in the name of Christ?
MCC is working to adapt our programming as the situation with COVID-19 develops. All sessions relate to anticipated service needs, though timing and some other details may be subject to change.
• December 9 at 7 p.m. EST: Serving and Learning Together (SALT)
• January 13 at 3 p.m. EST: Summer Service leadership program
• February 25 at 10 a.m. EST: Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) summer staff
• February 25 at 8 p.m. EST: International service worker
• March 6 at 12 p.m. EST: International service worker
• March TBD: Mobile Meat Canner
For more information and to register: mcc.org/mcc-me-webinar-series-service-opportunities
Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday at MCC in North Newton! This drive-thru event on Dec. 11 from 4-6 p.m. is a unique way to safely enjoy some delicious Christmas cheer while supporting the worldwide work of Mennonite Central Committee. Each charcuterie box is composed of seasonal artisan meats and cheeses, olives, fruit, mixed nuts and seasonal treats with crackers served on the side. A box serves two generous appetizer portions. RSVP by 5 p.m. on December 4 to reserve yours! Share your Christmas joy by ordering extra boxes to deliver to family and friends. Take a moment and treat yourself this holiday season! Suggested donation per box is $25. Email centralstates@mcc.org to reserve your charcuterie box today! Find more information and photos at mcc.org/honkin-holiday.