| Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your bcmcXpress annual intent form! Please submit your intent form by December 1 — Finance Committee (Al Peters. Judy Friesen, Paul Harder, Gwen Neufeld, LaVern Stucky; Mike Claassen, Finance Manager). As Christmas approaches 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 Judy Friesen, who created the lovely Thanksgiving centerpiece for our worship this past Sunday! Thanks also to Brenda Turner for putting up the swag above the choir loft and the Advent wreath this week. The construction people have informed us that they need to have the electricity off in the church building Monday, therefore, the church will be closed Monday, November 30. BCMC Offering for November 22-29: General Fund $10,622; Kitchen Fund $100; MCC Meat Canning $490; General Fund 2021 $12,332.45; Living Stones $60; Peace Garden $25; Elevator Repair $100; Marvin Holck Memorial $25. Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: David and Sophie Lapp Jost of Mennonite Mission Network live in Germany but were on the Greek island of Lesbos to witness more than 12,000 people displaced by a fire that burned a migrant camp. Pray that God’s people throughout the world will open their hearts to welcome as neighbors those who without homes. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s hope and encouragement for WDC congregations that have suffered significant loss and stress during the pandemic. 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! 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 10:00am 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. Join with the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp ministry as part of Giving Tuesday, December 1st. Began in 2012, a simple idea for a day that encourages people to do good. As a way to say thank you to donors, camp will send 2 stickers or 4 postcards (your choice) for any gifts made from December 1st – 6th. To see your options, please visit the new tradingpost.rmmc.org web site and list your selection in the memo field (check) or the donation note (online). Unfortunately, the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic continue as our Jr. & Sr. High Snow Camp programs have been cancelled. Please consider camp in your doing good options this year. The WDC Israel Palestine Task Force invites congregations to “Preach Palestine” on November 29, the first Sunday in Advent and International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Resources for worship planners are available from a diversity of traditions and voices that lift up liberation from Turtle Island to Palestine. So far over 80 Mennonite Churches have indicated their participation. Checkout the worship resources at https://www.fosna.org/keepawake! Cookies in a Box! Camp Mennoscah is expanding on the theme of a Camp in a Box for Giving Tuesday with Cookies in a Box for anyone who gives $25 more than their total giving in 2019 on Tuesday, December 1. We’ll carefully pack up the dry ingredients for approximately 20 cookies from camp cook Leslie Schrag’s famous Chocolate Crinkle cookies. Add a few ingredients that don’t pack well and bake them at home! Send a check to Camp Mennoscah with “Giving Tuesday” in a note, or give online at campmennoscah.org Food allergies? Let us know. Limited to donations given or postmarked on December 1. 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 2:30pm. Registration required. Call 620-297-3290! Plans may change depending on coronavirus case rates and the desire to keep everyone safe. Bring your mask! Mennonite church announcements SOOP (Service Opportunities with our Partners) is accepting applications! Use your gifts and skills to work alongside others in a network of ministries across the church. Flexibly designed for retirees, families, and adults over 25. Visit MennoniteMission.net/SOOP to learn more! Youth Venture is accepting applications for summer 2021! Discover and experience the work that God is doing in the world with a team of other young people as you serve, learn, worship, and build relationships. Visit MennoniteMission.net/YouthVenture to learn more! |
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