Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for May 28-June 4, 2023

Worship Service for May 28, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/EwmlcD5jOJk?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Pentecost Sunday
May 28, 2023

Prelude—Hymn Preludes by J. Harold Moyer—Karen Schlabaugh
                Be Thou My Vision
                 Beach Spring

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57

Children’s Conversation—Esther Eash

Kin-dom Report—Community Playschool—Jeanette Leary, Cliff Dick

Scripture Reading—Acts 2:1-4,14,22-24,36-47—Lucy Burch and Emma Gering

Sermon—Pentecost, Communion and Peace— Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Let the Hungry Come to Me—VT 459

Communion
Preparation for Communion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Pledge of Love VT 937
(congregational response “By the grace of God, I will”)
Words of Institution
Receiving the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Blessing

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—We Are People of God’s Peace—VT 797
People with May birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal.

Benediction

Postlude—Toccata in E Minor (Johann Pachelbel)—Karen Schlabaugh

You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—John Thiesen

YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/EwmlcD5jOJk?feature=share

Sunday, May 21, 2023, during the worship service, BCMC welcomed eight new members: Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen, Lauren Friesen, Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke, Miriam Nofsinger.

To read their faith statements press here.

This Week at BCMC: May 21-28, 2023

Sun, May 28, 2023—Pentecost Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/EwmlcD5jOJk?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) ; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., May 29, 2023—Memorial Day—Church Office will be closed
Tue., May 30, 2023—Vacation Bible School at BCMC
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
Wed., May 31, 2023
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
6 p.m.    Indigenous Justice Task Group meets in Room 14
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Thurs., June 1, 2023
10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
4 p.m.    Staff Congregational Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
7 p.m.     Church Board meeting in Room 14
Fri., June 2, 2023
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
Come see a Play, Friday, June 2 at VBS! From 6-7:30 at BCMC! ALL are invited to a performance of Selah’s Song, a play about a young girl in Ukraine who inspires her community with a song of Peace. This play is suitable for all ages and we hope you can join! Presented by Theatre of the Beat, a touring company based in Toronto.

Sun., June 4, 2023—Vacation Bible School Sunday—Worship Service on the Bethel College Lawn All participating churches will come together for a joint VBS worship service. The children will showcase the songs they learned during VBS and take part in enjoyable activities. The service will be live streamed on the First Mennonite Church channel starting at 10 a.m. A potluck will follow the service. Please bring chairs, table service, and a food item to share. Drinks will be provided. Join in a gathering of love, faith, and community, creating cherished memories together.

The First Mennonite live-stream can be viewed at first mennonite newton.org, at the First Mennonite YouTube channel, YouTube.com/@firstmennonitechurchnewton7575, or at the First Mennonite Newton Facebook page. The stream starts 20 minutes before the service.

Newton Public Library will be hosting a screening and discussion of the film Women Talking this Saturday, May 27, at 2:00 pm in the Bessmer Room. The movie, released in 2022, is based on real life events and the 2018 book by Miriam Toews, in which the women of an isolated Mennonite colony reveal a shocking secret about the colony’s men. The brutal truth comes out and the women talk about their new situation as they grapple with their faith and decide whether to do nothing, stay and fight, or leave. Pastor Willmar Harder of Buhler Mennonite Church and his wife Hannah Neufeld will facilitate a discussion following the movie for those who would like to stay. With their firsthand knowledge from serving as co-coordinators of the Low German Mennonite Program of MCC Bolivia, we hope to shed some light on the fact and fiction between actual events, the film, and the book. May is Women’s Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, so we hope this event will help people process their thoughts and be a starting point for a healthy discussion. This movie is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content and runs 1 hour, 44 minutes.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation May 26-31.

Monica Lichti will be on vacation June 5-9. The church office will be open in the mornings of that week and closed in the afternoons.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be in Newton until May 29. He will be driving back to Topeka Monday night, but will return to Newton Thursday morning, June 1.

BCMC Offering for May 21, 2023: General Fund $4,890; Community Play School $500; Living Stones $415; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $100; Women’s Fellowship $240; Esther Thieszen Memorial $1,080.

Community Playschool, Inc. has recently completed our 56th school year! Twenty-two children of the Newton community participated in the program this year at a minimal cost to their families, thanks to five area sponsoring churches. 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. I want to acknowledge the service of Cliff Dick as BCMC’s representative on our board, also serving as treasurer. Barb Voran, Stahli Claassen, Vernabelle Stayrook, and Cynthia Linscheid, served respectively as teacher, helper, 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 for her extra duties related to our being housed here at BCMC! An organization such as ours relies heavily on volunteer workers to keep our costs to a minimum. As many of our volunteers have retired from our program and as we look ahead to the next school year, we know that we need more volunteer helpers to be able to provide the attentive relationships and safe environment that we have always sought to maintain for our children and families. As members of a sponsoring church, we hope that you might consider whether you could help us out and become a one or two day a week helper for the coming school year. These volunteer positions have not only helped the children we serve but have also proved to be a rewarding experience for many of our adult helpers. Please give your church representative or us a call if you would like to have more information about our program and the opportunities that we have for you! We solicit your prayers and continued support for the future of our organization. With gratitude, Co- Directors, Kasey Newell (316 772-3350) and Jeanette Leary (316 217-2548)

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee

BCMC Pride Month Activities
June is Pride month for LGBTQIA persons and our church plans to celebrate and raise awareness for those who identify as LGBTQIA in the following ways.
-Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, has created Pride banners that will be hung outside our church building during the month of June. Thanks Oscar!
-The congregation is invited to join in various Wichita Pride activities throughout the month of June. Go to the wichitapride.org website for more details. Of special note is the Unity March on June 25. It will begin around 10 at the Old Town Square and end at Hyde Park with a lunch in the park to follow.
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC will represent the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrate joining SCN. SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests. Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.
-In early June, the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group will be sending a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons. If you would like to learn more about MCC’s lifestyle policy (HR 152) and our letter, please contact Karen Ediger, John Kliewer, Nathan Koontz, or Karen Penner of the Inclusion Task Group.

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 $34.11 (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.

Judy Friesen would like to invite church members to come share her space in the country with a potluck Sunday, June 11, starting at 6:00 pm. Sloppy joes, drink and table service provided. Space to roam and visit as well as eat. 2101 W Dutch Ave. North on Hwy 15 to Hesston Road (Dutch Av), and 3/4 mile west.

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? New Hope Shelter would happily welcome you. BCMC needs to send 2 volunteers every evening for a week every 9 weeks, and you would be asked if you could serve one of those evenings. But a commitment every 9 weeks is not required. There is a volunteer training June 15 at 7:30. Please contact Valetta Seymour if you are interested or have questions: seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536. There will be refresher volunteer training on June 22 at 7:30 for those who want to brush up on their volunteer knowledge.

Current donation needs for New Hope:

Lunch meat, sliced cheese, Miracle Whip, salad dressings, milk, pancake syrup, peanut butter and jelly. Paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, saran wrap, sandwich bags, masking tape.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.

Instead of a traditional Summer Story Hour, the WDC Conference Resource Library will be hosting Story Days with a self-guided, come-and-go approach with activities for ages 3-8 and their caregiver(s) on June 15, July 20 & August 3 from 9:00am-7:30pm. Read alouds by library staff/volunteers on the hour from 9am-7pm. The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton.

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a half-time Business Manager beginning July 10, at WDC’s North Newton, KS, office (some remote work possible). Responsibilities include financial management, bookkeeping, reporting and payroll. Qualifications include organizational, computer and communication skills, bookkeeping or accounting experience, and willingness to support WDC’s mission and priorities. For position description and application form visit: https://mennowdc.org/wdc-staff-position-opening/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

The Newton Et Cetera Shop is taking applications for our full-time Retail Manager position. Job descriptions and applications can be picked up at the shop, 619 Main Street, Newton KS, 67114; phone 316-283-9461.

(Sun., May 28) – Last day to visit the special exhibition at Kauffman Museum , “Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia.” Hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m., with a small admission charge for non-museum members.
Sat., June 3 – 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 and its history. This is the 25th anniversary of Sand Creek Trail as an organized and maintained trail.
Sat., June 3 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Register now for the Restorative Kansas conference happening June 8-9 at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. The conference theme is Growing Restorative Communities: Cultivating Change by Tending our Roots. Hear Keynote Speaker Chief Justice Emeritus Robert Yazzie of Navajo Nation and participate in breakout sessions on indigenous peacemaking; RJ in schools; youth-led efforts; community-based efforts; law enforcement and judicial efforts; and circle process. Enjoy a commissioned street opera entitled “The Return” and lots more. MCC Central States is a sponsor for the 2023 conference. Please join us, find more information and register at www.restorativekansas.org

Everence will hold an informative Medicare webinar Tues., May 30, at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will also be time for your questions. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com. Attendance recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here

Greetings from Camp Mennoscah!
Attached is the Summer 2023 issue of the Ninnescah News. It’s a short issue with just a taste of some of what Camp Mennoscah embodies.
Included in this issue are:

an article on community found at a friends retreat
the 2023 Summer Staff
the Mission & Maintenance opportunity
a few tidbits to remind you about summer camps and camp merch
We pray that, whatever you do this summer, you are safe and happy. We’ll see you at Camp Mennoscah!

With peace, The Camp Mennoscah staff

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#MennoCon23
The MennoCon23 worship planning committee has released the names of the worship speakers for the July 3-6 Mennonite Church USA denominational convention, which will take place at the Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center. The convention’s overall theme is “#BeTransformed,” which is inspired by Isaiah 43:19-21 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-worship-speakers

There’s still time to register for MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s leading faith formation event, in Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center, July 3-6, 2023. Registration is also open for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, and the Delegate Assembly, July 7-8. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-registration

The all-new Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, taking place on July 7, 2023, directly following Mennonite Church USA’s MennoCon23 convention, will be an opportunity to explore ways that youth and young adults ages 14-25 can put their faith to work to address this crisis during a day of worship, learning and collaboration. Watch an informational Zoom recording here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar-climatesummit

#BeTransformed
When Becky Degan told her husband and teenage son that the theme for MennoCon23 worship is “Transformed by the Spirit,” they broke out with the Transformers’ theme song, “More than meets the eye.” “Later, when I was asked what excites me about this year’s convention, that song went through my head, and I realized that’s what I’m excited about — catching glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work beyond what we can understand or imagine.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/worship-is-gods-playground

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Odesa Theological Seminary in Ukraine. Pray that courses on trauma healing will equip church leaders to respond with compassion and skill to the millions of people who have lost loved ones and homes due to Russia’s invasion.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for those who participated at our “Being the Church: Meeting Our Neighbors Where They Are” conference in Dallas on April 21-22. May their time together encourage them to prayerfully try new things, plant new churches, and take new steps of faith as we invite our neighbors to follow Jesus alongside us. -WDC Church Planting Commission

View the worship service for May 21, 2023

press here to view the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Prelude—Kum Ba Yah (arr. Behnke)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director

West Quoddy Sunrise (Bernadine Johnson)—Abby Koontz

Christ Candle Lighting—Adam Robb

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Here in This Place—VT 10

Children’s Conversation

Summer BCMC Library Program—Karen Neufeld

Presentation of Hymnals to High School Graduates—Jill Robb

Alice Claassen, Kat Friesen, Simon Koontz, Ian Voth

Anthem—Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Linker & McFadden—Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—John 16:33-17:1-11; Acts 1:6-14

Sermon—Why are you looking toward heaven?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—Could It Be That God is Singing—VT 42

Reception of New Members—Elizabeth Schmidt

Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen, Lauren Friesen

Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke, Miriam Nofsinger

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace—VT 835

*Benediction

Postlude—Andante K315 (Mozart)—Lucy Burch

* You are invited to stand

^Bells and congregation sing in unison through once; congregation sings with bells twice in canon. The south side begins, the north side comes in 2nd, and the bells will do a 3rd entry

VT—Voices Together

Keyboard—Verlene Garber

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Offertory at BCMC

As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, the ushers will bring up the offertory trays to the communion table during the Hymn of Response. Then, as we have already been doing, the worship leader will give thanks for the offering during the Prayers of God’s People.

Announcements for May 21-28, 2023

Worship Service for May 21, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/pOctfyytlwc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Prelude—Kum Ba Yah (arr. Behnke)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
West Quoddy Sunrise (Bernadine Johnson)—Abby Koontz

Christ Candle Lighting—Adam Robb

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Here in This Place—VT 10

Children’s Conversation
Summer BCMC Library Program—Karen Neufeld
                      Presentation of Hymnals to High School Graduates—Jill Robb
    Alice Claassen, Kat Friesen, Simon Koontz, Ian Voth

Anthem—Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Linker & McFadden—Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—John 16:33-17:1-11; Acts 1:6-14

Sermon—Why are you looking toward heaven?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—Could It Be That God is Singing—VT 42

Reception of New Members—Elizabeth Schmidt
                                         Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen,
Lauren Friesen, Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke,
Miriam Nofsinger

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace—VT 835

*Benediction

Postlude—Andante K315 (Mozart)—Lucy Burch

* You are invited to stand
^Bells and congregation sing in unison through once; congregation sings with bells twice in canon. The south side begins, the north side comes in 2nd, and the bells will do a 3rd entry
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Verlene Garber
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Offertory at BCMC
As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, the ushers will bring up the offertory trays to the communion table during the Hymn of Response. Then, as we have already been doing, the worship leader will give thanks for the offering during the Prayers of God’s People.

Congratulations to our BCMC High School Seniors — Alice Claassen, Kat Friesen, Simon Koontz, Ian Voth!

Welcome to new members at BCMC: Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen, Lauren Friesen, Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke, Miriam Nofsinger!

This Week at BCMC: May 21-28, 2023
Sun, May 21, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/pOctfyytlwc?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation—High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic is “Highlights of the Museum—Oriental Institute” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., May 22, 2023
10 a.m.   Library Committee meeting in Room 14
11 a.m.   Staff meeting in Fellowship Hall
5:30 p.m. Faith Formation meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., May 24, 2023
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Thurs., May 25, 2023
4 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Fri., May 26, 2023
5 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Sat., May 27, 2023
3:30 p.m. Wedding of Danielle Wellborn and Silas Minkevitch in the
Sanctuary
Sun., May 28, 2023—Pentecost Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; communion will be served; May birthday recognition

Children and Youth of BCMC:  Read a book.  Earn a Book.  This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.  The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.

BCMC Offering for May 7, 2023:  General Fund $7,163.33; Rejoice $34.11; Church Retreat $1,000; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $181; Esther Thieszen Memorial $100.

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 $34.11 (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.

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out!

Come see a Play, Friday, June 2 at VBS! From 6-7:30 on June 2 at BCMC! ALL are invited to a performance of Selah’s Song, a play about a young girl in Ukraine who inspires her community with a song of Peace. This play is suitable for all ages and we hope you can join! Presented by Theatre of the Beat, a touring company based in Toronto.

Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 24. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

Congratulations, the April finance numbers are quite favorable. The church raised $340 more in April than it spent in April. This comes as a result of extra effort and hard work on your part. Thank you very much and keep the ball rolling. Finance Committee

(Sun., May 21) – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with Dr. Mary Dusenberry from the University of Kansas, “Of Wool & Silk: Textile Explorations in Central Asia,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. In conjunction with the current special exhibit “Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia,” which closes May 28.

Sat., June 3 – 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 invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a half-time Business Manager beginning July 10, at WDC’s North Newton, KS, office (some remote work possible). Responsibilities include financial management, bookkeeping, reporting and payroll. Qualifications include organizational, computer and communication skills, bookkeeping or accounting experience, and willingness to support WDC’s mission and priorities. For position description and application form visit: https://mennowdc.org/wdc-staff-position-opening/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

2023 Western District Conference (WDC) Annual Assembly, “Holy (Wholly) Listening,” August 11-13, 2023, Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. Listening to God and many voices. Why go? It’s a great chance to join others for creative resourcing, worship, great music and food, and participating in the work of the church. Watch for more information coming soon!

Faith Formation resources for you – The WDC Resource Commission has paid for a subscription for the Vibrant Faith 2023 Masterclass Season Pass of faith formation webinars! Vibrant Faith seeks to transform the way churches envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the 21st century. For more details about the webinars, go to: https://vibrantfaith.org/masterclasses/. To access these resources at no cost to you, email Michelle at wdc@mennowdc.org.

Register today for MennoCon23, MC USA’s leading faith formation event July 3-6, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit on July 7, and the Delegate Assembly July 7-8.
https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/

Register now for the Restorative Kansas conference happening June 8-9 at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. The conference theme is Growing Restorative Communities: Cultivating Change by Tending our Roots. Hear Keynote Speaker Chief Justice Emeritus Robert Yazzie of Navajo Nation and participate in breakout sessions on indigenous peacemaking; RJ in schools; youth-led efforts; community-based efforts; law enforcement and judicial efforts; and circle process. Enjoy a commissioned street opera entitled “The Return” and lots more. MCC Central States is a sponsor for the 2023 conference. Please join us, find more information and register at www.restorativekansas.org.

Greetings!
I’m writing to share about a new special issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly, available now on-line here. Compiled by Wade Snowdon and Alain Epp Weaver, this “emerging research” issue features articles by participants in MCC’s one-year YAMEN, IVEP, and SALT programs, with articles exploring MCC work in Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Nepal, and Uganda.
As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! Send any thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel you might have to intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader!
Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

We need your toilet paper (rolls)! There is a crafts project this summer needing empty, clean toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls. Approximately 300 rolls are needed for the full summer. Send them with a camper or someone else coming to camp. We’ll collect them and use them for Junior 1 & 2, Junior High 1 & 2 and Senior High. (If you want to bring full ones, we’d take those, too. We’re not picky.)

Other events and happenings:

Preservation and then destruction! The next Work and Play Day is May 20. Tasks will include staining part of the playground structure in the cooler morning and then it’s time for (careful) destruction of the pipes of the old HVAC system in the Retreat Center.Eight or more people will make great progress possible. Bring a water bottle and meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Camp will provide lunch. If you let us know you are coming, we can be better prepared for lunch. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 (landline) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! 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.
Custodial-housekeeping help is needed at Camp Mennoscah. This is a 10 hours per week position and is paid hourly. The work times are flexible, but must fit within the group and retreat scheduling, which varies from week to week. The position requires an application, references, and background check. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Nurse needed for a partial week, July 9-12, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). Nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Just want to let you know that things will look different! The landscaping around the Retreat Center will be removed in preparation for the replacement of the HVAC system at the Retreat Center and to meet code. There is not a firm timeline when this will start. New landscaping will be determined at a later time.
Some scholarship funds are still available. These scholarship funds are to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost. We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.

Everence^® to hold May 30 Medicare webinar
Everence will hold an informative Medicare webinar on Tuesday, May 30, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will also be time for your questions.
Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Attendance recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.

Message from Bethel College
Bethel College Baccalaureate and Commencement are such special events that we like to share with you the following information.
The photos and recording of Baccalaureate/Commencement weekend have been posted on the commencement website at the following link. You are welcome to share this link with others.
www.bethelks.edu/graduation

The Newton Et Cetera Shop is taking applications for our full-time Retail Manager position. Job descriptions and applications can be picked up at the shop, 619 Main Street, Newton KS, 67114; phone 316-283-9461.

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to be a Junior Volunteer at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton or Schowalter Villa in Hesston June 1 through July 28. Junior Volunteers help facilitate activities with residents in health care and/or assisted living, including playing games, reading, going on walks and more. An application is required and must be submitted by May 10. Spaces are limited. Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination series required. For application, contact 620-327-4821 or shelleyl@bluestemks.org.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Annual Dinner and Meeting will be Thursday, May 25, 6:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, McPherson. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves at bj.reeves@live.com or call/text 620-543-6863 by May 21. Come celebrate the success of the MCC Sale!

Peace Connections is hosting Bridges out of Poverty, a free training to be a volunteer for Circle of Hope. The training is a three part workshop on May 5 (2-4 p.m.); June 2 (2-4 p.m.) and July 7 (2-4 p.m.) To RSVP for the workshop or for more information visit www.peaceconnections.org or call 316-284-0000. Harvey County Circle of Hope is a relationship-based initiative that seeks to improve the financial health and well-being of the community and our residents. Circle of Hope connects community volunteers with families ready and willing to begin their journey towards financial stability.

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Marisa Smucker assumed the responsibilities of interim executive director of Mennonite Mission Network in March. Pray for God’s wisdom and strength, as she leads the agency.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for members of boards, councils, deacons and other leadership teams in WDC congregations, as they offer vision and care for the church.

View May 7, 2023 Worship Service

Press here for May 7, 2023 video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 7, 2023

Prelude—Prelude on Nettleton, arr. Lau–Will Wiebe-Friesen

Anthem—Come Ye Disconsolate (Terre Johnson); Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Jim Robb

Land Acknowledgement—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1

Anthem—In This Still Room (Gwyneth Walker)—Chancel Choir

Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman

Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 43:16-21; Matthew 13:1-9,44-45,51-52—Ani Koontz and Megan Leary

Sermon—Our Entrepreneurial God—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—You Are Salt for the Earth—VT 297

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be a Sower—VT 789—People with April birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—VT 1050 (congregational response “Jesus, now lead on”)

Choral Benediction—Amen (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, by J.S. Bach–Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together

Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share

Congregational Meeting YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Tt1pRkGCfgk?feature=share

Announcements for May 7-14, 2023

Worship for May 7, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 7, 2023

Prelude—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Anthem—Come Ye Disconsolate (Terre Johnson); Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Jim Robb

Land Acknowledgement—Darlene Dick

*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1

Anthem—In This Still Room (Gwyneth Walker)—Chancel Choir

Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman

Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 43:16-21; Matthew 13:1-9,44-45,51-52—Ani Koontz and Megan Leary

Sermon—Our Entrepreneurial God—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—You Are Salt for the Earth—VT 297

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be a Sower—VT 789—People with April birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—VT 1050 (congregational response “Jesus, now lead on”)

Choral Benediction—Amen (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share

Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month,
  we acknowledge that we worship
  on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land
  and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories
  and find new paths of right relationships with them
  and all of creation.

In This Still Room by Gwyneth Walker
“And so I find it well to come for deeper rest to this still room
For here the habit of the soul
Feels less the outer world’s control;
For strength of mutual purpose pleads more earnestly our common needs;
And from the silence multiplied
By these still forms on either side,
the world that time and sense have known
Falls off and leaves us God alone.”

The congregational meeting is Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 a.m., during the Sunday school hour, in the Sanctuary. The agenda can be found in the annual program booklet. (There are printed copies available on the ledge between the mailboxes in the Gathering Place.) For those who are tuning in remotely, votes can be texted to (620) 747-0185. The meeting will be live-streamed but will not be recorded.
Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff.

Congregational Meeting YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Tt1pRkGCfgk?feature=share

Click the link below for a pdf of the Annual Report Booklet.

Annual Report Booklet for June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023

BCMC Offering for April 30, 2023: General Fund $2,135; Living Stones $50.

This Week at BCMC: May 7-14, 2023
Sun, May 7 2023
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary (No adult Sunday schools this Sunday) YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/Tt1pRkGCfgk?feature=share

7 pm          Bethel College Woven and Open Road Ensemble Groups Concert in the BCMC Sanctuary—All are welcome!

Mon., May 8, 2023
9 am    Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
11 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., May 10, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., May 11, 2023
4 pm     Creation Care Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun., May 14, 2023—Bethel College Baccalaureate
There will be no worship service at BCMC this Sunday; Bethel College
Baccalaureate will be in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall starting at 10 a.m.—All are invited!
Bethel College Commencement is at 4 p.m. in Thresher Stadium (if rain,
Memorial Hall)

There will be a recognition of BCMC graduating high school seniors and a
reception of new members of BCMC during the worship service on Sunday, May 21.

We offer sympathy to LuAnn Zook, Doug Siemens, Angus and Zoe Siemens and their extended family on the death of LuAnn’s father, Herbert Zook, May 4, 2023 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston.
Herb was a retired professor of Industrial Arts at Hesston College, McPherson College, and Fort Hays State University.
On a side note, Doug said that Herb was one of the pioneers who started the Automobile Restoration Program at McPherson. Saturday, May 6 is the Newton Car Show. “If you have an opportunity to attend please remember this great teacher who loved cars!”

The BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah was last Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30. Two baptisms were celebrated during the worship service on Sunday. Abby Koontz and Ani Koontz were baptized in the Ninnescah River. Following are their faith statements.

Abby Koontz
I am excited to become a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church by choosing baptism and committing to my ongoing faith journey with God. I am grateful for all the support and love this church family has given to me growing up, and I am ready to follow Christ through the acts of love, gratitude, service, and community. Attending church as a child with my parents and grandparents, I have been raised with Mennonite values. Loving others, community, inclusion, servant leadership, and practicing non-violence are values that I have learned in our church and that I believe are important when following Jesus. I strive to incorporate these values into my everyday life and spiritual practices. BCMC has also given me Camp Mennoscah, one of the
places where I find my faith to be the strongest. It is here I feel connected with God through music, nature, and friendship, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be baptized here. Becoming a follower of Christ to me means that you serve your community, have compassion towards the people around you, and that you live your life through God. In times of hope, in times of gratitude, and in harder times when God gives us challenges, it is important to live life through God and turn to prayer as a regular practice. It brings me great joy to become a part of this congregation and continue my faith journey.
Abby is baptized – people in picture are Ani Koontz in background, Kevin Neufeld, and Pastor Nathan Koontz

Ani Koontz
Throughout my life I’ve attended different Mennonite churches and been a part of many different communities that seek to follow Jesus together. One of my earliest memories is crawling around in the pit next to Faith Mennonite Church. When I was six my dad got a job at First Mennonite in Hutchinson. The church became a solid community: one that I didn’t really interact with outside the building, but one that I still loved very much. I remember coming home after my first Sunday there and counting on my fingers how many friends I made: I lost count. I especially loved the kids in my Sunday school class.

Throughout my Hutch time, I wasn’t really able to participate in the Wednesday night activities because of how far away it was. Luckily, BCMC welcomed me with open arms into the choir and youth clubs. I loved my dual church experience, but I sometimes felt disconnected from both. First Mennonite in Hutch had a huge impact on me as a person, but the shift back to BCMC was comforting. I could interact with the BCMC community in ways more than just church on Sunday, and I didn’t have to wake up so early. I love the people around me and the familiar environment that I get to grow in.

Faith has always been an important part of my life and I look forward to following Jesus and working to do good within my community and the world.

Though I’ve been to many different churches, I am so happy to call BCMC my church, my congregation, and my community.
Ani preparing to be baptized. Kevin Neufeld and Pastor Nathan Koontz on either side of her.

Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will be in Newton until Monday afternoon (May 8). He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 24. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

April Birthdays are NOT forgotten! – We’ve just delayed the usual birthday blessing for April birthdays until this coming Sunday, May 7. We knew that a number of people would not be able to attend worship at Camp Mennoscah last Sunday. So the April Birthday Blessing will be at the end of the worship service this Sunday, May 7.

Please pray for Myron Voran who is recovering from gallbladder removal surgery at NMC Health.

Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets in Fellowship Hall Monday, May 8 at 9:00 a.m.

VBS Registration
It is time to register for Vacation Bible School. If you have children in Pre-K (4 years) through entering 5th grade this form is for you! Please invite grandchildren and friends to fill out the form so they can attend. We would love to have them! If you have any questions, please email or talk to Jill Robb (jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) or Mary Ellen Hodge (hodge_mar@yahoo.com).

Here is the link to the Registration Form and the QR code.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepSN8cyMISPivc5JTk2H_FYfqnJJVXO-E_NlmLJwDApBsHTg/viewform

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out and be on the look out for a reading contest arriving in May!!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at BCMC, 7 p.m.
· Bethel College commencement weekend is Sat.-Sun., May 13-14. Events: Nurse Pinning Ceremony, 2 p.m., May 13, Krehbiel Auditorium;
Baccalaureate, 10 a.m., and Commencement, 4 p.m., May 14, both in
Memorial Hall.
· Thurs.-Sat., May 18-20 – Pop-up exhibit, “Mennonites in East Germany,” Kauffman Museum (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117); hours are 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekends. Sat., May 20 – Pastor Bernhard Thiessen from the University of Hamburg will speak on “Mennonite Peace Efforts Under Communist Observation,” 4 p.m. in the museum auditorium.

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to be a Junior Volunteer at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton or Schowalter Villa in Hesston June 1 through July 28. Junior Volunteers help facilitate activities with residents in health care and/or assisted living, including playing games, reading, going on walks and more. An application is required and must be submitted by May 10. Spaces are limited. Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination series required. For application, contact 620-327-4821 or shelleyl@bluestemks.org.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Annual Dinner and Meeting will be Thursday, May 25, 6:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, McPherson. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves at bj.reeves@live.com or call/text 620-543-6863 by May 21. Come celebrate the success of the MCC Sale!

Peace Connections is hosting Bridges out of Poverty, a free training to be a volunteer for Circle of Hope. The training is a three part workshop on May 5 (2-4 p.m.); June 2 (2-4 p.m.) and July 7 (2-4 p.m.) To RSVP for the workshop or for more information visit www.peaceconnections.org or call 316-284-0000. Harvey County Circle of Hope is a relationship-based initiative that seeks to improve the financial health and well-being of the community and our residents. Circle of Hope connects community volunteers with families ready and willing to begin their journey towards financial stability.

Hesston College Announcements

May 12 – Music Recitals

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on May 12 at 2 and 4 p.m. The recitals will feature Luke Huyard, Sadie Oesch, Jesse Kanagy, Ginny Miller, and Abraham Cadillo Quispe. Join in person at the Black Box Theater or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 12 – Bel Canto Singers Concert

Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert over commencement weekend Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 13 – Nursing Pinning

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 baccalaureate degree nursing graduates. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/pinning-webcast.

May 13 – Theatre Showcase & Student Directed One-Act Play

Acting I and Acting II students will perform monologues and scenes from their work this semester. Immediately following, a short one act play, The Wall: A Pilgrimage, directed by Alexis Driscoll, will feature students from both classes. The show is about a family visiting the Vietnam War Memorial and the feelings each member faces when recalling the soldier they lost. Join in person at the Black Box Theater.

May 13 – Commencement

Riccardo Harris, executive director of Wichita GEAR UP at WSA, will present the commencement address. General seating in the sanctuary will begin at 3:30 p.m. with overflow general seating in the HMC Community Center. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/commencement.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
WDC Book Sale – The Western District Conference Resource Library in North Newton, KS will be hosting a Book Sale on Saturday, May 6 from 8:30am -12:30pm outside in front of the WDC building. There will be a large variety of donated books and books & DVDs removed from circulation. Donations will be accepted for your selections. Hope to see you there!

In Spring 2022, the WDC Executive Board appointed a team to do an anti-racism audit of WDC’s structure, program and policies, as we seek to fulfill WDC’s vision for the church and be faithful to the way of Jesus. The audit process was conducted between April and September 2022, and gathered information to address the questions: How is WDC acting or participating in racist ways? How is WDC supporting efforts to dismantle racism? How could WDC better support efforts to dismantle racism?… Please click below to view the full announcement, the full audit report (now available), and the summary report.

Announcement about Anti-Racism Audit Report – English & Español

WDC Anti-Racism Audit Report Summary – English & Español

WDC Anti-Racism Audit Full Report – English & Español

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press hereFor Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

For Newton EtCetera Shop Annual Report press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Custodial-housekeeping help is needed at Camp Mennoscah. This is a 10 hours per week position and is paid hourly. The work times are flexible, but must fit within the group and retreat scheduling, which varies from week to week. The position requires an application, references, and background check. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.

Other events and happenings:

The next Work and Play Day is May 20! Bring a water bottle and meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Camp will provide lunch. If you let us know you are coming, we can be better prepared for lunch. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 (landline) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! 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.
Just want to let you know that things will look different! The landscaping around the Retreat Center will be removed in preparation for the replacement of the HVAC system at the Retreat Center and to meet code. There is not a firm timeline when this will start. New landscaping will be determined at a later time.
Some scholarship funds are still available. These scholarship funds are to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Nurse needed for a partial week, July 9-12, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). Nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost. We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Kauffman Museum Upcoming Events

• Upcoming events:
• May 9-14, All Ten Thousand Villages merchandise 20% off in the Museum Store; come pick up a gift for mom for Mother’s Day!
• May 18-20, Pop-up exhibit, “Mennonites in East Germany”
• May 20, 4:00, “Mennonite Peace Efforts under Communist Observation” presented by Pastor Bernhard Thiessen, Chairman, Peace Churches Office, Berlin, Germany
• May 21, 3:00, “Of Wool & Silk: Textile Explorations in Central Asia” presented by Dr. Mary M. Dusenbury, Affiliate Research Curator, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas
• May 28, last day to view the Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia exhibit
• June 3, 7:00, First Saturday Bird Walk
• Regular museum hours: Tues-Fri 9:30-4:30, Sat & Sun 1:30-4:30, closed Mondays and major holidays

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
On May 1, 2023, Mennonite Church USA will be changing its email address for email marketing communications to EBComm@Communications.MennoniteUSA.org. Read why this is important and get instructions on how to add the new address to your address book here: mennoniteusa.org/notice-new-email

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board met in Los Angeles on April 13-14, 2023, and voted to forward three proposed organizational resolutions to the Delegate Assembly, including one that recommends shifting the Delegate Assembly to a three-year, or triennial, cycle. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/executive-board-april-meeting. The Constituency Leaders Council provided feedback on the three proposed organizational resolutions at its meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in March. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/clc-looks

#MennoCon23
Online registration is open for MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s leading faith formation event, in Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center, July 3-6, 2023. Registration is also open for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, and the Delegate Assembly, July 7-8. Early bird pricing ends on May 14. Register here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration

Download a Power Point slide here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-powerpoint
Download a printer-friendly flyer here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-flyer-print

Menno Snapshots
After attending Mennonite Church USA’s Hope for the Future Conference as a Mosaic Mennonite Conference board member, Kiron Mateti, experienced a refreshing sense of belonging within the Mennonite church. He was no longer the only person of color in the room. Read more about his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-seat-at-mennonite-table

The Peace Table is the new Bible story for MennoMedia’s “Shine” elementary curriculum for 2023-26. Get a sneak peek of this exciting new resource during MennoMedia’s webinar on Monday, May 8, 7 p.m. ET. Learn how this book can help you guide children to love Jesus, grow in faith and become peacemakers that change the world by registering here: shinecurriculum.com/webinar

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Alfonsina and José Oyanguren, serving through Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for the more than 40 people from 15 communities in Argentina’s Chaco region who are helping voice dub the Jesus Film in the Toba Qom language. Pray that those who participate will be led into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and his love for all people.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC’s Resource Library, and pray that children, youth, adults and ministry leaders would be enriched in faith and discipleship through library resources.

Announcements for April 30 to May 7, 2023

Worship for Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Camp Mennoscah

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is here! There will be no worship service in the church this Sunday. The worship service at the retreat at Camp Mennoscah will begin at 10 a.m. We will celebrate two baptisms at the retreat.

Please pray for Harold Thieszen, Barbara and John Thiesen and Andrew Thiesen and their extended family as they grieve the death of their wife, mother, and grandmother, Esther. Esther died Friday morning, April 28, 2023 at Kidron Bethel Village.

A date for the memorial service will be announced later.

Please remember in your prayers Diana and Charles Graber and their extended family on the death of Diana’s mother, Mary Kathryn (Yoder) Stucky. Mary Kathryn died April 23, 2023, at Pine Village, Moundridge. Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moundridge Funeral Home. The memorial will be Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. at First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge.
You can read the obituary at this link: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mcphersonsentinel/name/mary-stucky-obituary?id=51722499

Offering for April 23, 2023: General Fund $6,495; Caring Fund $175; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $140; Flower Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $16; Women’s Fellowship $458.

BCMC Congregational Meeting
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff.

Click the link below for a pdf of the Annual Report Booklet. There will be printed copies available in the Gathering Place on the ledge between the mailboxes.

Annual Report Booklet for June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023

A message from the Bethel College Relations Team of BCMC

Last year due to COVID the Bethel College Baccalaureate Sunday morning service was held at Memorial Hall at Bethel College, rather than at Bethel College Mennonite Church. That is the plan again for this year.

The BCMC ministerial team has decided to cancel the worship service in our sanctuary on May 14 and instead to encourage BCMC members to attend the Bethel College Baccalaureate service in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall at 10 a.m.

The Bethel College Mennonite Church Bethel College Relations Team wanted to inform you of this. Please consider attending the Bethel College Baccalaureate service on May 14 at 10 a.m. as a way of showing your support and encouragement for this year’s graduates and our friends at Bethel College.

Thank you. BCMC Bethel College Relations Team: Dick Koontz, Darlene Dick, Carol Flickinger, Ron Flickinger

To the BCMC congregation: Thank you for your generosity to replenish our caring fund over the Lenten season. We appreciate your continued support. – The Deacons Commission.

You are invited to contribute non-perishable food for the local Salvation Army food pantry. On the first Sunday of the month, bring items to BCMC and place them on the cart in the south entrance of the church. Salvation Army requires food boxes to be sealed but if you have unsealed boxes, with items still sealed in them, you can also contribute these items. Kathy Stucky will distribute the sealed boxes to the Salvation Army and opened boxes of food with items still sealed to the various food neighborhood pantries in Newton.

New Hope Shelter Announcement
Message from Brian Bisbee, director of New Hope Shelter:

We are transitioning as we head towards the new building. We only have $20,411 to raise to meet the Mabee Foundation challenge requirement. That will give us the $1 million we need to complete the fundraising for the new Shelter, furnishings and equipment. Of course we will be working on the support for the continuing operations.

An Announcement about Jon Voth
Jon Voth will be joining the Red Lake MN MDS Team April 30, 2023 for most of the summer. His temporary address will be 10200 MN-89, Red Lake MN 56671. It will be updated if it changes.
His Cell phone number is 316-284-1072

Book Sale – The Western District Conference Resource Library in North Newton, KS will be hosting a Book Sale on Saturday, May 6 from 8:30am -12:30pm outside in front of the WDC building. There will be a large variety of donated books and books & DVDs removed from circulation. Donations will be accepted for your selections. Hope to see you there!

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. This annual event is for all ages. Come for intergenerational fun faith formation, music, worship, work of the broader church, good food, time with old and new friends, and more! The topic is holy listening.

Western District Conference Prayer Request
Dear Lord, we draw near to the throne of your grace, to give you glory, honor, and praise. And to ask you to hear the prayer of your children crying out to you. My prayer request is that you guide us, in our meetings, that we feel your peace, in every decision. Revive your work amid the times in which we are living, and may the world know you, and may the church take the initiative to be light, to give light, to remain in light and in the midst of darkness to shine like a burning torch. Amen – WDC Church Planting Commission

Bethel College Announcements

(Sun., April 30) – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring mass choir, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall
Mon., May 1 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, directed by Brad Shores, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The concert also features the community band Steel Paradise and the McPherson College Steel Drum Band, with hymn arrangements, pop, calypso and original compositions. This will be Brad Shores’ final concert before he moves to Florida. Free admission, with a freewill offering taken to support Bethel College music.
Tues., May 2 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Weds., May 3 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center in case of rain)

Sat., May 6 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at Bethel College, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
Last week to view the annual Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring the work of 61 Bethel students in a variety of media. Exhibit closes Fri., May 5. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.

Hesston College Announcements

May 12 – Music Recitals

May 12 – Bel Canto Singers Concert

Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert over commencement weekend Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 13 – Nursing Pinning

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 baccalaureate degree nursing graduates. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/pinning-webcast.

May 13 – Theatre Showcase & Student Directed One-Act Play

May 13 – Commencement

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! 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.

Other events and happenings:

Scholarship requests are due by May 1. (After May 1, some funds may still be available.) Camp Mennoscah has scholarship funds to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurse needed for July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). Nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost. We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY – Now May 6th – The original effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle with pheromone packets here at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp was impacted by snow and cold. Go figure, spring in Colorado. So please consider if the revised date fits into your schedule. Pheromone packets are disbursed and stapled on trees around camp to “communicate” to the beetles to go elsewhere. We need your help by signing up on the camp’s Volunteer page and selecting the “Signup for Maintenance“ button. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and Saturday will begin with a hearty camp breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Hope to have you join us!

VOLUNTEERS & SUMMER STAFF INVITATIONS – With summer camping season fast approaching, Rocky Mountain invites additional volunteers and summer staff to join in providing a fun and meaningful experience to all who come this summer. Volunteer opportunities and sign-up to help with foodservice, housekeeping, maintenance and van driving can be found under the “VOLUNTEER – VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SIGN-UP” link on camp’s web page (rmmc.org). Summer Staff opportunities and sign-up to join campers and facilitate their camp experience can be found under “ABOUT US – SUMMER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES“.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:
Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who serve as hosts at the Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, which offers temporary shelter to migrants from Africa and the Middle East. Pray for the Givens family as they work with many volunteers. May their presence encourage the sojourners they encounter.

For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA is seeking a Director of Archives and Records Management to oversee the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of permanent records for MC USA as well as collections of individuals or institutions closely associated with MC USA. Degree in history, archival studies, library science or related field and/or equivalent work experience preferred. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/archives-position

Menno SnapshotsA spiritual practice can be as simple as praying with beads. Shirley Yoder Brubaker, a retired pastor and educator, and member of Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia uses the concept of the Catholic rosary as a form of Anabaptist prayer beads. Read more of her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/praying-with-beads

View the worship service for April 23, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 23, 2023
Third Sunday of Easter
The Restoration of Creation

Prelude—Kol Nidrei (Bruch)—Caleb Garber, cello; Lisa Schmidt, accompanist

Christ Candle Lighting—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Anthem—All Creatures, Worship God Most High—VT 81—verses 1-4, 7 –Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Karen Schlabaugh, accompanist—Congregation join in unison on verse 7

Scripture Reading—Genesis 1:24-31; Romans 8:18-24a; Colossians 1:15-20—Jane Goering

Reflections—Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, Ani Koontz

*Hymn of Response—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828

*Benediction

Postlude— Postlude on Fredericktown (Robert J. Powell)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

Announcements for April 23-30, 2023

April 23, 2023 – Creation Care Sunday

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat
The Mennoscah Retreat is quickly approaching – and we have very few people signed up so far! To help us with food – and making sure we have enough accommodation space – please take a few moments to let us know you’re coming! You can use this link: https://forms.gle/ccavLqvMS1Ft2WBVA to indicate you are able to attend. We’d really like to know by Monday, April 24 so we can most accurately plan for food supplies for our three tasty meals!

This Week at BCMC: April 23—30, 2023
Today is Creation Care Sunday. Copies of our Creation Care Covenant, with suggestions for creation care practices, are available on the table in the Gathering Place.   Thank you to Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, and Ani Koontz for sharing their reflections during the worship service today.
Sun, Apr. 23, 2023—Third Sunday of Easter
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic for Sunday: “Mennonite Contribution to the Dutch Golden Age, Part II” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
3:30—5:30 p.m. Faith Exploration Class in Room 28
Mon., Apr. 24, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., Apr. 26, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 27, 2023
4 pm     Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
5-7:30 pm Community Playschool Book Night in Fellowship Hall/Classrooms
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm     Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sun., Apr. 30, 2023—Camp Mennoscah Retreat
There will be no worship service at BCMC this Sunday

BCMC Offering for April 16, 2023: General Fund $6,075.33; Columbarium Fund $1,000; Caring Fund $750; Living Stones $58.33; Kitchen Fund $23; Tamen Miller Memorial $1,000.

From the Board:
Congregational Meeting
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff. Report booklets will be available soon.

BCMC will be hosting the community Vacation Bible School this year, held May 30-June 2 with a joint worship service on the Bethel College Lawn at 10 a.m., June 4. A QR code and link for Registration will be available starting April 30. We are looking for volunteers! If you feel called to volunteer for the week please fill out the bulletin insert (which was in the church bulletin last Sunday, but there are also forms on the ledge between the mailboxes in the Gathering Place) and put it in either Jill Robb or Mary Ellen Hodge’s box, or send either of us an email. Youth older than 5th grade who would like to volunteer will be paired with an adult. We would love to plug you in!

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Topeka next Mon. afternoon (4/24). He will be back in North Newton on Thurs., May 4. Roger checks his phones messages and texts frequently when he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

Newton Et Cetera Shop’s board of directors will host a farewell reception for general manager Sara Dick on Sat., Apr. 29, 2-4 p.m. at the shop (619 North Main, Newton). You’re invited to stop by to celebrate seven years of Sara’s leadership and wish her well!

A Newton Et Cetera Shop Volunteer Event will be Tues., May 2, 6:30 p.m. at Shalom Mennonite Church, 800 E. 1st St., Newton. Current and former volunteers and anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the shop are invited. Come to learn more about our mission and opportunities to get involved. 30% of Mennonite Central Committee’s annual budget comes from thrift shops across the United States. Hope to see you there!

Newton Et Cetera Shop’s 2023 Local Giving Grant applications are due Mon., May 1. Information and a link for the application can be found at newtonetceterashop.com/local-giving-fund/.

Life Enrichment for April 27—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 a.m. “Crisis Communication Strategies Emerging from the #ChurchToo Movement” Christine Crouse-Dick, Ph.D., Bethel College professor of communication arts
10:35 a.m. “Don’t Let Your Buffalo Run Loose: Stories from Harvey County,” Kristine Schmucker, archivist/curator, and Catherine Graves, director, Harvey County Historical Museum and Archives, Newton
11:30 a.m. “Bethel College Steel Drum Ensemble,” Brad Shores, director

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Apr. 23 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Weds., Apr. 26 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Featuring works by Maslanka, Curiale, Holst, Chance, Ticheli and Sheldon. Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., Apr. 27 – Annual URICA Symposium at Bethel College, with student posters and presentations beginning at 12:30 p.m. in various campus locations. See https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/urica-symposium for a complete schedule.
· Thurs., Apr. 27 – Reception for the annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of Bethel College students in a variety of media, 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. Exhibit remains through Fri., May 5.
· Sat., Apr. 29 – Friends of Kauffman Museum Sale (vintage and antique items and artwork), 9 a.m.-1 p.m., outside the front entrance and in the museum auditorium (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). All proceeds benefit the museum. For a partial list of items, see https://kauffmanmuseum.org/event/friends-of-the-museum-vintage-antique-art-sale/
· Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring mass choir, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall
· Mon., May 1 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, directed by Brad Shores, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Tues., May 2 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Weds., May 3 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7 p.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center in case of rain)
· Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at BCMC, 7 p.m.

Hesston College Announcements

April 20 to 21 – Flora Kansas Spring Native Plant Days
Come find plants at affordable prices and enjoy supporting the mission of Dyck Arboretum. Hundreds of varieties of plants will be available, many locally grown. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. April 20 will be open to members only and the 21st will be open to everyone. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events/

April 27 to 30 – Theatre for Young Audiences: Tomato Plant Girl
Theatre lovers of all ages will love Tomato Plant Girl. It is a powerful exploration of friendship between Little Girl, Bossy Best Friend and the messy Tomato Plant Girl. This production will delight young audiences with its physical action and playful, high-energy conflict. Highlighting the issues of bullying and acceptance of others, this play challenges the character of Little Girl to bravely discover the power of making up her own rules and leading with kindness. Learn more at hesston.edu/theatre.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. This annual event is for all ages. Come for intergenerational fun faith formation, music, worship, work of the broader church, good food, time with old and new friends, and more! The topic is holy listening.

Faith Formation resources for you – The WDC Resource Commission has paid for a subscription for the Vibrant Faith 2023 Masterclass Season Pass of faith formation webinars! Vibrant Faith seeks to transform the way churches envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the 21st century. For more details about the webinars, go to: https://vibrantfaith.org/masterclasses/. To access these resources at no cost to you, email Michelle at wdc@mennowdc.org.

The Western District Resource Commission is offering Mustard Seed Grants for up to $500 to WDC congregations who are seeking to share the good news of Jesus in their communities. This is seed money for creative ideas for connecting with neighbors, so relationships can be strengthened and the reconciling love of God can be shared. The hope is that these grants will empower congregations to examine ways to link good news and good works together in a way that is authentically Anabaptist. The grants are available through January 31, 2024.

Criteria for the Mustard Seed Grant include:

an identifiable connection to the surrounding community
a way to build relationships with fellow church members as well as the broader community
congregational buy-in to the program (matching fund/sweat equity)
applicants must be from a WDC congregation
if awarded grant, a short report about the impact this has made on your congregation and community will be shared with WDC

Go to https://mennowdc.org/wdc-mustard-seed-grant-application-2/ to apply.

Blessings as you ponder ways to embolden individuals to share the good news so that God’s healing and hope may flow through you and out into the world.Ordination Service: A celebration of ordination for Michael Unruh, Campus Pastor at Bethel College, will take place on Sunday, May 7 at 2 pm in the Administration Building Chapel at Bethel College, 300 E. 27th Street, North Newton, KS. Guests are welcome to join the college community and Michael’s congregation, Tabor Mennonite Church, for this special occasion.

All Western District Conference women are invited to join a virtual event sponsored by Western District Women in Mission Tues., Apr. 25. Jenny Gehman, spiritual director, retreat speaker, and writer, will present “Holy Host: the Hospitality of God.” Join in person or virtually. In-person gathering will be at First Mennonite Church, Newton, beginning with a salad potluck at 6 p.m., followed by Jenny joining virtually from Pennsylvania at 6:45 p.m. There is no cost to this event, but please register by April 23 by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com so you can receive a Zoom link if joining virtually. Please email your RSVP if attending in person and bring a salad to share. More information, contact Wendy Schrag at 316-841-5245.

Mennonite Church USA is seeking Menno Snapshots blogs on the topic, “I choose to be Mennonite because...” Bloggers are encouraged to reflect on how they came to Anabaptism, what attracted them to our Mennonite theology and practices, and how this has impacted their lives. This is an ideal opportunity for the recently baptized and/or those who may have joined from other faith traditions. Suggested word count is 500-900 words. Youth are also encouraged to participate (no word count requirements). Read the blog guidelines and submit your blog here by May 22: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/blog-guidelines/

For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “A Windmill becomes a windfall” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Anabaptism at 500 and the Anabaptist Community Bible
The five hundredth anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025 gives the church a unique opportunity to celebrate and dream. To celebrate all the ways God has been faithful, and to dream about how we can mend what’s been broken. Join this special event Saturday, April 29 at 7pm at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, KS. John D. Roth, project director, and Mitch Stutzman, director of development and partner engagement will talk about the Anabaptism at 500 project and share the vision behind the Anabaptist Community Bible. The event will include an update on the status of the project and a time for questions and conversation.
The Saturday, April 29 special event for Annabaptsit at 500 at 7pm will also be live streamed through the followingYoutube live link: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitestoneMennoniteChurch

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Scholarship requests are due by May 1. Camp Mennoscah has scholarship funds to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
If you are planning to come for the April 22 Work Day, please contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org, 620-297-3290 or text 316-293-7313. This will help us plan. Please leave a message, if staff do not answer. Thank you!
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the weeks of June 25-29, July 9-14, and July 16-21. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#MennoCon23
Online registration is open for MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s leading faith formation event, in Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center, July 3-6, 2023. Registration is also open for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, and the Delegate Assembly, July 7-8. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-registration

Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY” initiative, Jon-Erik (J. E.) Misz, secretary of the Anabaptist Disability Network board of directors, shares about his awareness of the mental health crisis that continues to grow among youth and young adults. Read more of his thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/telling-whole-story

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration” series, Conrad Moore, writes about his experience with the mass incarceration system as a mechanism to enforce the caste system of the U.S. Read more about his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/mass-incarceration-mechanism

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Bekah York, as she begins six weeks of North American ministry this month. Pray for inspiration, as she speaks in churches, encouraging others to join what God is doing in Colombia, as well as for rest and renewal, as she reconnects with family and friends.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for sponsors, mentors, teachers and pastors who minister with youth in WDC congregations.

View the worship service for April 16, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 16, 2023
Second Sunday of Easter

Prelude—Crown Him with Many Crowns (arr. J. Westenkuehler)— Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—George Leary

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Now the Green Blade Rises—VT 353

Children’s Conversation—Tim Hodge

Anthem—Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sing—Chancel Bells—Verlene Garber, Director; Mike Claassen, Trumpet; Will Wiebe-Friesen, Piano

Kin-dom Report—Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

*Hymn—Be Not Afraid—VT 356

Scripture Reading—John 20:19-31—Miriam Nofsinger

Sermon—Life In Jesus’ Name—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—The Risen Christ—VT 345

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Know That My Redeemer Lives (v. 1-5)—VT 347

*Benediction

Postlude—Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land (Arnold)—Chancel Bells

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Francis Toews

Announcements for April 16-23, 2023

April 16, 2023 -Second Sunday of Easter

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Francis Toews

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/A1dF3DZGcgk?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: April 16—23, 2023
Sun, Apr. 16, 2023—Second Sunday of Easter
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/A1dF3DZGcgk?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic for Sunday: “Mennonite Contribution to the Dutch Golden Age” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

4:30—6:30 p.m. Faith Exploration Class in Room 28

Mon., Apr. 17, 2023
11 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
6 pm     Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Tue., Apr. 18, 2023
7 pm    Women’s Fellowship meeting in the Fellowship Hall
Wed., Apr. 19, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 20, 2023
4 pm     Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm     Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., Apr. 23, 2023—Creation Care Sunday
9:30 am   Worship with sermon by Elizabeth Schmidt; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 am Faith Formation

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, April 18, in Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. to enjoy a ‘piano duo’ followed by tea, sandwiches, scones, and shortbread. Use the south-east door.

BCMC Offering for April 9, 2023: General Fund $22,941.37; Wed. Supper $357; Caring Fund $2,034.06; Living Stones $200; Flower Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $22.

Roger Neufeld Smith will return to Newton Wednesday morning, Apr. 19. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

The church’s telephone issues have been resolved; 316-283-3667 is working.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation from April 18-22.

The Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) performs today, Sun., Apr. 16, 7 p.m. at the Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS. Their next performance will be Sun., Apr. 23, 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton. The KMMC is a large, all-volunteer male choir. In recent seasons membership has topped 300. Their motto is “we sing that others may live.” Offerings taken at KMMC concerts are donated to the Mennonite Central Committee.

Many Thanks!
Thanks to the youth group and the Proutys for leading and hosting the Easter Sunrise Service last Sunday. It was a beautiful service to match the beautiful morning. Thanks to Judy Harder and the children and youth who made up Judy’s Company for wonderful reenactments of both the Palm Sunday Parade and the Easter morning meeting of disciples after the women’s visit to the tomb. Those reenactments help us realize what it must have been like for the disciples and what it could be like for us to follow Jesus today.
Thanks to all of the musicians who made our Easter Sunday service so gloriously joyful!

Offertory at BCMC
As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, starting this second Sunday of Easter, the ushers will bring up the offertory trays to the communion table during the Hymn of Response. Then, as we have already been doing, the worship leader will give thanks for the offering during the Prayers of God’s People. The offering trays are located in the back of the sanctuary on the tables near the ushers. You are invited to place your offering into the tray as you enter the sanctuary. If you happen to forget, offering trays will also be present at the end of the service in the same location. Thank you for your monetary contributions and all the many other ways that you contribute to the life and ministries of BCMC.

With 25% of the year gone, we have raised about 20% of the church’s budget. Our deficit for the year is about $18,000; March deficit was about $1700, so we are moving in the right direction. Our challenge for April is to break even or to have a surplus. Thank you for your effort! —Finance Committee

The next congregational meeting will be Sun., May 7, 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. Meeting will be in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff.

Prayer RequestPlease remember in prayer Bernice Esau. Bernice Esau is receiving care at Newton Medical Center after a fall.

Progress with Pastoral Search
At its April 6 meeting, the BCMC Board approved the Congregational Information Form completed by the Search Committee and the job description for the new pastoral position. The Search Committee is now sending these two documents to Western District Conference for official announcement and advertisement of our open pastoral position.
The job description is for a full-time Co-Pastor. The overview from the job description follows:

Primary areas of emphasis will be worship, facilitating the teamwork of pastors and staff, work with board and commissions/committees, and participating with other pastors and staff in the caregiving team. Within the context of a flexible pastoral and staff team, additional emphases can be determined by the pastoral team in conversation with the church board, Staff Congregation Relations Committee, and other groups as appropriate. Depending upon the gifts and interests of the candidate, the following areas of emphasis may be included: pastoral care or other caregiving within the congregation, youth ministry, spiritual and faith formation, and community work for social justice. This position is accountable to the BCMC Church Board. The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will provide support, counsel, and feedback.

The following offered input or feedback concerning the job description: the Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Search Committee, board, pastors, Kathy Neufeld Dunn (Western District Conference staff), and several experienced congregation members. Both Search Committee and Board appreciated the congregational input from the congregational priorities survey. Thanks to all who participated in this process; we ask for the congregation’s ongoing support.

Women’s Fellowship
BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, April 18, in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 pm to enjoy a ‘piano duo’ followed by tea, sandwiches, scones, and shortbread. Use the south-east door.

Vacation Bible School
BCMC will be hosting the community Vacation Bible School this year. VBS will be held May 30-June 2 with a joint worship service on the Bethel College Lawn at 10:00 am on June 4. A QR code and link for Registration will be available starting April 30. We are looking for volunteers! If you feel called to volunteer for the week please fill out the bulletin insert (which will be in the bulletin this coming Sunday) and put it in either Jill Robb or Mary Ellen Hodge’s box, or send either of us an email. Youth older than 5th grade who would like to volunteer will be paired with an adult. We would love to plug you in!

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is just around the corner! This year’s retreat will be the weekend of April 29 & 30, and will feature many of the favorites of retreats past! We will gather this year again with Halstead First Mennonite for a couple of days playing in the sand, worshipping, and in fellowship at Camp Mennoscah – located on the Ninnescah river near Murdock, KS. People can come out on Saturday (after 1), Sunday (anytime, but worship will likely be around 9:30 AM), or both – and meals will be served! We’ll have a hayrack ride, pop popcorn, and have some great experiences for all ages! If you’re interested in participating, please use the following link to sign up: https://forms.gle/m5wycZsfQ8fmWaqC9And if you have any questions about the retreat or schedule, please reach out to Adam Robb at adamandjillrobb@gmail.com or via phone at 620-747-0185. No worship will take place in the BCMC Sanctuary on Sunday, April 30, so we hope to see you there!

Life Enrichment for April 20—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 a.m. “Celebrating 25 Years of Sand Creek Trail at Bethel College,” Sand Creek Trail Committee members
10:50 a.m. “Substantive Subjects, Sports Surprises, and Silly Shenanigans:
The History and Traditions of Bethel College,” Dale Schrag, retired Bethel College director of church relations, North Newton

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Apr. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Thirst for Justice, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Documentary looks at three citizen groups fighting for clean water, in the Navajo Nation, Flint, MI., and Standing Rock. Audience talkback follows the film. Free and open to the public, with freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Mon., Apr. 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, Salina, speaks on “Leading a Global Movement for Diverse Perennial Grain Futures,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Stroer will also speak in convocation at 11 a.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium) and at 2 p.m. in the Conservation Biology class (Krehbiel Science Center #121). Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association and supported by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment.
· Sun., Apr. 23 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Weds., Apr. 26 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall

Hesston College Announcements

April 20 – Music Department Recitals

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on April 20 at noon. This recital will feature vocal students Hadassa Friesen Pauls, Luke Huyard, Anna-Joy Jones, Jesse Kanagy, Daniel Miller and Desirae Rodriguez. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

April 20 to 21 – Flora Kansas Spring Native Plant Days

Come find plants at affordable prices and enjoy supporting the mission of Dyck Arboretum. Hundreds of varieties of plants will be available, many locally grown. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. April 20 will be open to members only and the 21st will be open to everyone. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events/

April 27 to 30 – Theatre for Young Audiences: Tomato Plant Girl

Theatre lovers of all ages will love Tomato Plant Girl. It is a powerful exploration of friendship between Little Girl, Bossy Best Friend and the messy Tomato Plant Girl. This production will delight young audiences with its physical action and playful, high-energy conflict. Highlighting the issues of bullying and acceptance of others, this play challenges the character of Little Girl to bravely discover the power of making up her own rules and leading with kindness. Learn more at hesston.edu/theatre.

Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income workshop Thurs., Apr. 20, 6:30 p.m., an in-person workshop at the Everence office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, about Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at central.kansas@everence.com or 316-283-3800, or 877-467-7294.

Bethel College senior Taylor Dashney has organized a donation drive to benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which works to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster (see irc.org for more information or to make a financial contribution). Taylor is looking for NEW kitchenware, bathroom items and other small necessities (socks, towels, laundry supplies). These can be dropped at Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center on the Bethel campus Mon.-Fri., Apr. 17-21, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or email Taylor taylorpdashney@bethelks.edu

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements

Camp Mennoscah has been offered a gift of $100,000 dollars.. The money comes to Camp as a matching gift. We have been invited to raise money that will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.
In response to this generous gift, Camp Mennoscah has launched the M&M Project! M&M stands for Mission and Maintenance. We know you will want to be in on this opportunity to continue our Mission at Camp – to be a place where all can renew themselves, their relationships, and their connection with God through Jesus Christ. Here’s how that can happen!
We are planning two major ways for people to give to the M&M project. First, we would ask churches who are supporters of Camp Mennoscah to put together a fundraising event this year that would specifically benefit the M&M Project. And, the second way Camp Mennoscah would like to raise money for the M&M project is through monthly pledges. We would like to see 100 “giving units” give $1000 each by the end of 2023. A “giving unit” – we’ll call them “Fire Keepers” – could be any individual or group who would pledge money to make sure this generous gift is honored by matching the funds.
For more information, check out the Camp Mennoscah Website, or contact Tammy at the addresses below
Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472 or
Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67114620-297-3290

Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

Other events and happenings:

Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the weeks of June 25-29, July 9-14, and July 16-21. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Opening Doors: Lessons Learned Blog press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Anabaptism at 500 and the Anabaptist Community Bible
The five hundredth anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025 gives the church a unique opportunity to celebrate and dream. To celebrate all the ways God has been faithful, and to dream about how we can mend what’s been broken. Join this special event Saturday, April 29 at 7pm at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, KS. John D. Roth, project director, and Mitch Stutzman, director of development and partner engagement will talk about the Anabaptism at 500 project and share the vision behind the Anabaptist Community Bible. The event will include an update on the status of the project and a time for questions and conversation.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and MC USA’s Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference signed an amicus brief in support of Apache Stronghold and the protection of Oak Flat, a sacred site of Native American religious exercise in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/oak-flat

#MennoCon23
Interested in volunteering at MennoCon23, Kansas City, Mo., July 3-6? Mennonite Church USA is seeking volunteers for special events, children’s and junior youth programming, and more! Fill out a form here: mennoniteusa.org/forms/mennocon-volunteer-interest

Menno SnapshotsWhen Sue Park-Hur, director of racial/ethnic engagement for Mennonite Church USA, was invited by MennoMedia’s Leader magazine to write about intercultural churches, she knew right away that this should be in a conversational format with other Mennonite leaders who are committed to living out the vision of the church becoming intercultural. Sue invited Iris de León-Hartshorn, associate executive director of operations for Mennonite Church USA, and Tina Schlabach, moderator of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference and co-pastor of Shalom Mennonite Fellowship in Tucson, Arizona, for a lively conversation. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/why-intercultural-church

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Martine Audéoud, who is currently teaching a 10-day seminar for doctoral students in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Pray for her and her students as they contextualize the biblical message to the African context and present their academic work to God as an act of worship.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations seeking faithful ways to care for God’s creation and practice environmental stewardship.