Worship for July 2, 2023
Bethel College Mennonite Church 
 

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/D3DDkyZMbys?feature=share
 

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Interdependence Sunday
July 2, 2023

Prelude— Folk Tune Sketches—Irish   •  Celestia  •   Land of Rest  (Dale Wood)—
Karen Schlabaugh  
A Sacred Space (by Wendy Stevens)—Maisie Brubacher
                 
Christ Candle Lighting
  
Land Acknowledgment—Lyn Krause
 
Welcome and Prayer—Adam Robb
 
*Hymn—Let Us Build a House—VT 36 
 
Children’s Conversation—Carol Flickinger
 
Worship Music—Classic Sonatina (by Nancy Faber)—Miles Brubacher
 
Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 5:1, 6-8; Psalm 146:1-7; Luke 4:1-8—Mara Oswald
 
Sermon—Pledging Allegiances—Roger Neufeld Smith 
 
*Hymn—This Is My Song— VT 710  
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716  
 
Benediction
 
Postlude—CWM Rhondda (Wilbur Held)—Karen Schlabaugh
 
*You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together 
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/D3DDkyZMbys?feature=share

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This Week at BCMC:  July 2-9, 2023
Sun, July 2, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is: 
https://youtube.com/live/D3DDkyZMbys?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; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)  Seekers (Rm 28)
 
Mon., July 3, 2023
10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
Tue., July 4, 2023—Independence Day Holiday—office will be closed; church will be locked
Thurs., July 6, 2023
11 a.m.  Memorial Service for Rosie Horst at BCMC
7 pm.     Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sun., July 9, 2023
9:30 a.m.  Worship with Senior High Youth Group reflections on
MennoCon23 (Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)

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The memorial service for Rosie Horst will be Thursday, July 6, 11 a.m. at BCMC.  The YouTube Link for the service is:  https://youtube.com/live/oW9WQvNAt94?feature=share
 
Please pray for the nine youth and four sponsors of the Senior High Youth Group and the other delegates and attendees of MennoCon23, July 2-6(Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)
 
BCMC Offering for June 25, 2023:  General Fund $9,485; Senior High Youth $600; Living Stones $40; Kitchen Fund $9; Women’s Fellowship $10; Metta Lieb Memorial $25. 
 
“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC.  The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict.  Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church.  The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.

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We offer sympathy to Janet, Orvin, Jon, and Ian Voth and their extended family on the death of Janet’s brother, Joel Klaassen.  Joel died June 29 in Georgia.  A memorial service will be held in the fall of 2023.
 
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes while I was in the hospital and now at home with Home Health Care.  God sent an angel, my new neighbor, who found me unconscious lying near the sedum patch at my home and he called 911.  Also many thanks to the dear angels who spent a couple hours weeding my garden and beds.  I am thankful to God and my caring church.  — Louise Thieszen
 
The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the  congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.

BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and  BCMC congregants.  Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed.  Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.  Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network. 
 
Care Connections Opportunity:  Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita.   If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:35 ESV)
 
Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be driving back to Topeka on Monday. This Thursday he will attend MennoCon23 in Kansas City, then represent BCMC at the MC USA Delegate Sessions on Friday and Saturday. Roger will then be on vacation in Missouri until July 19, when he will be back in the BCMC office. Roger will be checking his email and text messages occasionally during this time. 
 

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Mennonite Central Committee School Kits

Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale.  

How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make. 

We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited! 

Megan Kohlman
she/her
 

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The Bethel College Mennonite Church Library has added new books.

For the list of new books click here.

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
 

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Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Join us for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly!  It’s for everybody on August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton.  We’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference!  BCMC needs to find delegates for the WDC Assembly.  Delegates can also attend virtually. BCMC would be eligible to send 15 delegates to the Assembly.  If you would like to be a delegate contact the BCMC office.
WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session – Agenda for delegates will include an introduction to the conference-wide Listening Process, report on the Anti-Racism Audit, recognition of the closing of Trinity Mennonite Church and the introduction of two new church plants, update on conference facilities and finances, approval of the 2024 budget, highlights from the work of WDC commissions, election of new board, commission and committee leaders, and more! Delegate materials will be posted here as they are available: https://mennowdc.org/2023-assembly-delegate-information/ —- Register at https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/ to join others from around the conference in our work together.
 Visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/  for more info on this summer’s Assembly!

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.
 

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Get ready for a celebration of a summer of faith formation and camp songs!  The Camp Sing will be August 5 at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita.  This is a time to gather for an evening of singing and friends. All ages, campers and others–everyone is invited! Details will be forthcoming. Put it on your calendar so you don’t miss out.

Other events and happenings:

• Camper pick-up is 10:30am to 11:30am on the last day of camp. Thursday is the last day of camp for PreJunior Camp.  Friday is the last day of camp for Junior, Junior High, and Senior High camps.  We want to make sure you are here to pick up your campers and hear the fun stories about the week.
   
• Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
   
• Click to register!  We are halfway through the summer but there is still space at remaining camps.  Registrations are being accepted.  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!
   
• 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.
   
• Thank you for the outpouring of toilet paper rolls for summer youth camp crafts!   We have enough for the rest of the summer.  (If rolls are already on the way, no problem.  We have other uses for them.)  The toilet paper roll drive was so successful, we’re starting another one.  Drop off your loose bills and spare change when you come to camp or send them in check form. They’ll be added to the Camp Life fund, which helps fund things for activities (sports equipment, replacing worn out items, etc.) and renovations. Let us do you the favor of keeping your pockets clutter-free!

From Camp Mennoscah

Thank You!  Camp Mennoscah is happy to announce that money continues to come to Camp through the engagement of good people like yourselves with the M&M Project. Churches, small groups, families, and individuals are signing up to the “Fire Keepers” – $1000 givers – and as of last week, we have almost half of what we need to reach our goal of $100,000 in pledges. If you haven’t signed up, or if you don’t have the money right now – remember that the gift can be spread over several months or weeks – your choice. We know you will want to be in on this opportunity to continue our Mission at Camp. (And please let this be a reminder to those who have pledged to keep sending the checks to make sure you meet your commitment! We’re counting on you and we know your belief in the mission and ministry of Camp!)

Churches are invited to put together a fundraising event this year that would specifically benefit the M&M Project.Churches are planning events for the summer and the fall. If you would like camp representation at such an event at your church, we are more than happy to see what we can do! And we’ll advertise for you on our website and Facebook page. We know you have great ideas!

For more information, check out the Camp Mennoscah Website, or contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo, or you can give online.

Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472

or

Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65    Murdock, KS  67111
620-297-3290
 

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Swiss Volhynian Celebration of 150 years since ancestors came to USA in 1874—150 Years since our ancestors came to the USA.  1874-2024.  Let’s celebrate all year.  To remember the old days with agriculture come see a “Plowing with Horses” event  July 15. Glen Goering, Darrell Schrag, Nathan Graber, and the Ag Committee have invited horse and plow owners to demonstrate Sat., July 15, at a 22-acre field west of the Moundridge Museum, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Concessions will be available from Gospel Mennonite and a tent for shade. Bring a lawn chair.  The Museum will also be open.  There will be  “Planting Turkey Red Wheat” in October.  Possibly more events in 2023 with the main celebration on August 22-25, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge. 

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For MennoCon23 Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

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#MennoCon23

Mennonite Church USA has released the seminar lineup for MennoCon23, the denominational convention being held in Kansas City, Missouri, July 3-6. Alongside daily worship services, seminars make up the bulk of the convention’s faith formation programming, with three seminar timeslots scheduled each full day of the event — one in the mornings and two in the afternoons. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-seminar

Follow along with the day-to-day excitement of MennoCon23, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit and the Delegate Assembly by subscribing to MC USA’s daily email convention newsletter, the KC Sauce, here: mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce View the online version here: www.mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce/

In case you missed it, watch the recording of part I of the Delegate Assembly: Know Before You Go webinar series. Host and panelists review the agenda and discuss the best way for conferences, congregations and delegates to prepare as well as the role of delegates in the discernment process: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar1

In case you missed it, watch the recording of part II of the Delegate Assembly: Know Before You Go webinar series. Leaders from MC USA, Everence and MHS Association discuss the proposed organizational resolutions for the upcoming Delegate Assembly in Kansas City: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar2 
 

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for all those traveling to MennoCon, the four-day MC USA convention in Kansas City, Missouri, that begins tomorrow. Pray for Mission Network staff and partners as they present youth service opportunities and talk about the church’s response to immigrants and displaced people, violence in South Africa, and global climate change.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for delegates and other adults, youth and children from WDC attending MennoCon23 in Kansas City this week, as they join in fellowship, learning and discernment together with others from Mennonite Church USA.

Worship Service for June 25, 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/Pkq4wosFEUM?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 25, 2023

 
Prelude—Praise Him! Praise Him!  (arr. Labenske);  I Sing the Mighty Power of God  (arr. Labenske); Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us (arr. Rice)—Meghann Rogers
                                      
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Welcome and Prayer—John Kliewer
 
*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1
 
Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky
 
*Hymn—Rain Down—VT 703
 
Scripture Reading—Jeremiah. 20:7-13; Romans. 6:1b-11; Matthew. 10:24-28, 37-39—Hodges?
           
Sermon—Reoriented—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn of Response—Open, Lord, My Inward Ear—VT 548
                 
Prayers of God’s People
 
*Hymn—Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues—VT 829
People with June birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal.
 
*Benediction
 
Postlude– Amazing Grace (arr. Labenske)—Meghann Rogers    

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* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—John Thiesen
 
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.   

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  This Week at BCMC:  June 25—July 2, 2023

Sun, June 25, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is: 
https://youtube.com/live/Pkq4wosFEUM?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; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)  Seekers (Rm 28)
 
3 p.m. Program in Fellowship Hall with John Stoesz.  John Stoesz will talk about the “Repair Network Project” in Mountain Lake, MN
 
Mon., June 26, 2023
2 p.m.     Credence Report Task Group meeting in Room 14
Tue., June 27, 2023
11 a.m.  Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., June 28, 2023
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Sun., July 2, 2023
9:30 a.m.  Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Maisie Brubacher and Miles Brubacher
   
Congregational Care Coordinator Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation June 24-30. 
 
We offer sympathy to Dale Horst and family on the death of Dale’s wife Rosie Horst.  Rosie died Friday, June 16.   A date for the memorial service will be announced later.
 
BCMC Offering for June 18, 2023:  General Fund $10,736.13; Caring Fund $1,500; Living Stones $108.33; Kitchen Fund $16.
 
Congratulations to BCMC,  May was a great month financially!  For the 2nd consecutive month we have had a positive monetary balance.  With continued effort in June, we will enter the 2nd half of the year in a strong financial position.  Finance Committee

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Roger’s Whereabouts
Roger will be back at BCMC this Sunday, June 25, for worship and to attend the Casa Betania 15th Anniversary Celebration at First Mennonite Church. He will stay for the regular BCMC staff meeting on Monday, then drive back to Topeka Monday afternoon, June 26. He will be back in Newton on Thursday, June 29. Roger checks his email and phone messages regularly for messages, so feel free to contact him via email or text while he is in Topeka. 

Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania invites local Mennonite congregations to a 15th anniversary service Sunday, June 25 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st St., Newton, where Casa Betania worships. After the service there will be a time of fellowship with a meal. Casa Betania will provide main dishes and an anniversary cake. Guests do not need to bring food, but those who would like to bring something are welcome to share a salad or fruit.

The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the  congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well. 

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.
-Pride banners are hung outside our church building during the month of June.  Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design!
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC represented the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrated joining SCN.  SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests.  Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.    
-This month the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group sent a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons.  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. 
-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 Pride Parade on June 25 at 11 a.m. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse (510 N. Main Street, Wichita) and end at Century II. 

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 Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and  BCMC congregants.  Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed.  Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.  Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network. 
 
Care Connections Opportunity:  Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita.   If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:35 ESV)
  

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The Western District Conference Annual Assembly

Join us for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly!  It’s for everybody on August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton.  We’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference! 

 
BCMC NEEDS YOU TO BE A DELEGATE!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A DELEGATE TO THE WDC ANNUAL ASSEMBLY PLEASE EMAIL THE CHURCH OFFICE – office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Your registration will be paid by BCMC. Transportation and lodging costs are not reimbursed, but should be minimal as the WDC Assembly is at Tabor Mennonite Church.. 

2023 WDC Annual Assembly – August 11-13

At Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail, Newton, KS 67114

WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session – Agenda for delegates will include an introduction to the conference-wide Listening Process, report on the Anti-Racism Audit, recognition of the closing of Trinity Mennonite Church and the introduction of two new church plants, update on conference facilities and finances, approval of the 2024 budget, highlights from the work of WDC commissions, election of new board, commission and committee leaders, and more! Delegate materials will be posted here as they are available: https://mennowdc.org/2023-assembly-delegate-information/ —- Register at https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/ to join others from around the conference in our work together.  Visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/  for more info on this summer’s Assembly! WDC Assembly 2023 Registration is now open below!

Register Here!

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Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/

A Gift for You–The Western District Conference Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-Aug. 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org
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 July 20 and Aug. 3 from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Read alouds by library staff/volunteers on the hour from 9 a.m.-7p.m.

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 quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.

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First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson invites you to a Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Movie Showing & Book Signing with Mark Charles  Sat., July 8, 6:30 p.m. at the church. The film, The Custodians: A Story of Ancient Echoes, explores the work of local landowners, volunteers and municipal government of Herschel, Saskatchewan, in protecting and conserving the many signs of historic Indigenous presence in the region. The book,
Unsettling Truths, by author Mark Charles, is a prophetic blend of history, theology, and cultural commentary, that reveals the far-reaching, damaging effects of the “Doctrine of Discovery.” Stay after the film showing for a panel with Mark Charles and Jonathan Neufeld. FMC Hutchinson is located at 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson. 

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Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton will host it’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4. Arrival is welcome after 7:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin after sundown. It is recommended that you bring your own chairs or blankets for fireworks viewing. The free outdoor event will include family fun with games, giveaways and food for purchase, including Salted Creamery ice cream. Kidron Bethel is located at 3001 Ivy Dr., in North Newton. Parking for the event will be marked.

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Thank you for the outpouring of toilet paper rolls for summer youth camp crafts!   We have enough for the rest of the summer.  (If rolls are already on the way, no problem.  We have other uses for them.)  The toilet paper roll drive was so successful, we’re starting another one.  Drop off your loose bills and spare change when you come to camp or send them in check form. They’ll be added to the Camp Life fund, which helps fund things for activities (sports equipment, replacing worn out items, etc.) and renovations. Let us do you the favor of keeping your pockets clutter-free!

Other events and happenings:

• Camper pick-up is 10:30am to 11:30am on the last day of camp. Friday is the last day of camp for Junior, Junior High, and Senior High camps.  We had conflicting information that was sent out to parents/guardians and we want to make sure you are here to pick up your campers and hear the fun stories about the week.
  
• Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
  
• Click to register!  We are almost halfway through the summer but there is still space at remaining camps.  Registrations are being accepted.  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!
  
• 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.

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For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Greetings!
I’m writing to share about the summer 2023 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly, on the theme of “savings and loan groups.” It is available now on-line here. Compiled by Michael Adeola, this issue features learning from and analysis of MCC-supported savings and loan efforts in Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nepal, India, and Cambodia.
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

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
When Marc Smithers, one of three delegates selected from Sojourner’s Mennonite Fellowship to participate in “A Day of Fellowship and Discernment” for the New York Mennonite Conference, he felt apprehensive. But as the event unfolded, the intentionality of the event’s planning committee was evident. Read more of his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/called-to-community

#MennoCon23
“We live in a fragmented society. Most of us have grown accustomed to spending the vast majority of our time alone and apart, even if we are in the vicinity of other people,” writes Dianne Garcia, future MennoCon23 speaker. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/creating-kingdom-community

Follow along with the day-to-day excitement of MennoCon23, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit and the Delegate Assembly by subscribing to MC USA’s daily email convention newsletter, the KC Sauce, here: mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce 

Menno Snapshots
“From the time I was very young, I wanted to write a children’s book. I spent many hours coming up with characters and interesting plotlines.” Chrissie Muecke, curriculum writer and editor for MennoMedia, a Mennonite Church USA agency, reflects on her experience editing “The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible” for children. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/preparing-peace-table

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jae Young Lee and Karen Spicher, and their four children, as they minister in South Korea. Pray for Jae, as he serves as the executive director of Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI) and Korea Peacebuilding Institute, and pray for Karen as she works as NARPI’s communications coordinator.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Please pray for churches grappling with changes in these post-pandemic times. May we find ways forward that are creative, that meet people and families where they are, and which leave behind anything holding us back. May we remember that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever – even as our world changes. -WDC Church Planting Commission

June 18, 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/_8qMdqXAQZc?feature=share

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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 18, 2023
Juneteenth Sunday

 
Prelude—Go Down, Moses (arr. Wilhelmi)
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (arr. Wilhelmi)
Precious Lord, Take My Hand (arr. Shackley) 
 Will Wiebe-Friesen
 
Christ Candle Lighting
 
Welcome and Prayer—Jim Juhnke
 
*Hymn—Praise with Joy the World’s Creator—VT 428
 
Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz
 
Worship Music—Steal Away arr. H.T. burleigh)–Matt Schloneger
 
Land Acknowledgement—Valetta Seymour
 
Scripture Reading— Psalm 100; Exodus 19:2-6; Romans 5:1-8
 
Sermon—Lamentation and Celebration—Nathan Koontz
 
*Hymn of Response—O Healing River—VT 706
 
Prayers of God’s People
 
Commissioning of New Leaders—VT 965
 
*Hymn—Go, My Friends, in Grace—VT 810
 
*Benediction
 
Postlude–Adoration (Florence B. Prcie)
 
* You are invited to stand
 
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Francis Toews
 
 
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.
 
A Note about the prelude piece, Adoration:  Florence B. Price (1887-1953) was an African American woman and a prolific composer of high quality keyboard, symphonic, and vocal music works that were only published long after her death, in the last 20 years. 
 
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/_8qMdqXAQZc?feature=share

Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878 
As we do on a 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.   
 

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There will be an orientation for new commission, board, and committee members Sunday, June 18, during the Sunday School hour, in the Fellowship Hall.  Continuing members of groups need not attend this orientation, although all those interested are welcome.  

This Week at BCMC:  June 18-25, 2023
Sun, June 11, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is: 
https://youtube.com/live/_8qMdqXAQZc?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; Catacombs (Rm B5) ; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21)  Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., June 19, 2023—Juneteenth is a holiday for the church staff; building will be locked and office will be closed
Tue., June 20, 2023
11 a.m.  Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., June 21, 2023
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Thurs., June 22,  2023
3:30 p.m.  Bethel College Women’s Association Executive Group meets in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission meets in Room 14
7 p.m.        Hospitality Commission meets in Fellowship Hall
Sun., June 25, 2023
9:30 a.m.  Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; June birthday recognition
3 p.m. Program in Fellowship Hall with John Stoesz.  John Stoesz will talk about the “Repair Network Project” in Mountain Lake, MN

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation June 19-24. 
Congregational Care Coordinator Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation June 24-30. 

Roger’s Whereabouts :  Roger will be returning to Topeka this afternoon, June 18. He will be back at BCMC next Sunday, June 25, for worship and to attend the Casa Betania 15th Anniversary Celebration at First Mennonite Church. He will stay for the regular BCMC staff meeting on Monday, then drive back to Topeka Monday afternoon, June 26. Roger checks his email and phone messages regularly for messages, so feel free to contact him via email or text while he is in Topeka. 

Care Connections Opportunity:  Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita.   If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:35 ESV)

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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.
-Pride banners are hung outside our church building during the month of June.  Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design!
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC represented the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrated joining SCN.  SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests.  Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.    
-This month the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group sent 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. 
-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 Pride Parade on June 25. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse and end at Century II. 

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THE premier handbell choir Rezound! out of Kansas City will be performing  June 18, 7 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., Wichita.

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Casa Betania’s 15th Anniversary

CASA BETANIA is inviting people from sister congregations to a 15^th anniversary service on Sunday, June 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the First Mennonite sanctuary where Casa Betania worships. After the service there will be a time of fellowship with a meal. Casa Betania will provide the main dishes and an anniversary cake. Guests do not need to bring food, but those who would like to bring something are welcome to share a salad or fruit.

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Congratulations to BCMC,  May was a great month financially!  For the 2^nd consecutive month we have had a positive monetary balance.  With continued effort in June, we will enter the 2^nd half of the year in a strong financial position.  Finance Committee

BCMC Offering for June 4, 2023:  General Fund $4,032.33; Living Stones $200.
June 11, 2023:  General Fund $6,040; Caring Fund $250; Living Stones $250; Esther Thieszen Memorial $150; Kitchen Fund $17.

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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

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MCC School Kit Challenge: Notebooks and pencils are treasures for families around the world who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Without these items, many kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan can’t get the education they desperately need. Enter, the School Kit Challenge: 10,000 school kits to help 10,000 kids during the month of August. Plus, we’ve got a fun activity for Sunday School and VBS students! Download our free School Kit Challenge activity resource full of challenges for kids to learn how school supplies help children receive a tangible message of God’s love. To learn more about this challenge and to download this free guide, visit mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.
 
Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/
 
A Gift for You–The WDC Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-August 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org

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You are invitied to the Harvey County Circle of Hope Graduation, Tue., June 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Main, Newton.  Dinner is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the Graduation Ceremony is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Childcare is available.  Come see how your gift to Circle of Hope impacts lives throughout our community.

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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.

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To: WDC church members and friends:
Join us for the WDC Annual Assembly!  It’s not just for church leaders!  It’s for everybody!  August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS, we’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference!

Assembly Theme: We will explore listening to God and to each other through our theme, “Holy (Wholly) Listening.” We will stretch ourselves to listen carefully to one another as siblings in Christ who understand scripture differently and can widen our cultural, racial, and identity perspectives as we focus on faith in Christ together.  As we hear the concerns and joys of all of us in Western District Conference, we will explore what it means to respond to one another with God’s mercy and justice. Our scripture texts that will guide us are Isaiah 51:1-8 and Numbers 27:1-11.

Two Tracks:  This year we’ll have two different “tracks” going on at the same time.  The Delegate Track is for those who are sent to Assembly as church representatives to help make decisions on behalf of our conference.  The Faith Formation Track is for everybody else (except kids 3 and under).  MennoMedia representatives will lead adults, youth, and school aged kids in a fun, creative multigenerational faith formation experience.  Yes, there will be games, art, drama, music, bible stories, conversation and more for all ages together!  Don’t want to join an active game?  Are you wiggly and want more action?  There will be fun options and choices available as we learn about following Jesus together.  We hope that this experience will encourage you to bring “multigenerational faith formation” home to your congregation as a model to explore.

In-Person Registration is all-inclusive (except for housing)!  Your adult registration of $95 includes Saturday continental breakfast, lunch, BBQ supper and snacks, as well as access to workshops, worship and the delegate session or multigenerational faith formation. (If you are a credentialed minister or minister’s immediate family, it includes Friday Appreciation Banquet, too.)  Children’s registration (ages 4 to 12) is $45 each.  There are scholarships available for those with limited resources. Email wdc@mennowdc.org to request a scholarship.

Assembly Housing Options:  Hotel Option:  Use the link: https://www.choicehotels.com/groups and type in Group Code: GS27W7 to reserve a room in our reserved block at Comfort Inn and Suites, 1205 E 1st St, Newton, KS 67114, to get the Assembly discount. In-home option:  If you would like to be paired with a local family for an in-home stay, please mark that on your registration.  If you are willing to host people in your home, please mark that on your registration form.  You are also welcome to make your own housing arrangements.  If so, please mark that on your registration form.

Virtual Registration of $40 each gives you access to all worship services, virtual or hybrid workshops, and the delegate sessions with Spanish and English interpretation.  If your congregation plans to host a “watch party” with everyone joining on one device, please consider sending a group donation (suggestion:  $300/group). (virtual delegates must each have their own device).  Thank you.

For more assembly information visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/

REGISTRATION is now OPEN! REGISTER HERE 
 

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

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Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.
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, see https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

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For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press
For  Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press hereFor another issue of Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

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For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Newsletter “Connections” press here

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
When Seattle Mennonite Church (SMC) purchased a house in what a member of the church property team described as “a pretty undesirable part of town” about 45 years ago, the Mennonite Church USA congregation never dreamed it would accrue a worth of $2 million. But that’s what happened – and they gave the house away, no strings attached. Read the story here: mennoniteusa.org/news/seattle-redistribution

Menno Snapshots
Melanie Springer Mock, author of  “Finding Our Way Forward: When the Children We Love Become Adults,” reflects on her experience releasing her sons into adulthood in her recent Menno Snapshots blog. Her book is the CommonRead selection for April-June. CommonRead is an initiative of MennoMedia and Mennonite Church USA Executive Board. Read Springer Mock’s blog here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-way-forward 

As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “I choose to be Mennonite because …” blog series, Nathan Perrin, an emerging writer and pastor of Christian formation, Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Church, shares about his experience reconciling his Quaker background and his Anabaptist theology here: mennoniteusa.org/friendly-mennonite

“Whether you call them actions, traditions or rituals, congregations, much like nuclear families, have ways of celebrating, mourning or remembering together that act as treasured ways of being family,” reflects Leslie James of Hope Mennonite Church. Read more about how Hope Mennonite Church honored their late pastor in her blog: mennoniteusa.org/beyond-words
 

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Robin Gingerich, who has served in administrative and academic capacities at LCC International University in Lithuania since 2001. Pray for her as she builds relationships with students, faculty and staff from around the world.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for pastoral candidates, and for pastoral search committees in WDC congregations, as they discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit for future ministerial leadership.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SUNDAY AT BCMC – JUNE 4, 2023
 

VBS met at BCMC this week from 5:30-7:30 p.m..  Our kids learned how they can be change makers as their hearts and lives are changed as they trust in the good news of Jesus. 

TONIGHT, Friday June 2 –Please join us at 6 p.m., for a community concert being held at BCMC with a free will donation going towards Camp Mennoscah’s matching grant.

You’re invited to Selah’s Song, Friday, June 2 at 6:00 pm at Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton, KS. Presented by Theatre of the Beat from Toronto, and hosted by Newton Mennonite VBS. Admission by donation will support Camp Mennoscah.
About the show:

Written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy pro-war propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages! We hope to see you there.
 

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SUNDAY JUNE 4 WORSHIP SERVICE AT BCMC

Due to possible inclement weather for Sunday morning, the Vacation Bible School service will be held in the sanctuary at Bethel College Mennonite Church at 10:00 am.  We welcome all who would like to attend in person!  Following the service, there will be a potluck outside on the lawn (weather permitting) or downstairs in the Fellowship Hall (if it is raining).  Please bring a food item to share and table service. Drinks will be provided.

The service on Sunday will be streamed through BCMC on the following link:  https://youtube.com/live/IfJd1W4L4po?feature=share
 

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Roger Neufeld Smith’s Whereabouts
Roger will be in Newton until Monday afternoon, June 5. 

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Judy Friesen would like to invite church members to come share her space in the country with a potluck, today June 11, starting at 6 p.m.  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.
 

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Save the Date!  There will be an orientation for new commission, board, and committee members on June 18 during the Sunday School hour.  Please place this event on your calendars and look for further details coming soon.  Continuing members of groups need not attend this orientation, although all those interested are welcome.  

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We offer sympathy to Robert Carlson and family on the death of Robert’s wife, Phyllis, May 29, 2023 at Overland Park, Kansas.  The memorial service for Phyllis will be Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. at Rainbow Mennonite Church, 1444 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103.  
The service will be livestreamed:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aQzyYF0quBZBz1a-OJksg

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We offer sympathy to Dianne Epp and family on the death of her sister-in-law Rebecca (Becky) Janice Epp Bartel on May 27 in Roeland Park, Kansas.  The memorial service for Becky will be Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m. at Rainbow Mennonite Church.

For Becky’s obituary press here

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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.
–Pride banners will be hung outside our church building during the month of June.  Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design!
-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. 
-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 Pride Parade on June 25. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse and end at Century II. 
 

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Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/

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Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge: Notebooks and pencils are treasures for families around the world who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Without these items, many kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan can’t get the education they desperately need. Enter, the School Kit Challenge: 10,000 school kits to help 10,000 kids during the month of August. Plus, we’ve got a fun activity for Sunday School and VBS students! Download our free School Kit Challenge activity resource full of challenges for kids to learn how school supplies help children receive a tangible message of God’s love. To learn more about this challenge and to download this free guide, visit mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements

A nurse isneeded for First Camp, June 15-17.  A nurse is a safety requirement for our summer youth camps.  Do you know anyone who can help out?  The camp runs from Thursday late afternoon to Saturday morning.  As a nurse, 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.

Other events and happenings:

• Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
   
• Click to register!  Summer youth camps start June 4.  Registrations are still being accepted.  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!
   
• 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.

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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, see 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 WDC Annual Assembly – Let’s grow in faith together!  Ever considered multigenerational faith formation in your congregation? Come experience faith formation for all ages. Nursery available for 3 and under. WDC Annual Assembly registration for your whole family or youth group opening soon!

A Gift for You–The WDC Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-August 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org

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For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Join us for “Delegate Assembly 2023: Know Before You Go, Part II,” an informational Zoom webinar on Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Leaders from MC USA, Everence and MHS Association will discuss the proposed organizational resolutions for the upcoming Delegate Assembly in Kansas City. Delegates and nondelegates are welcome to attend. Register and submit your questions here: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar

Mennonite Church USA strives to live into its Accessibility Resolution at MennoCon23 by removing barriers to make people of all abilities and needs feel welcome. MennoCon23, the denomination’s leading faith formation event, will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, July 3-6. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-accessible

#BeTransformed
“Pastoral transitions are a natural part of congregational life. At some point, your pastor will leave. They will leave for all sorts of reasons, and the majority of reasons have nothing to do with the congregation,” writes Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for ministerial leadership for Mennonite Church USA, in her helpful blog about next steps: mennoniteusa.org/pastoral-transition-beauty

#MennoCon23
Hugo Saucedo, a longtime MennoCon volunteer, attended his first convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1993. “I was 16 years old, when my youth group drove from Brownsville, Texas, to Philadelphia. In spite of the long drive, the memories I made have stayed with me to this day.” Read more about Hugo’s experience here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-mennonite-reunion

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

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Prayer Request from Mennonite Mission Network:  Mennonite Mission Network requests prayers for all participants in Mennonite Voluntary Service and Service Adventure, as they bring closure to their assignments in the coming weeks. Pray for these young adults as they discern God’s leadings and as they integrate what they have learned and experienced into the next seasons of their lives.

Prayer Request from Western District Conference:  Give thanks for WDC congregations hosting vacation Bible school and other summer programs for children and youth in their communities.

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
 

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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.
 

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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. 
 

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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.

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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.
 

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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)

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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).

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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

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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.
 

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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

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Summer staffers will arrive on May 28 for a week of orientation and campers will arrive on June 4 for the first week of summer youth camps.  This is also the start of a busy summer filled with church groups, families and other guests.  Your prayers for a safe and joyous summer are needed and appreciated.  Send support through daily prayers, a note of encouragement to the summer staff, or in whatever way you choose.  Many prayers and blessings for whatever your summer holds.  We hope to see you at Camp Mennoscah! Other events and happenings:Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12.  All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses.  (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.)  Single rooms are not available.  Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues.  We’ll see you in the fall!  We need your toilet paper (rolls)!  A crafts project this summer needs 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.)  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!  Two nurses are needed for First Camp, June 15-17, and a partial camp 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.

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
 

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 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
 

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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