BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR May 19, 2024 Pentecost
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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 below 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/xJrsHf4-nC4?feature=share
Communion—VT 939 and 941–Let Us Break Bread Together (Trad. African-American Spiritual, arr. Gwyneth Walker—Matt Schloneger
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Sent Forth by God’s Blessing—VT 812
*Benediction
Postlude—Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God (Andreas Armsdorf)—Karen Schlabaugh
* You are invited to stand VT—Voices Together Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh Audio visual—Francis Toews
Congregational Meeting and New Co-Pastor Vote: May 19, Sunday’s congregational meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number available in the May 19 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for acceptance of the Search Committee’s and Board’s recommendation to approve Joanna Harader as our new full-time co-pastor; approval of new board members and officers; and reports from several committees and commissions. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting. Link for the congregational meeting is: https://youtube.com/live/_v01p6FxLK0?feature=share
Advanced Voting for Pastoral Candidate:For those who cannot attend the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 19, and also cannot attend remotely to vote by text, you may vote in advance. Here is the motion from the Board in question form for your response:
“Do you approve the Board’s recommendation that the church extend a call to Joanna Harader to be our settled full-time Co-Pastor?” Please send an email with a “yes” or “no” to the following email address: adast@bethelks.edu
Please adhere to the following: -Advance votes must be sent by midnight, May 18, Central Daylight Time. -The subject line of the email should read “BCMC Pastoral Vote”. -Please use this means of voting ONLY if you are unable to vote on the day of the meeting. Your vote will be kept confidential. Thanks to all for your participation!
The Pastoral Search Committee would like to thank all the people who helped make Joanna Harader’s candidating weekend happen. So many of you contributed in so many ways, from hosting and organizing events at church and in your homes, facilitating and participating in discussion times, making coffee and providing snacks, making meals, asking thoughtful questions, setting up and cleaning up, and generally making Joanna and Ryan feel welcome. Thank you! You are what maked BCMC such a wonderful community.
The Next Week at BCMC: May 19-26, 2024 Sunday, May 19, 2024—Pentecost Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship Service—YouTube Link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/xJrsHf4-nC4?feature=share 10:45 a.m. Congregational meeting in the sanctuary—YouTube Link for the congregational meeting: https://youtube.com/live/_v01p6FxLK0?feature=share 11:45 a.m. Fundraiser Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group in Fellowship Hall—Everyone is welcome!
Monday, May 20, 2024 4:30 p.m. Faith Formation Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall Tuesday, May 21, 2024 11 a.m. Staff Meeting 7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall Thursday, May 23, 2024 4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14 7:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall Sunday, May 26, 2024 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Joan Griffing (Academic Dean at Hesston College)
Bethel College Women’s Fellowship meets at 7 p.m., Tues., May 21, in Fellowship Hall. Program: Rose Haury, and her sister Margaret Wiebe, will present a slide show of their volunteer service work in the Dominican Republic earlier this year. All women invited.
Congratulations to BCMC 8th Grade Graduates! Addie Zerger (daughter of Heather and Jonathan Zerger) and Alli and Madey Zerger (daughters of Brian and Kristin Zerger)
Congratulations to Ben Ewert, grandson of BCMC member Ron Ewert (Des Moines, Washington), who graduated from Middle Park High School, Granby Colorado, on Saturday May 18.
Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 22 Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.) The next Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 21, at 9 a.m. in Room 14 for a planning meeting. There will be no meetings this summer.
BCMC Offering for May 12, 2024 General Fund $4,410; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $1; Solar Fund $1,500; Donald Kaufman Memorial $25.
We offer sympathy to Ken, Annette, Katherine, and Elizabeth Lamp on the death of Ken’s brother, Doug Lamp, Texas City, Texas. Doug passed away May 10, 2024 after a brief hospitalization.
VBS is coming up! Newton Mennonite Vacation Bible School will meet at Shalom Mennonite Church, 5:30-7:30pm, May 28-31. On Sunday Morning, June 2, all our congregations will worship together on the Bethel College Green. VBS is open to all students from age 4 to grade 4, and we also need adult, high school, and junior high volunteers! To register students, visithttps://bit.ly/newtonvbskids and to register as a volunteer, please visithttps://bit.ly/newtonvbsvols . Our congregation’s contact people for VBS are Jill Robb and Mary Ellen Hodge.
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.
To read the BCMC “Kaleidoscope” Newsletter – 2023 A Year In Review press here There are copies available in the Gathering Place.
The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling! Library Committee
A stunning sculpture acknowledging 150 years of Mennonite history designed by Ann Zerger and Chip Parker will be unveiled at Black Kettle Festival Fri., May 31, 5 p.m. The sculpture will be built at the corner of Redbud and Christian in Moundridge, KS with a plaque nearby explaining the reason for designing this beautiful remembrance at this 150th celebration occasion. “150 years ago, Volhynian Mennonite immigrants settled here, bringing Turkey Red Wheat, a commitment to peace, social justice, and a love of land and community. As we commemorate this, let us not forget the sacrifices—the vast prairies that once stretched endlessly and the Indigenous 1st Peoples who thrived here for generations.” You will see the Symbols and Ann will share the meaning of the Peace Dove, Stalks of Wheat, and Grass Stalks. Kathy Goering, publicity for the 150th Celebration
The next Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association, “Schweitzers and Friends” Pioneer Demonstration will be binding and setting up shocks of the Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat planted last fall. This event will start at 2 p.m. June 1st at the field just West of Moundridge Museum, weather permitting. Volunteers will set up shocks following the horse-drawn binder. The public is invited to share and view this unique Pioneer Event. Be sure to visit the Moundridge Museum while you’re there and enjoy K3Creamery homemade ice cream too.
Bethel College Announcements · Sat., June 1 – An outdoor trifecta! 6 a.m.-8 p.m., 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, courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail. 7 a.m., Kauffman Museum monthly bird walk, led by experienced local birders; 9 a.m., Kauffman Museum-sponsored wildflower walk with Brad Guhr of Dyck Arboretum in Hesston. The bird walk begins at the kiosk in the museum parking lot at the corner of North Main and 27th streets in North Newton, the wildflower walk begins at the museum, and both walks will follow part of Sand Creek Trail. · Enrollment is open for Uncle Carl’s Camp at Kauffman Museum at Bethel College. Half-day camps are offered in art, history and nature for kids ages 4-18. New this year is Creative Writing Camp for students finishing grades 7-12, with instructor Lydia Chappell Deckert. The writing camp starts June 3, so sign up soon! Go to www.kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/ for more information about this and other camps with space still available, and to register online.
Western District Conference Annual Assembly: Want new ideas for how to engage all ages in how our faith stories connect with the Jesus story? Join us at the WDC Annual Assembly, August 2-4, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Sarah Neher will lead an intergenerational faith formation track Saturday, August 3. Sarah is the Pastor of Faith Formation, First Mennonite Church, Beatrice. This is an in-person only event. There will also be an opportunity for virtual registrants to have a conversation together about creative faith formation ideas.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
You are invited to attend the Mennonite Central Committee Sale Annual Meeting scheduled for Thurs., May 23, 6 p.m., at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church. The cost for the meal is $20/person and you will pay at the door. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves by May 19. 620-543-6863 or bj.reeves@live.com The meeting to review the Sale and present MCC with a check will be held after dinner at approximately 7 pm.
Everence® May workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, Tues., May 28 ,6:30 p.m. Topics include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
You are invited to attend the dedication and celebration of the new Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Cabinet Shop and Warehouse, Sun., June 9 at 604 E. Main St., Goessel, KS from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. During the celebration, we will offer tours of the cabinet shop and warehouse, and an opportunity to learn more about this innovative MDS initiative to draft and distribute kitchen cabinets to be installed in MDS volunteer-built homes across the U.S. We have already distributed cabinets to more than 75 homes. Also featured will be a fundraising concert at 5:30 p.m. by September River, a family band featuring Jude and Doug Krehbiel and daughter Stefanie (Krehbiel) Giffin. The band incorporates elements of bluegrass, gospel, blues, acoustic rock, Irish, and folk music. The MDS Storm Encounter will also be on hand for those who want to experience a simulated tornado—then see how MDS volunteers respond to bring hope to communities impacted by disaster.
Hesston College Announcements · May 23 – Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Summer Music Nights: Kilometer 81 Bring your friends and family, lawn chairs or picnic blankets and join us for Summer Music Nights at Dyck Arboretum! This event is free to the public – donations are welcome. Water and lemonade will be provided. Bring your own picnic, if you like. Everyone is welcome to walk the arboretum grounds and enjoy the summer evening. Music will begin at 7 p.m. Performers will be located on the covered patio on the west side of the Prairie Pavilion and the public is invited to gather on the lawn areas nearby. Kilometer 81 is a local bluegrass band composed of three siblings, Eli (mandolin), Addie (guitar), and Austin (banjo), and their parents, Ken (bass) and Amy (vocals). They build elements of jazz, folk and barbershop music onto a traditional bluegrass foundation. · June 16 to 22 – Summer Theatre Camp Student actors ages 11 to 18 are invited to stage a live theatre performance at Hesston College’s annual summer theatre camp June 16 to 22. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Mean Girls” at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. Theatre camp registration is $335 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $285 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Participants can visit hesston.edu/theatrecamp to register online. Registration is due June 10.
Nurses and kitchen helpers are needed for the Camp Mennoscah Summer Youth Camps. If you are an RN and can fill part or all of the July 7-12 or July 14-19, email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or text 316-293-7313. Kitchen helpers are especially needed for July 7-12. No great skill needed, just the ability to follow directions. Up to a full camper discount can be received by kitchen staff or nurses. Nurses can choose to receive a stipend instead.
Dear Bethel College Mennonite,With the invasion of Rafah underway, it’s easy to overlook that within Israel there are young Israeli Jews choosing prison in protest of their government’s war on the Palestinian people and in pursuit of repairing their society, deeply broken from racism, nationalism, and militarism. Yuval Dag is one of those courageous leaders of the Israeli conscientious objection movement.Mennonite Central Committee U.S. is a co-sponsor of an upcoming webinar titled “Emergency Forum with Conscientious Objector Yuval Dag,” hosted by Fellowship of Reconciliation–USA on Thursday, May 23rd at 1:00 pm (EDT).
After growing up with a nationalist identity, Dag began to question his privilege and how it was maintained through the oppression of Palestinians. “Resistance begins, first of all, with self-reflection and understanding,” said Dag. “With the understanding that by wearing a uniform and symbols of a certain body, you choose to represent that body. With the understanding that enlisting in the army is a political choice, and its meaning is to support the military and political agenda, and to take part in it. The understanding that even a small cog contributes to the system’s function.” Dag decided that he could not in good conscience accept his military conscription. He spent two months in prison for his refusal to serve and today works with the Israeli Refusers Solidarity Network to support other Israeli Jewish Refusniks.What makes Dag and his fellow Refuseniks action so exceptional is that, while there are avenues to avoid military conscription and service in Israel, they are choosing prison bars as the best way they can have an impact for liberation.Please join us for this urgent and important Zoom conversation with Dag hosted by Ariel Gold of FOR–USA and Diana Oestreich of Red Letter Christians.
In peace and solidarity,Zachary Murray Legislative Associate MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Talking Tombstones Tour
Different people experienced the migration from South Russia to Kansas and the early settlement period very differently. Some, like Elder Jacob Buller, had the heavy responsibility of the whole group on his shoulders. For a few, like Anna Richert Wedel, they remembered a prior migration from Prussia to Russia. On May 26, 2024, we will hear a few of the stories through first person accounts presented at their tombstone. Talking Tombstones Tour will begin at 3:00 pm at the Alexanderwohl Mennonnite Church Cemetery. Three stories will be presented, then participants will drive to Tabor Mennonite Church Cemetery for three stories. Following that, we will go to Goessel cemetery and Blumenfeld cemetery. We encourage people to carpool between cemeteries. The Immigrant Flags will also be up at each cemetery to mark the graves of the immigrants in 1874. In case of bad weather, the event will be held inside Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. If the road to the Blumenfeld Cemetery is inaccessible, Anna Richert Wedel’s story will be told at another cemetery.A 150th Anniversary Event of the arrival of the Alexanderwohl village in Kansas.
The Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum invites everyone to remember the immigrants of 1874 and the sacrifice they made coming to America. The immigrant flags are back in the church cemeteries recognizing the FAITH, COURAGE, and ACTION of the 1874 immigrants. The flags will be displayed in the Alexanderwohl, Tabor, Goessel, and Lehigh church cemeteries from May 23 – June 5. Come and listen to their voices flutter in the breeze!
Hello friends, We apologize – we made a mistake! The email we sent on May 9 contained a link to a sign up form that was not working. If you tried signing up and were unable to, we have since corrected the issue and hope that you will try again!
Click the button below to sign up for the church publicity kit. (We are still happy for you to join in the challenge if you don’t request a publicity kit.) The kit includes:
2 (11×17) inch posters with space for you to add your own information
20 school kit packing instruction cards
And 20 colorful “Make an MCC school kit” pencils, just for fun!
Thank you for your support and we apologize again for our mistake.
Peace, Tina Schrag Communications Coordinator, MCC Central States
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Delicia Bravo Aguilar and Peter Wigginton, of Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for the Mennonite churches in Ecuador, as they unite in living out Jesus’ message of peace, in response to the increasing violence in their country. Pray for protection and courage, as regular peace-building gatherings move Jesus’ followers toward Spirit-led action. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for children, youth and their families in WDC congregations, as they approach the end of the school term, and make plans for summer.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH MAY 12, 2024 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
There will be no worship service in the Bethel College Mennonite Church building this Sunday, May 12. You are invited to attend the Bethel College Baccalaureate at Bethel College’s Memorial Hall, Sunday, May 12,10 a.m. The Baccalaureate service will be live-streamed. The live-stream link is: https://www.youtube.com/live/h9UpL8i9lDQ?si=jW0TDVCWiT8Mg2H7
THE NEXT WEEK AT BCMC Sunday, May 12, 2024—Bethel College Baccalaureate There will be no worship service in the BCMC Building—Bethel College Baccalaureate begins at 10 a.m. in Memorial Hall—All are invited Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14 Thursday, May 16, 2024 11 a.m. Staff meeting 4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14 Sunday, May 19, 2024—Pentecost Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; communion will be served 10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary 11:45 a.m. Fundraiser Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group
Congregational Meeting and New Co-Pastor Vote: The next congregational meeting will take place Sun., May 19, 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number available in the May 19 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for acceptance of the Search Committee’s and Board’s recommendation to approve Joanna Harader as our new full-time co-pastor; approval of new board members and officers; and reports from several committees and commissions. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT BOOKLET FOR JUNE 1, 2023–MAY 31, 2024 PRESS HERE
There will be copies of the Annual Report Booklet available in the Gathering Place next week.
The Pastoral Search Committee would like to thank all the people who helped make Joanna Harader’s candidating weekend happen. So many of you contributed in so many ways, from hosting and organizing events at church and in your homes, facilitating and participating in discussion times, making coffee and providing snacks, making meals, asking thoughtful questions, setting up and cleaning up, and generally making Joanna and Ryan feel welcome. Thank you! You are what maked BCMC such a wonderful community.
VBS is coming up! Newton Mennonite Vacation Bible School will meet at Shalom Mennonite Church, 5:30-7:30pm, May 28-31. On Sunday Morning, June 2, all our congregations will worship together on the Bethel College Green. VBS is open to all students from age 4 to grade 4, and we also need adult, high school, and junior high volunteers! To register students, visithttps://bit.ly/newtonvbskids and to register as a volunteer, please visithttps://bit.ly/newtonvbsvols . Our congregation’s contact people for VBS are Jill Robb and Mary Ellen Hodge.
Graduates? If you or someone in your immediate family is graduating from 8th grade, high school, college, or graduate school, please let Monica in the office know so that we can include them in our bulletin for May 19 when we recognize all of our graduates. Email Monica at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.
Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to NewtonWednesday, May 22. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
Wow! That’s the way we like it! We had a $10,000 surplus of income over expenses in April. Congratulations and thanks for the effort. The bad news is that we still have a $25,000 deficit for the year. So it’s a ‘pat’ on the back a shoulder to the challenge; meanwhile, keep up the good work! The Finance Committee
To read the BCMC “Kaleidoscope” Newsletter – 2023 A Year In Review press here There will be copies available in the Gathering Place next week
Join Everence Tuesday, May 28, for this helpful webinar
Make Medicare an easy stepEverence® can give you a handTuesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m. Everence Financial3179 N Main St Ste 1BNorth NewtonAttend our workshop and gain confidence about moving to Medicare with guidance from Everence. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.We’ll discuss:Signing up for Medicare: how, when and where.What Medicare covers (and does not cover).Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language.Budgeting for health care costs in retirement.We’ll also have plenty of time for your questions. Register nowYou can also register by calling 316-283-3800 or 877-467-7294.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Nurses and kitchen helpers are needed for Summer Youth Camps! If you are an RN and can fill part or all of the July 7-12 or July 14-19, please email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or text 316-293-7313. Kitchen helpers are especially needed for July 7-12. No great skill needed, just a happy heart and the ability to follow directions. Up to a full camper discount can be received by kitchen staff or nurses. Nurses can choose to receive a stipend instead. Reply now to stop Olivia from sending this plea again! Other events and happenings:
Random items needed for summer youth camps! By random, we mean toilet paper, white paper towels, volleyballs, soccer balls, frisbees (for Ultimate), a smallish fish seine, fish hooks, inner tubes for floating (Intex River Run is what we have), manual can openers, prayers for safety and wisdom, and Sharpies of all colors plus black for the kitchen. Send directly to Camp Mennoscah or contact office@campmennoscah.org.
The Retreat Center HVAC project will not be finished by the start of the summer. There have been unexpected discoveries that have extended the time line for completion. The Facilities Committee and Camp Mennoscah board are reviewing the next steps. Camp Mennoscah staff will be in communication with groups with Retreat Center reservations. Work will continue on the project with a brief hiatus to get campgrounds and the pool ready for Summer Youth Camps. Please keep the board, camp staff and the project in your prayers. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290. This does not prevent summer youth camps from taking place.
Tasty Treat Makers Needed! Parents can receive a discount up to full camp fees as kitchen staff for a week of summer youth camp. Willing hands and hearts are all that is needed. The head cook will direct you in what needs to be done to make yummy meals for campers and staff. Kitchen staff are needed for June 9-14, June 23-28, July 7-12, July 14-19, and July 21-26! Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.orgor call 620-297-3290. Free camp tee shirt and tasty meals provided, as well as the hearty thank yous of well-fed campers.
Bandaid Appliers needed for the weeks of Junior High 2 (July 7-12) and Junior 2 (July 14-19). Nurses must be an RN and can receive a stipend or a full parent discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested. The care you share gives campers a fun and safe camp week!
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements. For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here For the Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge press here
You are invited to attend the Mennonite Central Committee Sale Annual Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 6:00, at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church. The cost for the meal is $20/person and you will pay at the door. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves by May 19. 620-543-6863 or bj.reeves@live.com The meeting to review the Sale and present MCC with a check will be held after dinner at approximately 7:00 pm.
Hesston College Announcements
May 11 – Commencement Ceremony
Hesston College’s 114th annual commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 11, at 4 p.m. The college will grant approximately 44 bachelor’s degrees and 60 associate degrees to the graduating class of 2024. This year’s commencement speaker, Dr. Rebecca Hernandez, will inspire our graduates to consider how acts of service can frame their lives.
May 23 – Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Summer Music Nights: Kilometer 81
You are invited to bring your friends and family, lawn chairs or picnic blankets and join us for Summer Music Nights at Dyck Arboretum! This event is free to the public – donations are welcome. Water and lemonade will be provided. Bring your own picnic, if you like. Everyone is welcome to walk the arboretum grounds and enjoy the summer evening. Music will begin at 7 p.m. Performers will be located on the covered patio on the west side of the Prairie Pavilion and the public is invited to gather on the lawn areas nearby. Kilometer 81 is a local bluegrass band composed of three siblings, Eli (mandolin), Addie (guitar), and Austin (banjo), and their parents, Ken (bass) and Amy (vocals). They build elements of jazz, folk and barbershop music onto a traditional bluegrass foundation.
June 16 to 22 – Summer Theatre Camp
Student actors ages 11 to 18 are invited to stage a live theatre performance at Hesston College’s annual summer theatre camp June 16 to 22. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Mean Girls” at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. Theatre camp registration is $335 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $285 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Participants can visit hesston.edu/theatrecamp to register online. Registration is due June 10.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA, along with more than 140 Christian leaders, signed a letter calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a halt in arms sales to Israel. Read the letter here: mennoniteusa.org/news/call-for-ceasefire
On Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, MC USA’s Climate Justice Ministry will host a webinar titled, “Energy Efficiency and Faithful Action.” Join three panelists, Amy Huser, Eric Sauder and Nelson Kilmer, who have led their congregations and communities on a journey toward energy efficiency, with a goal of “Net Zero” energy. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/registration-climate-may30 View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/lpj-climate4 View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/pdf/lpj-climate4
Menno Snapshots
Janet Elaine Guthrie, spiritual director and member of First Mennonite Church of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, shares about the influences that led her to engage in the reparative action of donating her portion of the family farm, with the intent toward education and supporting Indigenous peoples. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/fruits-of-repair
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer RequestOn this Mother’s Day, join Mennonite Mission Network in praying for mothers around the world, especially those who struggle to provide life’s necessities for their children. May we share what God has given us, acknowledging that we are all part of God’s one family.
Western District Conference Prayer Request Pray for chaplains in WDC, as they offer pastoral care in hospitals, hospice, health care communities, academic institutions, and other settings.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR May 5, 2024 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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 below 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/S2lqTJoFE4Q?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH May 5, 2024 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music–At the River (Aaron Copeland)—Riley King, bass; Will Wiebe-Friesen, piano
Land Acknowledgement, Welcome & Prayer—Nathan Koontz
Anthem—I Sing the Mighty Power of God (Mark Patterson)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—John 15:9-17—Dale Schrag
Sermon—The More Things Change. . .—Joanna Harader
*Hymn—O God in Heaven—VT 720
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Heart With Loving Heart United—VT 813
*Benediction
Choral Benediction—Peace I Leave With You (Amy Beach)—Chancel Choir
Postlude—Prelude in Classic Style (G. Young)—Will Wiebe-Friesen
* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
The Next Two Weeks at BCMC: May 5—19, 2024
Sunday, May 5, 2024 9:30 a.m. Worship Service YouTube Link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/S2lqTJoFE4Q?feature=share 4 p.m. Woven and Open Road (a cappella women’s and men’s ensembles from Bethel College) Concert in the Sanctuary Monday, May 6, 2024 10 a.m. Solar Panel Sub-committee meeting in Room 14 7 p.m. Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall Tuesday, May 7, 2024 11 a.m. Staff Meeting Thursday, May 9, 2024 10 a.m. Library Committee meeting in Room 14 Sunday, May 12, 2024—Bethel College Baccalaureate There will be no worship service in the BCMC Building—Bethel College Baccalaureate begins at 10 a.m. in Memorial Hall—All are invited Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Room 14 7:30 p.m. Finance Committee meeting in Room 14 Thursday, May 16, 2024 4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14 Sunday, May 19, 2024—Pentecost Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; communion will be served 10:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary 11:45 a.m. Fundraiser Lunch served by the Senior High Youth Group
VBS is coming up! Newton Mennonite Vacation Bible School will meet at Shalom Mennonite Church, 5:30-7:30pm, May 28-31. On Sunday Morning, June 2, all our congregations will worship together on the Bethel College Green. VBS is open to all students from age 4 to grade 4, and we also need adult, high school, and junior high volunteers! To register students, visithttps://bit.ly/newtonvbskids and to register as a volunteer, please visithttps://bit.ly/newtonvbsvols . Our congregation’s contact people for VBS are Jill Robb and Mary Ellen Hodge.
BCMC Offering for April 25 General Fund $4,802; Plant Fund $50; Columbarium Fund $1,000; Caring Fund $25; Solar Fund $3,000.
Thank you, Riley King! A heartfelt THANK YOU to Riley King for his two years as BCMC Chancel Choir Director. Riley and Malinda are moving to Virginia this summer. Riley, best wishes to you in the next chapter of your life. Come to the Gathering Place after the worship service to wish Riley and Malinda well and have a piece of cake!
Land Acknowledgement words by Mark Charles and VT #878 As we do on the first Sunday of each month, we acknowledge that we worship on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita. We thank them for their care and respect for this land and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal. We ask the Spirit to heal our histories and find new paths of right relationships with them and all of creation.
GOING BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: –The KAW Nation Intertribal Powwow on June 21-22 as part of Council Grove Washunga Days 2024 will be held at Allegawaho Park, outside Council Grove on the site of Kaw homelands and includes the return of the sacred Red Rock to the Kaw people from Lawrence. –Join the Annual Gathering of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery June 28-30, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota and the Repair Network Training on July 1. The three-day gathering includes: June 28–Makoce Ikikcupi field trip to Zani Otunwe. June 29-30– Annual gathering in person or on Zoom. July 1–Decolonization and Organizing for Systems Change (in-person only). RSVP at this link by June 15.
Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Newton Sunday afternoon (5/5). He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 22 Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
Future Events at BCMC: · This is Candidating Sunday for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader. See below for a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. BCMC Pastor Search Committee · Congregational Meeting and New Co-Pastor Vote: The next congregational meeting will take place Sun., May 19, 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number available in the May 19 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for acceptance of the Search Committee’s and Board’s recommendation to approve Joanna Harader as our new full-time co-pastor; approval of new board members and officers; and reports from several committees and commissions. Congregants can access report booklets in May. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
Thank you, Barbara Thiesen! A huge THANK YOU to Barbara Thiesen for her eight years as BCMC Music Coordinator (the last two as co-coordinator with Verlene Garber). We have appreciated your attention to detail as you gave leadership and scheduling oversight to special music, organists, ensembles, maintenance of instruments, and so much more. Barbara will be leaving this position as of May 31.
Music Co-Coordinator Position at BCMC — BCMC is looking for a Music Co-Coordinator. This is a 12-month part-time position that is shared with Music Co-Coordinator Verlene Garber. This position is responsible for overseeing and scheduling keyboard maintenance, music ensembles, organists, special music, etc. We hope to have the position filled by June 1. Inquiries may be addressed to Esther Kreider Eash, Chair, BCMC Worship Commission at ekeash@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at 316-283-3667 or office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling! Library Committee
Bethel College Announcements · TODAY (Sun., May 5) – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with Stan Senner of the National Audubon Society, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Senner will speak on “Birds and Birding Connect Kansas to the World.” · TODAY (Sun., May 5) – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (NOTE TIME CHANGE) · Fri., May 10 – Artist reception for Senior Art Exhibit II, Morgan Marsh, 7-9 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., Sun. 2-4 p.m. · Bethel College commencement weekend is Sat.-Sun., May 11-12. Events: Nurse Pinning Ceremony, 2 p.m., May 11, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center; Baccalaureate, 10 a.m., and Commencement, 4 p.m., May 12, both in Memorial Hall.
Janet Harder Stucky has returned to Mercy Ships, a surgical ship currently docked in Toamasina, Madagascar. Janet has joined the medical team as a clinical dietitian collaborating with the medical staff to treat local surgical patients. In this role she is responsible for the overall nutrition management of the patients in preparation for surgery, during hospitalization, and as outpatients during their healing process. Her assignment continues through mid August 2024.
Hesston College Announcements · May 10 and 11 – Student Recitals and Theatre Showcase Hesston College’s performing arts programs will be on display. Sophomore students involved in choral activities will perform recitals at 2 and 4 p.m., Fri., May 10, as well as 2:30 p.m. on Sat., May 11. The annual theatre showcase will be performed Sat.at 1 p.m. · May 10, 7 p.m.- International Chorale Farewell Concert, Hesston Mennonite Church. Hesston College Chorale presents a concert titled “Veni, Sancte Spiritus.” The chorale will travel to Europe tour from May 14 to June 4, performing at churches in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. · May 11 – 114th Commencement Ceremony, Sat., May 11, 4 p.m. This year’s commencement speaker is Dr. Rebecca Hernandez.
Living With Loss Support Group Living with Loss support group will be offered May 7th through June 11th. The support group is open to all who have experienced the death of a loved one, divorce, unemployment or any other life experience that has created grief. Living with Loss support group is co-facilitated by Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Dr. Gary Blaine. Dr. Blaine is a retired chaplain and certified in grief counseling and grief group facilitation, as well as palliative care and hospice care. The meetings will last six weeks, beginning at 5:30 P.M. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. The support group is open to anyone and requires a minimum of six participants for the group to form. The cost is $10.00 per week. The group will gather for six weeks. The group will be closed to new participants after the second session. To register, please call Pastor Schmidt at (316) 283-3667 or Dr. Blaine at (316) 239-5474. — Elizabeth Schmidt
Candidating Weekend is May 3-5, 2024
Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. Below is a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC. BCMC Pastor Search Committee
Joanna Harader to Candidate at BCMC May 3-5, 2024 Joanna is currently the pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, Kansas where she’s served as its pastor since June 2006 – just shy of 18 years. She is a gifted preacher, teacher, and advocate for the marginalized, and skilled at making Scripture relevant to our lives today. Those who know her well describe Joanna as authentic, compassionate, and patient. She is well-grounded in Anabaptist beliefs and is an active and accomplished writer. Generating worship materials that echo Scripture in a contemporary setting gives her joy.
Joanna grew up in the American Baptist tradition, the child of two pastors. She was drawn to the Mennonite faith while in graduate school, when she and her husband became members of Peace Mennonite. It was her experience at this congregation, along with teaching Bible and theology classes at Ottawa University (Ottawa, KS), that drew her to Mennonites and to being a pastor. Joanna holds a BA in creative writing from Emory & Henry College (now Emory & Henry University at Emory, VA), a Master of Theological Studies from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary at St. David’s, PA), a Master in English Literature from the University of Kansas at Lawrence, KS, and a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary at Shawnee, KS.
Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett, have served as foster parents and currently have three young adult children and one 3-year-old granddaughter. James and Jasmine, along with granddaughter Camilla, live and work in Lawrence. Grace is in her second year of college, currently studying abroad in Chile. Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in curriculum and development, works with the Lawrence school system and plans to remain in his current position for the immediate future, which means Joanna and Ryan plan to maintain two households. If BCMC calls Joanna, she will be full-time with BCMC.
Joanna joyfully relates to college students and at the request of some students from KU formed a Bible study group on campus. She enjoys playing board games and has a soft spot for her cat and her dog, Toni, who would move with her to Newton. Joanna allows you to be yourself without being judged and without fear that your problems, personality, or questions will overwhelm her. She is grounded in prayer and has chosen the Mennonite expression of faith. Below is a picture of Joanna and Ryan
Candidating Weekend Schedule Joanna Harader at BCMC May 3-5, 2024
Friday, May 3 7:00 p.m. Dessert with Indigenous Justice group at Doug and Raylene Penner’s (25 Lakewood Circle, North Newton)*
Saturday, May 4 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with Search Committee at Ron & Lois Preheim’s (3005 South Kansas Rd, Newton)* 9:15 a.m. Meet with Monica Lichti at Church Office, BCMC 9:45 a.m. Meet with church staff, Room 14, BCMC 10:30 a.m. Meet with Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Room 14, BCMC 11:15 a.m. Break 11:30 a.m. Meet with Worship Commission in Chapel, BCMC 12:15 p.m. Lunch with Church Board in Fellowship Hall 1:45 p.m. Tour church with John Waltner, Jeanette Leary (Community Playschool) and Facilities Committee representative*
Meet and Greet Sessions with Sunday School classes, Gathering Place, BCMC 2:30 p.m. Open Circle and Seekers SS Classes 3:15 p.m. Fine Arts and Fellowship SS Classes 4:00 p.m. Break 4:15 p.m. Issues and Christianity and Catacombs SS Classes 5:00 p.m. Bible Study SS Class and anyone unaffiliated with a SS class 6:00 p.m. Supper with Deacon Commission and spouses, at Wes and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen’s (209 SE 2nd St, Newton)* 7:30 (ish) View potential housing option in North Newton
Sunday, May 5 9:00 a.m. Mic check 9:30 a.m. Worship at BCMC, Joanna will preach and provide the Childrens’ Conversation 10:45 a.m. Sunday School elective, Joanna will share her faith journey and there will be a Q&A time, Sanctuary* 12:00 p.m. Lunch with Agape class and Youth, Fellowship Hall* 1:30 p.m. Meet and greet with BCMC members at Kidron (Classroom A)* 3:00 p.m. Closing session with Search Committee (Classroom A)*
PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAMETAG.
*Ryan Ellett will join these sessions. The vote to call Joanna to BCMC will take place during the congregational meeting on May 19, 2024.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
The Retreat Center HVAC project will not be finished by the start of the summer. There have been unexpected discoveries that have extended the time line for completion. The Facilities Committee and Camp Mennoscah board are reviewing the next steps. Camp Mennoscah staff will be in communication with groups with Retreat Center reservations. Work will continue on the project with a brief hiatus to get campgrounds and the pool ready for Summer Youth Camps. Please keep the board, camp staff and the project in your prayers. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290
Tasty Treat Makers Needed! Parents can receive a discount up to full camp fees as kitchen staff for a week of summer youth camp. Willing hands and hearts are all that is needed. The head cook will direct you in what needs to be done to make yummy meals for campers and staff. Kitchen staff are needed for June 9-14, June 23-28, July 7-12, July 14-19, and July 21-26! Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.orgor call 620-297-3290. Free camp tee shirt and tasty meals provided, as well as the hearty thank yous of well-fed campers.
Bandaid Appliers needed for the weeks of Junior High 2 (July 7-12) and Junior 2 (July 14-19). Nurses must be an RN and can receive a stipend or a full parent discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested. The care you share gives campers a fun and safe camp week!
All sorts of camp volunteer fun! Tasks to keep Camp Mennoscah moving along smoothly are many. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already volunteered!
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Church USA Climate Justice Ministry Webinar: “Faith, Food, Soil and Climate” press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
MC USA’s Climate Justice Ministry is hosting a webinar titled, “Faith, Food, Soil and Climate,” on Monday, May 13. 2024, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Five panelists will explore how growing and sharing food can provide nourishment for mind, body and spirit, while building healthy soils, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and creating more just and resilient communities. The webinar is part of MC USA’s current Learn, Pray, Join initiative, Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/registration-climate-may13 View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide/lpj-climate3 View the PDF here: mennoniteusa.org/pdf/lpj-climate3
Menno Snapshots
Pastor Suzette Shreffler, White River Cheyenne Mennonite Church, Busby, Montana, and Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman, Wild Church gatherer, share a prayer and a blessing, respectively, crying out for better stewardship of God’s creation. These resources are part of MC USA’s Learn, Pray, Join initiative, Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom series. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/cries-for-better-stewardship
Jenny Gehman, spiritual director and east coast representative for Mennonite Women USA, reflects on her own journey to spiritual direction and the holy hospitality she has experienced. Read her Menno Snapshots blog here: mennoniteusa.org/spiritual-holy-hospitality
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Robin Gingerich, of MMN has served as an administrator and teacher at LCC International University in Lithuania since 2001. She requests prayer for wisdom, patience and kindness among faculty, staff and students, as they complete the school year. Pray also for an end to the war in neighboring Ukraine.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for youth ministers, sponsors and mentors in WDC congregations, and pray for them as they accompany young people in the journey of faith.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH APRIL 28, 2024 RETREAT AT CAMP MENNOSCAH
There will be no worship service in the Bethel College Mennonite Church building this Sunday, April 28 Please come join the worship service at Camp Mennoscah at 10 a.m. If you are coming for breakfast, it will be served from 8 to 9 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The service from Camp Mennoscah will not be live-streamed.
There will be 3 baptisms in the Ninnescah River at the worship service this Sunday. Their faith statements appear below.
Faith Statements of Bethel College Mennonite Church Baptism Candidates
Justin Zerger
Bethel College Mennonite Church has always been a place for my family to call home. Being able to officially join this community and commit to nurturing my faith while walking on the path God has set before me is an opportunity that I hold with great regard. BCMC is a community that laid the foundation of my faith journey and has guided me and watched me grow as a person and Christian. BCMC led me to Camp Mennoscah, a place where I first understood to invite God into the lead of my life, and one of the places this relationship still feels the strongest today. My decision to get baptized is my commitment to following Jesus as an example and incorporating the values of peace, love, forgiveness, and non-violence that the Mennonite community has instilled in me, into my everyday life. As a member of the Mennonite Church, I hope to be a nurturer of faith, a lending heart and hand, and a loving neighbor, as a gardener of God’s creation.
Lucy Burch
I’ve attended BCMC my whole life and found it to be a loving and welcoming community. There have been churches that I’ve visited, but BCMC has definitely been the church I’ve enjoyed the most. The friends I’ve made here have been very encouraging and helpful. My relationship with God has mostly been confusing my whole life. I wasn’t able to connect with God in my daily life but it was totally different at Camp Mennoscah and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. I’ve always felt God at Camp Mennoscah, usually while we’re singing or just enjoying nature. It has been an important place for me as it helped me to begin exploring my faith deeper. At RMMC, I see God through the relationships while people are playing games, working in the kitchen, or enjoying the mountains/nature. The environment there is very cheerful and it has also played a big role in my faith journey. Working in the kitchen at RMMC was very exciting for me. I got to work with some amazing friends and we saw our work pay off when everybody sat down to eat. I love being able to give back to my community by volunteering. It really puts in perspective how helping someone a little bit can go a long way. As I continue my faith journey, I would also like to give back to the church. I want to be as kind and as welcoming as the rest of our community has been to me.
Mara Oswald
When I was younger, I attended New Creation Fellowship Church in Newton. New Creation began the foundation for my faith journey. From music, to worship, to prayer, I started to develop my understanding of the way I wanted to follow Jesus. In elementary school, I attended my first year of Camp Mennoscah. Camp has become one of the places in which I feel the strongest connection to my faith. Every year I attend camp, I continuously learn more about myself through music, food, nature, and fellowship. Around 5th grade, my mom suggested I begin attending Wednesday night activities at Bethel College Mennonite Church. I started by attending cherub choir, then bell choir, now youth group, and Sunday services. BCMC welcomed me as I created new friendships while strengthening my connection with the church. Wednesday nights offered experiences I’d never had before, and the opportunity to grow my community came at a time when I needed it most. I especially value the time of year when we have supper in fellowship hall. Getting to spend time with my grandparents and other members of the church has particularly helped me in grounding my faith with BCMC. I cherish the moments in which I get to learn new things. These activities better lead me in the direction of how to become more established in the beliefs I have been connected to since birth. As I’ve grown older I’ve begun to pay closer attention to sermons, and I can achieve a better understanding of the structure of church. Without my participation in attending Camp, New Creation, and BCMC, I would not be able to develop my faith as it is today. I’m grateful for the practices I have learned, the beliefs I hold, and the community I have built while getting older. I am particularly excited to see where this step in my faith journey takes me, and I thank everyone who helped me get here.
Roger Neufeld Smith’s Whereabouts Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 1 and return to Topeka on Sunday, May 5. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
The Next Week at BCMC: April 28-May 5, 2024 Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2024—Camp Mennoscah Retreat BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah—There will be no worship service in the BCMC building on Sunday, April 28 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 4:30 p.m. Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Rm 14 Wednesday, May 1, 2024 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary Thursday, May 2, 2024 4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14 7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14 Saturday, May 4, 2024—Candidating Weekend Sunday, May 5, 2024—Candidating Weekend Continues 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir; Sharing and Q & A with Joanna 4 p.m. Woven and Open Road (a cappella women’s and men’s ensembles from Bethel College) Concert in the Sanctuary
BCMC Offering for April 21, 2024: General Fund $9,722.50; Caring Fund $790; Kitchen Fund $32; Women’s Fellowship $550; Solar Fund $1,500.
Thank you, Barbara Thiesen! A huge THANK YOU to Barbara Thiesen for her eight years as BCMC Music Coordinator (the last two as co-coordinator with Verlene Garber). We have appreciated your attention to detail as you gave leadership and scheduling oversight to special music, organists, ensembles, maintenance of instruments, and so much more. Barbara will be leaving this position as of May 31.
Music Co-Coordinator Position at BCMC — BCMC is looking for a Music Co-Coordinator. This is a 12-month part-time position that is shared with Music Co-Coordinator Verlene Garber. This position is responsible for overseeing and scheduling keyboard maintenance, music ensembles, organists, special music, etc. We hope to have the position filled by June 1. Inquiries may be addressed to Esther Kreider Eash, Chair, BCMC Worship Commission at ekeash@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, BCMC Office/Facilities Manager at 316-283-3667 or office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Living With Loss Support Group Living with Loss support group will be offered May 7th through June 11th. The support group is open to all who have experienced the death of a loved one, divorce, unemployment or any other life experience that has created grief. Living with Loss support group is co-facilitated by Elizabeth Schmidt, Pastor for Congregational Care at Bethel College Mennonite Church, and Dr. Gary Blaine. Dr. Blaine is a retired chaplain and certified in grief counseling and grief group facilitation, as well as palliative care and hospice care. The meetings will last six weeks, beginning at 5:30 P.M. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. The support group is open to anyone and requires a minimum of six participants for the group to form. The cost is $10.00 per week. The group will gather for six weeks. The group will be closed to new participants after the second session. To register, please call Pastor Schmidt at (316) 283-3667 or Dr. Blaine at (316) 239-5474. — Elizabeth Schmidt
Candidating Weekend is May 3-5, 2024
Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. Below is a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC. BCMC Pastor Search Committee
Joanna Harader to Candidate at BCMC May 3-5, 2024 Joanna is currently the pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, Kansas where she’s served as its pastor since June 2006 – just shy of 18 years. She is a gifted preacher, teacher, and advocate for the marginalized, and skilled at making Scripture relevant to our lives today. Those who know her well describe Joanna as authentic, compassionate, and patient. She is well-grounded in Anabaptist beliefs and is an active and accomplished writer. Generating worship materials that echo Scripture in a contemporary setting gives her joy.
Joanna grew up in the American Baptist tradition, the child of two pastors. She was drawn to the Mennonite faith while in graduate school, when she and her husband became members of Peace Mennonite. It was her experience at this congregation, along with teaching Bible and theology classes at Ottawa University (Ottawa, KS), that drew her to Mennonites and to being a pastor. Joanna holds a BA in creative writing from Emory & Henry College (now Emory & Henry University at Emory, VA), a Master of Theological Studies from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary at St. David’s, PA), a Master in English Literature from the University of Kansas at Lawrence, KS, and a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary at Shawnee, KS.
Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett, have served as foster parents and currently have three young adult children and one 3-year-old granddaughter. James and Jasmine, along with granddaughter Camilla, live and work in Lawrence. Grace is in her second year of college, currently studying abroad in Chile. Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in curriculum and development, works with the Lawrence school system and plans to remain in his current position for the immediate future, which means Joanna and Ryan plan to maintain two households. If BCMC calls Joanna, she will be full-time with BCMC.
Joanna joyfully relates to college students and at the request of some students from KU formed a Bible study group on campus. She enjoys playing board games and has a soft spot for her cat and her dog, Toni, who would move with her to Newton. Joanna allows you to be yourself without being judged and without fear that your problems, personality, or questions will overwhelm her. She is grounded in prayer and has chosen the Mennonite expression of faith. Below is a picture of Joanna and Ryan
Candidating Weekend Schedule Joanna Harader at BCMC May 3-5, 2024
Friday, May 3 7:00 p.m. Dessert with Indigenous Justice group at Doug and Raylene Penner’s (25 Lakewood Circle, North Newton)*
Saturday, May 4 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with Search Committee at Ron & Lois Preheim’s (3005 South Kansas Rd, Newton)* 9:15 a.m. Meet with Monica Lichti at Church Office, BCMC 9:45 a.m. Meet with church staff, Room 14, BCMC 10:30 a.m. Meet with Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Room 14, BCMC 11:15 a.m. Break 11:30 a.m. Meet with Worship Commission in Chapel, BCMC 12:15 p.m. Lunch with Church Board in Fellowship Hall 1:45 p.m. Tour church with John Waltner, Jeanette Leary (Community Playschool) and Facilities Committee representative*
Meet and Greet Sessions with Sunday School classes, Gathering Place, BCMC 2:30 p.m. Open Circle and Seekers SS Classes 3:15 p.m. Fine Arts and Fellowship SS Classes 4:00 p.m. Break 4:15 p.m. Issues and Christianity and Catacombs SS Classes 5:00 p.m. Bible Study SS Class and anyone unaffiliated with a SS class 6:00 p.m. Supper with Deacon Commission and spouses, at Wes and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen’s (209 SE 2nd St, Newton)* 7:30 (ish) View potential housing option in North Newton
Sunday, May 5 9:00 a.m. Mic check 9:30 a.m. Worship at BCMC, Joanna will preach and provide the Childrens’ Conversation 10:45 a.m. Sunday School elective, Joanna will share her faith journey and there will be a Q&A time, Sanctuary* 12:00 p.m. Lunch with Agape class and Youth, Fellowship Hall* 1:30 p.m. Meet and greet with BCMC members at Kidron (Classroom A)* 3:00 p.m. Closing session with Search Committee (Classroom A)*
PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAMETAG.
*Ryan Ellett will join these sessions. The vote to call Joanna to BCMC will take place during the congregational meeting on May 19, 2024.
Bethel College Announcements TODAY (Sun., April 28) – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting; Memorial Hall
Tues., April 30 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
Weds., May 1 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7:30 p.m. (rain venue: Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center)
Sat., May 4 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
Sun., May 5 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with Stan Senner of the National Audubon Society, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Senner will speak on “Birds and Birding Connect Kansas to the World.” Sun., May 5 – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (NOTE TIME CHANGE) Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – Senior Art Exhibit II, featuring the work of Morgan Marsh. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Hesston College Announcement
May 10 – International Chorale Concert
The Hesston College International Chorale kicks off their biannual European tour with a performance at Hesston Mennonite Church on Friday, May 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The chorale consists of members from the Bel Canto Singers and the Global Voices choir. The performance is free to the public and available via livestream at hesston.edu/livestream.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcement Volunteer opportunities for RMMC. Rocky Mountain is seeking volunteers to assist with camps this summer. The ministry at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is possible because of the dedication of countless volunteers. Available short term positions are typically two weeks or less with help needed in food service, maintenance and housekeeping. Our goal is to do our best at matching the needs of the camp with the ability, gifts and talents of our volunteers. Please call us to discuss your willingness and desire to join us or visit our volunteer page rmmc.org. Thank you for your support!
Come join us for “A Century of Mennonite Quilts” at the Wellness Center at Pine Village by Moundridge on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 to 4:00 and Sunday, May 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 for a display of 110 years of Mennonite art expressed through fabric. We will have quilts representing all the decades from the 1920’s to the 2020’s, and most of the reasons, methods, and sources of materials. This is one of the events celebrating 150 years since our ancestors came to the US from the Ukraine in 1874. All are welcome to appreciate the beauty and talent of many resourceful people who used fabric they had or created new designs. Donna Zerger and her Quilt Committee are bringing over 50 quilts to show you.
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements For Mennonite Mission Network “News from around the world” press here For Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, meeting via Zoom on March 15-16, 2024, affirmed a clean audit and a new strategic plan that seeks to reimagine church in new ways. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/executive-board-plan
The Schowalter Foundation, North Newton, Kansas, has provided $10,000 to fund up to four semester-long internships at the Mennonite Church USA Archives and to help digitize fragile resources in 2024. Oscar J. Murguia, a third-year history major at Goshen (Indiana) College, has been awarded the 2024 spring semester internship. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/schowalter-archive-interns
Menno Snapshots
Dr. Lesley F. McClendon presented this devotional at the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board meeting recently. She reflects on what reimagining the church means and how we can stay true to the gospel message, while also accommodating our rapidly changing needs as a culture. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/reimagining-church
Request an MC USA staff person to speak at your assembly, congregation, Sunday school or event. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/speaker
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jonah and Memee Yang, who minister in Thailand from a base in Minnesota. Pray for them as they travel to Thailand twice per year to teach Hmong and Thai students in Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Journey Program (Jonah) and through Mennonite Women’s Sister Care seminars (Memee). Western District Conference Prayer Request: We welcome the season of Spring this month. It is a time of planting seeds, the leaves and perennials returning, new birth, and the fresh restoring rains. Please pray with us for our church plant pastors and leaders. We ask for them to be filled with the joy, love and energy for their work. We ask for showers of blessings. -WDC Church Planting Commission
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR APRIL 21, 2024 CREATION CARE SUNDAY
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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 below 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/ffrSFlZK_Ow?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH April 21, 2024 “Creation Care Sunday”
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. La Plante)–Will Wiebe-Friesen
Welcome—Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—For the Beauty of the Earth—VT 120 v.1-4
Children’s Conversation—Bill Swartley
*Hymn—All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177 v.1 & 4
Anthem—Come unto me (Bernice Johnson Reagon)–Chancel Choir—Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist
Scripture Reading—Psalm 104—VT 185
Reflections Celebrating the Earth and Life—Dwight Krehbiel What’s next for the Creation Care Task Group?—Creation Care Task Group
*Hymn of Response—This is God’s Wondrous World—VT 180
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788
*Benediction
Postlude
* You are invited to stand VT—Voices Together Audio visual— Ken Lamp
The Next Weeks at BCMC: April 21-May 5, 2024 Sunday, April 21, 2024 9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation YouTube Link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/ffrSFlZK_Ow?feature=share Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11 a.m. Staff Meeting Wednesday, April 24, 2024 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary Thursday, April 25, 2024 3:45 p.m. Worship Commission meeting by Zoom 7:00 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14 Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2024—Camp Mennoscah Retreat BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah—There will be no worship service in the BCMC building on Sunday, April 28 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 4:30 p.m. Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting in Rm 14 Wednesday, May 1, 2024 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary Thursday, May 2, 2024 4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14 7 p.m. Church Board meeting in Room 14 Saturday, May 4, 2024—Candidating Weekend—See insert for schedule Sunday, May 5, 2024—Candidating Weekend Continues 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir; Sharing and Q & A with Joanna 4 p.m. Woven and Open Road (a cappella women’s and men’s ensembles from Bethel College) Concert in the Sanctuary
In celebration of the approval of our solar energy project, pick up an earth-shaped cookie in the Gathering Place after worship.
We are fortunate to have excellent denominational resources for helping us care for the earth. MC USA has the Climate Justice Ministry (formerly the Mennonite Creation Care Network) with newly appointed Coordinator Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler. Among many other things, this group offers Green Energy Grants for things like solar energy projects! See https://climatejustice.mennoniteusa.org/. Mennonite Central Committee also sponsors Climate Action for Peace to help support people around the world who suffer the effects of climate change. See https://mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change for their monthly calendar for daily creation care actions we all can take.
Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at their concert today, April 21, 4 p.m. at Tabor College. The concert will include the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks, and the Menno Brass.
BCMC Offering for April 14: General Fund $18,035.47; MCC $500; MCC Sale $20; Caring Fund $100; Kitchen Fund $40; Solar Fund $18,200; Elizabeth Raid Memorial $40.
So far this year the at the end of March the church has had about $35,000 more expenses than it has had income. The congregations response to budget needs has ranged from mixed to disappointing. However the month of March was a bit better with a deficit of only $3500. While we have started out rather poorly, we have a lot of time to accept the challenge and get it turned around. Finance Committee
The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling! Library Committee
Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Topeka Sunday afternoon. He will be back in Newton on Wed., May 1. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
Future Events at BCMC: · Trip Report on a Visit to New BCMC Member Max Ediger on April 21: Max Ediger joined the BCMC fellowship in the last year to become our most distant member, currently living in Cambodia. Max has spent his life in service in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, much of it with MCC. Recently, his childhood friend, Dennis Loepp and wife Dori of Turpin, OK, traveled to visit Max and tour with him in Vietnam and Cambodia. They will give an informal report on Max’s work, family and their travels together at BCMC Fellowship Hall today, Sun. Apr.21, at 3 p.m. Max’s cousins and friends in the area will join interested persons in our congregation to hear this report. You are welcome! · The BCMC Mennoscah Retreat is approaching quickly, and there is still plenty of room to sign up! Come out on Saturday, Sunday, or stay for both – we’ll have a great time! If you don’t want to drive yourself… find a crew to carpool with! Worship will be at 10 AM on Sunday, April 28, if you just want to come for worship and lunch on Sunday. Please use the following link BCMC Retreat Registration to sign up, or visit with/email Adam Robb if you’d prefer. To help with meal planning, it would be appreciated if you can register by Monday, April 22. Please reach out to Adam if you have questions. Hope you can make it! · Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. See below for a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC. BCMC Pastor Search Committee · Congregational Meeting and New Co-Pastor Vote: The next congregational meeting will take place Sun., May 19, 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Remote viewers can text their votes to a number available in the May 19 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include a vote for acceptance of the Search Committee’s and Board’s recommendation to approve Joanna Harader as our new full-time co-pastor; approval of new board members and officers; and reports from several committees and commissions. Congregants can access report booklets in May. The youth will host a fundraising luncheon following the meeting.
We offer sympathy to Ken and Annette, Katherine and Elizabeth Lamp , on the death of Ken’s mother, Wilda “Pat” Lamp, who died April 15, at 90 years old, in Katy, TX.
We offer sympathy to Marilyn Schmidt and her extended family on the death of her husband, Howard, April 13, 2024, in Newton, KS. Graveside committal service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday April 22nd at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton with Pastor Nathan Koontz presiding. You are welcome to attend. Here is a link to Howard’s obituary: https://www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/howard-schmidt
The memorial service for Howard will be at BCMC on June 1, 11 a.m. with a lunch in Fellowship Hall immediately following.
Candidating Weekend is May 3-5, 2024
Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5. Below is a biography of Joanna Harader, and a schedule of candidating weekend events. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will be May 19, during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sun., May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC. BCMC Pastor Search Committee
Joanna Harader to Candidate at BCMC May 3-5, 2024 Joanna is currently the pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, Kansas where she’s served as its pastor since June 2006 – just shy of 18 years. She is a gifted preacher, teacher, and advocate for the marginalized, and skilled at making Scripture relevant to our lives today. Those who know her well describe Joanna as authentic, compassionate, and patient. She is well-grounded in Anabaptist beliefs and is an active and accomplished writer. Generating worship materials that echo Scripture in a contemporary setting gives her joy.
Joanna grew up in the American Baptist tradition, the child of two pastors. She was drawn to the Mennonite faith while in graduate school, when she and her husband became members of Peace Mennonite. It was her experience at this congregation, along with teaching Bible and theology classes at Ottawa University (Ottawa, KS), that drew her to Mennonites and to being a pastor. Joanna holds a BA in creative writing from Emory & Henry College (now Emory & Henry University at Emory, VA), a Master of Theological Studies from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary at St. David’s, PA), a Master in English Literature from the University of Kansas at Lawrence, KS, and a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary at Shawnee, KS.
Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett, have served as foster parents and currently have three young adult children and one 3-year-old granddaughter. James and Jasmine, along with granddaughter Camilla, live and work in Lawrence. Grace is in her second year of college, currently studying abroad in Chile. Ryan, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in curriculum and development, works with the Lawrence school system and plans to remain in his current position for the immediate future, which means Joanna and Ryan plan to maintain two households. If BCMC calls Joanna, she will be full-time with BCMC.
Joanna joyfully relates to college students and at the request of some students from KU formed a Bible study group on campus. She enjoys playing board games and has a soft spot for her cat and her dog, Toni, who would move with her to Newton. Joanna allows you to be yourself without being judged and without fear that your problems, personality, or questions will overwhelm her. She is grounded in prayer and has chosen the Mennonite expression of faith. Below is a picture of Joanna and Ryan
Candidating Weekend Schedule Joanna Harader at BCMC May 3-5, 2024
Friday, May 3 7:00 p.m. Dessert with Indigenous Justice group at Doug and Raylene Penner’s (25 Lakewood Circle, North Newton)*
Saturday, May 4 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with Search Committee at Ron & Lois Preheim’s (3005 South Kansas Rd, Newton)* 9:15 a.m. Meet with Monica Lichti at Church Office, BCMC 9:45 a.m. Meet with church staff, Room 14, BCMC 10:30 a.m. Meet with Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Room 14, BCMC 11:15 a.m. Break 11:30 a.m. Meet with Worship Commission in Chapel, BCMC 12:15 p.m. Lunch with Church Board in Fellowship Hall 1:45 p.m. Tour church with John Waltner, Jeanette Leary (Community Playschool) and Facilities Committee representative*
Meet and Greet Sessions with Sunday School classes, Gathering Place, BCMC 2:30 p.m. Open Circle and Seekers SS Classes 3:15 p.m. Fine Arts and Fellowship SS Classes 4:00 p.m. Break 4:15 p.m. Issues and Christianity and Catacombs SS Classes 5:00 p.m. Bible Study SS Class and anyone unaffiliated with a SS class 6:00 p.m. Supper with Deacon Commission and spouses, at Wes and Ada Schmidt-Tieszen’s (209 SE 2nd St, Newton)* 7:30 (ish) View potential housing option in North Newton
Sunday, May 5 9:00 a.m. Mic check 9:30 a.m. Worship at BCMC, Joanna will preach and provide the Childrens’ Conversation 10:45 a.m. Sunday School elective, Joanna will share her faith journey and there will be a Q&A time, Sanctuary* 12:00 p.m. Lunch with Agape class and Youth, Fellowship Hall* 1:30 p.m. Meet and greet with BCMC members at Kidron (Classroom A)* 3:00 p.m. Closing session with Search Committee (Classroom A)*
PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAMETAG.
*Ryan Ellett will join these sessions. The vote to call Joanna to BCMC will take place during the congregational meeting on May 19, 2024.
Bethel College Announcements · Sun., April 21 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center · Sun., April 21 – Sunday-Evening-at-the-Museum with Dr. Kim Perez, Fort Hays State University, 7 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Perez’s topic is the role and impact of pioneering women in ornithology, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perez will also speak in convocation at Bethel College Mon., April 22, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. These lectures are supported by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lectureship. · Weds., April 24 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center · Fri., April 26 – Senior Art Exhibit II opens in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center featuring the work of Morgan Marsh (reception May 10). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. · Sat., April 27 – “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” symposium at Bethel College, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Free and open to the public. Keynote speaker is Dr. Sheena Wilson, University of Alberta, along with others from across Kansas; see https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation/walking-the-talk/walking-the-talk-listening-relationships-in-a-changing-climate/ · Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting; Memorial Hall · Tues., April 30 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel · Weds., May 1 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7:30 p.m. (rain venue: Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center) · Sun., May 5 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum with Stan Senner of the National Audubon Society, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium · Sun., May 5 – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church (NOTE TIME CHANGE)
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
Hesston College Announcements
April 21 – Prairie Window Concert: The Brother Brothers
Join Dyck Arboretum April 21 to hear The Brother Brothers. The Brother Brothers are the indie folk duo of Adam and David Moss. The identical twins were born and raised in Peoria, Ill. and originally based in Brooklyn, but have been ultimately and profoundly shaped by a life surrounded by travel and the web of community worldwide. The recently released January Album is a collection of songs that speak to the parts of oneself that want to up and throw sedentary worldly possessions in the trash and leave town. Crust & Crumb will serve at intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.
April 26 to 27 – Pen to Paper to Performance
Hesston College theatre’s playwriting festival is back! “Pen to Paper to Performance” brings to life nine winning 10-minute play submissions written by area playwrights and will be performed both nights at 7 p.m. A talkback with the playwrights will follow each performance. Read more about the festival at hesston.edu/theatre.
May 10 – International Chorale Concert
The Hesston College International Chorale kicks off their biannual European tour with a performance at Hesston Mennonite Church on Friday, May 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The chorale consists of members from the Bel Canto Singers and the Global Voices choir. The performance is free to the public and available via livestream at hesston.edu/livestream.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA is pleased to announce that the 2025 MC USA biennial national gathering and leading faith formation event, Follow Jesus ‘25, will take place July 8-12, 2025, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Shé Langley was named the new director of event planning. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/convention-details-director
Mennonite Church USA’s Climate Justice Ministry is receiving applications for the Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund grant, from now through June 15, 2024. The Pam De Young Net Zero Energy Fund provides funds to assist MC USA congregations interested in forms of renewable energy. The term, “net zero energy,” describes buildings or communities that generate enough energy to meet their own needs. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/green-energy-grants
Menno Snapshots
Spiritual director Lester Lind of the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network reflects on the beginning of his calling and career as he prepares to retire. Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/reflections-calling-career
Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, Mennonite Church USA’s climate justice coordinator, visited West Union Mennonite Church, Parnell, Iowa, and spoke about climate change. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/rivels
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: MMN praises God for Alfonsina and José Oyanguren’s two decades of ministry in the Argentine Chaco and for the exciting audio and visual ministries they are developing. Pray for the Christian radio programs, which help the Toba-Qom people better understand the biblical message, and for the impact that the Jesus Film is having in communities in the Chaco. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for generous financial support for WDC congregations and their ministries, and for WDC as it equips and connects with congregations and ministry leaders across the conference.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service: On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m., 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 below 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/1piuKvFxRYs?feature=share
Don Kaufman Memorial Service
The memorial service for Don Kaufman is Saturday, April 13, 2024, 11 a.m. in the BCMC Sanctuary. A lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The live stream link for the service is:https://youtube.com/live/_XqZ-Ikg-AY?feature=share
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH April 14, 2024 Third Sunday of Easter
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Here I am Lord (Shutte/Tucker)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director
Scripture Reading—Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13—Sandra Zerger . Sermon—Live Worthy of Your Calling–Roger Neufeld Smith
*Hymn—Here I Am, Lord—VT 545
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—VT 549
Benediction
Postlude
*You are invited to stand VT—Voices Together Keyboard—Karen Unruh Audio-visual—Francis Toews
This Week at BCMC: April 14-21, 2024 Sunday, April 14, 2024 9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation YouTube Link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/1piuKvFxRYs?feature=share Monday, April 15, 2024—Office will be closed Tuesday, April 16, 2024 7 p.m. Women and Girls Tea in Fellowship Hall sponsored by Women’s Fellowship Wednesday, April 17, 2024 6:30 p.m. Gifts Discernment Committee meeting in Room 14 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary Thursday, April 18, 2024 7:00 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall Sunday, April 21, 2024—Creation Care Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Choir 10:45 a.m. Faith Formation 3 p.m. Trip Report from Denny and Dori Loepp on their visit to Cambodia to see Max Ediger —in Fellowship Hall
All women and girls are invited to the Women’s Fellowship Tea, Tues., April 16, 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Program: “And A Little Taste of Theatre” with Judy Harder. All are invited—come join us!
Future Events at BCMC: · Trip Report on a Visit to New BCMC Member Max Ediger on April 21: Max Ediger joined the BCMC fellowship in the last year to become our most distant member, currently living in Cambodia. Max has spent his life in service in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, much of it with MCC. Recently, his childhood friend, Dennis Loepp and wife Dori of Turpin, OK, traveled to visit Max and tour with him in Vietnam and Cambodia. They will give an informal report on Max’s work, family and their travels together at BCMC Fellowship Hall on Sun. Apr.21, at 3 p.m. Max’s cousins and friends in the area will join interested persons in our congregation to hear this report. You are welcome! · April 27-28 BCMC Church Retreat at Camp Mennoscah! See below for registration. **May 3-5 Candidating Weekend at BCMC – See announcement below. · May 19, congregational meeting in the sanctuary during the Sunday school hour
BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah Registration is LIVE for the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat, which is on April 27 & 28! Arrival can officially happen after 1 PM on Saturday, and you are welcome to come for Saturday, Sunday, or both, with the option to spend the night. The retreat concludes with Sunday morning worship at 10 AM and lunch at 11:30 AM. If interested in attending, you can use the link here: Camp Mennoscah Retreat Registration – April 27/28, 2024 to sign up. This is very helpful in terms of planning for meals. If you would like more information about the retreat, it can be found at this link: BCMC Mennoscah Retreat Information. If you have any questions, please reach out to Adam Robb in church OR via email or phone – both of which are in the directory!
Roger Neufeld Smith will be in Newton until Sunday afternoon, April 14, when he will drive back to Topeka. He will be back in Newton on Wednesday morning, April 17 and stay in Newton until Sunday afternoon, April 21. Roger checks his email and phone regularly. Feel free to contact him via email, text or phone (785-220-1968.)
BCMC Offering for April 7: General Fund $26,596.16; MCC Meat Canning $500; Caring Fund $50; Kitchen Fund $22; Solar Fund $15,572.32
The current library theme is Poetry! We want to highlight our new “Mennonite Poetry” corner as well as the many other fine poetry books we have in the library. Those are found behind the check out desk as well as the south wall of the children’s/youth room. Keep reading and keep puzzling! Library Committee
Please join Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus at their concert on April 21, 4 p.m. at Tabor College. The concert will include the Newton Children’s Community Choir, the Flannelbacks, and the Menno Brass.
Mark your Calendars for Candidating Weekend Candidating weekend for our pastoral candidate, Joanna Harader, will be May 3-5, 2024. Please be on the lookout soon for details of the schedule of events for the weekend. We encourage all to participate in the opportunities to get to know Joanna and her husband, Ryan Ellett. The congregational vote on whether to call Joanna as our Co-Pastor will take place on May 19, 2024 during the congregational meeting. The vote has been scheduled for two weeks following Joanna’s candidating weekend because Sunday, May 12 is Bethel College Baccalaureate at BCMC. BCMC Pastor Search Committee
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 2-4, First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, NE. Assembly is the primary resourcing and fellowship event of the year. Many workshops, onsite and virtual. Faith formation and Family Festival for all ages. Worshipping God together. Join us!
Women & Girls Save the Date! Edimental Gardening for Every Growing Space, featuring Renata Goossen will be sponsored by Western District Women in Mission at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, Fri., April 19, 5-6 p.m. Browse and purchase plants from Renata’s Plant Bus. Bring a salad to share for supper to start at 6 p.m. The evening program, 6:30—7:30, will feature music by Prairie Highway and Renata speaking on her topic of edimental gardening, plants that are both edible and ornamental. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more details about the evening schedule and our other WDWM activities.
Bethel College Announcements · Sun., April 14– Bethel College Heritage Roll of Honor Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Administration Building chapel or online at https://youtube.com/live/iZJ0fdOHc8M?feature=share Reception following in the Mantz Library lounge. · Sun., April 14 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Peter Buller, piano and oboe, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel · Weds., April 17 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center Thurs., April 18 – You’re invited to a virtual estate planning webinar, hosted by Bethel College Advancement and led by Cindy Wiens and Randy Pankratz, Adrian & Pankratz LLC, Newton; Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82173808179This webinar is free, with no pre-registration required – just show up using the Zoom link. Questions? Contact George Leary, Director of Development, 316-284-5226 or gleary@bethelks.edu · Fri., April 19 – Bethel College’s Faculty Lecture Series concludes with Siobhán Scarry, professor of English, “’To Wander or to Dwell’: Contending with Gendered Constructions of the Citizen/Subject in Poems about Nature,” 11 a.m., Kidron Hall at Kidron Bethel Village · Sat., April 20 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center · Sun., April 21 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center · Sun., April 21 – Sunday-Evening-at-the-Museum with Dr. Kim Perez, Fort Hays State University, 7 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. Perez’s topic is the role and impact of pioneering women in ornithology, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Perez will also speak in convocation at Bethel College Mon., April 22, 11 a.m., in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. These lectures are supported by the Bethel College Women’s Association Carolyn Schultz Lectureship. · Weds., April 24 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center · Sat., April 27 – “Walking the Talk: Listening Relationships in a Changing Climate,” symposium at Bethel College, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Free and open to the public. Keynote speaker is Dr. Sheena Wilson, University of Alberta, along with others from across Kansas; see https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation/walking-the-talk/walking-the-talk-listening-relationships-in-a-changing-climate/ · Sun., April 28 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m., featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, with Dr. Henry S. Waters conducting; Memorial Hall · Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of 41 students (artist books, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting and print-making) through Fri., April 19. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Bethel College Women’s Assocation Task Group will host a 4-session reading/discussion of So We and Our Children May Live by Sarah Augustine and Sheri Hostetler in the upcoming months before Sarah Augustine visits our area during Fall Festival at Bethel College. Watch for time and place. Anyone interested in reading and thinking together is invited.
Volunteer at New Hope Shelter: BCMC is one of 24 local congregations providing regular volunteer support to New Hope Shelter in Newton. New Hope serves homeless men, women, and children from Harvey, Butler, Marion, and McPherson counties. About five times a year, BCMC and Faith Mennonite partner to cover one week of evening shifts. We provide a meal for 25-30 people and two volunteers who stay through the evening to support an evening staff person. We can always use more help to meet this commitment, and participation can be regular or occasional. Our next shift will be May 1-7. If you’re interested or would like more details, email Cynthia Linscheid at cdlin319@gmail.com. Thank you to all who have volunteered for New Hope, either recently or in the past!
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY APRIL 27TH – Since 2015, camp has continued the effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle’s desire to make a home and reproduce in the mature Engelmann spruce trees here at RMMC. Pheromone packets disbursed around camp facilities are intended to “communicate” to the beetles that camp’s part of the forest has a “no vacancy” sign and they should move on elsewhere. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Hope to have you join us!
SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first quilters retreat for 2024 is coming April 25-28. These retreats are a great opportunity to get away and get those projects done that have been waiting. While there will be some short, fun breaks, the main focus of this weekend will be giving participants plenty of time to sew. Bring lots of projects, or that one big project you’ve been waiting to start. Sharing ideas, tips and techniques are part of the weekend along with bringing any show and tell items to share with the group. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Two full scholarships are available from the Camp Mennoscah Scholarship Endowment. The endowment was generously gifted to Camp Mennoscah to assist campers who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. Applications need to be received by May 1. Campers of diverse backgrounds will receive higher priority. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for the application form. Other events and happenings:
Register for the 2024 Summer Youth Camps! Send a child, grandchild or invite a friend to come to a week of fun-filled faith in the midst of creation. The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at how God’s love teaches us about faith and commitment. Register online!
Learn to make–and get to eat–verenike casserole, bierocks, and Sunday Sandwiches! Parents can receive a discount up to full camp fees. No great skill is needed. The head cook will direct you in what needs to be done to make yummy meals for campers and staff. Kitchen staff are needed for PreJunior 2, Junior 1, Junior 2, Junior High 1, Junior High 2, and Senior High Camps! Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of Junior High 2 (July 7-12) and Junior 2 (July 14-19). Nurses must be an RN and can receive a stipend or a parent discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested. You are needed to make summer youth camps healthy and successful!
More volunteer fun than just the Retreat Center project! Many volunteers are still needed for the Retreat Center project, but volunteers are also needed for other camp tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped with all the camp projects!
There are openingsfor the Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, April 19-21! Lodging will be in the bunkhouses and activities will be in the Dining Hall. Bunkhouses are heated and space heaters will be available for the Dining Hall, if the weather is cool. This retreat is later than usual, so we’re hoping for balmy spring weather for good walks and beautiful nature. Register here!
Hesston College Announcements
April 19 to 30 – Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition
This annual exhibit will feature unique works of art created by Hesston College students through a variety of mediums. The works are judged by an outside juror and awards will be given for the best pieces. The exhibit will be held in the Regier-Friesen Gallery of the Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Dr, Hesston, and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An awards reception will be held April 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Katie Petersen, an art professor from Sterling College, will act as this year’s guest juror.
April 21 – Prairie Window Concert: The Brother Brothers
Join Dyck Arboretum April 21 to hear The Brother Brothers. The Brother Brothers are the indie folk duo of Adam and David Moss. The identical twins were born and raised in Peoria, Ill. and originally based in Brooklyn, but have been ultimately and profoundly shaped by a life surrounded by travel and the web of community worldwide. The recently released January Album is a collection of songs that speak to the parts of oneself that want to up and throw sedentary worldly possessions in the trash and leave town. Crust & Crumb will serve at intermission. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.
April 26 to 27 – Pen to Paper to Performance
Hesston College theatre’s playwriting festival is back! “Pen to Paper to Performance” brings to life nine winning 10-minute play submissions written by area playwrights and will be performed both nights at 7 p.m. A talkback with the playwrights will follow each performance. Read more about the festival at hesston.edu/theatre.
Let’s Talk About Ukraine As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its second year, the costs of the conflict continue to rise. Professor Matthew Cotton will bring us information on the historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, the current status of the conflict, and how it has reshaped global politics in the 21st century. Matthew D. Cotton is a PhD Candidate in history at the University of Washington (Seattle). He earned his Masters degree from the University of Kansas in Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian studies. Matt has spent time in both Russia and Ukraine. Come learn with us on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at First Mennonite Church of McPherson, 1161 E. Ave. A, McPherson, Kansas. The public is invited. Refreshments served. Free to attend. This event is part of the 150th Celebration of our Ancestors coming to the U.S. in 1874 which will culminate August 23-25, 2024 with many activities at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge.
Join Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler, MC USA’s climate justice coordinator, and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA’s denominational minister for Peace and Justice, for the second of four webinars in MC USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Climate Justice: Seeking Shalom” initiative. This webinar will explore how we can live in resistance to a culture that spoils our home and causes disproportionate suffering for people of color, while also living in hope-filled engagement that nurtures life for all people and all of creation. Panelists will include Andrew Hudson, pastoral intern at Covenant Mennonite Fellowship; Sibonokuhle Ncube, co-regional director for Africa and Europe at Mennonite Mission Network; and Sarah Werner, communications coordinator for Central District Conference.Register hereLearn more here
For Mennonite World Conference “Courier” press here For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Church USA “Bring the Peace” Nominations press here Nominations for our 2024 #BringThePeace awards are due by April 19!
The award recognizes the work of denominational peacemakers and is sponsored by MC USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund. We invite you to submit your recommendations for nominees bycompleting this form before April 19: mennoniteusa.org/btp-2024-award-nominations
We are seeking to honor two courageous peacebuilders who have a diversity of experience and are actively engaged in resisting war and promoting peace in their respective congregation and community:
A legacy peacemaker, who has been faithful in promoting peace across their lifetime and/or life’s work.
A young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help to inspire other young leaders.
The #BringThePeace awards provide each recipient with a $300 grant. The Church Peace Tax Fund, which sponsors these awards, is a way for people to engage in MC USA’s peacebuilding work. It also provides funding for educational programs that address militarism and promote ways of living out Jesus’ peace.
If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, denominational minister for Peace and Justice, at Lorrainesa@mennoniteusa.org.
Mennonite Central Committee Announcement:May 26-31: Restorative Justice Peace Camp for young adults (Chicago, Illinois) – This peace camp will dive into creative ways to implement justice in local communities. Learning from experienced restorative justice practitioners in Chicago, we will witness incredible ways that transformation is possible through restorative justice. Register today! mcc.org/events/restorative-justice-peace-camp
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA honored seven community elders at its 11th Hope for the Future Conference, Feb. 9-11, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Read more about the seven honorees here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hftf24-honorees
Join Amy Zimbelman, Conference Minister of Mountain States Mennonite Conference, on April 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT for a panel discussion of pioneering women in ministry. We will hear from Dianne Garcia, who recently planted a church ministering to asylum-seekers in San Antonio, Texas, and Marilyn Miller, who is the first woman ordained to pastoral ministry in the General Conference Mennonite Church. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar/registration-wil-april23
Menno Snapshots
Nancy Kauffmann, interim denominational minister of Church Safety for Mennonite Church USA’s Church Vitality office, tells of how two churches handled situations of abuse within their own congregations and how our response can affect the light of life of the person experiencing abuse. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/light-of-life-turned-on
Equipping, Mennonite Church USA’s quarterly email newsletter for pastors and leaders, features resources submitted by MC USA conferences, congregations, agencies, ministry partners, constituency groups and affiliated schools and colleges. View the most recent issue here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-jan-2024 Subscribe to Equipping here: mennoniteusa.org/equipping-subscribe
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: JCS International, a MMN partner in Mongolia, requests continued prayer for herder families, as they struggle to survive this year’s dzud (winter disaster), which has caused suffering across 90% of the country, with more than two million animal deaths. Pray that transportation routes will open, so aid can be delivered to remote areas. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC ministers gathering this week for a retreat sponsored by the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, marital status, or age.
Make Medicare an easy stepEverence® can give you a handTuesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m. Everence Financial3179 N Main St Ste 1BNorth NewtonAttend our workshop and gain confidence about moving to Medicare with guidance from Everence. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. We’ll discuss:Signing up for Medicare: how, when and where.What Medicare covers (and does not cover).Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language.Budgeting for health care costs in retirement.We’ll also have plenty of time for your questions. 