Author Archives: Monica Lichti

Announcements for April 23-30, 2023

April 23, 2023 – Creation Care Sunday

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

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

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

Christ Candle Lighting—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

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

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

Reflections—Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, Ani Koontz

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

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

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

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

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hesston College Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

Criteria for the Mustard Seed Grant include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

View the worship service for April 16, 2023

press here for the video

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

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

Christ Candle Lighting—George Leary

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Now the Green Blade Rises—VT 353

Children’s Conversation—Tim Hodge

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

Kin-dom Report—Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

*Hymn—Be Not Afraid—VT 356

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

Sermon—Life In Jesus’ Name—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—The Risen Christ—VT 345

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

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

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

Announcements for April 16-23, 2023

April 16, 2023 -Second Sunday of Easter

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

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/A1dF3DZGcgk?feature=share

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hesston College Announcements

April 20 – Music Department Recitals

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

April 20 to 21 – Flora Kansas Spring Native Plant Days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other events and happenings:

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

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

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

View the worship service for Easter- April 9, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 9, 2023
EASTER SUNDAY
Prelude— Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain (arr. Fedak); Were You There? (arr. Bish)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today (arr. Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Anthem—The Lord Is Risen Indeed! (Billings)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Easter Declaration and Response— Leader: Christ is risen!
People: Christ is risen indeed!

Christ Candle Lighting—Nathan Koontz

Anthem—Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—(VT 88) (Congregation sing in unison on verse 4)
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen Sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Easter Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—This Joyful Eastertide—VT 352

Easter Morning
Was It a Morning Like This? — Bethany Schrag
“Later that same day….”— Judy Harder and Company
Be Not Afraid (VT 356)
(Congregation join 3rdand 4th time through)

*Hymn—Thine is the Glory—(last verse in unison)—VT 355

Scripture Reading—Matthew 28:1-10—Abby, Naomi and Jennifer Koontz

Sermon—Where We Live—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing—VT 359

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Christ the Lord is Risen Today—VT 346—(Congregation sing parts verses 1-3; unison verse 4)

*Benediction—VT 1052
Postlude— In Thee is Gladness (arr. Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Ben Lichti
Was It a Morning Like This?—lyrics and music by Jim Croegaert

Announcements for April 9-16, 2023

April 9, 2023 – Easter Sunday – Fully Alive in Christ

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

This Week at BCMC: April 9—16, 2023
Sun, Apr. 9, 2023—Easter Sunday—Fully Alive in Christ
10 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/p_vSN5lytUw?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School—There is no Sunday school this Easter Sunday
Mon., Apr. 10, 2023
9 am     Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
11 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
7:15 pm     Community Playschool Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Apr. 12, 2023
6 pm    Indigenous Justice Group meeting in Room 14
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 13, 2023
4 pm        Creation Care Committee meeting in Room 21
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm        Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Sun., Apr. 16, 2023
9:30 am   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells

Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets April 10 at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

The Deacon Commission invites you to donate to our Caring Fund budget, which has been depleted due to needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for you in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. – The Deacon Commission

BCMC Offering for April 2, 2023: General Fund $6,308.34; Wed. Supper $253; Caring Fund $730; Library Reserve Fund $10; Living Stones $183.34; Flower Fund $20.

Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will be in Newton until Monday at noon (tomorrow). He will return to Newton on Wednesday morning, April 19. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

The church is having telephone issues. The church’s main number—316-283-3667 will not send or receive calls. We are working to get this issue resolved. In the meantime, you can reach the church by phone by using the number316-283-3668. You can also email the church office.

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

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be Mon., Apr. 10, 7:15 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Entrance to the building will be at the south side of the church and make your way to the lower level of the church by stairs or elevator.

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is just around the corner! This year’s retreat will be the weekend of April 29 & 30, and will feature many of the favorites of retreats past! We will gather this year again with Halstead First Mennonite for a couple of days playing in the sand, worshipping, and in fellowship at Camp Mennoscah – located on the Ninnescah river near Murdock, KS. People can come out on Saturday (after 1), Sunday (anytime, but worship will likely be around 9:30 AM), or both – and meals will be served! We’ll have a hayrack ride, pop popcorn, and have some great experiences for all ages! If you’re interested in participating, please use the following link to sign up: https://forms.gle/m5wycZsfQ8fmWaqC9 And if you have any questions about the retreat or schedule, please reach out to Adam Robb at adamandjillrobb@gmail.com or via phone at 620-747-0185. No worship will take place in the BCMC Sanctuary on Sunday, April 30, so we hope to see you there!

Singers wanted: Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert will be Sunday, April 30, with choir and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Henry Waters performing Beethoven “Choral Fantasy” and Mozart “Coronation Mass.” The community is invited to participate. Practices begin Tuesday, April 4, 6-8 p.m. in the choir room in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus, and take place the other Tuesdays in April (11, 18, 25), with a four-hour rehearsal Sat., April 29 (3-7 p.m.; dinner provided), and performance at 4 p.m. on Sunday, with a call time of 3 p.m. Scores and rehearsal tracks will be provided. Sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/rqjK4dgSpYieVTvP8 or come to the first rehearsal on April 4.

Life Enrichment for April 13—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “My Walk Through the Holy Land: Where Jesus Lived While on Earth, Father Andrew Bergkamp, pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Newton
10:50 “Connections Between Mennonites and the Stutthof Concentration Camp,” Mark Jantzen, Ph.D., Bethel College professor of history

Bethel College Announcements:
· Thurs., April 13 – Closing reception for Ian Huebert and “Printing the Plains,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes Fri., April 14. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
· Sat., Apr. 15 – Joint junior recital by Bethel College students Angelika Donaldson, voice, and Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Ad Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Thirst for Justice, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Documentary looks at three citizen groups fighting for clean water, in the Navajo Nation, Flint, MI., and Standing Rock. Audience talkback follows the film. Free and open to the public, with freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Mon., Apr. 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, Salina, speaks on “Leading a Global Movement for Diverse Perennial Grain Futures,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Stroer will also speak in convocation at 11 a.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium) and at 2 p.m. in the Conservation Biology class (Krehbiel Science Center #121). Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association and supported by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment.
· Sun., April 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall

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

Everence^® April workshop: Social Security and retirement income
Everence^® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income workshop on Thursday, April 20, starting at 6:30 p.m. Specifics will include, Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be plenty of time for questions. The in-person workshop will take place at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.

An April Dialogue
For Roots of Justice Stolen Land Stolen People Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery press here

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
Creation Care Network – Oak Flat Decision press here
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 and share them with your congregation!
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Education Agency A Journey of Many Steps press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah is preparing for summer heat with portable A/C units in the Retreat Center, since the HVAC system is not working. On April 22, beginning at 8:30am, volunteers are needed to help installing the A/C units. There are 26 units that need to be installed, so many hands are needed! Camp will provide lunch. Bring a water bottle and meet at the Retreat Center. If you let us know you are coming, we can be better prepared for lunch. Call or text 316-293-7313.

Other events and happenings:

Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). Head cooks needed for PreJunior I, June 11-15, and PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the majority of camp weeks. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board addressed agenda items for the upcoming 2023 Delegate Assembly and affirmed several key relationships during its online Zoom meeting on Jan. 27 and 28, 2023. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/executive-board-prepares

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

Menno Snapshots
Is it time for a retreat? This is a question that Marlene Kropf, spiritual director and retreat leader, asks herself more often these days, especially in a post-COVID-19 world. Read more of her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/time-for-retreat

Shannon W. Dycus, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia, attended Mennonite Church USA’s Hope for the Future Conference for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) at the beginning of February. Read Shannon’s litany based on her experience: mennoniteusa.org/hope-is-a-practice

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Celebrate Easter by sharing the good news of Jesus’ victory over the grip of evil in our world. Join Mennonite Mission Network’s personnel and partners throughout the United States and in 49 countries around the world in proclaiming this message to those whom you encounter today and every day.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations as they embody the good news of new life in Christ!

View the worship service for April 2, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 2, 2023
Palm Sunday

Prelude—Andante Religioso (Thome); The Palms (Jean-Baptiste Faure)—Matt & Rebecca Schloneger

Land Acknowledgement and Reflection—Doug Penner

Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship

Leader: This is the day the Lord has made.

People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Leader: Let us rejoice in all our Lord has done,

All: for it is marvelous in our eyes. Hosanna!

We bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315

Palm Sunday Parade with Judy Harder and Company— VT 314—Congregation sing refrain two times as directed

*Hymn—Christ, on the Night He Was Betrayed—VT 491

Scripture Reading (With intro) Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 21:1-11—Brad & Lincoln Kohlman

Meditation—Joy in the Mourning—Jill Robb

*Hymn—Glory to God in the Highest—VT 99

Congregation sings the refrain; Matt Schloneger sings the verses

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna–VT 313

*Benediction

Leader: Love God, you who are God’s holy people,

All: for God’s love endures forever.

Leader: Praise God, and give thanks,

All: for God’s love endures forever.

Leader: Expect God, and welcome God’s grace,

All: for God’s love endures forever.

Postlude—Matt & Rebecca Schloneger

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Keyboard- Verlene Garber

Audio visual— Ken Lamp

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Nd8KwaJOwN0?feature=share

Announcements for April 2-9, 2023

Palm Sunday
April 2, 2023 – Lent 6: Called to Worship

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

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 2, 2023
Palm Sunday

Prelude—Andante Religioso (Thome); The Palms (Jean-Baptiste Faure)—Matt & Rebecca Schloneger

Land Acknowledgement and Reflection—Doug Penner

Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship
Leader: This is the day the Lord has made.
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Leader: Let us rejoice in all our Lord has done,
All: for it is marvelous in our eyes. Hosanna!
We bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315

Palm Sunday Parade with Judy Harder and Company— VT 314—Congregation sing refrain two times as directed

*Hymn—Christ, on the Night He Was Betrayed—VT 491

Scripture Reading (With intro) Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 21:1-11—Brad & Lincoln Kohlman

Meditation—Joy in the Mourning—Jill Robb

*Hymn—Glory to God in the Highest—VT 99
Congregation sings the refrain; Matt Schloneger sings the verses

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna–VT 313

*Benediction
Leader: Love God, you who are God’s holy people,
All: for God’s love endures forever.
Leader: Praise God, and give thanks,
All: for God’s love endures forever.
Leader: Expect God, and welcome God’s grace,
All: for God’s love endures forever.

Postlude—Matt & Rebecca Schloneger
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Nd8KwaJOwN0?feature=share

On Palm Sunday
We welcome Jill Robb for providing the meditation, and welcome Judy Harder and Company for the Palm Sunday parade and reenactment!

The Deacon Commission invites you to donate to our Caring Fund budget, which has been depleted due to needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for you in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. – The Deacon Commission

Maundy Thursday
The Maundy Thursday service will be next Thursday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Communion will be served.
The Maundy Thursday Communion Service will use bread and juice, and not the prepackaged elements.

There will be a Sunrise Service by the Senior High School Youth Group on Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. at the Prouty Home, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton. Please bring a dish to share for the breakfast potluck to follow.
The worship service on Easter Sunday, April 9, will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school.

Salina, Manhattan, Southern Hills, and Peace (Lawrence) Mennonite churches in Kansas will host a Good Friday worship service on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome to join us. Contact the Southern Hills office for the Zoom link: church@southernhillsmc.org .

Last Wednesday night supper of the season , 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Menu: Ham loaf, macaroni and cheese, peas, lemon dessert. Please bring your own table service. Not doing so adds significant effort for the cleanup crew. – Hospitality Commission Please sign up for the April 5 supper by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, even if you have signed up for all suppers in advance, in order for the Wednesday night supper cooks to get an accurate number for how much to cook for this last supper of the season.

This Week at BCMC: April 2—9, 2023
Sun, Apr. 2, 2023—Lent 6: Called to Worship—Palm Sunday
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/Nd8KwaJOwN0?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)—”Process Theology” with Duane Friesen. All are welcome.
2:30 pm    Mennonite Men’s Chorus rehearsal in the sanctuary
Mon., Apr. 3, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
7 pm     Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tue., Apr. 4, 2023
4 pm     VBS meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Apr. 5, 2023
6 pm    Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 6, 2023—Maundy Thursday
4 pm         Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm   Maundy Thursday service in the Sanctuary
7:30 pm   Church Board meeting in Room 14
No Chancel Bell rehearsal this evening
Sun, Apr. 9, 2023—Easter Sunday—Fully Alive in Christ
7 am      Sunrise Service by the Senior High School Youth Group
10 am    (Note the change in time from 9:30 am to 10 am) Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Choir

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

April 14 and 15, the dates of the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) are rapidly approaching. A new activity, assembling hygiene kits, will be in the Pride of Kansas Building April 14 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., (this is a corrected date from previous bulletin announcement) and supplies are needed for these kits. A kit contains one adult toothbrush in the package, one bar of soap in the package, one good quality nail clipper, a hand towel of bright color, medium weight (16×26), and one wide toothed comb. If you would like to donate any of these supplies, please bring them to the baked goods sign up table at the back of the church Mar. 19 or Mar. 26. We have sign up sheets for pies, zwieback, and other baked goods. Stop by and sign up! Thank you! – BCMC KMRS Team: Steven and Elaine Schurr, Bill and Esther Eash, Dale and Margo Schrag

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in Newton on Wed., Apr. 5. Roger checks his phone daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him by phone or email when he’s not in Newton.

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be held Mon., April 10, 7:15 p.m. in the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Entrance to the building will be at the south side of the church and make your way to the lower level of the church by stairs or elevator.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

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

Life Enrichment for April 6—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “Starting Crust & Cumb Company Was a Slice of Humble Pie,” Sharon Entz, owner/operator of Crust & Crumb, Newton
10:35 “Art Influenced by Nature—Environmental Exposure,” Glen Ediger
11:30 “10,900 Miles of Coastline: A Newfoundland Sampler,” Weldon Schloneger, former teacher, retired pastor and avid photographer

Bethel College Announcements:
· Weds., Apr. 5 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., Apr. 6 – Junior recital by Isaac Tice, voice, 7 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sat., Apr. 15 – Joint junior recital by Bethel College students Angelika Donaldson, voice, and Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Ad Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Thirst for Justice, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Documentary looks at three citizen groups fighting for clean water, in the Navajo Nation, Flint, MI., and Standing Rock. Audience talkback follows the film. Free and open to the public, with freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Mon., Apr. 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, Salina, speaks on “Leading a Global Movement for Diverse Perennial Grain Futures,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Stroer will also speak in convocation at 11 a.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium) and at 2 p.m. in the Conservation Biology class (Krehbiel Science Center #121). Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association and supported by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Printing the Plains: Relief Prints by Ian Huebert,” through Fri., April 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College,
featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists

Hesston College Announcement

April 2 – Sunflower Performing Arts: pax duo

Join the Sunflower Performing Arts on Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. to hear pax duo. Exceptional percussionists Micah Detwiler and Tristan Swihart will bring a multi-media percussion concert integrating acoustic percussion and lighting design. The concert will be held at Hesston Mennonite Church. Find more information and purchase tickets at hesston.edu/sunflower-performing-arts.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The “Better” price discount for summer youth camps ends April 1! Campers registered for summer youth camps are eligible for the $10 discount until April 1. Registration and full payment must be received by April 1. Installment plans are not eligible for the discount. If you have any questions, please contact office@campmennoscah.org or give us a call at 620-297-3290. We would be happy to help!

Other events and happenings:

Men and Boys Retreat, March 31-April 2. Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. There will be a variety show on Saturday evening and a worship service on Sunday morning. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515 (Men and Boys Retreat only).
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). Head cooks needed for PreJunior I, June 11-15, and PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the majority of camp weeks. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
You may have heard the HVAC in the Retreat Center is not working. Never fear! There will be portable A/C units this summer in the Retreat Center. These units will cool down rooms, but it is expected temperatures will be warmer than what a regular A/C system would maintain.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY APRIL 22nd – Camp continues its 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 trick the beetles into thinking the trees are already inhabited with beetles and that they should go somewhere elsewhere. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by clicking the “VOLUNTEER” link on the web page and select “VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND SIGN-UP“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and meals provided include breakfast (8:00am), brunch (10:30am) and supper (5:30pm) as interested/able to join in.

SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first quilter’s retreat for 2023 is coming April 20-23. 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.

The Newton Et Cetera Shop, Newton, KS is receiving applications for a full-time General Manager. Newton Et Cetera is a non-profit, retail thrift shop business dedicated to reselling donated items. This position requires experience in an active retail business environment, computer and public relations skills, directing staff, and maintaining and managing a large diverse group of volunteers. An application may be picked up at the shop located at 619 N. Main, Newton, KS during the hours of 10:00 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday or on the website at newtonetceterashop.com. Please submit your résumé, a cover letter and the application to Debbie Nightingale, Board Chair, at applyetcshop@gmail.com or leave at the Et Cetera Shop front desk. The application deadline is April 17, 2023 and the position is available beginning in May.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Sent” Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Spring 2023 Issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Pracitce Quarterly

Greetings! I’m writing with the news that the spring 2023 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly is available now on-line here and here. Compiled by Emma Smith Cain, the issue features explorations from Bolivia, Rwanda, southern Africa, DR Congo, and Ukraine about how MCC’s decades-long commitment to working through local partnerships with churches and community-based organizations anticipated contemporary discussions around the “localization” of humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding work.

As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! Send any thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel you might have to intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader!

Warm regards,
Alain Epp Weaver

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#MennoCon23
Mennonite Church USA is hosting a collaborative Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, 2023, at the Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center. The event will bring together experts in climate change, spiritual activism and social justice to explore the ways that young people ages 14 to 25 can put their faith to work to address the spiritual and human crisis caused by climate change. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/climatesummit

Mennonite Church USA is seeking nominees for its 2023 #BringthePeace awards. The annual award is given to two honorees: a legacy peacemaker in recognition of their life’s work and a young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help inspire other young leaders. Submit your recommendations for nominees by completing this form by April 14: mennoniteusa.org/btp-nomination

Menno Snapshots
Mennonite Church USA is proud to acknowledge John Stoner of Akron (Ohio) Mennonite Church for his peacebuilding work with the 2022 #BringthePeace Legacy Peacemaker award, sponsored by the denomination’s Church Peace Tax Fund. Read his interview here: mennoniteusa.org/john-stoner-2022-btp

Lent at Home
Talashia Keim Yoder, pastor at College Mennonite Church, in Goshen, Indiana, is the author of this year’s Lent at Home resource, sponsored by Mennonite Education Agency, which offers individuals and families flexible options for participating in Lent in their own home environments. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/created-us-to-be See the Lent at Home 2023 resources for Holy Week here: mennoniteusa.org/lentathome

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: With only a month left to apply for Mennonite Mission Network’s Youth Venture programs, pray for the young people in your community who might deepen their faith through participating in an encounter with Christians in Benin, West Africa; a trip to the Mexico-United States border; or a learning tour that brings insight into the realities of the struggle for civil rights.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for Trinity Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, KS, a WDC church that has discerned to end its time as a congregation with a closing service on Easter Sunday, April 9. Give thanks to God for Trinity’s faithful witness and ministry over many years.

View the worship service for March 26, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 26, 2023
Lent 5: Called to the Life

Prelude—O Sacred Head, Now Wounded—Settings by Brahms, Buxtehude, Walther—
Karen Schlabaugh, organ

Christ Candle Lighting— Raylene Hinz-Penner

Call to Worship
Leader:   Out of the depths we cry to you.
People:   O Lord, hear our cry.
Leader:   If you kept a record of sin, who would stand a chance?
People:   O Lord, hear our cry.
Leader:   But with you there is forgiveness.
All:      We wait for you, O Lord. We hope in your word. Blessed be your name.

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing—VT 7

Children’s Conversation— Kathy Stucky

*Hymn— New Earth, Heavens New— VT 377

Scripture Reading—Ezekiel 37:1-10; John 11:1-6, 17, 20-27, 32-44

Sermon—The Resurrection and the Life—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn— Christ Has No Body Here but Ours— VT 568

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn— Blest Be the Tie That Binds— VT 831

People with March birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction
Leader:   Put your hope in the Lord.
People:   The Lord is unfailing love,
Leader:   and with God is full redemption.
People:   God will bring us up from our graves.
All:   God will redeem life into wholeness.

Postlude— In Thee Lord, Have I Put My Trust (J. C. Bach) Karen Schlabaugh

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

View the worship service for March 19, 2023

press here for the video

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 19, 2023
Lent 4: Called to the Light

Prelude–Passacaglia, from BWV 582 (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Elizabeth Schmidt

Call to Worship
Leader: The Lord is our shepherd.
People: We shall not want.
Leader: God makes us lie down in green pastures.
People: We shall not want.
Leader: God leads us beside quiet waters.
People: We shall not want.
All: Restore us through your Holy Spirit, the love of Jesus Christ,
and the comfort of your presence.

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Oh, for a Thousand Tongues—VT 764

Children’s Conversation—Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Harold Thieszen

Anthem—O God, Beyond All PraisingI (Gustav Holst/Richard Proulx)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—John 9: 1-41
Readers’ Theatre—Coralee Shenk, Richard Friesen, Aaron Tschetter, Kevin Neufeld

Sermon—Mud in your eyesI—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—Open My Eyes That I May See—VT 738

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Siyahamba (We Are Marching)—VT 793 (Sing twice: first time; Xhousa; second time English)

*Benediction
Leader: Go forth and shine, for the Light has come,
People: and the glory of the Lord rises upon us.
Leader: Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives, All: and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Postlude—Fanfare on “Mit Freuden zart” (Brenda Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Ben Lichti

We welcome Dorothy Nickel Friesen who will bring us the sermon on the 19th.

Announcements for March 26-April 2, 2023

March 26, 2023 – Lent 5: Called to Life

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

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/5yMZyI-ZPyQ?feature=share

The memorial service for Grace Schroeder is Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. It will be live-streamed. Here is the link: https://youtube.com/live/drMJn-XT2hk?feature=share

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

This Week at BCMC: March 19-26, 2023
Sun, Mar. 26, 2023—Lent 5: Called to Life
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/5yMZyI-ZPyQ?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., Mar. 27, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., Mar. 29, 2023
6 pm    Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Mar. 30, 2023
4 pm         Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun, Apr. 2, 2023—Lent 6: Called to Worship—Palm Sunday
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Matt and Rebecca Schloneger
2:30 pm    Mennonite Men’s Chorus rehearsal in the sanctuary

The worship service on Easter Sunday, April 9, will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. There will be a Sunrise Service by the Senior High School Youth Group on Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. at the Prouty Home, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton.

The Deacon Commission invites you to donate to our Caring Fund budget, which has been depleted due to needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for you in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. – The Deacon Commission

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will travel back to Topeka Monday at noon. He will be back in Newton on Wed., Apr. 5. Roger checks his phone daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him by phone or email when he’s not in Newton.

The financial figures at the end of February indicate that 2023 ranks 13th in the last 16 years in the percent of the budget collected. Collections have been $16,500 less than expenditures, which comes to 13% of the budget collected and 16.7% of the year spent. We have two major expenses on the horizon: the required update of the fire safety system and replacement of the HVAC unit in the nursery. – Finance Committee

BCMC Offering for March 19, 2023: General Fund $10,651.66; Wed. Supper $251.21; Living Stones $283; Flower Fund $100; Women’s Fellowship $50.

Wednesday night supper March 29 in Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. (Beef vegetable curry with rice, ice cream for dessert) Sign up on the bulletin board or by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Please bring your own table service. Not doing so adds significant effort for the cleanup crew. – Hospitality Commission

The Central Kansas Master Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, will give their final concert of the season, Sun., March 26, 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in McPherson. The chorale will feature Requiem for the Living by American composer Dan Forrest who composed the work as a tribute requiem for both the living and the past. The chorale dedicates this performance to victims and survivors of COVID 19, an experience which began three years ago this month. Audience members will be invited to name a COVID ribbon and tack it to the cross in Trinity’s sanctuary. In its second year, the Central Kansas Master Chorale is a collection of select vocalists from around the area committed to advancing the art of choral music by performing great works of the past and present, fostering music education, and enriching and inspiring the culture of our broad community. Even though all participants bring special talents and gifts, art is achieved only through continual dedication and hard work. Garber holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Bethel College, and an Associate of Arts degree from Hesston College. Admission is free to the event but donations will be accepted.

Lilies for Easter. You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on
Easter Sunday, April 9. The Worship Decoration Committee will purchase the lilies. The cost will be $10 per lily. Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place this Sunday, March 26, for you to sign up for a lily.

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

New Hope Shelter is in need of the following: Pinesol, Scotch Tape, Laundry Pods, Dishwasher Pods, Dishwashing Soap, 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper, 55+ gallon trash bags, Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Bread, Napkins, Mayonnaise, Granola bars, Pudding Cups. If you can provide some of these supplies, they can be taken to New Hope, 900 West Broadway, Bldg. #7.

Life Enrichment for March 30—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “Theatre as Restorative Justice,” Lauren Friesen, Ph.D., David M. French Professor Emeritus of Theater at the University of Michigan
10:50 “Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills,” Rex Buchanan, Lawrence

Bethel College Announcements:
From Henry S. Waters, DMA
Director of Choral Music and Associate Professor of Music
Bethel College Musical This Weekend
You do not want to miss seeing tick…tick…BOOM! this weekend!!
Show times:
Friday, March 24 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 26 at 2:00 PM
Performance run time is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Get tickets:
https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts
Before Rent, there was tick, tick… BOOM!. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices he made to achieve his big break in theater.
Cast: Hayden Honomichl (Jon), Emily Guldner (Susan), Tristan England (Michael), and Josué Coy Dick (multi-role)
Director: Katie Schmidt, Bethel College Class of 2015
Technical Director of Theater: Damon Klassen
Music Director: Dr. Henry Waters
Rehearsal accompanist and pit: Dr. Christina Liu

· Sun., March 26 and Mon., March 27 – Staley Lectures at Bethel College with Phuc Luu, theologian, philosopher and artist based in Houston, author of Jesus of the East. Sun.: 7 p.m., “Ida B. Wells, the sinned against, and Minjung theology: African-American and Asian voices in harmony,” Administration Building chapel; Mon.: 11 a.m., “‘Where does all the pain go?’: God’s broken body, trauma and the healing of han,” Krehbiel Auditorium
· Tues., March 28 – Bethel College Jazz concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., March 30 – “What’s happening in the statehouse?,” a forum on Kansas politics featuring journalists from The Kansas Reflector, moderated by Adam Strunk, managing editor of Harvey County Now, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Forum co-sponsors are the Bethel Department of Communication Arts and HCN. The Kansas Reflector is a nonprofit, online publication with Kansas’ largest statehouse bureau. The public is invited.
· Fri., March 31 – The public is invited to the final round of Bethel College’s C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, the annual competition takes place on North American Mennonite college campuses, with an overall winner chosen from among the campus winners. The original speeches deal with contemporary peace concerns.
· Fri., March 31 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Bryce Wilson, saxophone, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sat., April 1 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 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.
· Wed., April 5 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., April 6 – Junior recital by Isaac Tice, voice, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Printing the Plains: Relief Prints by Ian Huebert,” through Fri., April 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Mon., April 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute in Salina, will speak at Bethel College.

The Newton Et Cetera shop is looking for a new General Manager. In the next couple of weeks we will have a job description ready to go, but if you know anyone that is interested – let them know that more details and a full job description will be coming very soon. If you have questions you can contact Elaine Schurr, BCMC Et Cetera Board representative.

Bohne berrogie bake day for the Mennonite Central Committee Sale is April 8 at Moundridge High School. Volunteers wanting to help, can sign up on the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website.
Verenika making day is April 1 at the Parkview MB Church, 610 S. Main St., Hillsboro with shifts in the morning, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., and afternoon 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (will include cleanup after we make the target # of Verenika-if you are able and willing to stay and help) Volunteers, go to the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website to sign up.

Men and Boys Retreat, March 31-April 2. Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. There will be a variety show on Saturday evening and a worship service on Sunday morning. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday.
Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

For Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here

For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite Church USA MennoCon23 What To Expect press here

For KIPCOR Upcoming Events press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Please note that Youth Volunteer Weekend, March 24-25, has been cancelled due to the small number of campers. Everyone is invited to join the April 22 Work and Play Day. (Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN).
Head cooks needed for PreJunior I, June 11-15, and PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
You may have heard the HVAC in the Retreat Center is not working. Never fear! There will be portable A/C units this summer in the Retreat Center.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!

Hesston College Announcements

March 28 – Home on the Range: Breeding Biology of Prairie Chickens

Join the Dyck Arboretum on March 28 at 7 p.m. for Home on the Range. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas executive director, will discuss the biology of greater and lesser prairie chickens, species that she has studied for nearly 20 years. These charismatic birds perform impressive displays to gain mating opportunities. Come hear about the rolling prairie, the antics of prairie chickens, and the challenges of studying these declining species. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

March 30 – Music Department Recital

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on March 30 at noon. This recital will feature vocal students Jesse Kanagy, Andrew Miller, Ginny Miller, Sadie Oesch, and Eli Stoll. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

April 2 – Sunflower Performing Arts

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board welcomed Mosaic Mennonite Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter and Assistant Moderator Roy Williams to its online Zoom meeting on Jan. 28, 2023. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/eb-mosaic-moderators

Menno Snapshots

After a three-year hiatus, Mennonite educators from 14 different schools from across the United States and Albania gathered together in Leesburg, Virginia, Feb 2-4, for the Mennonite Educators Conference, which was hosted by Mennonite Education Agency, the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. Jenn Esbenshade, director of curriculum at Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Mennonite School, reflects on her time at the conference here: mennoniteusa.org/better-together-2

Hopedale (Illinois) Mennonite Church recently sponsored a two-day comforter blitz for Mennonite Central Committee, a ministry partner of Mennonite Church USA, on Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. On Sunday, Feb. 5, Hopedale Mennonite Church blessed the people who made the comforters and prayed for the recipients of the comforters. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/making-comforter

What are the anchors that hold you in both your work and your own personal wellness? Ingrid Friesen Moser, wellness coordinator with Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan, the health plan for MC USA pastors and church workers, discusses what has anchored her over the years. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/my-well-being-anchor

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Naomi Tice. Naomi serves as the administrative assistant for volunteer placements with Christliche Dienste (German Mennonite Voluntary Service), an agency that sends German youth to participate in Mission Network service programs. Pray for Naomi as she lives in a Christian community and builds relationships with German Mennonites.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Like Paul in the book of Romans, we ask for your prayers for believers who share the good news of Jesus with their neighbors, for the volunteers and pastors who lead our congregations, and for the planters of the Gospel seed. -WDC Church Planting Commission