Author Archives: Monica Lichti

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 25, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 25 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 25, 2021
Philippians

Prelude—From All That Dwells Below the Skies (Burkhardt)

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh, organ

Christ Candle Lighting—Lois Preheim

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn– For We Are Strangers No More—VT 409

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Scripture—Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon—Meeting you on your trail—Renee Reimer

*Hymn—Will You Let Me Be Your Servant—VT 778

Prayers of God’s people—Lois Preheim

*Hymn—God Be With Us—VT 613

Benediction—Renee Reimer

Postlude—A Rejoicing (Fedak)—Karen Unruh, organ

VT = Voices Together

Worship leader—Lois Preheim

Children’s conversation—Kathy Stucky

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harm

Announcements for July 25-August 1, 2021

MC USA Convention Report: Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Renee Reimer and Dawn Yoder Harms participated in the MC USA Convention in Cincinnati, July 6-10 and served as delegates for BCMC. You can hear their reflections about the experience by following this link: https://youtu.be/h8iqcC_xTEM

There will be no worship at BCMC on Aug 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually. A link for the livestreamed service will be posted on the WDC Assembly webpage next Wednesday, July 28.

Thanks to those responding to the chancel choir survey! You’ve provided helpful information that allows us to plan for the fall choir season. More details will follow in mid-August.

Play Bells!

Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall? If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome! Rehearsal time has not yet been set. Please complete the survey by August 8.

Current BCMC Covid guidelines can be accessed on the BCMC website here.

Budget Updates
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48. Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Living Stones II update: Currently the amount contributed to Living Stones II is $13,712.61 short of covering the costs of the kitchen/fellowship hall renovations. Please continue to keep this in mind during the second half of the year.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller: Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt: Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Miner Seymour: Wednesday, July 28, 10 am, BCMC Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website
We will send out links to the services on Monday, July 26, for viewing on the BCMC YouTube Channel.

Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Announces that the Peaches are Coming
Colorado Peaches are coming to MCC in North Newton! Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2. Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly
Remember to register for the WDC Annual Assembly at: mennowdc.org/2021. Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm. July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn. Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun. Storytelling also inside and online! See the WDC Assembly flier here.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Camp Mennoscah Announcement
Summer Youth Camps will end on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed in abundance for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage. On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm. We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done. A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday. There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday! Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly! Contact us at 620-297-3290.

Thursday, July 29 – Grand Open House for the new Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction,” 2-6 p.m. This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

The August 2021 Mennonite Mission Network PRAYER VINE is now available for download. The PDF is posted in the prayer resources section of our website and can also be downloaded directly by clicking the link below:
Download this month’s Prayer Vine (PDF)

Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” click here
Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

The link to the August issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below.
Prayer requests from Mennonite schools – August 2021

For the Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here.

The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit is sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas

Dates of two trips:
October 30 – November 6
February 19 – 26
Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project.
Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses.
Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.

Christian Peacemaker Teams invites you to a webinar on Colombia
To Work the Land is to resist: Farmer’s Voices in Defense of the Land – click here for information

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   This month, Mary Raber is bringing closure to her 11 years of ministry with Mennonite Mission Network in Ukraine. Pray that Mary will find ways to maintain relationships, even as she says goodbye to students and colleagues at Odessa Theological Seminary and the churches where she worshiped.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for WDC’s Annual Assembly next weekend, as we share the new experience of a hybrid (in-person and online) gathering!
Mennonite World Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for peace and stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. We strongly request your prayers for our brothers and sisters in Tigray and Metekel areas. They need our support to heal from the trauma and rehabilitate. Pray for brothers and sisters who are persecuted because of their faith in some parts of the country. Pray for funds to rehabilitate people affected by natural and human-made crisis in different parts of the country.
—Meserete Kristos Church

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 18, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 18 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 18, 2021

Prelude The Spacious Firmament on High (arr. H. DeCou)

“Little” Prelude & Fugue in C Maj (J.S. Bach)

Will Friesen, organ

Lighting the Christ Candle Dale Horst

Welcome

Prayer

*Hymn of Praise Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee VT 103

Children’s Conversation Carol Flickinger

Scripture Reading Philippians 1:1-11

Sermon What Lies Beneath Dawn Yoder Harms

*Hymn of Response God of the Bible VT 420

Prayers of God’s people

*Sending Hymn God, Be with Us VT 613

Benediction Dawn Yoder Harms

Postlude (please remain seated) All Creatures of Our God and King (arr. D. Hustad) Will Friesen ______________________________________________

VT = Voices Together

Flowers—Judy Friesen

AV technician—Ken Lamp

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for July 18-July 25, 2021

BCMC Offering for July 4, 2021: General Fund $6,654; MCC Sale $200; Living Stones $835; Women’s Fellowship $250. Attendance was 97.
BCMC Offering for July 11, 2021: General Fund $8,683.30; Living Stones $155; Women’s Fellowship $130; Hartzel Schmidt Memorial $75. Attendance was 93.

Budget Update
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48. Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Interested in singing in Chancel Choir this fall? If so, please complete this short survey by following this link. Your participation in the survey will help choir directors plan for the coming year.

WOVEN INTO GOD’S STORY

The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-August 1. This will be a “hybrid” event – some parts will be only virtual, other parts will be only on-site, and much of it will be hybrid with people on-site and virtual sharing together. The on-site parts will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson, Newton, KS.The Assembly theme will be “Woven Into God’s Story” using Scripture themes from Colossians 2:2-7. Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor Hesston College, will be the keynote speaker and storyteller. Other storytellers will be sharing throughout the weekend, as well. For more Assembly info, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc -annual-assembly/.

BCMC is urgently seeking delegates for the WDC Delegate Session (held virtually) on Saturday, July 31, 8:30-10:30am. If you would be willing to represent our congregation at this meeting, please contact Dale Schrag. Registration fees will be covered by BCMC.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and/or live streamed.

A memorial for Robert Waltner’s wife, Barbara, who died March 7, 2021, will be Saturday, July 24, 11 am. They are members of Lorraine Avenue Church, but the service will be held at the First Church of the Brethren, 1103 Jefferson in Wichita. (The air conditioning at Lorraine Avenue is not working). Robert is John Waltner’s brother.

The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will be in concert Sunday, August 1, 3 pm at the First Prebyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. See the poster here.

Everence to hold Gifts that give back webinar
Tuesday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Many make charitable gifts to support their favorite causes and organizations. Some choose to extend their charitable giving further by designating dollars for charity in their end-of-life plans. But did you know there is another type of gift plan that generates income for the donor and then sends a gift to charity at a later date? Come to this workshop to learn more about “Gifts that give back” and whether it is a strategy for you! This webinar will be hosted by Mitch Stutzman, Everence Stewardship Consultant.
This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Advisory services and securities may be offered through a third-party registered investment advisor or registered broker-dealer that is not affiliated with Everence Trust Company. Investments and other investment-related and/or securities products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and are not guaranteed.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond link

For news from the Western District Conference go to this link

For the Mennonite Central Committee Washington E-Memo press here

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 11, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 11, 2021 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 11, 2021
The Story of Ruth

Prelude—Pat Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Welcome and Prayer

Hymn—*Song Mountain of God—VT 11

Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman

The Story of Ruth

Chapter 1

Women (when prompted): “Can this be Naomi?”

Song— Come Ye Disconsolate—VT 643

Chapter 2

Everyone (when prompted): “The Lord bless you!”

*Song—Come, Ye Thankful People—VT 123

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

The elders (when prompted): “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Women (when prompted): “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

Women (when prompted): “Naomi has a son!”

Prayers of God’s people—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Song—The Lord Bless You and Keep You—VT 846

Benediction—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Postlude—Pat Friesen

VT = Voices Together

*All who are able are invited to stand

Today’s skit was adapted by Sophia Austin and edited by Michelle Curtis

Skit participants: Tim Hodge, Jill Robb, Sara Dick, Adam Robb, Doug Harms, Renee Reimer, and Ben Gering

Worship leader—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

Children’s conversation—Megan Kohlman

Audio visual—Ben Lichti

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for July 11-July 18, 2021

Pastor Renee Reimer at Camp Mennoscah
Renee will be leading input at Camp Mennoscah July 11-15
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from July 11-19.

WOVEN INTO GOD’S STORY

The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-August 1. This will be a “hybrid” event – some parts will be only virtual, other parts will be only on-site, and much of it will be hybrid with people on-site and virtual sharing together. The on-site parts will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson, Newton, KS.The Assembly theme will be “Woven Into God’s Story” using Scripture themes from Colossians 2:2-7. Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor, Hesston College, will be the keynote speaker and storyteller. Other storytellers will be sharing throughout the weekend, as well. For more Assembly info, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc -annual-assembly/.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller: Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt: Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and/or live streamed. Following the services, cookies will be served outdoors (or indoors in case of inclement weather).

Bluestem Communities will host its annual community dementia forum, Innovations in Living with Dementia, as an online webinar on Wednesday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. The presentation is entitled, “I Already Told You…Don’t You Remember?: Understanding Memory Loss, Dementia and Dementia Communication,” and is presented by national-known dementia educator Erin Bonitto. The webinar is free, and one credit of CEUs approved by the State of Kansas is available as an option for $15. Whether you’re a professional caregiver or someone caring for a loved one living with dementia, this learning session will help participants focus on what the person with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia needs you to know. Register at bluestemks.org/dementiaforum. Registration is required. Spaces are limited.

The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will be in concert Sunday, August 1, 3 pm at the First Prebyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. See the poster here.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

WDC Assembly Seminars & WebinarsPosted on: July 7, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD
Basic Immigration Law TrainingPosted on: July 6, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD
Bethel College Biennial Worship and the Arts SymposiumPosted on: June 29, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD
WDC Staff position openingPosted on: June 16, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD

Western District Conference Announcements
1. Shaking up the WDC Assembly worship Saturday evening (July 31)! Virtual participants, grab your supper at home, and onsite participants, get your supper from a food truck (at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS), then join us for a time of worship and communion around the supper table. We hope you’ll join us for this and other creative worship times, seminars/webinars, and more July 30-August 1 as part of the WDC Annual Assembly. For more Assembly information, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

2. WDC Assembly Sunday Worship: How can we join August 1 Assembly worship? Join us in-person at 10:30 am at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson, Newton, KS. Or worship via YouTube Live at 10:30 am wherever you are. Or watch the recording on our WDC YouTube channel at Western District Conference (MC USA) whenever it is convenient for you. Join us for Friday (July 30) worship at 7 pm in any of these ways, too!

3. Storytelling opportunity! WDC’s Annual Assembly theme is “Woven into God’s Story.” StoryCorps has invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. OneSmall Step is an initiative to facilitate online conversations between people of different viewpoints and life experiences. (Facilitators are bilingual, so conversations may be either in Spanish or English). Thank you to those who have registered to participate in this initiative! We are still seeking additional registrants to meet the number needed for the project, so StoryCorps has rescheduled WDC’s virtual recording days for October 7-9 (instead of July). With this change in dates, participants will be matched with a conversation partner from the WDC community OR from the StoryCorps national community, to make sure everyone has an opportunity for a conversation. This means you still have time to sign up! To register, go to https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/. To learn more, see these examples of One Small Stepstories.

Mennonite Central Committee’s monthly newsletterIn Touch can be read here.

Mennonite Disaster Service’s Volunteer Update can be viewed here.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Family Weekend at Camp Mennoscah on July 17-18! If you’re looking for a weekend to escape, this retreat offers a smorgasbord of camp activities for you to choose from and plenty of time to be with your family and friends. Register at campmennoscah.org and contact 620-297-3290 with questions!

2. Extra help needed for summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah has paid and volunteer positions for grounds, maintenance and custodial positions. Volunteer kitchen staff is needed for July 18-24; willing hands and the ability to follow directions is all that is needed. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details. You will make camp an amazing experience for everyone!

3. August 28 is the next Work Day at Camp Mennoscah! We’ll remind you again, but save the date. You make camp great!

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Tuesday, July 13
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.
*Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and 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 ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: In Bangladesh, India and Nepal, Community Health Evangelists (CHEs) have received special permission from their governments to work, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the CHEs, who care for the sick and share the good news of God’s love throughout Asia.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission as they meet this week, and offer support and accountability for ministerial leadership in the conference.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR July 4, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

July 4, 2021 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 4, 2021
The Story of Jonah

Prelude—The Ninety and Nine, (arr. N. Johnson) and On Jordan’s Stormy Banks, (arr. D. Bish)-Will Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome and Prayer

Hymn—Great Is Thy Faithfulness—VT 419

Children’s Conversation—Doug and Dawn Yoder Harms

Scripture Reading—Jonah 4—Dianne Epp

Sermon—Anger in flesh, word, and heart—Renee Reimer

Hymn—Beauty for Brokenness—VT 712

Prayers of God’s people—Dianne Epp

Hymn—Lead Me, Guide Me—VT 601

Benediction—Renee Reimer

Postlude— Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, (J.S. Bach)—Will Friesen

VT = Voices Together

Worship leader—Dianne Epp

Children’s conversation—Doug and Dawn Yoder Harms

Audio visual—Francis Toews

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

Announcements for July 4-July 11, 2021

Church Office and Building Closed and Staff Absences
The church office and building will be closed on July 5 in order for the staff to have a holiday (since July 4 is on a Sunday.)
· Monica Lichti will not be in the office July 6.
· Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from July 5 to 10.
· Pastor Renee Reimer will be attending the MC USA Convention from July 6-10.

BCMC’s Reopening Church Task Group met on June 29. Among decisions made was one to dispense with sign-up for in-person Sunday worship, effective July 11. Even though a high percentage of BCMCers are vaccinated, masks are still required as we care for those among us who are still at risk, including children and those who are immuno-compromised.

BCMC Offering for June 27, 2021: General Fund $6,847; Sr Hi Youth $100; Living Stones $5; Women’s Fellowship $50; Esther Rinner Memorial $250; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $50; Helen Ruth Unruh Memorial $25.

The Library Theme for June and July is MCC/Community Service in honor of the MCC Sale. Please stop by the library and see what we have to offer. New book write ups will also be published soon, but the new books have already been added to the recent shelves on the west side of the library. Please take advantage of the many books that we have available by either stopping by or using the church website link. – Library Committee

Summer Sunday School for Children
Outdoor Summer Sunday School for Children and Youth will take place July 4, 11, 18, and 25 on the BCMC playground. All ages are welcome as we will be playing outdoor team building games together.

_________________________________

The WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session on July 31 at 8:30-10:30 will be virtual only. BCMC is looking for 15 people to serve as delegates. If you have interest in representing our congregation, please contact Dale Schrag. Registration fees will be covered by BCMC. For more Assembly info, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc -annual-assembly/.

Fireworks Extravaganza at Kidron Bethel Village
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday, July 4, at 3001 Ivy Drive in North Newton. There is no admission charge. Fireworks will begin after sundown, and arrival may begin at 8:30 p.m. Due to COVID precautions, the event will be scaled down from previous years and will be outdoors only, featuring just the fireworks show. Salted Creamery ice cream will be available for purchase. Organizers request physical distancing to be observed and for unvaccinated individuals to wear masks. Parking for the event will be marked. Lawn chairs are recommended for fireworks viewing, and flashlights may be helpful for navigating to and from parking areas.

The Mennonite Central Committee Central States office in North Newton, KS will be open to the public starting Tuesday, July 6. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm. Masks are respected but not required for fully vaccinated adults. We look forward to welcoming you back at MCC! Contact us at 316-283-2720 or centralstates@mcc.org.

Western District Conference announcements

1. Shaking up the WDC Assembly worship Saturday evening (July 31)! Virtual participants, grab your supper at home, and onsite participants, get your supper from a food truck (at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS), then join us for a time of worship and communion around the supper table. We hope you’ll join us for this and other creative worship times, seminars/webinars, and more July 30-August 1 as part of the WDC Annual Assembly. For more Assembly information, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

3. WDC delegates appointed by the WDC Executive Board to the Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly on July 10 are Lois Barrett, Delon Martens, June Krehbiel, Karen Mascho, Lee Lever, Heidi Regier Kreider, Sandra Montes-Martinez, Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Lilly Garcia (youth delegate) and Andrea Hernandez (youth delegate). Pray for the Spirit’s presence and guidance for these representatives, as well as WDC congregational delegates, youth groups and others who gather virtually or in person for MennoCon21, July 6-10.

4. Storytelling opportunity! WDC’s Annual Assembly theme is “Woven into God’s Story.” StoryCorps has invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. OneSmall Step is an initiative to facilitate online conversations between people of different viewpoints and life experiences. (Facilitators are bilingual, so conversations may be either in Spanish or English). Thank you to those who have registered to participate in this initiative! We are still seeking additional registrants to meet the number needed for the project, so StoryCorps has rescheduled WDC’s virtual recording days for October 7-9 (instead of July). With this change in dates, participants will be matched with a conversation partner from the WDC community OR from the StoryCorps national community, to make sure everyone has an opportunity for a conversation. This means you still have time to sign up! To register, go to https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/. To learn more, see these examples of One Small Stepstories.

5. Join us in saying thanks to WDC Administrative Assistant Nancy Funk! If you would like to share an expression of appreciation for Nancy in anticipation of her retirement at the end of August, you are invited to stop by to visit with Nancy at the WDC office (2517 North Main Street, N. Newton, KS) over the next several weeks, or to send a note to her at WDC, PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117, or wdc@mennowdc.org.

3. August 28 is the next Work Day at Camp Mennoscah! We’ll remind you again, but save the date. You make camp great!

Mennonite church announcement
Want to be an integral part of a young adult’s life? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office Announcement
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact globally on health, economic well-being and inequality. Many countries lack the resources to access COVID-19 vaccines or therapeutic treatments and are struggling to recover from a global economic downturn.Join us for a webinar on Thursday, July 15, at 1:00 p.m. EDT to explore the issue of vaccine justice and the need for an equitable pandemic response by the U.S. government.

Register for the webinar here (if you cannot attend, you will receive a link to the recording).

Hear from the following panelists:

Paul Fast, MCC U.S. Global Health Coordinator
Vurayayi Pugeni and Thelma Sadzamari, MCC Area Directors for Southern and Central Africa and Nigeria
Charles Kwuelum, Senior Legislative Associate for International Affairs, MCC U.S. Washington Office

We hope you will join us. Register here.

Everence Announcements
We are excited to share with you the Everence Toolkit; a quarterly newsletter to help you creatively use your God-given gifts.

Everence offers many resources to your congregation. By clicking on the button below, you will be able to download the current Toolkit. Contact your Stewardship Consultants for physical copies.

Download current issue (English)

Click here for the Mennonite Creation Care Network Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/6ee5bab45821/menno-creation-care-e-news-july-church-edition?e=e981fb2fe8

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Arloa Bontrager of Mennonite Mission Network has been the servant project coordinator for Mennonite Church USA conventions since 2003! Thank God for her faithful ministry and for the 23,533 volunteers who have contributed to the ministry of 420 local agencies during the past 18 years. Pray that Jesus’ love will be shown through this year’s Service in a Box projects.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for delegates, youth groups and others from WDC attending MennoCon21 (Mennonite Church USA convention and delegate assembly) both virtually and in-person this week.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR June 27, 2021–––YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESS READ MORE TO SEE THE LINK

Press here for the June 27 Worship Service

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 27, 2021

Prelude—Tuba Tune in D Major – (C.S. Lang)—Karen Schlabaugh

Lighting the Christ Candle—Mike Claassen

Welcome—Mike Claassen and Nathan Koontz

Prayer

*Hymn of Praise—Could it be that God is Singing—VT 42

Children’s Conversation—Bill Swartley

Scripture Reading—Psalm 103:1-14 and Jonah 3

Sermon—Who Knows?—Dawn Yoder Harms

Hymns of Response—Kyrie—VT 147

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy—VT 156

Dedication of Renovated Kitchen and Fellowship Hall

Prayers of God’s people—Mike Claassen

*Sending Hymn—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832

Benediction—Dawn Yoder Harms

Postlude (please remain seated)— Nun lasst uns Gott, dem Herren (Johann Christoph Bach)

******************************************************************************
VT = Voices Together

Musicians—Karen Schlabaugh, keyboard

AV technician—Ben Lichti

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

This morning we dedicate BCMC’s newly renovated Kitchen, Fellowship Hall, and accessible family restroom. Many thanks to Annette Lamp, project coordinator, and Monica Lichti, staff liaison, who poured many hours and much energy into seeing this project to completion! Following worship today, you are welcome to tour the renovated space and enjoy refreshments on the playground. Thank you to the Hospitality Commission for the refreshments.

Announcements for June 27-July 4, 2021

Dedication of the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall
Sunday morning we dedicate BCMC’s newly renovated Kitchen, Fellowship Hall, and accessible family restroom. Many thanks to Annette Lamp, project coordinator, and Monica Lichti, staff liaison, who poured many hours and much energy into seeing this project to completion! Following worship today, you are welcome to tour the renovated space and enjoy refreshments on the playground. Thank you to the Hospitality Commission for the refreshments.

Church Office and Building Closed and Staff Absences
· The church office and building will be closed on July 5 in order for the staff to have a holiday (since July 4 is on a Sunday.)
· Monica Lichti will not be in the office July 2 or 6.
· Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from July 5 to 10.
· Pastor Renee Reimer will be attending the MC USA Convention from July 6-10.

Group Subscription Renewal Notices
Anabaptist World — If you wish to renew “Anabaptist World” with the church’s group subscription, send or bring $39.00 to the church office by June 29.
Rejoice Devotional Magazine — If you wish to renew the devotional magazine, “Rejoice” send or bring $32.10 to the church office by June 29.

Any graduates out there?! This year BCMC celebrated 5 high school graduates, but we know there are others in our community who have graduated this year too. We’d love to hear from you! Whether you graduated from high school, college, or graduate level please let us know your accomplishment. Email Renee Reimer with name, accomplishment, and school/program name at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Vacation Bible School
Bethel College Mennonite Church, Casa Betania, Faith Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church, New Creation Fellowship, and Shalom Mennonite Church are hosting Vacation Bible School – Bring the Peace – this week (June 28th to July 2nd). Please pray for all the volunteers and participants participating virtually Monday to Thursday and during their in person field day on Friday, July 2nd.

BCMC Offering for June 20, 2021: General Fund $9,355; Plant Fund $200; Library Reserve Fund $28; Living Stones $85; Esther Rinner Memorial $20.

New Addresses for your BCMC Directory

Richard and Frances Siemens, 3056 Ivy Court, Apt. 16, North Newton, KS 67117
Tim and Bethany Schrag, 313 SE 5th Street, Newton, KS 67114

Sat., July 3 – Kauffman Museum First-Saturday Bird Walk. Meet at 7 a.m. in the museum parking lot, corner of Main and 27th streets, North Newton – experienced birders will lead a walk of 1 to 1.5 hours. Please be aware this is mostly on an unpaved trail and the terrain is sometimes sloping or steep.

WDC announcements

1. Have you noticed WDC’s website has a new look? Check it out at https://mennowdc.org. While it is still a work in progress, the refreshed website is now THE place to go for all things WDC! Beginning in July, the WDC Sprouts weekly newsletter email will be discontinued. WDC articles, announcements, and other information will be posted exclusively on the website. Email alerts will be sent to let you know when new content has been posted.

2. The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-Aug 1, both virtually and at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson in Newton KS. Saturday, July 31 food options for persons attending onsite: Lunch: pre-order a box lunch (by July 20, please) when you fill out your Assembly registration form, or you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Supper: food trucks will offer a variety of options to purchase, or you are welcome to bring your own supper. For more Assembly info and to register, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/

3. The WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session on July 31 at 8:30-10:30 will be virtual only. To participate in discussions and decision-making, each delegate must have their own device – computer, smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have one, call your church, there’s probably someone who’d be willing to share theirs for two hours. For more Assembly info and to register, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

4. Join in this special Annual Assembly storytelling opportunity! WDC’s Assembly theme July 30-August 1 is “Woven into God’s Story.” StoryCorps has invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. One Small Step is an initiative to facilitate conversations across differences. (Facilitators are bilingual in Spanish and English.) It’s a chance to spend time virtually with someone different than you and discover the stories behind each other’s beliefs. To join another WDC member for an online conversation, sign up at https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/. The registration deadline is June 25 and virtual recordings will be scheduled July 28-30. For more information about One Small Step see attached flyer.

5. A/V Volunteers Needed: A hybrid Annual Assembly has lots of opportunity for you to operate sound and video equipment for an hour or more, as your schedule allows. The onsite coordinator will support your efforts. If you are interested in volunteering, please email our Assembly Coordinator, Kathy Neufeld Dunn, at kathynd@mennowdc.org with your interest? Thanks! Our Technology Coordinator will contact you with details.

6. Join others from across WDC to discuss “Why Do We Suffer and Where is God When We Do?” by Valerie G. Rempel on Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Register for the online discussion or to borrow a copy at crlib@mennowdc.org

7. The WDC Immigration Task Force invites you to join a Virtual Borderlands Learning Tour, June 28 – July 2 from 2-5 p.m. CDT each day via Zoom. Engage with the reality of immigration from a different perspective. Through virtual conversations, participants will hear first-hand from folks on the ground about the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, U.S. immigration policies that have worked to dismantle the asylum-seeking process, and the human factor on various sides of the spectrum. For more information and to register: mcc.org/gl-virtual-borderlands.

2. Extra help needed for summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah has paid and volunteer positions for grounds, maintenance and custodial positions. For college age folks, there is a weekly stipend position for a lifeguard, grounds, or custodial position. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details. You will make camp an amazing experience for everyone!

3. August 28 is the next Work Day at Camp Mennoscah! We’ll remind you again, but save the date. You make camp great!

Mennonite church announcements
1. Want to be an integral part of a young adult’s life? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.

2. Iglesia Buenas Nuevas, a Mennonite Church USA congregation in San Juan, Texas, has a long-standing history of being a welcoming, multicultural community, with Black, Latino and white congregants. Learn more about this dynamic church here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/profile-iglesia-buenas-nuevas En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias/iglesia-buenas-nuevas

3. Sarah Augustine, author of “The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery,” discussed her new book in a webinar presented by Mennonite Church USA and MennoMedia. Watch the webinar recording here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/webinars/

4. What does peace have to do with Jesus? Or, maybe, what does Jesus have to do with peace? Dr. Meghan Larissa Good explores these questions in her blog, “Jesus and the Work of Peace,” and will speak on this during the July 7 worship service at MennoCon21. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/jesus-work-of-peace

5. When Maribel Ramírez Hinojosa’s parents took her, as an infant, to be baptized, they found out that the priest would not baptize Maribel unless her parents changed her name to María. Read the story of how she and her family have dealt with the repercussions of this priest’s abuse of power here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-story-behind-my-name/

6. Spiritual Director Jane Roeschley began this year by starting a journey with a spiritual practice called “word of the year.” In her blog, “Give Me a Word,” Roeschley opens up about this journey and how she moved from being skeptical to embracing and recommending the practice. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/give-me-a-word/

Prayers for Mennonite Education – July 2021
This is a monthly prayer resource prepared by Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. These prayer requests were gathered from across Mennonite education, from early childhood – grade 12 schools, undergraduate schools, graduate schools and seminaries, and MEA’s Hispanic Ministries’ Seminary and Bible Institute (SeBAH and IBA). By partnering with these schools and helping them flourish, MEA works to strengthen the church through education. Thank you for supporting the Anabaptist-Mennonite schools through prayer.

The July 2021 Mennonite Mission Network PRAYER VINE is now available for download. The PDF is posted in theprayer resources section of our website and can also be downloaded directly by clicking the link below:
Download this month’s Prayer Vine (PDF)

Mennonite Creation Care Network E-Newsletter link
https://mailchi.mp/1fc8c4964f23/menno-creation-care-e-news-june-wider-world-edition?e=e981fb2fe8