Church moderator: As sisters and brothers in this faith community, today we give thanks for your almost three years of ministry among us, Renee. We say farewell to you, and we ask God to bless the journey ahead – yours and this congregation’s work to move forward.
Congregation: All praise be to our God. In God there is one Body, one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us all.
Renee: We have shared worship and work–much of it during complex circumstances. I’ve gotten to know you in the park, over Zoom and text, and in this church building. We’ve worked hard to creatively craft consistent faith formation ministries in the midst of challenges. We enjoyed bible studies, games, and service projects. I treasure the ways we followed Jesus together.
Church moderator: This is a time of many feelings: sadness, joy, loss, and thankfulness. It’s the goodbyes that are hard, but we have accomplished much during these years together, and we give God thanks and praise for you and your fruitful ministry.
Renee: I leave with cherished memories of our times together. You have shaped my faith. You have helped me see and seek God’s presence in our lives and in the community. Thank you for your care, your creativity, your encouragement, and your hope along the way.
Church moderator elect: God has blessed us richly through your ministry. We now bless you as you begin a new chapter in your life and ministry journey.
Conference Minister: As you, the people of Bethel College Mennonite Church, bless Renee as she leaves this
congregation, do you now release her from her pastoral responsibilities and relationships?
Congregation: With the help of God, we do. We give thanks for Renee’s faithful leadership and now acknowledge this transition in the life of our congregation. We will pray for God’s continued guidance in her life.
Conference Minister: Renee, do you release the congregation from its loyalty to you as their pastor? Do you release the members from turning to you and depending on you to provide the pastoral ministries they seek?
Renee: With the help of God, I do. When we meet in the future, we will be siblings in Christ, not pastor and church members. I will hold the congregation and its ministries in my prayers.
Conference Minister: Renee, may God bless and guide you on the next steps of your journey. May you ultimately form new, caring relationships in a new and beloved community, wherever that may be. May God bless the rest and renewal that you seek and the work that you will undertake next. May God bless and guide this congregation into a hopeful future as it continues kingdom work and seeks new leadership. May God bless and guide each of us in the new relationship that we now will share. Amen.
We offer sympathy to the family of James ‘Jim’ Gaeddert. James died June 15, 2022. Jim’s children are Douglas (Lisa), Gregory (Terri),Bradley (Tracy Kruse), and Janelle Benninghoff (Dan). BCMC member Joel Gaeddert is a grandchild (Crystal, Collin, and Brett). A memorial service is being planned and the date will be announced later.
The memorial service for Orletta Wiebe will be Friday, June 24, 3 pm at BCMC. Orletta died June 8 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston.
This Week at BCMC: June 19-26, 2022 Sunday, June 19–Juneteenth 10:30 am Faith Formation—Visitors welcome! Adult Classes (If meeting): Agape Class (Rm B8) Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel) Monday, June 20—Juneteenth: a holiday for church staff; church will be locked and the office closed today 9 am Women’s Fellowship Executive Board will meet at Lois Preheim’s home, 3005 S. Kansas Road, Newton Tuesday, June 21 9 am KIPCOR (Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution) will be using the Fellowship Hall and some classrooms in the basement for meetings Tuesday through Friday morning Thursday, June 23 2 pm Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14 7 pm Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14 Friday, June 24 3 pm Memorial service for Orletta Wiebe in the Sanctuary Sunday, June 26 9:30 am Worship with sermon by Todd Schlosser 10:30 am Faith Formation
Budget update: For May 2022, income was $35,452 and expenses were $38,968. For the year-to-date, income is $176,381 and expenses are 214,380. – The Finance Committee
May 17 Offering: General Fund $3,330.00; Camp Mennoscah $1475; Living Stones $13.33; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $574; Mission Quilters $132; Keith Sprunger Memorial $250; Larry Friesen Memorial $100 May 22 Offering: General Fund $6,086; Camp Mennoscah $80; Caring Fund $25; Living Stones $80; Women’s Fellowship $498; Keith Sprunger Memorial $855. May 29 Offering: General Fund $5,435.64; Library Reserve Fund $31; Living Stones $255; Screen Project $500; Keith Sprunger Memorial $100. June 5 Offering: General Fund $4,570; Living Stones $340; Screen Project $2,700; Keith Sprunger Memorial $1,000 June 13, 2022: Offering: Genera Fund $9,358.95; Library Reserve Fund $20 Living Stones $430; Screen Project $3,700; Dean Koppes Memorial $50.
Pride Month at BCMC During June Pride month celebrating LGBTQIA persons, we have pride flags flying all around our church campus. In addition, these flags are in celebration of the recent resolutions passed at the MCUSA Special Delegate Assembly that open up access to the LGBTQIA persons in MCUSA and acknowledge previous harm that has been done to them by the church. Also throughout the month of June, the BCMC Supportive Communities Network banner will be at the front of the sanctuary. Finally, members from our congregation will also be attending a Unity March and potluck on June 25 in Wichita sponsored by Wichita Pride. Go to their website for more details. If you are planning on attending, please contact Nathan Koontz so he can get you a button.
On-call cookie crew. BCMC thanks those who have facilitated meals and receptions after memorial services in the past. Since April, a new Funeral Committee has hosted box lunches for families, with BCMC providing dessert. We may also host receptions after a service. With that in mind, could you provide cookies, bar cookies or brownies, if it suits? To join the on-call cookie crew, email dave.linscheid@gmail.com. Thank you. – Dennis and Kathy Campbell, Tom Jackson, Dave Linscheid, Kathryn Simmons and Doris Whillock
The Library theme for June and July is Caldecott and John Newbery Award Winners. We have many of these award winning books that would be of interest to both adults and children. Come check them out. We are also continuing to accept and sell puzzles. Not only are they on the cart, but also below the new book section on the west wall. Just leave a suggested donation of $5 in the envelope and enjoy. We have a long list of books that we would like to add to our collection and this is a great way to support our efforts.
Update from the Church Board: BCMC is in a time of transition, an “in-between” time of waiting and working in the boundary between what was and what will be. These times are rich with possibility for new understanding of our past and current status and for re-envisioning and planning our future. The following are updates on Church Board work during these transitional times:
Credence and Company Consultants: BCMC has contracted with Credence to help us assess congregational strengths and challenges and review our current leadership structures as we consider the future with new pastors. As a part of the process, each congregant will receive a survey later today to begin gathering information. All are encouraged to complete the survey and return it promptly; your perspectives are important! The survey can be completed online but will also be available in paper format for those who request it through the church office. For households with shared email addresses, it is possible for more than one person to complete the survey received through one email address. Names will differentiate surveys from the same household email address. After individual and group interviews as well as preliminary reports and feedback, the consultants plan to submit their final report to the church sometime before Advent. A reference group of David Linscheid, Lois Preheim, Megan Kohlman, Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, and Todd Schlosser has been offering feedback to the consultants. Thank you for taking on this important work! About the Survey: Please find the survey by using the following link: https://credenceandco.com/bethel college-mennonite-church-discernment-process-survey/.
Expanded Pastoral Time for Nathan Koontz: The Church Board has approved a proposal to expand Nathan’s time from ½ time to ¾ time beginning June 13. The MOU is through November 27; Nathan and the Church Board will review the arrangement together in October or November to determine continuation. His additional work will focus on preaching (one additional Sunday each month) and performing the role of worship coordinator. Worship coordination includes making arrangements for worship leaders, scripture readers, and children’s storytellers; liaison work with musicians; work with guest pastors; and other planning and tasks as appropriate. Thank you, Nathan!
Good-bye to Pastor Renee Reimer: The Church Board and congregation bid farewell to Renee during her last Sunday with us (June 12) and during a reception on Monday, June 13. Her final day of work with the church is June 17. We are so grateful for her work with the church and for her conversations and suggestions during this time of leaving. Although we’ll miss you, we wish you well, Renee!
Screen Project: It is with gratitude and excitement that we announce that we achieved the requested $12,200 commitment by the congregation to move ahead with the new screen for the front of the sanctuary. The church will also make a tithing donation to the International Rescue Committee as a part of this project. Thanks to the screen study task group for all their fine work over the last two years! And thanks to so many in our congregation who made an early donation to the project! Additional donations will be needed in the coming months to complete the project.
Bethel College’s Prison Theater Project is currently in process, with director John McCabe-Juhnke, Bethel students and seven men from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility minimum-security East Unit. The public performance at HCF is Friday, July 1, 7 p.m., and the project is looking for an audience! If you’d like to go, contact Offender-Victim Ministries in Newton at 316-283-2038 (Mon.-Thurs.) by June 23.
Mennonites Against Militarism seeks volunteers interested in counter-recruitment efforts
Mennonites Against Militarism – a collaboration of Mennonite Central Committee, U.S. and Mennonite Church USA – is seeking to launch an initiative to counter military recruitment of U.S. youth, called Alternatives to Military Enlistment Network (AMEN). AMEN invites interested volunteers to complete a brief survey that identifies areas in which they may engage with AMEN, including administration, web and graphic design, publicity, budgeting, fundraising and guidance/career counseling. Take the survey here: https://rb.gy/gbehlm
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Start out the morning with God at WDC Assembly!– Tonya Ramer Wenger will be leading morning prayer Saturday and Sunday at 7 am at Camp Copass as part of our Annual Assembly. Camp Copass is on a lovely peninsula, so morning prayer will be by the lake. We hope you’ll join us. Register at: https://mennowdc.org/2022-annual-assembly-registration/
June WDC Resource Library Final Thursday Book Discussion: “At no other time in history or place in the world have so many people understood themselves to be suffering from mental health problems.” In Not Quite Fine: Mental Health, Faith, and Showing Up for One Another, author Carlene Hill Byron calls and equips the church to step up for such a time as this. Join us Thursday, June 30 at 7:00pm via Zoom to discuss the book. Register by emailing crlib@mennowdc.org
Summer Story Hour–God Rocks! – All children ages 3-8 in the central Kansas area are invited to God Rocks! Summer Story Hour at the WDC Conference Resource Library 2517 N. Main in North Newton. Fun Stories and Activities with Leader, Marjie Warkentine and Resource Library Director, Jennie Wintermote. Mondays at 10:00am on June 27, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1 & 8. Register for Story Hour here.
June 15, 2022
Urgent prayer request from Ecuador
Peter Wigginton, who is serving in Ecuador with his wife, Delicia Bravo, has been struggling with back problems. Recently, the pain was so severe that he had to go to the emergency room. Peter has consulted with two surgeons and is facing possible surgery for a herniated disc. Peter and Delicia request prayer for healing and for wisdom as they decide whether to have surgery.
The timing of Peter’s back pain is disappointing as Delicia and Peter and their two daughters, Aliyah, 8, and Ariana, 5, were planning to go to Bolivia to visit Delicia’s family on July 4. It has been three years since the family has been able to visit with parents and extended family, due to COVID restrictions. Pray that the visit to Bolivia can be rescheduled in the not-too-distant future. Blessings!
Lynda Hollinger-Janzen Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Ministry Direct phone: 574-523-3043, Fax 316-283-0454 Toll Free: 1-866-866-2872 Ext. 23026 E-mail: LyndaHJ@MennoniteMission.net “Together, sharing all of Christ with all of creation.”
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY is a collaborative initiative between Mennonite Church USA and Anabaptist Disabilities Network that celebrates the many gifts that people with disabilities bring to our church communities. Christle Hain, the marketing communications and engagement associate for MC USA, reflects on her life as a person with “disability” and her experiences in the Mennonite church. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/educating-listening-around-disability
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY” initiative, Suzanne Kratz, volunteer manager at Care & Share Thrift Shoppes, shares about her experiences creating spaces for friends with differing abilities. “When welcoming people into our communities, it is important that we remember that each and every person has been created by a loving God, in God’s image.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/should-i-say-everybody
Joanne Gallardo points out in her recent Menno Snapshots blog that our society today “lives by the gun.” She argues that, as Christian pacifists, we are called to something different. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/entitled-to-violence
In her Menno Snapshots blog, Katie Graber shares about being part of the Voices Together hymnal committee. “The goal of writing songs – or producing any art – together is not to produce a ‘big hit’ but to make something that is meaningful to individuals and to the community.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/camp-songs-anabaptist-voices
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the members of Mennonite churches in Venezuela, as they extend the love of Jesus to their neighbors during a time when more than 90% of the population is living in poverty, and more than 75% are experiencing extreme poverty. Pray for the churches as they address both food insecurity and spiritual hunger. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC’s Gifts Discernment Committee, and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions as they prepare nominations for elected leadership positions to bring for delegate action at WDC’s annual assembly.
A memorial service will be held for Kenneth Schmidt on Saturday, June 11 at 11 am. You are welcome to attend in person or on line. Kenneth Schmidt is the son of Betty Schmidt of BCMC.
We offer sympathy to the family of Dean Koppes. Dean died at Kidron Bethel Village on May 30. Dean was a long time member of BCMC. Please remember his wife, Linda, in prayer. You can click on this link for Dean’s obituary. https://petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/dean-wilke-koppes/
We offer sympathy to the family of Orletta Wiebe. Orletta died June 8 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston. A memorial service is being planned and the date will be announced later.
Brad, Megan, Lincoln, & Lawrence Kohlman would like to invite our BCMC family to an ice cream social in our backyard – 707 Wheat Lane, Hesston, KS! Come & go from 6:30-8:00 pm on Sunday, June 12. We’ll have water, ice cream with toppings, and yard games. Bring a lawn chair and another drink if you’d like and join us for a fun evening! RSVPs appreciated to meganbkohlman@gmail.com.
Farewell Reception for Pastor Renee Reimer Join us for a come-and-go Farewell Reception for Renee Reimer on Monday, June 13, from 5 – 7 pm. We’ll be outside on the church lawn, wind and weather permitting.
This Week at BCMC: June 12-19, 2022 Sunday, June 12 10:30 am Faith Formation—Visitors welcome! Adult Classes (If meeting): Agape Class (Rm B8) Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel) An Invitation from the Seekers Sunday School Class Today Seekers Sunday school will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Kamala Platt will read from her poetry book: “Gravity Prevails: and so does love”. Everyone is welcome 6:30 to 8 pm Come & go ice cream social at Brad, Megan, Lincoln, and Lawrence Kohlman’s house, 707 Wheat Lane, Hesston Monday, June 13 5-7 pm Come and go reception for Pastor Renee Reimer Tuesday, June 14 12 noon Mid Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall Sunday, June 19—Juneteenth 9:30 am Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz 10:30 am Faith Formation
Library Committee Announcement The Library theme for June and July is Caldecott and John Newbery Award Winners. We have many of these award winning books that would be of interest to both adults and children. Come check them out.
We are also continuing to accept and sell puzzles. Not only are they on the cart, but also below the new book section on the west wall. Just leave a suggested donation of $5 in the envelope and enjoy. We have a long list of books that we would like to add to our collection and this is a great way to support our efforts.
To fellow worshipers of Bethel College Mennonite Church: The screen study committee is grateful for the strong support that our fellowship has given to installing a screen in our sanctuary. We continue to believe that it will enhance worship and provide enhanced experiences for conferences, weddings and other events. We have been receiving gifts and commitments to cover the requested 1/4th of the total cost of the project prior to beginning installation. To date, we have received a little less than ½ of the required $11,250.00. McClellan Sound has advised us that there will be a significant price increase for the projector and screen in the middle of June. So there is some urgency for us to fulfill the balance of the “tithe” very soon so that we can begin the installation. We request and encourage those able to contribute toward the project to do so very soon. These contributions can be in the form or cash donations or pledges to be completed at a later time. Thanks, Bill Swartley, Church Board member
Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences! If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennonite Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Pride Month at BCMC During June Pride month celebrating LGBTQIA persons, we have pride flags flying all around our church campus. In addition, these flags are in celebration of the recent resolutions passed at the MCUSA Special Delegate Assembly that open up access to the LGBTQIA persons in MCUSA and acknowledge previous harm that has been done to them by the church. Also throughout the month of June, the BCMC Supportive Communities Network banner will be at the front of the sanctuary. Finally, members from our congregation will also be attending a Unity March and potluck on June 25 in Wichita sponsored by Wichita Pride. Go to their website for more details. If you are planning on attending, please contact Nathan Koontz so he can get you a button.
Life Enrichment returns to Bethel College with the start of the fall 2022 semester – but It will be on a different day. Life Enrichment resumes Thursday, Aug. 25, and will be on Thursdays thereafter. Place and time remain the same: Krehbiel Auditorium, 9:30 a.m. See https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/life-enrichment for more information, and look for a brochure coming later this summer.
Bethel College’s Prison Theater Project is currently in process, with director John McCabe-Juhnke, Bethel students and several men from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility minimum-security East Unit. The public performance at HCF is Friday, July 1, and the project is looking for an audience. If you’d like to go, contact Offender-Victim Ministries in Newton at 316-283-2038 (Mon.-Thurs.) before June 24.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
June WDC Resource Library Final Thursday Book Discussion: “At no other time in history or place in the world have so many people understood themselves to be suffering from mental health problems.” In Not Quite Fine: Mental Health, Faith, and Showing Up for One Another, author Carlene Hill Byron calls and equips the church to step up for such a time as this. Join us Thursday, June 30 at 7:00pm via Zoom to discuss the book. Register by emailing crlib@mennowdc.org
Summer Story Hour–God Rocks! – All children ages 3-8 in the central Kansas area are invited to God Rocks! Summer Story Hour at the WDC Conference Resource Library 2517 N. Main in North Newton. Fun Stories and Activities with Leader, Marjie Warkentine and Resource Library Director, Jennie Wintermote. Mondays at 10:00am on June 27, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1 & 8. Register for Story Hour here.
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here For Mennonite World Conference press here For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Connections press here To register for Anabaptist Disabilities Network Webinar “Dementia and Congregational Care” press here For Mennonite Education Agency New Scholarship to Dismantle Racism press here
The Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp June newsletter is here! (Press on the word June)
MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) has named Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz as denominational minister for Peace and Justice. In this role, she will resource conference ministers, conferences and pastors with opportunities to strengthen capacity and engagement in Christ-centered peace and justice, as well as serve as a liaison and coordinator for peace and justice initiatives throughout MC USA. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/peace-justice
Menno Snapshots Sue Park-Hur, director of racial/ethnic engagement for Mennonite Church USA, reflects on the 1992 L.A. Riots/Uprising. “Even after 30 years, we still have a difficult time agreeing on how to name the event, because it impacted the various communities so differently.” Read her reflections here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/gathered-to-remember-testify
In times that “try our souls,” it is easy to be tempted into the narrative that there is a good and a bad side. In her Menno Snapshots blog, Carolyn E. Yoder wrestles with what it means to be an Anabaptist in times like these. “These are the times that try our nonresistant/nonviolent souls. May they also be the times that accelerate the rising consciousness of another way to meet evil in the world.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/times-that-try-our-souls
A longtime Anabaptist and war tax resister, Harold A. (“H.A.”) Penner, shared a letter that he and his wife, Barbara, sent to the Internal Revenue Service, that said, “We conscientiously object on religious grounds to the payment of that portion of our federal income taxes that supports war making and militarism…” Read the full letter here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/tax-resistance-letter
In her Menno Snapshots blog, Kate Wentland discusses her experience cooking traditional Ukrainian foods with friends. “My friends and I cooked together to eat in solidarity, to talk about the war and what it means to offer a peaceful witness, and to donate together.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ukrainian-dinner-party
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Voluntary Service participants, serving through Mennonite Mission Network, are in their final months at their unit houses and volunteer placements. Pray for them as they bring closure to relationships in their hosting communities and find ways to implement what they have learned, as they move into their futures. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations in pastoral transition, that they would experience God’s faithfulness, love and guidance during times of change and uncertainty.
This Sunday, June 5, worship (followed by a potluck lunch!) will be held at Athletic Park beginning at 10:00am. Come out and join all the Mennonite Newton churches for worship and support our children as they wrap up their week long Vacation Bible School together. Bring your own lawn chair for the worship service. If you plan to eat lunch following the service, please bring a potluck dish to share and your own table service. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
The BCMC church building will not be open on Sunday, June 5th. The live-stream link to this Sunday’s worship service is different than normal. You can use this link to watch from home. 10 am Worship Service at Athletic Park (worship will be approximately 30 minutes) All who attend are welcome to participate in a game and a craft afterwards.
Please pray for the sr high youth group this week as they travel to Colorado to do a week of service at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp June 6th-11th. Renee Reimer will be out of the office joining them on this last adventure together.
The Next Week at BCMC Monday, June 6 7 pm Facilities Committee Meeting in Fellowship Hall Tuesday, June 7 6-9 pm Private event in Fellowship Hall Thursday, June 9 9 am Library Committee in the Library 4 pm Staff Congregation Relations Committee Meeting in Room 14 Saturday, June 11 11 am Memorial service for Kenneth Schmidt in the Sanctuary
Library Committee Announcement The Library theme for June and July is Caldecott and John Newbery Award Winners. We have many of these award winning books that would be of interest to both adults and children. Come check them out.
We are also continuing to accept and sell puzzles. Not only are they on the cart, but also below the new book section on the west wall. Just leave a suggested donation of $5 in the envelope and enjoy. We have a long list of books that we would like to add to our collection and this is a great way to support our efforts.
Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble Concert The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will present a concert June 5, 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. Guest artist will be Brett Jackson on saxophone and clarinet. The concert is free and open to the public.
Memorial Service for Jim Goering The memorial service for Theodore James “Jim” Goering will be held Saturday, June 11, 10:45 am, at Grace Community Church, 1600 South Anderson Road, Newton. Visitation will be Friday, June 10, 6-8 pm, also at Grace Community Church. Jim died April 13, 2022 at Kidron Bethel Village. Jim’s wife is Shirley Goering and his siblings are Josephine Schmidt, Homer Goering, Helen Nachtigal, and Vernon Goering. You can view Jim’s obituary at this link: https://www.broadwaycolonialfh.com/obituary/jim-goering The Celebration of Life service will be streamed and can be found under Grace Community Church’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphjoHNJdI3dX26ItfQzGpw
An Invitation from the Seekers Sunday School Class June 12 Seekers Sunday school will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Kamala Platt will read from her poetry book: “Gravity Prevails: and so does love”. Anyone is welcome.
To fellow worshipers of Bethel College Mennonite Church: The screen study committee is grateful for the strong support that our fellowship has given to installing a screen in our sanctuary. We continue to believe that it will enhance worship and provide enhanced experiences for conferences, weddings and other events. We have been receiving gifts and commitments to cover the requested 1/4th of the total cost of the project prior to beginning installation. To date, we have received a little less than ½ of the required $11,250.00. McClellan Sound has advised us that there will be a significant price increase for the projector and screen in the middle of June. So there is some urgency for us to fulfill the balance of the “tithe” very soon so that we can begin the installation. We request and encourage those able to contribute toward the project to do so very soon. These contributions can be in the form or cash donations or pledges to be completed at a later time. Thanks, Bill Swartley, Church Board member
Farewell Reception for Pastor Renee Reimer Join us for a come-and-go Farewell Reception for Renee Reimer on Monday, June 13, from 5 – 7 pm. We’ll be outside on the church lawn, wind and weather permitting.
Chancel Choir Director needed at BCMC Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton, KS) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately 2 times per month during September-May and participates in a Christmas Eve program. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30.
Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, Music Coordinator. Email: thiesenjba@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, Office/Facilities Manager. Phone: 316-283-3667; email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Barbara Thiesen BCMC Music Coordinator
Summer Camp Season is approaching! Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Sat., June 4 – The public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, dawn to dusk (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail.
Sat., June 4 – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Summer Reading Challenge – Everyone across WDC is invited to join the Summer 2022 God Rocks! Reading Challenge. Sign up on the Resource Library’s Beanstack page at https://mennowdc.beanstack.com/reader365. This challenge is for readers of all ages to explore just how amazing God is! Read to earn tickets for prize drawings (gift certificates for coffee and books) as well as free books and other fun prizes. Registration is open now and the challenge runs June 1 through July 31
Invitation to support Mennonite World Conference – As WDC prepares to participate in the upcoming MC USA delegate assembly May 27-30, and our own annual assembly July 29-31, we remember that we are also part of a global Anabaptist fellowship! Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Assembly will take place July 5-10, 2022, with an in-person gathering in Indonesia, as well as an online program. See the WDC website for more information.
Berlin Exodus Presentation – Sun., June 26—7:00 pm—Come hear the story of how MCC worker, Peter Dyck, moved 1,200 Ukrainian Mennonite refugees located in Berlin to a waiting ship in West Germany to travel to Paraguay in 1947 (75 years ago). The Berlin Exodus (also known as the Great Escape) is the theme of an evening presentation at Trinity Mennonite Church (211 Elm Street, Hillsboro, KS) led by Calvin Buller.
Mennonite Central Committee Webinar Dear Bethel College Mennonite, I invite you to join us for our third webinar in a series on welcoming newcomers. Register today for Welcoming asylum seekerson June 21, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Asylum seekers, like refugees, are migrants who flee their homes due to a fear of violence or persecution. Join MCC and partners from across the U.S. to learn more about who asylum seekers are and the many ways the faith community can walk alongside them in their journey to find safe refuge.
During this webinar, Katherine Smith, West Coast MCC’s Border and Migration Coordinator will share about what families experience at the U.S.-Mexico border. Cecilia Valenzuela from Casa Mariposa Detention Visitation Center will share about the need for accompaniment for asylum seekers currently in detention. Jessica Sapalio, program coordinator for Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s Congregational Accompaniment Program for Asylum Seekers, and Rev. Chris McNabb, Neighbor to Neighbor Program Manager for Episcopal Migration Ministries, will share about programs to help churches sponsor asylum seekers in their own community.
You can view the previous Welcoming refugees webinarhere and Addressing the trauma of migrationwebinarhere.
We hope to see you on June 21! If you have questions, please reach out to me at welcome@mcc.org.
Kind regards,Charity Stowell Newcomer Connections Coordinator MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS Mennonite Church USA (MC USA), in partnership with Anabaptist Disabilities Network, has launched “Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY,” an initiative that celebrates the many gifts that people with disabilities bring to our church communities. In June, MC USA will seek to engage people in this initiative by offering resources, prayers and ways to care for one another and to address issues of accessibility in the church. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/welcoming-everybody
Mennonites Against Militarism – a collaboration of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Central Committee, U.S. – is seeking to launch an initiative to counter military recruitment of U.S. youth, called Alternatives to Military Enlistment Network (AMEN). AMEN invites interested volunteers to complete a brief survey that identifies areas in which they may engage with AMEN, including administration, web and graphic design, publicity, budgeting, fundraising and guidance/career counseling. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/mennonites-against-militarism-seeks-volunteers/ Take the survey here: https://rb.gy/gbehlm
Bryan Miller from Beth-El Mennonite Church, Colorado Springs, Col., and RAWtools, Inc. are auctioning Miller’s sculpture, “Never Forgets Peace,” to benefit Mennonite Church USA’s Justice Fund. The sculpture is made from gun parts and is being auctioned from June 1-30, 2022, during Gun Violence Prevention Month. Learn more at rawtools.org/rawshop
Menno Snapshots Mennonite Church USA invited members from across the denomination to share their hopes, thoughts and spiritual reflections ahead of the Special Session of the Delegate Assembly (May 27-30). Read through their blogs here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/tag/delegate-assembly/
The Poor People’s Campaign “follows the spirit and analysis of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in identifying and combatting the ‘evil triplets’ of systemic racism, poverty and the war economy, along with attendant ecological devastation and the false moral narrative of religious nationalism.” Rod Hollinger-Janzen, administrative assistant for Church Vitality in Mennonite Church USA, walks through the reasons why he is an avid supporter of the campaign. Read more, including how you can be involved in the Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls, on Saturday, June 18: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/meet-peoples-needs/
Prayer Request for Mennonite Mission Network: Martine Audéoud, serving with Mennonite Mission Network, vacated her office apartment in France to make space for people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but God sent her a Nigerian family with three children instead. Pray that this family will find support and be able to start a new life. Pray also for Martine as she prepares lectures and counsels doctoral students from her kitchen table.
Prayer Request for Western District Conference: Pray for WDC congregations hosting Vacation Bible School this summer, as they share God’s love and good news with children in the church and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Worship for this week will be a pre-recorded worship service jointly created with Bethel College Mennonite Church and Shalom Mennonite Church. The worship video will be accessible through the BCMC YouTube Channel by clicking here. After you click on this link you will need to then click on the video that says: BCMC Worship May 29, 2022. This service will not be live streamed and will not be finished until Saturday night so you will not be able to click on the normal live stream button or access it prior to Sunday morning. For those who would like to worship in community on Sunday morning, the worship video will be shown in the fellowship hall beginning at 9:30am and followed by informal conversation with one another.
Please continue to pray for all those gathering in Kansas City for the special delegate assembly Friday, May 27th to Monday, May 30th. The BCMC delegates are: Nathan Koontz, Renee Reimer, Todd Schlosser, Megan Kohlman, Esther Koontz, and Emma Beachy.
May 29, 2022
A service of celebration
Welcome–Ben Woodward-Breckbill and Renee Reimer
Hymn– The Love of God– Voices Together 162–(BCMC)
Scripture Reading–Acts 2:1-6 & 12-21–Voices from SMC
MCUSA Sermon– The Way of Peace in our Polarized World– Samuel Sarpiya
Hymn– I will Pour Out My Spirit on All My People–Doug and Jude Krehbiel
Delegate Reflection–SMC and BCMC Delegates
Prayers of God’s People–Nathan Koontz
Postlude– Bound Together As One –SMC
This week at BCMC Sunday, May 29, 2022 Vlog with Shalom, BCMC (Supportive Community Network churches in Newton) 9:30 am Watch the collaborative vlog on your own or in the fellowship hall with other BCMC folks followed by informal conversation. Watch on the BCMC YouTube Channel. The church nursery is open but not staffed through the summer months. Children and youth Sunday School classes will not be meeting in the summer Adult Classes (If meeting): Agape Class (Room B8); Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Book Study (Rm 20); Mosaic Class (Fellowship Hall); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel) Monday, May 30, 2022—Memorial Day—Church will be locked; office closed Thursday, June 2, 2022 7 pm Church Board Meeting in Room 14 Sunday, June 5, 2022 10 am Worship Service at Athletic Park (worship will be approximately 30 minutes) All who attend are welcome to participate in a game and a craft afterwards. If you plan to eat lunch following the service, we are asking that you bring a potluck dish to share. Please bring lawn chairs and your own table service. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Vacation Bible School Please pray for the children who will be attending VBS from May 31-June 3. Bible passages that will be discussed during the Passport to Peace VBS will be: Acts: 26-40, Matthew 25: 31-46, 1 Samuel 25:1-35, Genesis 26:12-33, and Luke 10:25-37. The June 5 Vacation Bible School joint church service will be held at Athletic park at the large shelter house. Worship will be at 10:00am and will last approximately 30 minutes. All who attend are welcome to participate in a game and a craft afterwards. If you plan to eat lunch following the service, we are asking that you bring a potluck dish to share. Please bring lawn chairs and your own table service. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
A Note from the Reopening Task Group Regarding the Fellowship Hall The Reopening Committee is recommending removing limitations and allowing the BCMC Fellowship Hall to function as it was functioning pre-pandemic, including potlucks, fellowship coffees, and funeral meals to groups that fit the capacity. It has been determined the capacity in fellowship hall for health reasons, fire code, and mobility reasons is 125 persons. With that capacity limit, we may need to be creative in how to serve groups that are larger than 125 persons. Please note that the removal of restrictions does not mean that funeral meals, fellowship coffee, potlucks, and other fellowship hall activities will immediately resume in pre-pandemic fashion. Commissions and committees will still need time to organize and decide how they can best serve our church and our community. This removal of restrictions is also with the caveat that if our church and broader community needs dictate, we will move to more limited measures in the future. – The Reopening Task Group: Renee Reimer, Adam Robb, Todd Schlosser, Jeanette Stucky, Barbara Thiesen, Doris Whillock, Monica Lichti
We offer sympathy to Metta Lieb on the death of her brother, Herb Janzen, (93 years old), May 26, in Cheney, Washington. Herb is also brother-in-law to Dotty Janzen.
Thank you from Aldine Sprunger and Family Thanks to the church staff and church community for all of your support after Keith’s death. – Aldine Sprunger and Family
Memorial Service for Jim Goering The memorial service for Theodore James “Jim” Goering will be held Saturday, June 11, 10:45 am, at Grace Community Church, 1600 South Anderson Road, Newton. Visitation will be Friday, June 10, 6-8 pm, also at Grace Community Church. Jim died April 13, 2022 at Kidron Bethel Village. Jim’s wife is Shirley Goering and his siblings are Josephine Schmidt, Homer Goering, Helen Nachtigal, and Vernon Goering. You can view Jim’s obituary at this link: https://www.broadwaycolonialfh.com/obituary/jim-goering The Celebration of Life service will be streamed and can be found under Grace Community Church’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCphjoHNJdI3dX26ItfQzGpw
Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble Concert The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will present a concert June 5, 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. Guest artist will be Brett Jackson on saxophone and clarinet. The concert is free and open to the public.
Address Changes for Your BCMC Directories
· Marilyn Graber has moved to 115 W. 9th, Room/Box 614, Newton, Ks, 67114
· Edie Krehbiel has moved to Paramount (formerly Asbury Park), 415 SW 12th Street, Room F, Newton, KS, 67114
· As of June 18 Ilene Schmidt’s address will change to 3056 Ivy Court, Apt. 7, North Newton, KS, 67117
· New phone number for Bonnie Epp: 316-772-2383
· Rebecca Mueller has moved to 13912 Greinert Drive, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Retractable Screen in the Sanctuary At the April congregational meeting, members of the BCMC community voted in support of a project that will install a retractable screen in the front of the sanctuary. With this in mind, the Church Board is happy to announce that a special, above-budget fund has been established to accept donations toward this project.If you would like to give to this project, please earmark your donation to the “screen project”. For more information on this, please see the minutes from the April congregational meeting. Thanks for your support! (A copy of the April 24 Congregational Minutes is posted on the church bulletin board.)
Farewell Reception for Pastor Renee Reimer Join us for a come-and-go Farewell Reception for Renee Reimer on Monday, June 13, from 5 – 7 pm. We’ll be outside on the church lawn, wind and weather permitting.
Chancel Choir Director needed at BCMC Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton, KS) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately 2 times per month during September-May and participates in a Christmas Eve program. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30.
Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, Music Coordinator. Email: thiesenjba@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, Office/Facilities Manager. Phone: 316-283-3667; email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Barbara Thiesen BCMC Music Coordinator
Summer Camp Season is approaching! Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church. To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $33.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS Sat., June 4 – The public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, dawn to dusk (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail.
Sat., June 4 – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Office Schedule – The WDC Office and Resource Library will be closed Monday, May 30 for the Memorial Day Holiday. We will open again on Tuesday, May 31.
WDC Annual Assembly is for ALL AGES! – July 29-31, 2022, at Camp Copass in Denton, TX, our Annual Assembly will have fun activities and faith formation for children, youth and adults, both delegates and non-delegates, as well as childcare for those 5 and under. For more information about the youth event, contact Nita Nikkel at nitaknikkel@gmail.com or 316-587-7765. Registration opens in early June. Please join us!
Summer Story Hour–God Rocks! – All children ages 3-8 in the central Kansas area are invited to God Rocks! Summer Story Hour at the WDC Conference Resource Library 2517 N. Main in North Newton. Fun Stories and Activities with Leader, Marjie Warkentine and Resource Library Director, Jennie Wintermote. Mondays at 10:00am on June 27, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1 & 8. Register for Story Hour here.
Summer Reading Challenge – Everyone across WDC is invited to join the Summer 2022 God Rocks! Reading Challenge. Sign up on the Resource Library’s Beanstack page at https://mennowdc.beanstack.com/reader365. This challenge is for readers of all ages to explore just how amazing God is! Read to earn tickets for prize drawings (gift certificates for coffee and books) as well as free books and other fun prizes. Registration is open now and the challenge runs June 1 through July 31.
Please consider joining MCC for a virtual lobby week for peace on the Korean Peninsula on June 13-17, 2022.
June 25 will mark the 72nd anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. Though there was a ceasefire in 1953, the United States and North Korea have yet to sign a peace treaty to officially end the war. Thousands of Korean Americans continue to be separated from family members, and humanitarian access in North Korea remains challenging. At the 7th annual Korea Peace Advocacy Week, hundreds of people across the country will participate in virtual advocacy meetings to urge their members of Congress to support:
* A Peace Agreement to end the Korean War * Life-saving humanitarian assistance * Reunification of separated families
* Receive a one-hour training on how to advocate to members of Congress
During the advocacy week, you will: * Have one to three meetings with congressional staff. Meetings with members of Congress will take place during the week, typically between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EDT. Meetings usually last about 30 minutes, and coordinators will do their best to work with your schedule.
Feel free to reply to this email with any questions, and we hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Kate Parsons Legislative Associate Mennonite Central Committee U.S.
For Mennonite Mission Network Stir up peace webinar press here For Mennonite Mission Network news and beyond press here For Mennonite Mission Network a joining of Pentecost and creation care press here For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here For Mennonite Creation Care Newsletter press here
MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next Women Doing Theology Conference of Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership has been postponed until Fall 2023 (dates and location to be announced). After prayerful discernment, the committee decided that hosting the event in 2023 would allow space for planners to develop a more equitable, accessible and inclusive in-person event. For more information on Women in Leadership, visit mennoniteusa.org/wil
Menno Snapshots In his blog rooted in Luke 19:42, Naun Lucoer Cerrato, founder of Piedra Viva Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Indiana, writes that we are so excited to see the death of an enemy that we miss what Jesus was trying to do in building a spiritual kingdom. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/should-bring-peace
Menno Snapshots “If the conditions or requirements of hospitality are that the stranger be familiar to us, then are we truly willing to welcome the stranger?” write Daniela Lazaro-Manalo and Hannah Markey-Roberts. In their blog, they address the systematic immigration issues at the southern border of the United States in relation to Ukrainian refugee resettlement initiatives. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/welcoming-white-stranger
Menno Snapshots When Jason Kauffman, director of Mennonite Church USA Archives, was asked to create a Mennonite women’s history timeline, he saw it as an opportunity to learn more about Mennonite history. That’s when he faced questions and doubts about the different historical aspects of this project and his role as historian. Read his blog here: mennoniteusa.org/on-history-humility
Menno Snapshots Heidi Regier Kreider, conference minister for Western District Conference, contemplates what it means to be a follower of Jesus in times of war. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/lament-face-of-war
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network praises God for the growth of Mennonite Bible School (formerly Bethany Bible School) in South Africa. Pray for the school’s coordinator, Reuben Mgodeli, as he teaches and provides administrative support in five locations in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Pray also that the participants will be strengthened in their faith and in their leadership ministries.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for Casa del Alfarero Church, so that God opens new paths, new ideas to reach the community in which the seed of the Gospel is sown, and so that together we can be in harmony and peace and above all connected with the vision and desire of God. – Pastor Alberto Parchmont
This week at BCMC Sunday, May 22, 2022 9:30 am Worship Service (in person and live streamed) 10:30 am Faith Formation The church nursery is open but not staffed through the summer months. Children and youth Sunday School classes! 10:30-11:30 am Preschoolers – Room B4 Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26 High School – Room 24 Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House The Agape Class will meet in Room B8 Adult Classes (If meeting): Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5); Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Book Study(Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel) Monday, May 23, 2022 10 am Library Committee meeting in Room 14 Tuesday, May 24, 2022 6:30 pm Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting Thursday, May 26, 2022 2 pm Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall Sunday, May 29, 2022 Vlog with Shalom, BCMC (Supportive Community Network churches in Newton) 9:30 am Watch the collaborative vlog on your own or in the fellowship hall with other BCMC folks followed by informal conversation. Watch on the BCMC YouTube Channel.
A Note from the Reopening Task Group Regarding the Fellowship Hall The Reopening Committee is recommending removing limitations and allowing the BCMC Fellowship Hall to function as it was functioning pre-pandemic, including potlucks, fellowship coffees, and funeral meals to groups that fit the capacity. It has been determined the capacity in fellowship hall for health reasons, fire code, and mobility reasons is 125 persons. With that capacity limit, we may need to be creative in how to serve groups that are larger than 125 persons. Please note that the removal of restrictions does not mean that funeral meals, fellowship coffee, potlucks, and other fellowship hall activities will immediately resume in pre-pandemic fashion. Commissions and committees will still need time to organize and decide how they can best serve our church and our community. This removal of restrictions is also with the caveat that if our church and broader community needs dictate, we will move to more limited measures in the future. – The Reopening Task Group: Renee Reimer, Adam Robb, Todd Schlosser, Jeanette Stucky, Barbara Thiesen, Doris Whillock, Monica Lichti
A MESSAGE FROM COMMUNITY PLAYSCHOOL Community Playschool, Inc. has recently completed our school year and we are excited to say that, despite Covid-19, we were able to stay in person and open all school year! Twenty children of the Newton community participated in the program this year at a minimal cost to their families, thanks to five area churches and United Way. We again want to thank BCMC for being one of those supporting churches through monetary donations, the use of the facilities, secretarial and custodial services and a welcoming attitude toward our program. It is nice to have a home here! We also are grateful for the matching grant that we received from this church through the Everence Sharing Fund, and to the Women’s Fellowship and the Seekers Sunday school class for their donations. Members of the facilities committee also helped with installation of the new storage shed on the playground. I want to acknowledge the service of Clifferd Dick as BCMC’s representative on our board, also serving as treasurer. Barb Voran, Stahli Claassen and Cynthia Linscheid, served as teachers, helpers, and substitutes this year. These volunteers help make it possible for us to continue to provide an affordable preschool experience to families who need it most. A big thanks to Monica Lichti and Mike Crawford for their extra duties related to our being housed here at BCMC! We solicit your prayers and continued support for the future of our organization. With gratitude, Kasey Newell and Jeanette Leary, Directors
Retractable Screen in the Sanctuary At the April congregational meeting, members of the BCMC community voted in support of a project that will install a retractable screen in the front of the sanctuary. With this in mind, the Church Board is happy to announce that a special, above-budget fund has been established to accept donations toward this project.If you would like to give to this project, please earmark your donation to the “screen project”. For more information on this, please see the minutes from the April congregational meeting. Thanks for your support! (A copy of the April 24 Congregational Minutes is posted on the church bulletin board.)
Farewell Reception for Pastor Renee Reimer Join us for a come-and-go Farewell Reception for Renee Reimer on Monday, June 13, from 5 – 7 pm. We’ll be outside on the church lawn, wind and weather permitting.
Chancel Choir Director needed at BCMC Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton, KS) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately 2 times per month during September-May and participates in a Christmas Eve program. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30.
Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, Music Coordinator. Email: thiesenjba@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, Office/Facilities Manager. Phone: 316-283-3667; email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Barbara Thiesen BCMC Music Coordinator
A Message from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee Are you “Unsatisfied”? Particularly with your knowledge of how you can impact change of our church culture? Join us during the Sunday School hour May 22 to read the article “Unsatisfied”. Lead by members of the APRC, we will read this short article, “Unsatisfied”, together and discuss how purity culture has impacted our current culture at BCMC . Articles will be made available that day. Jill Robb, APRC Chair
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will happen at First Mennonite Church on May 31-June 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a joint end of the week celebration and worship service at Athletic Park on Sunday, June 5. Our theme this year is Passport to Peace! Families with children ages preschool through 5th grade may register to attend. A light supper will be provided between 5:30-6:00. A huge Thank you to all who volunteered to help during this week! Families may register using the following link or by scanning the QR code: https://forms.gle/F4nMekBbbdAYDve86
Contact Mary Ellen Hodge for any assistance or questions!
Summer Camp Season is approaching! Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church. To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $33.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS Sun., May 22 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Dave Kreider, “Collecting for College and Community: Past, Present and Future,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.
Sat., June 4 – The public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, dawn to dusk (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail.
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Mini Service Projects at WDC Annual Assembly: July 29-31, at Camp Copass, Denton, TX, adults, youth and kids will help with on-site service projects, including tying comforters for MCC to send to people who have fled their homes, and making MCC hygiene kits. Please ask your church to help collect the following items and bring them to Camp Copass:
1 adult-size toothbrush (in manufacturer’s packaging)
1 large bar bath soap (leave in wrapper)
1 nail clipper (good quality)
1 hand towel (medium weight, dark or bright colors; approx. 16 in x 26 in)
1 wide-toothed comb (6–8 in)
The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly at Camp Copass, Denton TX on July 29 to 31 will feature a youth event for junior high and high school youth across the conference. The youth programming will include times for faith formation, worshiping together, a service project and plenty of recreational activities. Bunk house lodging is available during the retreat. Some scholarships will also be available. Contact Nita Nikkel at nitaknikkel@gmail.com or 316-587-7765 with questions. More information and registration coming soon!
Summer Story Hour–God Rocks! – All children ages 3-8 in the central Kansas area are invited to God Rocks! Summer Story Hour at the WDC Conference Resource Library 2517 N. Main in North Newton. Fun Stories and Activities with Leader, Marjie Warkentine and Resource Library Director, Jennie Wintermote. Mondays at 10:00am on June 27, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1 & 8
Building a Lasting Connection Relationship Retreat – Communication is key for a healthy and long-lasting relationship. During this 2-day retreat, couples will learn and practice skills together that promote healthy communication with one another in order to promote ways of effectively expressing hope, validating feelings, and navigating concerns together. While these skills are helpful for all people, this retreat will be geared toward couples who have been together for 10 years or under (married, engaged, or dating are all welcome). This retreat will be held at Camp Mennoscah and led by Katie Dyck (LCMFT) and Renee Reimer (ordained pastor). This retreat will primarily focus on communication and connection on a secular level, but spiritual practices to do together will also be offered for couples searching to connect on the Divine level too. To register for this innovating retreat, complete this google form or visit catherinedycktherapy.com.
Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania will host a service of ordination for Pastor Graciela Tijerina on Sunday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 East First Street, Newton, KS. Members of the wider church community are welcome to this time of worship and celebration!
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS MCC in need of material resources – MCC is resuming shipments of material resources to Ukraine. Five containers of emergency supplies are being shipped to Ukraine in the next few months with more planned for later in the year. With this increase in demand for supplies for Ukraine and other countries around the world, MCC’s inventory of material resources is getting low. We need comforters, soap and towels as well as dignity, hygiene, infant care, relief, school and sewing kits. Your donations will provide relief and a tangible sign of hope to people in Ukraine and other difficult situations around the world. Go to mcc.org/kits for information on needed supplies and drop-off locations.
Join the MCC Central States team! We are hiring an Human Resources Coordinator, a Young Adult Program Coordinator and a Material Resources Center Volunteer Coordinator. Find out more about each position and apply today at mcc.org/serve/openings.
Gardening for good: Creation care tips for your backyard and stories from Bolivia, May 26 at 7 pm CDT, 6 pm MDT. In this virtual visit, we’ll explore what it looks like to care for the planet––from our own backyards to remote Bolivian communities. Join us to learn gardening and conservation tips in your own garden, then travel south to hear incredible stories from MCC’s projects in Bolivia. Learn more and register at mcc.org/virtual-visits.
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Camper Discount from May 18 to June 1! Camp Mennoscah is offering a $22 discount to anyone who hasn’t registered for summer youth camp yet. Already registered? Get someone else to register and we’ll apply the discount to your account, too. Register here! See the attached letter for details! Summer Youth Camp scholarships are also available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or fill out the request form. Camp is for everyone!
Other events and happenings:
Work & Play Day on May 21!You are invited to join in fellowship and service! Projects for all ages and weather are available. Let us know you’re coming so we can be prepared for you! Bring your lunch and a water bottle. The day will start at 8:30 at the maintenance shed. End your day with a leisurely kayak ride or stroll to the sandbar. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to sign up.
Hay bales needed! Camp Mennoscah needs approximately 24 rectangular bales for hayrack rides. The ones we have are ready for Rumpelstiltskin to spin into gold. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org for information or to donate!
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of June 5-10.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
‘Tis the Season for Mowers and String Trimmers! Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to help keep the campgrounds trimmed and looking neat. Let us know when you would be able to mow or string trim! Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org –we’ll get you scheduled!
Nurse needed for the July 3-9 camp! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Nurses need to be a licensed RN. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
Pardon the Mess! Camp Mennoscah is cleaning out and organizing maintenance sheds and other buildings. Items in the front “yard” will slowly find new homes. Thank you for your understanding!
Groups are invited to set their own precautions based on the comfort level of their group. Please note the RV electrical hookups are not available due to safety concerns.
Camp staff work hours vary depending on scheduled events for the week. The office assistant also works part-time from home. (Whenever a group is at camp, a staff person will be on duty.) Thank you for understanding! We will be in touch as soon as possible.
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level click here For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS Mennonite Church USA is holding a Special Session of the Delegate Assembly in Kansas City, Missouri, May 27-30. Pray that delegates have open and discerning hearts, as they make decisions that affect the denomination.
Menno Snapshots “While Mennonites might be known for peacebuilding efforts and justice-focused upper-education curricula, our internal dynamics hint otherwise,” writes Amanda K Gross, an anti-racist organizer and artist, in her blog, “Playing in the Honeysuckle and Poison Ivy.” Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/honeysuckle-poison-ivy
Menno Snapshots “What gives you joy?” asks Dan Schrock, one of the wellbeing specialists for Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan. In his blog, he asserts that, by working to find what brings us joy, we are drawn nearer to the heart of God. Read more: mennoniteusa.org/gives-you-joy
Menno Snapshots Joyce Peachey Lind, who attended the Pastors & Leaders | Deep Faith 2022 conference earlier this year, shares how starting her first pastorate in the middle of a pandemic taught her a lot about being a pastor during wilderness time. Read more about her experiences here: mennoniteusa.org/respite-wandering
Harvey County Bigs Needed Our youth are waiting to be matched with a mentor like you! Spending a few hours of one-to-one time a month with a Little has a proven, long-lasting impact that will change their life for the better, forever. With individual, couple, and family match options available, it’s never been easier to be a friend. Learn more or sign up by calling or texting the word BIG to Rachel Bachman at 316.282.4721. Sincerely, RACHEL R. BACHMAN 1311 N. Main Street, Newton, KS 67114 Volunteer Recruiter Main: (316) 283.0070 Cell: (316) 282.4721
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Brian and Noelia Fox of Mennonite Mission Network visit the Mennonite church in Barcelona, Spain, monthly. Pray that God will protect the Fox family on the roads, as they make the seven-hour drive from their home in Burgos. Pray also for the congregation in Barcelona as they discern their next avenues of ministry.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the many ways that WDC’s Resource Commission and Resource Library encourage spiritual growth, and pray for meaningful discussion at this week’s “Final Thursday” book discussion sponsored by the Resource Library.
THERE WILL BE NO WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE BCMC BUILDING THIS SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2022Worship this week (May 15th) will be with Bethel College in Memorial Hall beginning at 10:00am. This baccalaureate service will be led by the Bethel College Concert Choir and graduating seniors. We invite everyone to attend in-person at Memorial Hall or by watching via Bethel College’s live stream link: https://youtu.be/mmcmsKR1PC4 Please note that the prelude led by Woven and Open Road will begin at 10:00am. The church building will be locked this Sunday, May 15th.
Prayer Request Orletta Wiebe continues her stay at Schowalter Villa in Hospice care. Orletta welcomes your thoughts and prayers as she experiences this part of her journey.
Staff Absence Pastor Todd Schlosser will be out of the church office this Friday, May 13.
BCMC Offerings May 1, 2022 General Fund $4,542; Community Playschool $250; Columbarium Fund $1,095; Caring Fund $850; Library Reserve Fund $30; Living Stones $305 May 8, 2022 General Fund $10,008.64; MCC Meat Canning $500; Living Stones $3,650.
Address Change Bruce, Charlotte, and Kristin (and Webster) Kreider have moved to Lititz, Pennsylvania. Their new address: 358 Pin Oak Drive, Lititz, PA 17543
Retractable Screen in the Sanctuary At the April congregational meeting, members of the BCMC community voted in support of a project that will install a retractable screen in the front of the sanctuary. With this in mind, the Church Board is happy to announce that a special, above-budget fund has been established to accept donations toward this project.If you would like to give to this project, please earmark your donation to the “screen project”. For more information on this, please see the minutes from the April congregational meeting. Thanks for your support! (A copy of the April 24 Congregational Minutes is posted on the church bulletin board.)
Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy WF’s version of crumpets and tea and experience sisterhood.
Farewell Reception for Pastor Renee Reimer Join us for a come-and-go Farewell Reception for Renee Reimer on Monday, June 13, from 5 – 7 pm. We’ll be outside on the church lawn, wind and weather permitting.
New Hope Shelter Announcement Shonda Suddeth, volunteer coordinator at New Hope Shelter, will be hosting a Volunteer Training Day at New Hope Shelter on Thursday, May 19th, 2022 from 7pm to 8:30pm. Their volunteer shift hours are as follows: 5pm to 11pm daily If you have interest, please let me know no later than May 17. Please understand how important volunteers are to keep our involvement with New Hope going. Valetta Seymour seymour2314@gmail.com, Phone 620-217-7536.
Chancel Choir Director needed at BCMC Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton, KS) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately 2 times per month during September-May and participates in a Christmas Eve program. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30.
Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, Music Coordinator. Email: thiesenjba@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, Office/Facilities Manager. Phone: 316-283-3667; email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Barbara Thiesen BCMC Music Coordinator
A Message from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee Are you “Unsatisfied”? Particularly with your knowledge of how you can impact change of our church culture? Join us during the Sunday School hour May 22 to read the article “Unsatisfied”. Lead by members of the APRC, we will read this short article, “Unsatisfied”, together and discuss how purity culture has impacted our current culture at BCMC . Articles will be made available that day. Jill Robb, APRC Chair
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will happen at First Mennonite Church on May 31-June 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a joint end of the week celebration and worship service at Athletic Park on Sunday, June 5. Our theme this year is Passport to Peace! Families with children ages preschool through 5th grade may register to attend. A light supper will be provided between 5:30-6:00. A huge Thank you to all who volunteered to help during this week! Families may register using the following link or by scanning the QR code: https://forms.gle/F4nMekBbbdAYDve86
Contact Mary Ellen Hodge for any assistance or questions!
Summer Camp Season is approaching! Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church. To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $33.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.
Bethel College AnnouncementSun., May 22 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Dave Kreider, “Collecting for College and Community: Past, Present and Future,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium.
Western District Conference Announcements Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
WDC Annual Assembly Van Drivers? – Do you have experience driving 15-passenger vans or a large RV? Would you be willing to drive one of the 15-passenger vans to Denton, TX July 29-31, 2022 for Annual Assembly? Do you know someone who does? Please email Kathy at kathynd@mennowdc.org or call 316-283-6300 for more information.
WDC Annual Assembly Workshops –You are invited to send a suggested topic and brief description of a potential WDC Annual Assembly workshop to Todd Schlosser at todd@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly is scheduled to be held July 29-31, 2022 at Camp Copass, Denton, TX. Our theme for the weekend is “United in Purpose, Together in Love” with the guiding scripture being Hebrews 10:19-25. Please note, we have limited locations for workshops at Camp Copass so we may not be able to accommodate all requests. Thank you for your understanding and interest in resourcing WDC delegates and friends.
The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly at Camp Copass, Denton TX on July 29-31 will feature a youth event for junior high and high school youth across the conference. The youth programming will include times for faith formation, worshiping together, a service project and plenty of recreational activities. Bunk house lodging is available during the retreat. Some scholarships will also be available. Contact Nita Nikkel at nitaknikkel@gmail.com or 316-587-7765 with questions. More information coming soon!
WDC May Final Thursday Book Discussion – Protect your time. Prioritize relationships. Restore your spirit. Learn how to rewire your technology addiction, and step into a deeper stillness and presence with an always present God. Join the WDC Resource Library to discuss Ed Cyzewski’s book–Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction on Thursday, May 26 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Register at crlib@mennowdc.org. Copies of the book available at the Resource Library.
Mennonite World Conference Assembly participants on-site nearly doubledThe Indonesian Assembly just got a little bit larger. The National Advisory Committee for Assembly 17 and the executive committee of MWC have decided to raise attendance numbers for the gathering in Indonesia to 1250.
COVID-19 cases in Indonesia remain low so the Indonesian government has lifted quarantine restrictions for travelers.
“We would love to see you in Indonesia. Please register now! It is not yet too late to make travel plans,” says Liesa Unger, chief international events officer.
“Anyone can register until we reach the limit. Our registration team is happy to put in the extra effort to facilitate these late registrations and General Council arrangements.”
If gathering sizes are increased later, more local participants may join the closing worship service at Holy Stadium, 10 July 2022.
The expanded number of participants allows for the General Council to take place onsite instead of online.
“Mennonite World Conference is a communion – that means we are in a deep, spiritual, unifying relationship with one another,” says César García, general secretary. “The discernment work of the General Council is best done where we can spend time with each other, fellowshipping not only in sessions but also over meals and in leisure outside of meetings.”
The Commissions will also attend Assembly and hold face-to-face meetings.
“Without a doubt, our time in Indonesia will be a blessing for our global communion,” says César García.
-Please let the WDC office know if you plan on attending in person or virtually. wdc@mennowdc.org
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Work & Play Day on May 21! Camp Mennoscah has projects to complete and plenty to prepare for the summer. You are invited to join in fellowship and service! Projects for all ages and weather are available. Let us know you’re coming so we can be prepared for you! Bring your lunch and a water bottle. The day will start at 8:30 at the maintenance shed. End your day with a leisurely kayak ride or stroll to the sandbar. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org to sign up.
Want to volunteer either before or after May 21? Give us a call! This week we’re working on mowing and the swimming pool!
Other events and happenings:
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of June 5-10.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
‘Tis the Season for Mowers and String Trimmers! Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to help keep the campgrounds trimmed and looking neat. Let us know when you would be able to mow or string trim! Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org –we’ll get you scheduled!
Campers are welcome! Summer camps are full to the brim with exciting activities, worship and friends for youth grades 3-12. Register here!
Summer Youth Camp scholarships are available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or fill out the request form. Camp is for everyone!
Nurse needed for the July 3-9 camp! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Nurses need to be a licensed RN. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
Pardon the Mess! Camp Mennoscah is cleaning out and organizing maintenance sheds and other buildings. Items in the front “yard” will slowly find new homes. Thank you for your understanding!
Groups are invited to set their own precautions based on the comfort level of their group. Please note the RV electrical hookups are not available due to safety concerns.
Camp staff work hours vary depending on scheduled events for the week. The office assistant also works part-time from home. (Whenever a group is at camp, a staff person will be on duty.) Thank you for understanding! We will be in touch as soon as possible.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS Gardening for good: Creation care tips for your backyard and stories from Bolivia, May 26 at 7 pm CDT, 6 pm MDT. In this virtual visit, we’ll explore what it looks like to care for the planet––from our own backyards to remote Bolivian communities. Join us to learn gardening and conservation tips in your own garden, then travel south to hear incredible stories from MCC’s projects in Bolivia. Learn more and register at mcc.org/virtual-visits.
Join the MCC Central States team! We currently have the following openings. Please contact krystalklaassen@mcc.org with any questions. HR Recruiter & Central States HR Coordinator – As a member of the MCC U.S. Human Resources recruitment team, this position will join in carrying out an organization-wide recruitment strategy and selection processes to fill vacancies in MCC U.S. The regional HR Coordinator works directly with a variety of necessary HR tasks within the Central States region. Details about this full time position can be found on mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings.
Young Adult Program Coordinator –The young adult coordinator works collaboratively to expand opportunities for young adults to join with the work of MCC and works at expanding opportunities for young adults towards deepening and developing leadership skills as current and future leaders in peacebuilding, justice, and social change. Plan, facilitate and recruit for young adult programming in the MCC Central States region. Check out all the details and apply today!
Material Resources Center (MRC) Volunteer Coordinator – The MRC in North Newton, Kansas hosts volunteers of all ages working together to support the mission of MCC. Primarily, the part time Volunteer Coordinator will welcome, host, educate, assist and supervise the daily volunteers as well as receive donations in the MRC. Please visit mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings for more information and to apply.
For Mennonite Creation Care Network Announcements press here For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Webinar “Dementia and Congregational Care” press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements Mennonite Church USA has unveiled a new shareable video titled “We are better together.” The video features different voices from across the denomination discussing what it means to do church together. Watch it here: mennoniteusa.org/better-together
Mennonite Church USA has created a new role focused on racial/ethnic engagement and announced several other staff transitions. Sue Park-Hur, the newly appointed director of racial/ethnic engagement, will work with the various racial/ethnic entities within MC USA, support the program agencies in this work and help denominational leaders to define diversity, equity and inclusion goals, standards and desired outcomes. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/new-position-transitions
Mennonite Church USA has announced the worship speakers, led by Dr. Samuel Sarpiya, for the Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30, in Kansas City Missouri. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/worship-special-session
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure participants are in the final months of living in their unit houses and working in their volunteer placements. Pray for them as they bring closure to the relationships they built in their hosting community and find ways to implement what they learned as they move into their future.
Western District Conference Prayer Request Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for the WDC Annual Assembly planning team, as they prepare for our conference gathering July 29-31 at Camp Copass in Texas.
There will be no live stream or in person worship at the BCMC building this Sunday, May 8.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah May 7 and 8. Following is the schedule for the weekend:
Saturday – May 7:
1 – 5:30 PM: Arrive, settle in, optional camp activities
5:30 – 6:30 PM – Supper
6:50 – 8:15 PM – Hayrack Ride
8:30 PM – Popcorn under the Shelter
9:00 PM – Camp Songs under the Shelter
9:30 PM – Campfire @ Campfire Pit
After Campfire: Fellowship Continues!
Sunday – May 8:
8 – 9 AM: Breakfast
9:45 AM – Hymn Sing Prelude
10—11 AM: Worship (Dress for outdoor conditions)
12 PM: Lunch
This week at BCMC Sunday, May 8, 2022 – BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah 9:45 am Hymn Sing Prelude 10 am Worship Monday, May 9, 2022 4 pm Faith Formation meeting Tuesday, May 10, 2022 9-11 am Community Playschool 12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall Thursday, May 12, 2022 9-11 am Community Playschool 4 pm Staff Congregation Relations Committee meets in Room 14 7 pm Finance Committee meeting Sunday, May 15, 2022 10 am Bethel College Baccalaureate at Memorial Hall–There will be no worship service at BCMC
The memorial service for Keith Sprunger will be Saturday, May 7, 10:30 am at BCMC. You can attend the service in person and it will also be live-streamed. Visitation will be 5 pm to 9 pm Friday, May 6, at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Press on this link for the live stream: https://youtu.be/NejNXjNRXDw
Calling all Graduates! Graduation season is upon us and we want to recognize all of you! If you are graduating from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate programs, doctorates, etc. please let us know. Email Renee at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org with name, accomplishment, and school by May 18th.
Chancel Choir Director needed at BCMC Bethel College Mennonite Church (North Newton, KS) is looking for a Chancel Choir Director. This is a part-time position, August 15-May 15. As part of the team of musicians on the church staff, the director is responsible for music selection, rehearsals, and performances of the Chancel Choir. The choir sings approximately 2 times per month during September-May and participates in a Christmas Eve program. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30.
Inquiries should be addressed to Barbara Thiesen, Music Coordinator. Email: thiesenjba@gmail.com. Application forms are available from Monica Lichti, Office/Facilities Manager. Phone: 316-283-3667; email: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Barbara Thiesen BCMC Music Coordinator
A Message from the Abuse Prevention and Response Committee Are you “Unsatisfied”? Particularly with your knowledge of how you can impact change of our church culture? Join us during the Sunday School hour May 22 to read the article “Unsatisfied”. Lead by members of the APRC, we will read this short article, “Unsatisfied”, together and discuss how purity culture has impacted our current culture at BCMC . Articles will be made available that day. Jill Robb, APRC Chair
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will happen at First Mennonite Church on May 31-June 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm, with a joint end of the week celebration and worship service at Athletic Park on Sunday, June 5. Our theme this year is Passport to Peace! Families with children ages preschool through 5th grade may register to attend. A light supper will be provided between 5:30-6:00. A huge Thank you to all who volunteered to help during this week! Families may register using the following link or by scanning the QR code: https://forms.gle/F4nMekBbbdAYDve86
Contact Mary Ellen Hodge for any assistance or questions!
Summer Camp Season is approaching! Faith Formation Commission recognizes that attending summer camps is not cheap, but that it is an extremely valuable part of faith formation for our young people. We have some scholarship funding available to assist families with covering the cost of registering for the 2022 camping season. We also hope to have funds available after the camping season to provide some amount of reimbursement to all families with campers. Please contact Mary Ellen Hodge or Pastor Todd Schlosser if you’d like assistance with camp registration this summer. These funds are only available to campers who camp at Mennonite camps. We encourage you to get registered early for an awesome summer of camping experiences!
If anyone at BCMC would like to support our young people attending camp you can feel free to donate to our Mennonite Camping Scholarship Fund by writing a check made out to BCMC (with Mennointe Camp Scholarship in the memo line) and drop it off on Sunday morning or in the church office.
Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church. To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $33.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.
New Hope Shelter Appeal Once again, I send out an appeal to anyone who would be willing to help in some way at New Hope Shelter. We are running on a skeleton crew of volunteers, and help in the way of new recruits is needed. The following are needed: 1. Volunteers to spend time with residents at New Hope from 5 to 11 PM. BCMC is responsible for having volunteers for a week every 9 weeks. An orientation is given for new volunteers. 2. Evening Coordinators from 5 to 8 PM on Saturday and Sunday evenings every 9 weeks. An orientation is given for this. 3. Meals each evening for a week every 9 weeks.
Please understand that we ask for help only every 9 weeks, and being on the volunteer list doesn’t commit you to each of those weeks. I believe that BCMC is committed to helping with the work of New Hope, but we need volunteers to do so. If you are able to help, or if you have questions, please contact Valetta Seymour: seymour2314@gmail.com, 620-217-7536.
BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS Sun., May 8 – Woven and Open Road joint Mother’s Day concert, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall at Bethel College
Sat., May 14 – Spring choral concert, including Europe tour program by the Bethel College Concert Choir, 4 p.m., Memorial Hall. Please note that this is a change in date and time from some previously printed sources.
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
WDC Annual Assembly Workshops – You are invited to send a suggested topic and brief description of a potential WDC Annual Assembly workshop to Todd Schlosser at todd@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. The 2022 WDC Annual Assembly is scheduled to be held July 29-31, 2022 at Camp Copass, Denton, TX. Our theme for the weekend is “United in Purpose, Together in Love” with the guiding scripture being Hebrews 10:19-25. Please note, we have limited locations for workshops at Camp Copass so we may not be able to accommodate all requests. Thank you for your understanding and interest in resourcing WDC delegates and friends.
Join the WDC Church Planting Commission at 11am on May 11th for a zoom conversation that considers how we can share our faith stories with our neighbors.
1) How can we begin to have meaningful conversations with our neighbors?
2) How do we talk about our experiences with Jesus?
3) What unique perspectives might our faith community have to share?
4) After sharing the story, how can we invite others into the story?
WDC Minister, Brad Roth of West Zion Mennonite Church, Moundridge, KS, will be holding a book signing event at Faith & Life Bookstore on Thursday, May 12 from 6-7pm for his new book, The Hunger Inside: How the meal Jesus gave transforms lives. Come visit with the author, hear excerpts from the book and his inspiration for writing it, plus pick up a signed copy for you and a friend!
In The Hunger Inside, Brad Roth explores the myriad ways the Lord’s Supper transforms lives. As on that ancient gospel hill where more than 5,000 hungry people were fed, the abundance of Jesus’ table touches uncountable human stories. Drawing generously on eclectic theological traditions, Roth takes a narrative-driven approach to plumb the rich depths of symbolism, power, and presence communicated in the communion meal.
This book is a call for all followers of Jesus to encounter again the One who meets our deepest hungers at his table.
Re: Mennonite Disaster Service Andover Tornado response
From: Cleo Koop Kansas MDS Unit chair
Date: May 3, 2022
Andover Tornado Response
The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit is responding to the recent Andover tornado. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Cleo Koop, Kansas Unit Chair at cleohkoop@gmail.com or 316-282-0797.
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
Welcoming newcomers and addressing the trauma of migration Stressors and trauma-producing events abound in the migration experience. Join Saulo Padilla, MCC U.S. Immigration Education Coordinator and Elaine Zook Barge, a trauma and resilience educator and consultant, on Tuesday May 10 at 1 PM CDT, for this migration and trauma webinar. Come and learn how trauma and resilience-informed individuals, churches and communities can be better equipped to ensure the overall wellbeing of newcomers and their receiving community. Register here.
Take action today! Around the world, MCC partners are experiencing the negative impacts of climate change, including natural disasters and unpredictable seasonal rainfall which contribute to food insecurity, increased migration and conflict. Countries that have historically contributed the least to climate change often suffer its worst impacts. Ask Congress to invest in global resilience to climate change.
CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summer Staff Orientation Week is coming soon! During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Camp Mennoscah is looking for people willing to provide a “main course” for meals during the week. Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Other events and happenings:
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Verenike Casserole Fundraiser! We send an especially big thank you to Leslie Schrag, who led the tasty event once again this year. Over $6000 was raised for summer youth camps and retreats. We are grateful for your help sharing in Christian fellowship and Building on the Rock at Camp Mennoscah!
‘Tis the Season for Mowers and String Trimmers! Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to help us keep the campgrounds trimmed and looking neat. Let us know when you would be able to mow or string trim! Call 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org –we’ll get you scheduled!
Summer Youth Camp scholarships are available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or fill out the request form. Camp is for everyone!
Nurse needed for the July 3-9 camp! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Nurses need to be a licensed RN. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
Pardon the Mess! Camp Mennoscah is cleaning out and organizing maintenance sheds and other buildings. Items in the front “yard” will slowly find new homes. Thank you for your understanding!
Groups are invited to set their own precautions based on the comfort level of their group. Please note the RV electrical hookups are not available due to safety concerns.
Camp staff work hours vary depending on scheduled events for the week. The office assistant also works part-time from home. (Whenever a group is at camp, a staff person will be on duty.) Thank you for understanding! We will be in touch as soon as possible.
For Mennonite World Conference Info press here For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here For Mennonite Mission Network Special MissionWary Live podcast press here
MC USA has launched a new curriculum entitled, Diversity: God’s Design. This multi-media study calls young adults to celebrate their unique gifts and the intentional diversity of God’s creation. The four-week curriculum uses biblical reflections to introduce the importance of intercultural competency as part of Christian growth and formation. Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/diversity-gods-design/ View and download the PowerPoint slide here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/May-Diversity-Gods-Design.pptx
Join Andrew Hudson, an Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary student, for a webinar on “How Congregations Steward Their Land” on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Hudson will share reflections on his work with Mennonite Creation Care Network and Mennonite Men’s Join Trees. Here is the Zoom link: mennoniteusa.org/zoom-steward-their-land . Sign up here to receive a reminder email: mennoniteusa.org/creation-care-leaders
Benton Mennonite Church invites you to a Voices Together Worship Leaders Zoom Workshop on May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon ET. The workshop will be led by Anneli Loepp Thiessen and Katie Graber. Learn more here: bentonchurch.org/voices-together-worship-workshop
Help equip pastors and church leaders across Mennonite Church USA by giving to “Inspiring Transformative Leadership,” a denominational fundraiser aimed at providing resources and services for those leading our churches. All donations from now until May 25 will be split evenly between Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, MennoMedia and Mennonite Education Agency. mennoniteusa.org/give/View and download the PowerPoint slide here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/May-Inspiring-Transformative-Leadership.pptx
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request Laura Schlabach, who has served with Mennonite Mission Network in Mongolia for three decades, requests prayer for JCS International’s general assembly and board meetings this month. Pray for wisdom and unity of purpose for the members of this consortium of international Christian organizations, as they make decisions and fellowship together.
Western District Conference Prayer Request Pray for participants in the WDC Church Planting Commission zoom forum this Wednesday, on the topic of sharing faith stories with neighbors in our communities.
WDC Annual Assembly is for ALL AGES! – July 29-31, 2022, at Camp Copass in Denton, TX, our Annual Assembly will have fun activities and faith formation for children, youth and adults, both delegates and non-delegates, as well as childcare for those 5 and under. For more information about the youth event, contact Nita Nikkel at 
