Worship Service for December 5, 2021 – 2nd Sunday of AdventWorship begins with an Advent prelude at 9:15am.  Advent resources are available on a table in the Gathering Place.

The Witness Commission Advent project will be to supply food items and in kind donations to the Bethel College Food Pantry.  We will be collecting items at the table in the Gathering Space.  Press here for a list of needed items for the food pantry.

bcmcXpress
We need to hear from you!  Please complete the online bcmcXpress intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/)  as soon as possible.  The information received is necessary to plan the church’s budget for 2022. 
From Michael Claassen, Finance Manager and the Finance Committee

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Creche Making Project
Join us on Sunday, December 5th 4-6pm for aCreche Making Project (BCMC fellowship hall). Come and make your very own creche (nativity set) with a variety of art supplies that will be provided for all participants. Invite your crafty friends as we have PLENTY of shoe boxes. Faspa snacks will be provided and all ages are welcomed to attend. 

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This week at BCMCMonday, December 6
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
7 pm            Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, December 7
9—11 am  Community Playschool
4 pm          Reopening Church Task Force—Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 8
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm          Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, December 9
4:30 pm     Women’s Fellowship Leadership Team meeting in Room 14
7 pm           Finance Committee Meeting by Zoom
Sunday, December 12—Third Sunday of Advent
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation 

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From the Reopening Church Task Group:
Harvey County has recently experienced a significant rise in COVID-19 numbers. As of Monday, Nov 29, the 2-week positivity rate is 13.8%. Currently there are 144 active cases and 6 hospitalizations.
At this point, in-person church activities will continue as usual, with these cautions:

• Wear masks at all indoor church events
• Maintain 3-6 feet of distance from others when possible
• Greet each other in ways other than hugging or shaking hands
• In the sanctuary, please sit where you find blue tape on the pews (sit with your back to the tape), and refrain from entering rows that have been taped off.
• During worship, windows will be open (wider than they have been), so dress warmly.
• Use hand sanitizer
• If you are not feeling well or have a known COVID-19 exposure, please please participate in worship via livestream in the comfort of your home.

Thanks for your help in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community!

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The Gifts Discernment Committee would like to thank each and every one of you who completed the Gifts Discernment Survey.  The Committee will be meeting to collate the responses and share them with commissions and committees as appropriate.  Thanks again for supporting BCMC’s efforts to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

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The Library Theme for the rest of 2021 is Advent/Christmas. Be sure to look for these books in back of the desk by the computer and/or in the Children’s Room where  Everybody Books and Young Adult books are located and Advent/Christmas books are displayed. Also, coming soon to the library is a section we are calling Pastors’ Corner.  Books recommended by our pastors will be highlighted on a shelf on the north wall closest to the window where our DVD/CDs used to be shelved. These books could compliment sermon themes or are books that they have asked for or donated to the library. Happy Holiday Reading!

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Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus
Attention singers, KMMC will be again singing this year after not being able to the last two years.  If you would like to join us, please contact Joe Peters (316-288-7031) and sign up today.  We are doing a two concert series this year.  Our first concert is April 24, 2022 at Bethel College and our second concert will be May 1, 2022 at Bethany College. So please, if you have any interest in singing with us let me know and I will get you registered to sing for the 2022 concert season!

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Bethel College Announcements
Sat., Dec. 4 – Five Places of Christmas, the annual holiday open house, includes Kauffman Museum and Goerz House on the Bethel College campus, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No charge for admission. The Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) is the host at Goerz House, where there will be baked goods and other items for sale. Please plan to wear a face covering indoors and follow all COVID-19 protocols requested by the venue. (Other locations: Warkentin House, Harvey County Historical Museum and Carriage Factory Gallery, all in Newton.)

Tues., Dec. 7 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing to the extent possible and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Weds., Dec. 8 – Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah returns in-person, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall, with chamber orchestra, soloists and student conductors. Scores provided. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing to the extent possible and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Fri., Dec. 10 – Christmas Gala Jazz concert, 8 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing to the extent possible and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Sun., Dec. 12 – Lighting of the Green returns in-person this year; 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus.

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

Western District Conference staff position opening:  Western District Conference seeks an Administrative Assistant to work part-time (18 hours/week) with the WDC Associate Conference Minister (Texas-based), beginning February 1, 2022.  Responsibilities include clerical and logistical support, communications, records management, and translation. Qualifications include strong organizational and computer skills, communication skills in Spanish and English, ability to collaborate as part of a team, intercultural competency, and willingness to promote WDC’s mission and priorities.  For position description and application form, contact Sandra Montes-Martinez, Associate Conference Minister, at sandram@mennowdc.org or 214-907-6309; or contact the WDC office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.  Applications will be accepted until December 31 and will be processed in January 2022. 

December’s WDC Resource Library Book Discussion will be Thursday, December 16 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Join us to discuss Tongue-Tied: Learning the Lost Art of Talking about Faith by Sara Wenger Shenk. We welcome those who have read the book and those interested in the topic.  Copies of the book available through the library.  RSVP at crlib@mennowdc.org

The McPherson Community Brass Choir under the direction of Jerry Toews will give their Christmas Brass Concert Sunday, Dec. 12 at 7:30pm in the Goessel HS gym in Goessel, KS. This event is sponsored by the Goessel Ministerial Alliance. Note the location change accommodating for social distancing. Come and enjoy a festive brass Christmas concert!

Immerse yourself into the Christmas message with music and song Sunday December 19 at 4pm. Hopeful Blues is honored to host Doxology Ensemble, a 12-voice male ensemble from the Anabaptist community near Hutchinson. Jointly, they will present a concert of sacred music, joining two unique ensembles for an afternoon of Christmas music.
Hopeful Blues, an eclectic instrumental group based at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita performs a variety of sacred instrumental music from old world to contemporary. The Christmas selections will be a blend of contemplative and familiar.
Doxology Ensemble sings Acapella choral arrangements, both classic and modern. The Christmas repertoire includes arrangements of traditional carols, rousing spirituals, and soaring choral settings of scripture. After a two year hiatus, we are excited to be rehearsing again and are looking forward to sharing the joy of the Incarnation through song.
The Sunday (December 19) 4pm concert will be held at Hope Mennonite church, 868 N Maize Road, Wichita KS. Admission is free, donations are welcomed.

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For Mennonite Men announcements press here
For Mennonite Church USA Webinar, “2022 Special Delegate Assembly:  What it is and why it’s so important” press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For news from Mennonites World Conference press here
For Mennonite World Conference Info – “Mustard Seed Faith That Moves Mountains” press here.

The fifth & final Neuf Memorial Run takes place on Saturday, January 8, 2022 on the campus of Bethel College.  In addition, the Neuf 90K Challenge runs from December 9 through January 8.  All proceeds support the Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship at Hesston College and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Visit runtheneuf.neuf.ca for more information and to register for the Run and Challenge.

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The Rocky Mountain December newsletter is here!Have a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. For this and previous newsletters, please visit the camp website and click on the “News” tab under “About Us”.

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Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
The MCC Comforter Blitz Committee is looking for additional committee members! Would you be interested in assisting the making of comforters for Mennonite Central Committee, and helping to plan the annual three-day comforter making event in Yoder, Kansas? If so, we would love your skills and your voice! If interested, please reach out to Committee Chair, Kara Klingenberg at k.klingenberg@hotmail.com or call her at 620-983-9003 for more information. We are currently looking for a treasurer, advertising help, and anyone else who is interested in helping.

Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday, December 17 from 4-6 p.m.! MCC is thrilled to host this drive-thru event again this year. Order your charcuterie box(es) today to enjoy in the comfort of your home, spread Christmas joy and order extra to give as gifts! Suggested donation per box is $25. We’re also collecting items for MCC hygiene kits at this event. Place your order by 5 p.m. on December 9. Details and order form are on mcc.org. Questions? Please call 316.283.2720.

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Register today! Join Michael Danner, Mennonite Church USA associate executive director of Church Vitality, on Monday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. ET for the first in a series of webinars to help conferences and congregations prepare for the 2022 Delegate Assembly (May 27-30, Kansas City, Missouri). He will provide an overview of MC USA’s structure and decision-making – including conversation about how the special session of the Delegate Assembly fits into the big picture. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/why-important-da22.

Your whole household can participate in Advent this year by using the Mennonite Church USA annual Advent at Home worship guide, “Dare to Imagine.” The guide is now available as a printable booklet and in an online format. Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/adventathome

Menno Snapshots
Talashia Keim Yoder, author of this year’s Mennonite Church USA’s Advent at Home guide, reflects on her and her family’s Advent traditions and how she has learned from her church family in her blog, “Dare to imagine the transformative power of Advent.” Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/power-of-advent.

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Christina and Dustin Hite, Mennonite pastors, live in an intentional neighborhood in Austin, Texas, among people who have experienced chronic homelessness. Watch a short video by the Hites and read more about their ministry in their blog, “Broken systems and relational healing.” mennoniteusa.org/broken-healing

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Delicia Bravo Aguilar and Peter Wigginton, of Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for the churches in Ecuador that have suffered the loss of many leaders and members, due to COVID-19. While they continue to lament their losses, pray for their strength and resilience, as new leaders come forward to continue the reconciling mission of Christ.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commissions as they envision new initiatives and partnerships for church planting in the coming year. 

Advent begins this Sunday, Nov 28. Worship begins with an Advent prelude at 9:15am, and  Communion will be served as part of worship (with prefilled elements).  Introduction to this season is available in the attachment below and on the table in the Gathering Place.  Advent resources are also on the table.’

The Witness Commission Advent project will be to supply food items and in kind donations to the Bethel College Food Pantry.  We will be collecting items at the table in the Gathering Space.  Press here for a list of needed items for the food pantry.

You are invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season.  The Worship Decorating Committee will purchase the poinsettias, and have them delivered to the church.  To contribute, email the following to the office:  Donor’s:name;
In memory of;
Or in honor of.
Make a payment of $10.00 (made out to BCMC and designated “Flower Fund”) place in the offering plate or bring to church office by Dec. 3.  Susie Swartley will have forms at a table in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, Nov. 28, if you wish to fill out a form in person.  Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 5 pm Christmas program or after the Christmas Eve, 9 pm program; or, if you can, leave them for the service on Dec. 26.

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Congratulations to Pastor Renee Reimer on the publication of her article “The Story of a Modern-Day Red Tenant: Empowering Women Through Bible Reading“, which appears in the most recent edition of Vision: A Journal for Church and Theology  (Institute of Mennonite Studies).  Here is a link to the issue that contains Pastor Renee’s article, which in part discusses her experience with the Bethel College women’s Bible study group.  (Once on the site , you can access the issue by clicking onto the rectangle at the bottom left of the page labeled 22.2).

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bcmcXpress
Remember to complete the online bcmcXpress intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/)  by December 3, 2021 . 

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Don’t Forget to Return your Gifts Discernment Survey! Sharing our Gifts

If you are in high school or older, you can:

• complete the survey online (preferred), by following this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Qc8YX-STobITfc3zp-7jvBsXQq4M3MjOeqCnS4j_vKbVBg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
• or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

If you are in middle school-age or younger, you can:

• complete the survey online, by following this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea_gU8AabIYFYZ1XLJfxgGtOAfwwvgcJNQEbd8umg1uDLsMg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
• or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

This week at BCMCMonday, November 29
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 30
9—11 am  Community Playschool
7 pm          Abuse Prevention and Response Committee—by Zoom
Wednesday, December 1
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, December 2
4 pm           Funeral Committee Meeting—Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm     Church Board Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 5—Second Sunday of Advent
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation
4-6 pm       Creche Making in Fellowship Hall

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Vote on Abuse Prevention and Response policy.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the special congregational meeting to vote on the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy.  All votes were counted – in-person paper ballots, mailed-in ballots, and zoom poll votes.  There were 102 total votes.  The policy was approved with 94 yes votes and 8 no votes.  Thank you again for input and feedback received.  Press here for a copy of the approved policy.  Hard copies of the policy are available in the Gathering Place on the window ledge by the mailboxes.  
Pastoral transition update. The board is reviewing interim candidate information received from Western District Conference, and has an interview scheduled. 
A service of release and blessing is being planned for Pastor Dawn on her last Sunday, January 2, 2022.
With thanksgiving, 
Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements

2022 Summer staff applications are being accepted!  Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement.  See website for details.  Information and the online application can be found here!  Call or email with questions!
Other events and happenings: 

• Giving Tuesday is November 30. There aren’t any gimmicks this year to encourage you to give, just stories.  Remember the camper who stayed after campfire to talk to counselors about faith and life struggles.  Think of the awe-filling trips in inner tubes down the river at night and the campfires with the starry heavens above.  Spend a moment with your own memories of Camp Mennoscah.  Encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ by supporting the faith formation ministry of Camp Mennoscah here.  Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111.
   
• Christmas Gathering on Dec. 18 at 2:30pm!  Join us in the Dining Hall at Camp Mennoscah for afternoon fun–bring games to play indoors or out.  Camp will provide popcorn and generic pop.  (Masks recommended and encouraged for inside activities.) 
   
• We are grateful for you!  We continue to get calls from volunteers and receive gifts of items off the Wish List.  These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah.  The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do.  We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.  See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
   
• Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits).  Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home.  Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.

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

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Hesston College Events
– Dec. 4         7 p.m.
     You are invited to a theatre and music performance that explores what coming “home for Christmas” means for a diversity of people and cultures.

     Music and Theatre Present:  Home For Christmas 
               Hesston Mennonite Church

    https://www.hesston.edu/academics/departments/fine-arts/music/     All performers fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will perform without masks. Audience members are required to wear masks.  No tickets are required, but a free-will offering will be accepted following the performance.  Program and livestream available at  www.hesston.edu/music.– Dec. 7        7:30 p.m.

     Returning to Hesston College after ten years, Canadian Brass will perform as part of the 2021-22 Sunflower Performing Arts series.  This ensemble explores many genres of music and has added nearly 600 new arrangements to the brass quintet repertoire.  In its 49th season, Canadian Brass is known for concerts that display virtuosity, creativity and humor.
 
     Sunflower Performing Arts:  Canadian Brass
           Hesston Mennonite Church

https://www.hesston.edu/sunflower-performing-arts/canadian-brass/

Audience members will be required to wear a mask, according to current Hesston College guidelines.   For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158 or click sunflowerarts.org. 
 

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Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday, December 17 from 4-6 p.m.! MCC is thrilled to host this drive-thru event again this year. Order your charcuterie box(es) today to enjoy in the comfort of your home, spread Christmas joy and order extra to give as gifts! Suggested donation per box is $25. We’re also collecting items for MCC hygiene kits at this event. Place your order by 5 p.m. on December 9. Details and order form are on mcc.org. Questions? Please call 316.283.2720.

Webinar: Racism and the Church with Rev. Dr. Velda Love, UCC Minister for Racial JusticeDear Bethel College Mennonite,You are invited to join the 4th and final MCC U.S. Color of Compromise webinar on December 2, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Register here.Rev. Dr. Velda Love, United Church of Christ Minister for Racial Justice, will share on the complicity of the Church in racism and how all can journey as a witness and transformative presence with God’s beloved inclusive global community. Dr. Love’s work centers on addressing historical and contemporary injustices resulting from systemic, structural and individual racism. She develops and leads trainings and workshops on reparatory racial justice including the UCC Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice Campaign. Register for the webinar here.You can find more information on the MCC U.S. Color of Compromise journey and past webinar speakers here.We hope you can join us.In peace and solidarity,Daniela Làzaro-Manalo MCC U.S. Racial Equity Education and Advocacy Coordinator

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Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Celebrate Advent with the Mennonite Church USA annual Advent at Home worship guide, “Dare to Imagine.” This free, downloadable guide is designed for people and groups of all ages. It offers weekly Scriptures, background information, prayers, activities and rituals from the beginning of Advent to Epiphany (Nov. 28 to Jan. 6). Download the guide here: mennoniteusa.org/adventathome[Download congregational PPT slide here]

Mennonite Church USA Women in Leadership has relaunched its “Holding It(,) Together” podcast. The podcast, made by women for women, emphasizes intersectionality and community, creating a space for women to hear other people’s stories. This season’s theme is “Bodies Holding It(,) Together.” Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/hit.

Mennonite Church USA appreciates your support this Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30), as we work together to continue living into our churchwide Renewed Commitments of following Jesus, witnessing to God’s peace and helping our communities experience transformation. Explore the various ways you can support the work of the denomination here: mennoniteusa.org/give/

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Erick Josue Martinez is a student at Goshen College, who is studying to be a financial planner, so he can help people in low-income and immigrant communities. In his blog, “From my window (Desde mi ventana),” he shares how his upbringing in an impoverished immigrant community inspired him to help others. Read in English here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/from-my-window. En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/desde-mi-ventana.

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Redlining has been illegal in the United States for half a century, but its effects still have a lasting impact on Black, Latino/a, Asian, Indigenous and other people of color. Vice President of Community and Church Development for Everence Leonard Dow, in his blog, “Finding inspiration in history: Human-made solutions to human-made problems,” shares what this impact looks like in Philadelphia, as well as practical steps that people can take to enact change. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/human-made-solutions-problems

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Alfonsina and José Oyanguren have walked alongside Toba-Qom churches in the Argentine Chaco since 2004, serving through a partnership that includes the Argentina Mennonite Church, Mennonite Mission Network and congregations in Ohio. Pray for them and their children as they build relationships and promote Indigenous languages and cultures.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for pastors, musicians, worship leaders and teachers who guide WDC congregations in celebrating the upcoming Advent and Christmas season.

Congregational Meeting, Sunday, November 21st at 10:45am
Please use this Zoom Link to join the Special Congregational Meeting remotely to vote on the proposed Abuse Prevention and Response Policy. This meeting’s sole purpose is to vote on the proposed policy, there will not be a time of discussion during the meeting. We will use the poll function for zoom attenders. Paper ballots will be available for in-person attenders. 

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE on the right side of the screen,which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”.   Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE button. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 21, 2021
A Service of Gratitude
Prelude—Cello Concerto in D minor (Lalo)—Caleb Garber cellist, Lisa Schmidt pianist

Christ Candle Lighting—Nathan Koontz

Introit—VT #9 Come Away from Rush and Hurry – vs. 1—Chancel Choir
William Eash, director; Verlene Garber accompanist

Welcome                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
*Hymn— Now Thank We All Our God—VT 1                                                                                                                                                         
Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman                                                                                    
Worship Music—Do Not Fear (Fred Gramann)—Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading—Psalm 118:1-9; 22-29—Vern Preheim                                                                                                         
Sermon—Gratitude in the Midst of Grief—Renee Reimer

*Hymn—Praise, I Will Praise You Lord—VT 131                                                                                                                                                          
Prayers of God’s people—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Great Is Thy Faithfulness—VT 419                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Benediction—Renee Reimer

Benediction Response—VT #839 Go Ye Now in Peace— Congregation join the choir on the second singing of the verse

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms 

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The Koinonia Sunday School class is looking for breakfast goodies for the next 5 Sundays. Please contact Pastor Renee if you’d like to bring something on one of those Sundays. 

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Pastor Renee is collecting empty shoe boxes (or similar size boxes) for a church Advent project. If you have any you’d be willing to donate, please leave them on the back pew of the sanctuary (by the nursery).

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This week at BCMC

Monday, November 22
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
10 am          Library Committee Meeting in Room 14
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 23
9—11 am  Community Playschool
Wednesday, November 24—No choir practices tonight or Youth Group
Thursday, November 25—Thanksgiving Day—Church closed—
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 26—Office Closed; Church Locked
Sunday, November 28—First Sunday of Advent
For an Intro to Advent (Advent devotional-“Dare to Imagine”) – Press here
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation 

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bcmcXpress  
 Our congregation’s stewardship process, known as the bcmcXpress, provides us with opportunity to reflect on our commitment to seeking God’s treasure together through the sharing of our financial resources.  It also provides us with a concrete way to Xpress BCMC’s values, priorities, and commitments:  to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

In that spirit, you are invited to participate in the ministry at BCMC by discerning a financial commitment for 2022.  To indicate the contributions you plan to make to the general budget and Living Stones in 2022, please complete the online intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/)  by December 3, 2021 . If you plan to give via the electronic transfer system in 2022, please make a request via email to Mike Claassen (treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org). This is separate from the online giving option found on the website.

Information from the intent forms will be combined to determine total commitments for 2022. Based on the intents received, the Church Board will recommend a final budget for approval at the congregational meeting in January 2022. 

Press here for the entire letter sent to the congregation:  Congregational Letter

Press here for the 2022 BCMC Budget:  Budget Narrative

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Don’t Forget to Return your Gifts Discernment Survey!
 Sharing our Gifts
 As a way of gathering up our gifts, skills, and talents for this kin-dom work, BCMCs Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) invites you, whatever your age, to consider the gifts you would like to share with the congregation (and beyond) by completing BCMC’s Sharing Our Gifts Survey by November 28, 2021.

If you are in high school or older, you can:

• complete the survey online (preferred), by following this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Qc8YX-STobITfc3zp-7jvBsXQq4M3MjOeqCnS4j_vKbVBg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
• or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

If you are in middle school-age or younger, you can:

• complete the survey online, by following this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea_gU8AabIYFYZ1XLJfxgGtOAfwwvgcJNQEbd8umg1uDLsMg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
• or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

Thank you for sharing the gift of who you are
as we follow Jesus
in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

The Gifts Discernment Committee:  Dale Schrag (chair), Norma Johnson, Elaine Prouty, Frank Stucky, Dawn Yoder Harms (staff liaison)

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Staff Schedules:  Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from Nov. 23-28.  Pastor Renee Reimer will be gone from Nov. 24-27. 

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Prayer Network is an email ministry of the Deacon Commission to provide prayer support when requested.  To be added to the list, contact: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch or call Monica at 316-283-3667. Thank you to the people who already are on the prayer network. 

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Budget update: October was a major shot in the arm to the church’s fiscal health.  At the end of September, we had an expense over income deficit of $32,895.  At the end of October, that deficit had been cut to $18,593.  Thank you for coming through to make such amazing progress, but we aren’t done.  We have two months to go to complete the recovery.  Also remember that if you have to make a required minimum distribution (RMD) before the end of the year, you can direct it to the church, which is a charitable organization for income tax purposes.

Living Stones II update:  The fellowship hall/kitchen renovations are complete and paid for!  Please continue to contribute to Living Stones as you are able to begin preparing for other upgrades or renovations that may become necessary.

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We offer sympathy to Willis Harder and family on the death of Willis’ brother, Donald C. Harder, Nov. 9, Wheat State Manor, Whitewater.

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Helen Bargen’s 90th birthday is on November 26!  Her family invites you to participate in a card shower to help her celebrate.  You can send cards to:
    Helen Bargen
   3054 Ivy Ct. Rm 32-S
   North Newton, KS 67117

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New Hope Shelter
As the end of 2021 approaches, we want to say THANK YOU  for your partnership throughout the year.    As of 9/30, New Hope Shelter had already served more than 200 men, women and children this year.    The loving support of our church volunteers and supporters enables us to serve those in crisis for short windows of time as they find stability and start anew.    A recent quote from a former resident who is employed full-time in a steady job since New Hope:  “Through the small group opportunities that were offered, the many one on one encounters with staff and volunteers, I experienced the love of God in new and powerful ways.   The holidays could have been very sad and depressing.   Instead, they were some of the most meaningful times I have experienced in recent years.”   We invite your continued prayers and support as we continue to serve, love and equip in the months ahead.   
–New Hope Shelter, 900 W. Broadway, Building 7, Newton.  316-283-7711

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Bethel College Events

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas on Saturday, December 4 at Goerz House on Bethel College campus.  Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, craft items, and poinsettias. Christmas candy, zwieback, peppernuts, poppyseed rolls and cinnamon rolls are always great sellers. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 3 from 1:30-4:30pm or Saturday, December 4 from 7:00-9:00am. 
Thank you for your support of Bethel College!

Mon., Nov. 22 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble Winter Concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Sat., Dec. 4 – Five Places of Christmas, the annual holiday open house, includes Kauffman Museum and Goerz House on the Bethel College campus, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No charge for admission. The Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) is the host at Goerz House, where there will be baked goods and other items for sale. Please plan to wear a face covering indoors and follow all COVID-19 protocols requested by the venue. (Other locations: Warkentin House, Harvey County Historical Museum and Carriage Factory Gallery, all in Newton.)

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Hesston College Event

– Dec. 4         7 p.m.   You are invited to a theatre and music performance that explores what coming “home for Christmas” means for a diversity of people and cultures.     Music and Theatre Present:  Home For Christmas 
               Hesston Mennonite Church
 https://www.hesston.edu/academics/departments/fine-arts/music/     All performers fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will perform without masks. Audience members are required to wear masks.  No tickets are required, but a free-will offering will be accepted following the performance.  Program and livestream available at  www.hesston.edu/music.
 

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

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Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Giving Tuesday is November 30. There aren’t any gimmicks this year to encourage you to give, just stories.  Remember the camper who stayed after campfire to talk to counselors about faith and life struggles.  Think of the awe-filling trips in inner tubes down the river at night and the campfires with the starry heavens above.  Spend a moment with your own memories of Camp Mennoscah.    Encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ by supporting the faith formation ministry of Camp Mennoscah here.  Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111.

Other events and happenings: 
Summer staff applications open!  Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement.  Information and the online application can be found here!  Call or email with questions!
Christmas Gathering on Dec. 18 at 2:30pm!  Join us in the Dining Hall at Camp Mennoscah for afternoon fun–bring games to play indoors or out.  Camp will provide popcorn and generic pop.  (Masks recommended and encouraged for inside activities.) 
We are grateful for you!  We continue to get calls from volunteers and receive gifts of items off the Wish List.  These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah.  The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do.  We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.  See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits).  Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home.  Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required. This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.  Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net. 
 

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For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite World Conference Courier press here
For Mennonite Mission Network Giving Tuesday press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Are you looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for friends or family? Give a gift of peace and inspiration with the “Pause: Play, Breathe, Pray” card deck! Developed by Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation leaders, each card has a different image on one side and a prayerful pause on the other. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/pause-play-breathe-pray

Calling all pastors and faith formation leaders! Registration is now open for Pastors & Leaders | Deep Faith 2022,  a joint conference of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) and Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation. Join us Feb. 21-24, 2022, either virtually or in person on the AMBS campus in Elkhart, Indiana, to explore the theme, “Formed in the Wilderness, Leading in Hope.” Learn more here: ambs.edu/pastorsandleaders.

Menno Snapshots
Ruth Goring, Mennonite author of children’s books, wrote about how her faith community nurtured her writing and art for children. Read her blog, “Picture books for the kin-dom of God,” here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/kin-dom-of-god.

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
In his blog, “Seeing poverty up close around the world,” Stanley Green, executive conference minister of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, recounts his experiences with poverty in Cambodia, South Africa and Argentina, where he saw people impoverished due to low wages, lack of education, gentrification and systemic oppression. Read about his experiences here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/seeing-poverty-up-close

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
In his blog, “Poverty and climate injustice,” Doug Kaufman of the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions explains how climate injustice affects people experiencing poverty and communities of color disproportionately, which causes further economic and ecological problems. Read how churches can help people in these vulnerable communities here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/poverty-climate-injustice

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Liz Breckbill and Erin McWilliams are participants in Mennonite Mission Network’s Alamosa, Colorado, Mennonite Voluntary Service unit. Pray for them as they extend the ministry of the Anabaptist Fellowship of Alamosa, through educating local youth on environmental issues in their community and contributing to environmental restoration.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Give thanks for God’s faithfulness, goodness and generosity, and the many ways that WDC congregations share these gifts so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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This week at BCMCMonday, November 15
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 16
9—11 am  Community Playschool
Wednesday, November 17
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, November 18
9-11 am     Community Playschool
2 pm           Hospitality Commission in Fellowship Hall
4 pm           Staff Congregation Relations Committee—Rm 14
6:30 pm     Chancel Bells—Room B7
7 pm           Bethel College Women’s Association in Fellowship Hall
Friday, November 19
8—10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Sunday, November 21
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation                                                                                     

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Pastor’s Renee and Nathan will be attending their last Transition into Leadership (a 2 year program through AMBS) weekend November 12-14. 

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BCMC COMMUNITY NEWS

Helen Bargen’s 90th birthday is on November 26!  Her family invites you to participate in a card shower to help her celebrate.  You can send cards to:
    Helen Bargen
   3054 Ivy Ct. Rm 32-S
   North Newton, KS 67117

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Norma Johnson’s brother, Tim Johnson of Denver, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, November 10 at age 63 from early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  Please keep Tim’s spouse, Stacie McMullen, and all of the Johnson family in your prayers as they mourn his death and celebrate his life.

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On Sunday, November 21^st at 10:45am the congregation will hold a special hybrid congregational meeting to vote on the proposed Abuse Prevention and Response policy. This meeting’s sole purpose is to vote on the proposed policy, there will not be a time of discussion during this meeting. If you do have questions regarding this new proposed policy or want to better understand the rationale of how we used your feedback, please send your questions to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org by November 18^th. An APRC member will do their best to answer any questions directly before the November 21^st meeting. Paper ballots will be available for in-person attenders and zoom attenders will be able to vote via the zoom poll option. Please let Monica, in the church office, know if you would like a paper ballot to mail in prior to the meeting. The mail in ballots will need to be returned to the church office by November 18^th in order to be included in the vote count.

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Pastor Renee is collecting empty shoe boxes (or similar size boxes) for a church Advent project. If you have any you’d be willing to donate, please leave them on the back pew of the sanctuary (by the nursery).

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“Thinking of You”
The Deacons Commission is working on a “Thinking of You” campaign for people who are isolated due to COVID and other health concerns. For the next few Sundays, we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your comments to members of our church whom we haven’t been able to see for a while. Please stop by and write a short greeting or sign your name to let them know we are thinking about them. For those of you who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, these letters will be in the library during the week for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you! -–Deacon Commission

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Our speaker for Peace Sunday was Mel Lehman, who works with Common Humanity. He talked about the Middle East and peace efforts there. One of the things he mentioned was exchanging Christmas cards. We have that opportunity.
We will be sending cards to Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, Israel. Small or medium sized cards are recommended. Sign and then print you name. First name only or first and last initial are also fine. You may print a short message if you wish. There will be cards on a table in the gathering place for you to sign, if you wish. Address the card to “A friend in Bethlehem”.
All cards must be back in the church office by Sunday, November 14. Cards for us should be returned by Christmas.
Thank you. Witness Commission

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LOCAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES and NEWS

Meat Canning Days Are Coming
Mennonite Central Committee works to meet hunger, sanitation and education needs around the world.  One of the ways local people can help is at our yearly meat canning event.  This year it will be November 16 and 17 for Newton area churches at the MCC mid states building in North Newton. Please use the attached link to sign up to help.  Financial donations are also needed.  If you have questions, talk to your church’s MCC contact person (Lowell Stucky) or call the MCC office ((316) 283-2720).   Thanks.
https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2021

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BETHEL COLLEGE NEWS

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas on Saturday, December 4, at Goerz House on Bethel College campus. 
Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods , craft items, and poinsettias. Christmas candy, zwieback, peppernuts, poppyseed rolls and cinnamon rolls are always great sellers. 
Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 3, from 1:30-4:30pm or Saturday, December 4 from 7:00-9:00am. 
Thank you for your support of Bethel College!

Life Enrichment at Bethel College has been canceled for spring 2022, due to ongoing health and safety concerns. Organizers hope to resume Life Enrichment in fall 2022.

TODAY (Sun., Nov. 14) – KIPCOR Film Series: A Home Called Nebraska, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Emily Haverkamp, an immigration and asylum lawyer from Wichita, will lead the discussion following the screening. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Last week to view “Voices Together,” a display of the original artwork featured in the new Voices Together hymnal, through Fri., Nov. 19,in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Mon., Nov. 22 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble Winter Concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Kauffman Museum at Bethel College seeks a visitor services coordinator: an organized, detail-oriented, social media-savvy, curious, friendly individual to work 75-100% FTE with visitors, school groups, volunteers and student staffers, and to do scheduling and internal office management. The VSC will be a part of a multitasking team of five. For the job description and to apply, visit http://www.kauffmanmuseum.org/vsc. For more information, contact Andi Andres at asa@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612. 

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

Conference Minister Heidi Regier Kreider plans to be out of the office November 15 – December 31, 2021, for a sabbatical leave approved by the WDC Executive Board. In Heidi’s absence, ministry responsibilities will be covered by other WDC staff and board, commission or committee leaders.  Further details will be communicated directly to pastors, congregations and leadership groups. For more information, contact WDC at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.

Shalom Mennonite Church (800 East 1st Street, Newton Kansas), will host a presentation and discussion with Leonard & Antoinette Kiswangi from the Congo DRC along with Charles Buller of AIMM on Friday, November 19th at 7:00 pm. Fresh from their recent retreat with the Africa Leadership Coaching Network along the banks of the Kwilu River, they seek to re-imagine leadership among Anabaptist communities in Africa.  Also planning to join us by zoom will be Bruce Yoder, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission’s new co-director who will share an update on AIMM’s recent gathering of its international partners in Kikwit, Congo.  Questions about this event can be directed to Charles Buller at 574.238.9659 or Shalom Mennonite Church at 316.283.7395

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For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
 

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Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

The Rocky Mountain November newsletter is here!  Have a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. For this and previous newsletters, please visit the camp website and click on the “News” tab under “About Us”.

Jr. High (Jan. 21-23) & Sr. High (Feb. 18-20) Snow Camps are back for 2022! – The time has come to enjoy the beauty and chill and of RMMC in the winter once again. Come play in the snow and on the ice and then be ready to come inside for good food, fellowship and worship together. For Jr. High, Sarah Neher will be sharing on the theme “Filling Your Toolbox” of spiritual practices. Guidelines similar to the summer camping programs (i.e. upload negative COVID test within 3 days and vaccination card if had, along with inside mask wearing and optional outside mask wearing) will be in place for safety in gathering together. Visit the camp web page (www.rmmc.org) for additional details and to sign-up that you’re headed to the Colorado Rockies to start the new year!
 

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Hesston College AnnouncementsHesston College Masterworks: Bach, Brixi, Mozart and Handel – Nov. 13,
7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite ChurchJoin us for an evening featuring Baroque and Classical masterpieces! Bach’s cantata “Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seine,” BWV 148; Brixi’s “Organ Concerto in F,” featuring Kenneth Rodgers, organ; Mozart’s “Exsultate, Jubilate,” K165 featuring Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, soprano; and Handel’s “Hallelujah, Amen” from “Judas Maccabaeus.” Musicians include Bel Canto Singers, area artists, and professional orchestra. Program and livestream at www.hesston.edu/music
 Hesston College Keyboard Festival – Nov. 20;
Finals recital at 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite ChurchArea piano and organ students are invited for a day filled with competition rounds and workshops. Categories open for Elementary, Junior, and Senior divisions. Schedule and registration information at www.hesston.edu/keyboardfest  The finals recital is open to the public in person or at www.hesston.edu/livestream

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Open enrollment for The Corinthian Plan continues through Dec. 31. All Mennonite Church USA-affiliated congregations can enroll their eligible staff for coverage. For more information, please visit mennoniteusa.org

Three pastors from across the denomination share their experiences with intergenerational worship in this recent Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation roundtable discussion. Watch the recorded webinar here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ff-intergenerational

As part of the Mennonite Church USA and MennoMedia’s Common Read initiative, Sara Wenger-Shenk discussed her book “Tongue-Tied,” in which she investigates the reasons why people who claim the name of Christ are so reluctant to talk about him. Watch and share the webinar recording here: mennoniteusa.org/commonread-webinar

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Lane Miller laments the systems that benefit some and leave others in poverty in his prayer, “The cost of poverty,” which is part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join” initiative. Join him in praying that we can achieve a different way of seeing and being, so that poverty can be vanquished. www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-cost-of-poverty/

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Poverty is present in our communities, even when it’s hidden. In their blog, “Poverty in Harvey County, Kansas,” Hesston College’s Del and Michele Hershberger share how under-employment, natural disasters and depopulation have caused people in their community to struggle silently with poverty, often leaving those around them oblivious to their financial difficulties. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/poverty-harvey-county. 

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Severe funding cuts are hampering the functions of Kalonda Bible Institute, where many Mennonite church leaders are trained in Congo. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the professors and their families, who have lost their incomes, and for Bercy Mundedi, the director, who has an ardent desire to see the next generation of church leaders prepared for God’s work.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Give thanks for WDC’s online book discussion this Thursday, focusing on The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, and pray for wisdom as we reckon with the legacy that continues to have devastating effects on Indigenous Peoples around the globe.

Remember that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 7.  You will need to turn your clocks back one hour.

No Sr high Sunday School this Sunday (November 7) (Senior High Youth Group Retreat at Camp Mennoscah)

Please pray for the sr high youth and sponsors attending a fall retreat together at Camp Mennoscah November 6-7. 

Faith Formation at BCMC
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
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
All other adult classes begin at 10:30 am
All Sunday school classrooms in the church will be open 

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This week at BCMCMonday, November 8
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 9
9—11 am  Community Playschool
7 pm          Reopening Church Task Force Group—Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, November 10
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, November 11
9-11 am     Community Playschool
11:30 am   Sojourners Sunday School Class Lunch in Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm     Chancel Bells—Room B7
7 pm          Finance Committee Meeting by Zoom
Friday, November 12
8—10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Saturday, November 13 
9 am to 3 pm  Western District Conference event in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 14
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary; Music by the Chancel Bells
10:30 am   Faith Formation

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Locking policy for BCMC
We will be locking doors at BCMC at 5 pm each day.  If there are meetings in the church after 5 pm, the south doors (clear glass automatic doors) will be open.  For Wednesday night activities, please enter the church through the south doors. 

Pastor’s Renee and Nathan will be attending their last Transition into Leadership (a 2 year program through AMBS) weekend November 12-14. 

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BCMC COMMUNITY NEWS

“Thinking of You”
The Deacons Commission is working on a “Thinking of You” campaign for people who are isolated due to COVID and other health concerns. For the next few Sundays, we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your comments to members of our church whom we haven’t been able to see for a while. Please stop by and write a short greeting or sign your name to let them know we are thinking about them. For those of you who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, these letters will be in the library during the week for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you! -–Deacon Commission

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Our speaker for Peace Sunday was Mel Lehman, who works with Common Humanity. He talked about the Middle East and peace efforts there. One of the things he mentioned was exchanging Christmas cards. We have that opportunity.
We will be sending cards to Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, Israel. Small or medium sized cards are recommended. Sign and then print you name. First name only or first and last initial are also fine. You may print a short message if you wish. There will be cards on a table in the gathering place for you to sign, if you wish. Address the card to “A friend in Bethlehem”.
All cards must be back in the church office by Sunday, November 14. Cards for us should be returned by Christmas.
Thank you. Witness Commission

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Helen Bargen’s 90th birthday is on November 26!  Her family invites you to participate in a card shower to help her celebrate.  You can send cards to:
    Helen Bargen
   3054 Ivy Ct. Rm 32-S
   North Newton, KS 67117

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October 31 Offering at BCMC:  General Fund $6,373.34; MCC Meat Canning $825; Plant Fund $100; Living Stones $105; Phil Koontz Memorial $100

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LOCAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES and NEWS

Meat Canning Days Are Coming
Mennonite Central Committee works to meet hunger, sanitation and education needs around the world.  One of the ways local people can help is at our yearly meat canning event.  This year it will be November 16 and 17 for Newton area churches at the MCC mid states building in North Newton. Please use the attached link to sign up to help.  Financial donations are also needed.  If you have questions, talk to your church’s MCC contact person (Lowell Stucky) or call the MCC office ((316) 283-2720).   Thanks.
https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2021

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BCMC and Faith Churches are committed to providing volunteers and meals for NEW HOPE SHELTER the week of November 3 to 9.  We are always in need of more volunteers.  Many who have served generously in the past are aging and we need replacements. Please consider offering your time and yourself to serve those among us who are in need of shelter until New Hope can help them move on to a more secure situation.  Contact Valetta Seymour if you have questions or feel ready to be a volunteer.  620-217-7536, seymour2314@gmail.com.

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BETHEL COLLEGE NEWS

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas on Saturday, December 4, at Goerz House on Bethel College campus. 
Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods , craft items, and poinsettias. Christmas candy, zwieback, peppernuts, poppyseed rolls and cinnamon rolls are always great sellers. 
Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 3, from 1:30-4:30pm or Saturday, December 4 from 7:00-9:00am. 
Thank you for your support of Bethel College!

Life Enrichment at Bethel College has been canceled for spring 2022, due to ongoing health and safety concerns. Organizers hope to resume Life Enrichment in fall 2022.

Tues., Nov. 9 – Bethel College’s Organ Recital Series returns in-person with Shirley Sprunger King, D.M.A., 7 p.m., in the Ad Building chapel. Chapel seating will be limited, and there will be a livestream option on the big screen in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Sun., Nov. 14 – KIPCOR Film Series: A Home Called Nebraska, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Emily Haverkamp, an immigration and asylum lawyer from Wichita, will lead the discussion following the screening. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Now in the Regier Gallery at Bethel College – “Voices Together,” a display of the original artwork featured in the new Voices Together hymnal, through Nov. 19. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. IN ADDITION, Rachel Epp Buller, professor of visual arts and design at Bethel and gallery and exhibit coordinator, is available to church groups who would like to visit the exhibit on an evening or weekend outside regular hours. Contact her at rebuller@bethelks.edu to set up a time between now and Nov. 19.

Kauffman Museum at Bethel College seeks a visitor services coordinator: an organized, detail-oriented, social media-savvy, curious, friendly individual to work 75-100% FTE with visitors, school groups, volunteers and student staffers, and to do scheduling and internal office management. The VSC will be a part of a multitasking team of five. For the job description and to apply, visit http://www.kauffmanmuseum.org/vsc. For more information, contact Andi Andres at asa@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612. 

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

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Camp Mennoscah will be at Hesston College (Nov. 8), Tabor College (Nov. 9) and Bethel College (Nov. 10) recruiting for summer staff with other Mennonite Camping Association camps.  Camps are usually set up at tables near the cafeteria.  We’ll be there from mid-morning through lunch.  Stop by to hear more about Summer 2022!

Other Camp Mennoscah events and happenings: 

• We are grateful for you!  We continue to get calls from volunteers and receive gifts of items off the Wish List.  These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah.  The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do.  We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! and support camp’s ministry.  Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.  See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
• Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits).  Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home.  Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
• Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.
  This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.
  Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.
  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net. 

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For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here

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Hesston College AnnouncementsPerforming Arts Scholarship Auditions – Nov. 12Know a senior interested in the arts? Invite them to schedule a visit and audition, email us at finearts@hesston.edu.
 Hesston College Masterworks: Bach, Brixi, Mozart and Handel – Nov. 13,
7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite ChurchJoin us for an evening featuring Baroque and Classical masterpieces! Bach’s cantata “Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seine,” BWV 148; Brixi’s “Organ Concerto in F,” featuring Kenneth Rodgers, organ; Mozart’s “Exsultate, Jubilate,” K165 featuring Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, soprano; and Handel’s “Hallelujah, Amen” from “Judas Maccabaeus.” Musicians include Bel Canto Singers, area artists, and professional orchestra. Program and livestream at www.hesston.edu/music
 Hesston College Keyboard Festival – Nov. 20;
Finals recital at 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite ChurchArea piano and organ students are invited for a day filled with competition rounds and workshops. Categories open for Elementary, Junior, and Senior divisions. Schedule and registration information at www.hesston.edu/keyboardfest  The finals recital is open to the public in person or at www.hesston.edu/livestream

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Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Discover creative ways to engage with “Dare to Imagine,” Mennonite Church USA’s 2021 Advent at Home worship guide. Join writer Talashia Keim Yoder for a one-hour webinar on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT for creative ideas on how to slow down and connect with God each day during this season of anticipation. Learn about the guide here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/advent2021. Register for the webinar here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/adventwebinar2021.

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board welcomed seven new board members during their first meeting of the biennium. At this meeting, the Executive Board received training and focused on agency relationships and processing resolutions. Read the news release here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/7-new-members.

The Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council met in October to discuss its role in preparing churches for the special delegate assembly, which will take place May 27-30, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. Read the news release here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/clc-meeting-oct21.

#BeTransformed
Joanne Gallardo, conference minister for the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference, shares how the transformation that she saw in her conference inspired her own transformation in her blog, “Renewing my own vision.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/renewing-own-vision.

Menno Snapshots
Voices Together committee members have created a list of songs and worship resources for churches and individuals to use during the thanksgiving season. Learn more in their blog,  “Thanksgiving songs and resources in Voices Together.” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/thanksgiving-voices-together

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Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  Mennonite Mission Network praises God for Sue and Wally Fahrer’s ministries of music, church-planting, pastoring and counseling in the United Kingdom, which spanned nearly four decades. Pray for them as they continue to serve God in their retirement in Liverpool, England.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for WDC Pastors’ Day Apart on November 13, that the Holy Spirit would guide participants and presenter Sara Wenger Shenk in exploring the theme, Tongue-Tied: Is Talking About Faith a Lost Art?