Renee is looking for pictures of your advent wreath to use in our worship service on December 20th. Please send a picture of your advent wreath to her by December 15th at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org to be included!

Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve tradition continues at BCMC this year!  The service will be pre-recorded and made available for you to watch at your convenience on Christmas Eve.

December 27 worship will be a service centered around Christmas carols. Send Verlene Garber the Christmas carol(s) you’d like to hear!  The service will begin at 10 am.  Verlene’s email is:  verleneg@cox.net.  Phone is listed in church directory.

Technology Update
You can now livestream BCMC worship services easily by going to the homepage of the BCMC website https://bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org/ and clicking on the green LIVE button to the right of the screen.  Thank you to Ken Lamp, Ben Lichti, Francis Toews, Bill Swartley, and Monica Lichti for their extra time, energy and effort to bring BCMC worship to us in our homes!

BCMC COVID-19 Update
The Reopen Task Group has been hard at work creating guidelines for safe gatherings at BCMC. You can be up to date with their work on the COVID-19 tab on the BCMC website. Currently, Harvey County is at a percent positivity rate of 11.66% as of December 8th, 2020. According to our guidelines this means that we will not have in-person worship or small group gatherings indoors (faith formation activities or committee/commission meetings). 

Staff Update
The church office will be closed in the afternoons from now until December 23 due to staff vacation time.  Whether the office is open or not, you can always be in touch with pastors by giving them a call on their cell phones (listed in church directory).

Financial Update
According to the latest numbers, enough contributions have been received to cover the elevator repair!  Based on the estimate from Regier Construction, we need $32,421 to cover the kitchen/fellowship hall renovation.  General fund contributions from January 1 through November 30 were $417,199 and expenses were $421,887, leaving a shortfall of $4,688. ~ Mike Claassen, BCMC Finance Manager
BCMC for December 6-13:  General Fund $10,687; Plant Fund $50; Caring Fund $1,350; Living Stones $385; Lynn Louck’s Memorial $20.

This Advent we are once again enjoying banners created by Bob Regier forty years ago. Thank you, Bob, for your artwork that keeps on giving!  This year we are seeing the banners from a different angle as they are displayed in the choir loft (within view of the camera). Thanks to Bill and Susie Swartley for the creation of the banner stands!   As you view the banners during worship, what do you see?  Consider writing a poem or brief reflection about what the banners help you see and experience throughout the season.

ADVENT GIFT PROJECTS:  Share the joy!
The Witness Commission has chosen two Advent gift projects for our congregation this year, both addressing COVID 19 related needs:  
The Covid 19 Congregational Relief Fund provides grants to help Anabaptist-related churches  meet their congregational financial needs (such as rent, mortgage, utilities, staff salaries, etc.) or to assist families and individuals in their midst in recovering from COVID-19 hardships.  Priority is given to racially and ethnically diverse churches serving in historically under-resourced communities.   To contribute to this fund, click here.

The Harvest of Love is a support program managed by the Newton Ministerial Alliance (NMA). When the program started, it was originally to provide food assistance to those who were in need. By now the Harvest of Love also provides support for people in need of rent, utility, and other types of financial assistance. The Harvest of Love is run out of the Salvation Army food pantry. During COVID-19, the need for assistance has been on the rise. To help our community, the Harvest of Love has removed restrictions on how often a family can receive food and financial assistance. 
You can contribute to the Harvest of Love in two ways. You can drop off material donations at 208 W 6th St, Newton. For monetary donations please make your check payable to Harvest of Love. You can mail your monetary donation to Newton Ministerial Alliance, PO Box 1084, Newton, KS 67114

Most of the Advent Books from the BCMC Library have been pulled and are on display in the checkout room, including most of the Everybody Books. Please feel free to come by and check out our eclectic offerings.

TODAY (Sunday, Dec. 13), 8 p.m. – All are invited to take part in Bethel College’s annual Lighting of the Green, from wherever you are. This long-standing Bethel Advent tradition celebrates the Light that shines in the darkness, the life and light of Christ who came into the world giving light to all humankind. Normally held on the Green in the center of campus, the gathering will take place virtually this year, live online (links follow) with some parts pre-recorded.YouTube: https://youtu.be/LZeLxduHoVk or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/98444357235?pwd=N1MzQlpiQ29HQWZIWUs2NGpNWWtIZz09
Alternate instructions:  Go to https://www.bethelks.edu/article/lighting-green-be-virtual-year, the URL for the Lighting of the Green press release, which contains both links.  Or
Go to bethelks.edu, scroll to FEATURED NEWS, and click the Lighting of the Green article, where you will find both links.

MCC Comforter Blitz update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Kansas Friends of MCC Comforter Blitz in Yoder, KS has been canceled. However, the Blitz committee still has a goal of collecting at least 300 comforters between February and April. We need your help to meet this goal! Fabric kits and comforter sets to tie (top, back, and batting) are available to check out from MCC in North Newton. For contactless drop-off of completed comforters the 24-hour donation room is always available. To arrange drop-off or checkout materials, contact Kate at katemast@mcc.org, or 316.804.8432.

KIPCOR’s 2020 Fall Newsletter
You can read the entire newsletter in a convenient “Flipsnack” format here: 
https://www.flipsnack.com/KIPCOR/kipcor-fall-2020-newsletter.html
Or find it on KIPCOR’s website here:
https://kipcor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Fall-2020-Newsletter-Individual-pages-final.pdf

Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your bcmcXpress annual intent form!  Please submit your intent form by Nov 22. Click here for the intent form.    — Finance Committee (Al Peters. Judy Friesen, Paul Harder, Gwen Neufeld, LaVern Stucky; Mike Claassen, Finance Manager).

On the first Sunday of Advent, Nov 29, we will be celebrating communion together (virtually).  If you would like to receive a slice of home-baked bread for this service, please email or call Monica at the church office.  Bread will be delivered to your home on Saturday, Nov 28.

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach we are provided an opportunity to be generous and exhibit care to those around us.   One of the ways BCMC provides help for those in need is through the Caring Fund, administered by the Deacon Commission. In the past year we have sent funds to 5 different agencies, and several individuals.  This is an opportunity for you to help replenish the Caring Fund as more needs are expected to become apparent to us. Please help us provide funds for those individuals that need food, rent, utilities,  and for organizations that provide shelter, assistance and care for those in this community, this country, and around the world.  Please contribute by earmarking your contribution for the Caring Fund. Thanks, Jim Robb, Deacon Chair

Thank you to our BCMC community for your love and support that we have experienced throughout Marvin’s illness and his passing on November 1st.  The many gifts through the memorials, the cards with caring notes, the phone calls and the food that was brought to the house indicated the immense impact that his life had on this community of faith.  May God richly bless each one of you. The family of Marvin Holck

BCMC’s week to provide volunteers and meals to New Hope shelter is Nov. 18-24.  We need some evening volunteers, overnight volunteers, and meals.  New Hope takes every Covid precaution, but I understand that that does not give 100% assurance.  If you have interest in helping, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com   or 620-217-7536.

BCMC Offering for November 15-22:  General Fund $3,725; MCC Meat Canning $450; Living Stones $90; Elevator Repair $25.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  In many North American Indigenous cultures, every day is Thanksgiving Day. For the Onondaga People around Lake Ontario, the morning begins with the Thanksgiving Address, known as the “Words that Come Before All Else.” Join Mennonite Mission Network in thanking God for the good gifts that sustain us even in difficult times.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Give thanks for the gifts of leadership, vision, prayer, financial support, and volunteer time that WDC members have shared to support WDC’s ministry this year.

Western District Conference Announcements:
·  Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS  67117. Thank you for your generosity!   
· Keep Awake!  The WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force invites you to use these worship resources for the First Sunday of Advent that highlight liberation for oppressed peoples, including our sisters and brothers in Palestine.  See the link here:   https://www.fosna.org/keepawake 
· Due to Covid-19 concerns, the Western District Conference office and Resource Library are closed until further notice.  All staff members are working from their homes.  The best way to contact a staff member is by email, or messages can be left at 316-283-6300.  Phone messages will be checked as possible. 
· Staff email addresses:
· Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister, heidirk@mennowdc.org
· Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister Kansas-Based, kathynd@mennowdc.org
· Lee Lever, Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas (through Nov 30), leelever@mennowdc.org
· Sandra Montes-Martinez, Administrative Assistant (Texas) (through Nov 30, transitioning to Associate Conference Minister Texas-Based beginning Dec 1), sandram@mennowdc.org 
· Beth Yoder, Business Manager, busmgr@mennowdc.org
· Jennie Wintermote, Library Director, crlib@mennowdc.org
· Nancy Funk, Administrative Assistant, wdc@mennowdc.org

Camp Mennoscah announcements
·  Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful place for family gatherings of whatever size!  A variety of facilities fit any number of family groupings.  Or maybe you only need a space during the day for walking the trails or playing disc golf.  There is plenty of outdoor space!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve!  You are welcome here!
· We’re thinking s’mores and socially distanced activities.  The Camp Mennoscah Christmas Gathering is tentatively being planned as an outdoor event on Saturday, December 12 at 2:30 pm.  Registration required.  Call 620-297-3290!  Plans may change depending on coronavirus case rates and the desire to keep everyone safe.  Bring your mask!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Order Christmas goodies and gifts at Bethel College Women’s Association online market. Find hand made crafts, and one-of-a-kind items, and fresh homemade treats including peppernuts, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, poppyseed rolls, and candies at bcwamarketonline.com. Place your order by December 1, and pick up at Bethel College Mennonite Church south entrance from 10:00 am to noon Saturday, Dec 5. This event is part of the annual Five Places of Christmas, sponsored by Newton Chamber of Commerce, and all proceeds will support Bethel College. And, if you are not local, most items can be shipped including peppernuts! Christmas shopping and supporting Bethel at the same time doesn’t get much better than that.
· Baked goods sign up:  A call-out for local bakers to support Bethel College. For years Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) has been a location for 5 Places of Christmas selling crafts and baked goods. BCWA is asking for support in making baked items for the event which is December 5. Please follow the link below for sign-up options. Thanks for your continued support of Bethel College!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABAF2EA4FDCF8-baked

· Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1. Your contribution to Mission Network will help us Be the Gospel through our valued partnerships, ministries, and resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Donate to give on or before December 1. 

· Mennonite Voluntary Service is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 service term. Two units are still accepting applications for this year! Serve, learn, and grow in faith with a community of your peers! Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more!

A memorable, meaningful and unique Mennonite Central Committee gift to give this Christmas! Grab a piece of MCC history to use in a modern day Mennonite feeding station – your home! Get one for yourself and order more for family and friends. Hang it on the wall in your kitchen or dining room, display it on a shelf or use it as a serving tray! Remember the kitchen at your church, too. Each tray was uniquely handcrafted by an artisan in Siberia using Siberian hardwood. The tray is 16” in diameter and 2” deep.  Call the Mennonite Central Committee at 316-283-2720 for details.  

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is seeking a part time Administrative Assistant that will provide administrative support to the leadership of MDS Region 3 and its units (Central States – west of the Mississippi). The position is home-based within Region 3. Applicants must be active in an Anabaptist church and committed to the Anabaptist faith and peace position.  See the full job description at mds.mennonite.net/about-us/employment. Resumes may be sent to jobs@mds.mennonite.net. Review of resumes begins immediately. Recruitment continues until the position is filled.  Region 3 is comprised of the following states:  Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas

Mennonite Central Committee asks for support for Central American hurricane recovery. Not one, but two hurricanes within two weeks have caused extensive flooding in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Hurricanes Eta and Iota have destroyed crops and forced people from their homes. MCC is working with churches and community organization to provide emergency food, hygiene supplies and cleanup support. Join us as we help these communities recover. You can donate online mcc.org/eta-iota-relief, by phone (888) 563-4676 or by mail at MCC, 21 S. 12th St., PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501. 
 
Join MCC for a series of “MCC and me” webinars to hear more about service opportunities. Are you ready to step out and into service? To gain new skills and experiences while working for relief, development and peace in the name of Christ?
MCC is working to adapt our programming as the situation with COVID-19 develops. All sessions relate to anticipated service needs, though timing and some other details may be subject to change.
•             December 9 at 7 p.m. EST: Serving and Learning Together (SALT)
•             January 13 at 3 p.m. EST: Summer Service leadership program
•             February 25 at 10 a.m. EST: Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) summer staff
•             February 25 at 8 p.m. EST: International service worker
•             March 6 at 12 p.m. EST: International service worker
•             March TBD: Mobile Meat Canner
For more information and to register: mcc.org/mcc-me-webinar-series-service-opportunities

Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday at MCC in North Newton! This drive-thru event on Dec. 11 from 4-6 p.m. is a unique way to safely enjoy some delicious Christmas cheer while supporting the worldwide work of Mennonite Central Committee. Each charcuterie box is composed of seasonal artisan meats and cheeses, olives, fruit, mixed nuts and seasonal treats with crackers served on the side. A box serves two generous appetizer portions. RSVP by 5 p.m. on December 4 to reserve yours! Share your Christmas joy by ordering extra boxes to deliver to family and friends. Take a moment and treat yourself this holiday season! Suggested donation per box is $25. Email centralstates@mcc.org to reserve your charcuterie box today! Find more information and photos at mcc.org/honkin-holiday.