The BCMC 2021 Directory (used to be called the BCMC Yearbook) will be printed in September. If you have address or contact (phone, email, cell phone) changes, please call or email the church office.
BCMC becomes a classroom Bethel College Mennonite Church will be assisting Bethel College by providing class room space in the BCMC Sanctuary on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the fall semester. On these days there will be classes from 8 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm. You should avoid coming in the south (glass) doors of the church on those days because you will find yourself at the back of a classroom. If you wish to come to the church on those days, please use the front double doors, or the door closest to the office on the northwest corner. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can enter through the south doors.
This week at BCMC Monday, August 23 8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary 2 pm to 4 pm Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary Tuesday, August 24 7 pm Abuse Prevention and Response Committee Meeting 7 pm Decoration Committee Meeting Wednesday, August 25 8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary 2 pm to 4 pm Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary Thursday, August 26 2 pm Hospitality Commission Meeting–Fellowship Hall Friday, August 27 8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary 2 pm to 4 pm Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary Sunday, August 29 9:30 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary 10:30 am Safe Sanctuary Training 11:30 am Sunday School Teacher Orientation
Staff Absence Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation from August 23-28.
Upcoming memorial service: Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed. For live streaming of the service, click here.
The Faith Formation program year will start up again after Labor Day. This means that Sunday School for all children and youth (Preschool Sunday School, Middler Sunday School, and Sr High Sunday School) will begin on Sunday, September 12th, Wednesday Night Club for 3rd-8th graders will begin on Wednesday, September 8th, and Sr High Youth Group for 9th-12th graders will begin on Wednesday, September 8th.
We extend our sympathy to Dale and Margo Schrag, upon the death of Dale’s brother, Dwayne. Dwane died yesterday (Aug 18) in Wichita, following a long illness, and is survived by his wife, Sandy.
UPDATE: BCMC during COVID-19 In light of the current high level of community COVID-19 transmission in Harvey County (per the CDC) and what we are learning about the Delta variant (it can be spread by those vaccinated), the Reopening Task Group has revised safety guidelines for life at BCMC. You can find them here.
Parking at BCMC Bethel College students will be encouraged to leave parking spaces open around the church on Sundays for BCMC parking. In addition, on Sunday mornings parking is available for BCMCers in 1) the Fine Arts Center parking lot, and 2) the grassy parking lot just south of the paved Warkentin Courts lot. If you can easily walk this distance, we encourage you to use those spaces in consideration of those with mobility issues.
New Hope Shelter BCMC and Faith Church will be providing volunteers and meals at New Hope Shelter beginning Wednesday, Aug. 25 through Tuesday, Aug. 31. Please consider this opportunity to serve. There will be a volunteer training for new volunteers on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 7-8:30 PM. If you would like to attend, please contact Valetta Seymour by Tuesday, Aug. 17. seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Community Playschool Inc. is seeking volunteer teachers and classroom helpers. If you feel that you might have an interest and are willing to commit to a few hours, or two mornings a week, these are current needs: 2 classroom helpers on Tuesday/Thursday 1 Center helper (snack and greeting kids) on Wednesday and Friday Several substitutes If you feel that you might have an interest and are willing to commit to a few hours, two mornings a week, or would like more information, please contact Kasey Newell, Director at Community Playschool, 316-283-3667.
Library News from BCMC The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.
Bethel College Announcements 1. Save the date: Mark McCormick, director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas, will give the next KIPCOR Peace Lecture, Thursday, Sept. 30, on the Bethel campus as part of Bethel’s Fall Festival. Details to come! 2. Saturday, Sept. 4 – Kauffman Museum’s monthly bird walk will be a special event in cooperation with the Kansas Humanities Council: a book and poetry walk with Megan Kaminski and Molly Zahn from the University of Kansas. Start time: 9:30 a.m. at the museum’s front door. For more information, call 316-283-1612 or e-mail kauffman@bethelks.edu 3. Sunday, Sept. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series resumes live, with The Prison Within, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Individuals incarcerated in San Quentin Prison and charged with murder take a journey of redemption through participation in a restorative justice program. Talk-back to follow. Bethel’s COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation! See especially:
1. Support Mennonite Central Committee, get to know the new hymnal and enjoy refreshments in a family-friendly hymn sing fundraiser September 11 at “Voices (and Pints) Together” on the New Creation Fellowship Church lawn in Newton. Locally produced beers, wines and nonalcoholic beverages will be available to sample during a 6:06 p.m. fellowship hour of bluegrass music featuring The Flannelbacks preceding the 7 p.m. outdoor hymn sing. More information is on Facebook here. Song requests can be submitted (with a donation) until September 6th by using this google form link.
2. Join MCC in prayer and support for those suffering in our world. MCC has prepositioned relief materials in Haiti for immediate use. Earlier this month an additional shipment of supplies was sent to Haiti and is expected to arrive in September. MCC continues to respond to needs around the world in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Congo and other crisis areas. We greatly appreciate your monetary donations to keep current projects going and to help with extra expenses due to recent disasters; and we could use your help in replenishing our supplies of relief kits and hygiene kits. Questions can be directed to 316.283.2720 or centralstates@mcc.org.
Prayer for Afghanistan God of safe passage, open the way.
God of hospitality, prepare rooms to receive.
God of protection, envelop those in danger.
God of peace, remove the seed and tools of violence.
God of tears, hold us in your embrace.
Oh, Afghanistan! May peace flow down like cooling rain.
Written by Kirstin De Mello, Program and Communications Coordinator for MCC U.S. Washington Office.
3. MCC Treats & Beats, August 26 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at MCC in North Newton! Join us for this relaxed come-and-go event featuring ice cream treats from Salted Creamery and beats from the talented Kevin Gaeddert! Drop in, grab some ice cream and enjoy a little music as our thank you for your support of the work of MCC!
Camp Mennoscah Announcements 1. The next Work Day is August 28 with projects galore! We may work on some of the finishing touches to the campfire amphitheater or any number of other projects, depending on the turnout. We’ll meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Contact us at 620-297-3290 to let us know you’re coming! 2. September 26 is a Camp Mennoscah Combo! It’s the Hymn Sing-Dessert Auction and Annual Meeting all in one! There are still details to be determined, but plan on some hymn singing (masked & distanced), bidding on delectable desserts, and information about Camp Mennoscah’s year. We’ll keep the details coming your way! There are volunteer opportunities for you! Camp Mennoscah has year-round work to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campus and facilities. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. 3. 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.
Hoffnungsau Fun Night Are you sad that summer is coming to an end? Come out and have a great night of fun and entertainment at the Community Fun Night! Saturday, September 4, starting at 5:30pm at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13th Avenue, Inman. There will be Cornhole Tournament ($20 entry fee, cash prizes, registration 5:30-600); Kids’ activities (inflatables, face painting, water games); Car Show; Food Vendors (Epp Soul Food and Patrick Klassen); Drive-in Movie on the lawn at dark. Everyone’s welcome! Bring your family and friends as we celebrate the end of summer!! Find Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church on Facebook for more details.
Click here for the Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level
Work on the addition to the columbarium progresses. More pictures taken by Monica Lichti. The wall grows. The contractor is Dana Orpin. An interesting fact about Dana is that his father Charles Orpin and grandfather Clarence laid the original stones for the current BCMC building.
UPDATE: BCMC during COVID-19 In light of the current high level of community COVID-19 transmission in Harvey County (per the CDC) and what we are learning about the Delta variant (it can be spread by those vaccinated), the Reopening Task Group has revised safety guidelines for life at BCMC. You can find them here.
In summary:
Sunday morning worship will continue to be offered in-person and via live stream.
Masks are required inside the church building during worship, Sunday School classes (for adults and children), commission/committee meetings, and other indoor gatherings.
Please be mindful of maintaining physical distance between you and others. Specifically, on Sunday mornings, find a seat in front of a piece of blue tape, and leave space between you and other family units in your row. Seating is also available in the balcony.
If your Sunday School class, commission/committee/small group would like to meet over Zoom, please contact one of the pastors to help set up a meeting with a BCMC zoom account.
Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, please do not attend church gatherings, indoors or outdoors, if you are feeling unwell.
If you have questions, you can be in touch with anyone on the Reopening Task Group: Dawn Yoder Harms, Nathan Koontz, Renee Reimer, Monica Lichti, Doris Whillock, Barbara Thiesen, Susie Swartley, Jeanette Stucky
BCMC welcomes new Bethel College students! Although COVID-19 has disrupted our practice of inviting new students to worship at BCMC as part of their orientation, BCMC will help welcome new students this Sunday, Aug 15 at Bethel College. Pastors Renee and Nathan will help lead a worship service for new students in Memorial Hall, and following worship, the Hospitality Commission, Bethel College Relations Committee, and Education Service and Scholarship Committee members will welcome new students on Centennial Plaza with home-baked cookies (thank you, Brenda Turner!). In the meantime, there will be worship at BCMC as usual, at 9:30am (in person at BCMC or live streamed).
Mel and Mary Sue Voth express their deepest thanks and appreciation for everyone’s prayers and support during Mary Sue’s recent hospitalization and now as she recovers as home.
New Hope Shelter BCMC and Faith Church will be providing volunteers and meals at New Hope Shelter beginning Wednesday, Aug. 25 through Tuesday, Aug. 31. Please consider this opportunity to serve. There will be a volunteer training for new volunteers on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 7-8:30 PM. If you would like to attend, please contact Valetta Seymour by Tuesday, Aug. 17. seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Community Playschool Inc. is seeking volunteer teachers and classroom helpers. If you feel that you might have an interest and are willing to commit to a few hours, or two mornings a week, these are current needs: 2 classroom helpers on Tuesday/Thursday 1 Center helper (snack and greeting kids) on Wednesday and Friday Several substitutes If you feel that you might have an interest and are willing to commit to a few hours, two mornings a week, or would like more information, please contact Kasey Newell, Director at Community Playschool, 316-283-3667.
Now at Kauffman Museum: “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction.” This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from the exhibit “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” Previously on display at NMC Health in Newton, “Vapes” will be at Kauffman Museum through Jan. 9, 2022. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. There is a small admission charge for non-museum members.
New Hearing Assist System BCMC has installed a new hearing assist system for those with blue-tooth enabled hearing aids. An information and instruction sheet is at the rear of the sanctuary.
Upcoming memorial service: Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website
Library News from BCMC The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Annual Meeting will be Thursday, August 26, 6:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, McPherson. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves at bj.reeves@live.com or 620-543-6863 by August 22. We will be checking with health information sources regarding group meetings closer to the date for everyone’s protection. The funds will go to the McPherson Housing Coalition for the construction of Oak Harbor Cottages for low income/homeless families.
KIPCOR Film Series 2021-2022: “The Prison Within” The KIPCOR Film Series is returning live and in-person on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium in the Luyken Fine Arts Center on the campus of Bethel College to screen the film, “The Prison Within.” We will watch the film and discuss it afterwards. Films are free and open to the public. PLEASE NOTE that we will be following Bethel College’s COVID-19 guidelines, which currently require everyone to wear masks indoors for groups of 10 or more, regardless of vaccination status. ABOUT THE FILM The “Prison Within” takes you on a journey into redemption and forgiveness inside the walls of San Quentin prison. Witness the powerful journeys of individuals incarcerated for murder as they participate in a restorative justice program to expose and heal the roots of their traumas. The post-film discussion on September 12 will be led by filmmakers, producers and/or featured actors. Find more information by going to the KIPCOR website.
New curriculum now available from Mennonite Central Committee! Conflict is a normal part of life. It arises in our workplaces, in our churches and with our families. To help people to learn to work through divisive issues, Mennonite Central Committee has produced a new adult Sunday school curriculum, Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict. It invites churchgoers to follow Jesus’ call to peacemaking through dialogue with each other in nine sessions. The curriculum is available to download for free, or in print for a suggested $5 donation. Please direct questions to karinkaufmanwall@mcc.org 316.283.2720 or curriculum author Jes Stoltzfus Buller at peacefulpractices@mcc.org.
MCC Treats & Beats, August 26 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at MCC in North Newton! Join us for this relaxed come-and-go event featuring ice cream treats from Salted Creamery and beats from the talented Kevin Gaeddert! Drop in, grab some ice cream and enjoy a little music as our thank you for your support of the work of MCC!
Mennonite Central Committee Washington E Memo click here
Mennonite Church USA Links #BringThePeace Mennonite Church USA awarded its first ever #BringThePeace award to Dona Park and Michelle Armster. This award honors peacebuilders and is sponsored by the Church Peace Tax Fund. Read more about the recipients and watch a short video about the award here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/bringthepeace-honorees
Menno Snapshots Regina Shands Stoltzfus was one of the women responsible for putting Mennonite Church USA’s “Laboring Toward Wholeness” anti-patriarchy curriculum together. In her blog, she describes what it was like to be part of this team and why she thinks the curriculum is important. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/working-on-ltw.
Menno Snapshots In his blog, “The Bible and Christian nationalism,” Drew Strait discusses how to identify Christian nationalism and some of its root causes. He also provides four ways to begin moving past it. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/bible-christian-nationalism.
#BeTransformed Iris de León-Hartshorn, associate executive director of Mennonite Church USA, shares her reflection on this biennium’s theme — Be Transformed — in her blog “Transforming as becoming.” Read how she views transformation as a continual movement here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/transforming-as-becoming.
The Rocky Mountain August newsletter is here! Goodness! It has been a summer camping season like none other than camp has experienced with youth campers on site AND an ongoing coronavirus pandemic at the same time. For a bit more of what we’ve been up to, please enjoy the July and August newsletters.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Laura Schlabach, of Mennonite Mission Network, has had a steep learning curve during the past year in the JCS International office, as she learned new administrative skills for responding to the crises caused by COVID-19 in Mongolia. She requests prayer to improve her communication skills, especially in the Mongolian language. Western District Conference Prayer Request: As a new school year begins, pray for health and strength for all students, teachers and mentors in WDC congregations.
Bethel College students will soon be arriving! They will be encouraged to leave parking spaces open around the church on Sundays for BCMC parking. In addition, on Sunday mornings parking is available for BCMCers in 1) the Fine Arts Center parking lot, and 2) the grassy parking lot just south of the paved Warkentin Courts lot. If you can easily walk this distance, we encourage you to use those spaces in consideration of those with mobility issues.
Pastor Dawn will be out of town Aug 6-9.
Thank you to our BCMC family for your support during this past year after losing our daughter and sister, Nancy Jo. Thank you for your cards and emails, for celebrating Nancy’s life with us, whether in person at her memorial service or via live-streaming. Thank you to the pastors, staff and volunteers who helped us with the memorial service and, in the process, helped us feel cared for. We now walk the rest of the way without Nancy (and Maddox), but we know we have your arms to lean on when we lose heart. –Jim, Melanie and Becky Mueller
We, the family of Miner Seymour, are so grateful for this community that has held Miner and us so steadfastly these past months/years. We appreciate the caring, gifts of food, and many other thoughtful gestures of kindness. Thank you! Valetta, Kate, Todd and Roo.
There will be a celebration of life service for Kristin Schmidt’s husband, Archie, on August 14, 2021, at Tabor Mennonite Church at 2:00 pm. (Kristin Schmidt is employed at Bethel College.) A brain tumor ended Archie’s life on January 17, 2021. For the service, masks are required, and social distancing will be observed. Please continue to offer sympathy and support to Kristin and her family, as they share memories and continue to grieve. Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, is Archie’s sister and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen his brother-in-law. You will find the obituary at this link. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/thekansan/name/archie-schmidt-obituary?pid=199668070
Upcoming memorial service: Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website
Library News from BCMC The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.
Play Bells! Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall? If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome! Rehearsal time has not yet been set. Please complete the survey by August 8.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements The next Work Day is August 28 with all sorts of fun projects! Meet at the Maintenance shed at 8:30am and bring your lunch and a water bottle. Come for a partial day, if that’s what works! Call us at 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org! You are important to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry! The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat held over Labor Day Weekend will take a hiatus to review and reflect upon mission. There will be no retreat in the fall of 2021.
Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction” This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.
The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!
Mennonite Central Committee Newsletter “In Touch” – click here Mennonite Mission Network – Replanting Peace Churches – click here Mennonite Central Committee Action Alert – click here Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond – click here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements #BeTransformed At the close of MennoCon21, Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, announced the new theme for this biennium: “Be Transformed.” Read more about what Guyton had to say here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/guyton-call-for-change.
A new video from Mennonite Church USA shows how the Justice Fund is supporting peace and justice work across the denomination through mutual aid. See how Justice Fund grants are helping congregations dismantle racism, uplift the oppressed and promote peace: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/justice-fund-video.
Menno Snapshots It is too easy for churches to adopt traditions and policies that pull us away from our foundation. In his blog, “The Rock,” Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Glen Guyton urges readers to “set our feet firmly on the rock that is Jesus.” Read his blog here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-rock/.
Menno Snapshots In his blog, “The hyphenated Anabaptist and the hyphenated college,” Brad Kohlman explains that in Mennonite colleges, it is common to find students who come from other church traditions. He shares how being able to marry people’s faith traditions with their Anabaptist education creates value for the church and the individual’s faith formation. Read more of Kohlman’s thoughts here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/hyphenated-anabaptist-college/.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: This month, the Bokgoni Sporting Club in Botswana is showcasing opportunities for at-risk teenage girls to participate in life-skills training and sports. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for increased community participation in this program. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC members who have been affirmed for conference leadership roles this coming year, and pray for God’s guidance as they serve in this way.
Worship Service for August 1 There will be no worship at BCMC on Sunday, August 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30 am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually. Following is the link for the livestreamed service. Click on the words, YouTube Live. 10:30 am – Worship (On-site or YouTube Live)
Thank you to BCMCers serving as delegates at the Western District Conference Assembly this weekend: Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Arlo Kasper, Austin Prouty, Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Dawn Yoder Harms, Dick Koontz, Elaine Prouty, Elaine Schurr, Jim Mininger, Marlene Faul, Renee Reimer, Roger Juhnke, Susie Swartley, Tim Hodge.
Western District Conference Annual Assembly Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm. July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn. Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun. Storytelling also inside and online! See the WDC Assembly flier here. Western District Conference invites you to visit their website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!
Staff Absences and Pastor On Call
Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be out of the office July 28 – August 3.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be out of the office August 1-3.
Pastor Renee Reimer will be the pastor on call for August 1-3. Her cell phone is: 605-212-0081
Here are links to recent services at BCMC:
Nancy Mueller’s memorial service on July 24: Press here for the link to the service.
Hartzel Schmidt’s memorial service on July 25: Press here
Miner Seymour’s memorial service on July 28: Press here
Upcoming memorial service: Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website
Library News from BCMC The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.
Play Bells! Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall? If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome! Rehearsal time has not yet been set. Please complete the survey by August 8.
Budget Updates As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48. Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.
Living Stones II update: Currently the amount contributed to Living Stones II is $13,712.61 short of covering the costs of the kitchen/fellowship hall renovations. Please continue to keep this in mind during the second half of the year.
Offering at BCMC for July 11: General Fund $8,086; Plant Fund $120; Living Stones $93.33; Hartzel Schmidt Memorial $125; Mission Quilters $942; Miner Seymour Memorial $100. Offering at BCMC for July 25: General Fund $2,467; Living Stones $505; Women’s Fellowship $50; Elevator Repair $10.
Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Sent an update on the Colorado Peaches Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2 (payment must be made before the end of day on August 2 or your order will be canceled). Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.
Camp Mennoscah Announcements What a great summer we’ve had! Summer Youth Camps will be ending on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage. On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm. We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done. A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday. There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday! Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly! Contact us at 620-297-3290. The next Work Day is August 28 with all sorts of fun projects! Meet at the Maintenance shed at 8:30am and bring your lunch and a water bottle. Come for a partial day, if that’s what works! Call us at 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org! You are important to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry! The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat held over Labor Day Weekend will take a hiatus to review and reflect upon mission. There will be no retreat in the fall of 2021.
Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction” This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.
The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.
DATE CORRECTION The first notice had the wrong October date. Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas
Dates of two trips: October 16 – October 23 (corrected) February 19 – 26 Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project. Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses. Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797. If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.
For Mennonite Disaster Service Volunteer Update presshere
For Mennonites Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Mennonite Central Committee Action Alert press here
Mennonite Church USA Announcements You are invited to participate in the Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) churchwide Journey Forward study through Springtide Research Institute. The survey results will be used to help inform the direction of MC USA, as we Journey Forward together. It is important that the denomination hears from a variety of voices, so please take part in the survey today: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/MC-USA-Member-Survey
Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) held its first online Delegates Assembly on July 10. During the assembly, delegates voted on changes to the MC USA bylaws, confirmed nominees for churchwide boards and heard reports from the Resolutions Committee and racial ethnic and constituency groups. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/virtual-delegate-assembly.
MennoCon21 Good news! It’s not too late to purchase your virtual content pass for MennoCon21! The cost of the pass has been reduced to $25. Access to the MennoCon21 virtual convention will continue to be available through August 10. Sign up here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21_virtual_access.
Menno Snapshots Joy Cotchen has been volunteering at conference in some capacity since 2000. In her blog, “The Joy of volunteering,” she shares what she finds most enjoyable about the volunteer experience. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/joy-of-volunteering.
MC USA Convention Report: Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Renee Reimer and Dawn Yoder Harms participated in the MC USA Convention in Cincinnati, July 6-10 and served as delegates for BCMC. You can hear their reflections about the experience by following this link: https://youtu.be/h8iqcC_xTEM
There will be no worship at BCMC on Aug 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually. A link for the livestreamed service will be posted on the WDC Assembly webpage next Wednesday, July 28.
Thanks to those responding to the chancel choir survey! You’ve provided helpful information that allows us to plan for the fall choir season. More details will follow in mid-August.
Play Bells!
Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall? If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome! Rehearsal time has not yet been set. Please complete the survey by August 8.
Current BCMC Covid guidelines can be accessed on the BCMC website here.
Budget Updates As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48. Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.
Living Stones II update: Currently the amount contributed to Living Stones II is $13,712.61 short of covering the costs of the kitchen/fellowship hall renovations. Please continue to keep this in mind during the second half of the year.
Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:
Nancy Mueller: Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary Hartzel Schmidt: Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC Sanctuary Miner Seymour: Wednesday, July 28, 10 am, BCMC Sanctuary Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website We will send out links to the services on Monday, July 26, for viewing on the BCMC YouTube Channel.
Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Announces that the Peaches are Coming Colorado Peaches are coming to MCC in North Newton! Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2. Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.
Western District Conference Annual Assembly Remember to register for the WDC Annual Assembly at: mennowdc.org/2021. Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm. July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn. Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun. Storytelling also inside and online! See the WDC Assembly flier here.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!
Camp Mennoscah Announcement Summer Youth Camps will end on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed in abundance for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage. On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm. We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done. A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday. There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday! Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly! Contact us at 620-297-3290.
Thursday, July 29 – Grand Open House for the new Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction,” 2-6 p.m. This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.
The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.
The August 2021 Mennonite Mission Network PRAYER VINE is now available for download. The PDF is posted in theprayer resources section of our website and can also be downloaded directly by clicking the link below: Download this month’s Prayer Vine (PDF)
Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” click here Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here
For the Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here.
The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit is sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas
Dates of two trips: October 30 – November 6 February 19 – 26 Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project. Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses. Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797. If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.
Christian Peacemaker Teams invites you to a webinar on Colombia To Work the Land is to resist: Farmer’s Voices in Defense of the Land – click here for information
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: This month, Mary Raber is bringing closure to her 11 years of ministry with Mennonite Mission Network in Ukraine. Pray that Mary will find ways to maintain relationships, even as she says goodbye to students and colleagues at Odessa Theological Seminary and the churches where she worshiped. Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s Annual Assembly next weekend, as we share the new experience of a hybrid (in-person and online) gathering! Mennonite World Conference Prayer Request: Pray for peace and stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. We strongly request your prayers for our brothers and sisters in Tigray and Metekel areas. They need our support to heal from the trauma and rehabilitate. Pray for brothers and sisters who are persecuted because of their faith in some parts of the country. Pray for funds to rehabilitate people affected by natural and human-made crisis in different parts of the country. —Meserete Kristos Church
