Category Archives: Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 6-13, 2022

The BCMC Reopening Task Force has decided, due to high COVID positivity rates, that there will be no in person worship for the next two Sundays. Please join the worship service on line. We hope to meet for in person worship February 20. Please check the church emails for whether there will be in person or on line only worship.

SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Safe Sanctuary training will be on Sunday, February 6th from 10:30am-11:30am. This training will take place only on zoom. Please email Renee at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.com for a link if you’d like to join. All are welcome but please plan to attend if you are a mentor, youth/child Sunday School teacher, sponsor, or Wednesday night club leader and did not attend a training this past fall.

This week at BCMC
Sunday, February 6, 2022
9:30 am     Installation of Pastor Todd Schlosser—worship service will be on line only—Please join us via the live stream
10:30 am Safe Sanctuary Training by Zoom
Tuesday, February 8
9—11 am Community Playschool
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
7 pm          Menno Ringers in B7
Thursday, February 10, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
4 pm         Staff Congregation Relations Committee Meeting—Room 14
6:15 pm    Chancel Bells in Room B7
7 pm         Finance Committee Meeting by Zoom
Sunday, February 13, 2022
9:30 am    Worship service will be live streamed only—No in person worship

If you missed Sunday’s (January 30) congregational meeting you can watch the zoom meeting here: https://youtu.be/x4XOVYHaSV8

We offer sympathy to Betty Schmidt and her family on the death of her son, Kenneth Schmidt, January 24, Salt Lake City, Utah. You can view the full obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saltlaketribune/name/kenneth-schmidt-obituary?id=32456570

Press the link for a great story featuring BCMC’s own Payne Claassen!

https://www.ksn.com/community/positive-connections/cup-of-connection-newton-coffee-class-spreads-kindness/

N95 Masks Again Available at BCMC
We again have high quality N95 masks available for those who need them. They are available inside the south entrance of BCMC. These masks are particularly useful if you are at high risk of severe COVID 19 and you need or want to participate in a more high risk activity. While no mask creates absolute safety, wearing a well-fitted N95 mask can reduce your risk and make activities safer. This includes activities such as a trip to the grocery store, watching a basketball game, or going to the doctor’s office. Part of the rationale behind these masks offered at BCMC is to provide N95 masks for those who may not be able to navigate online purchasing options. N95 masks are not readily available in our local stores. If you know of someone who would benefit from an N95 mask, please pass this information on to them, or stop by the church and grab one for them.

Name Tags
As we are returning to church in person (we hope by February 20), we would like to encourage you to once again wear name tags. There will be a clipboard on the table at the back of the sanctuary to sign up if you need a name tag or have lost your name tag. Thank you! Hospitality Commission

Quilts Displayed
The BCMC Mission Quilters will be displaying quilts February 27 at the back of the sanctuary. These quilts will be offered for sale at the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale, April 8 and 9. If you have quilts you would like to display, the Mission Quilters will need them by February 25. (Call Elaine Schurr for more information.) The quilts are due at Mennonite Central Committee by March 1.

Save the date for the BCMC all church retreat May 7-8th at Camp Mennoscah! Everyone is invited to spend the night, join for the day activities, or come up for Sunday morning. More information will be coming soon!

We are looking for people who would be willing to give rides to BCMC people to medical appointments. If this is something you could do occasionally, please contact the BCMC office.

BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – Ernest Vincent Wood III, “Redefining,” through Feb. 24. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tues., Feb. 8 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series presents Dr. David Pickering of Kansas State University, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring works by Vierne, J.S. Bach and Mendelssohn. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Fri., Feb. 11– Guest recital with Bethel College Professor Emeritus of Music Don Kehrberg, oboe, English horn and tenor, with Tate Addis, piano, and Kevin Kehrberg, bass guitar, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Sat., Feb. 19 – Grand opening of Kauffman Museum’s 125th-anniversary exhibit, “The Magic of Things.” Come-and-go, 2:30-4:30 p.m., with remarks by lead curator Reinhild K. Janzen at 3 p.m. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

EVERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT
Everence^® February webinar: Social Security and retirement income
Everence^® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. Specifics will include Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be plenty of time for questions.
Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Advisory services offered through Concourse Financial Group Advisors, a division of Concourse Financial Group Securities, a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal, and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the CFP® marks in the U.S.

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
Join the WDC Resource Library’s Final Thursday Book Discussion on Thursday, February 24 to discuss Been in the Struggle: Pursing an Antiracist Spirituality by Regina Shands Stoltzfus & Tobin Miller Shearer. Discussion will be via Zoom from 7:00-8:00pm. Register by emailing crlib@mennowdc.org Copies of the book available at the library.
The WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force is sponsoring a Zoom book discussion of Jonathan Kuttab’s book, Beyond the Two-State Solution. This event will take place on Tuesday April 5, 2022 from 7-8 pm CT. The first 20 registrants will receive a free copy of the book. To register email wdc@mennowdc.org or call (316) 283-6300 and provide your name, mailing address, and email address. Specific questions about the event may be referred to Bob Atchison, 785-313-2292 or by e-mail to robertleeatchison@gmail.com. Below you will find a flyer with more information about the event.

Have a heart for refugees! The WDC Immigration Task Force encourages your congregation to offer a “love gift” of cleaning supplies between now and February 14 for arriving families. International Rescue Committee Wichita resettled 350 families last month alone! They come with so little. Let’s remember our own immigrant history and be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing good news to our neighbors. You may drop off donations of supplies at the WDC Office (2517 N Main, North Newton) 8 am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri or at Shalom Mennonite Church (800 E First, Newton) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Mon-Thurs & Sunday mornings. Email office@shalomnewton.org if you cannot drop off supplies during daytime hours. For more information, click IRC Donations List for the Cleaning Supply Kit List and other needed items. To make a monetary donation, go to: rescue.org/united-states/wichita-ks. Thank you!
For the list of needs press here

CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Online Registration for the March 18-20 Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is open! There is only one retreat in spring and only one in fall. Cropping and crafting will happen in the Dining Hall and lodging will be in the Retreat Center. As of Feb. 1, masks are recommended inside per CDC guidelines; guidelines will depend on the state of the pandemic in March. Call 620-297-3290 with questions. Register at www.campmennoscah.org!

Other events and happenings:

Summer staff positions! We will continue to accept applications until all positions are filled, however, summer staff positions will be offered beginning no later than February 5. Now is the time to complete your application, if you have not yet! 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.
Volunteering opportunities continue through the winter months! There are volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. 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. 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 Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop

FOR MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK NEWS AND BEYOND press here

The Rocky Mountain February newsletter is here!
Have a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. Below is the return or our Jr. High Snow Camp Retreat. For this and previous newsletters, please visit the camp website and click on the “News” tab under “About Us”.

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
February is Black History Month. Celebrate and learn about Mennonite Church USA’s African American Mennonite history through a timeline that highlights the people, events and the work of the church from 1886 to today. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/black-history-mennonite

Learn about “For Justice in the U.S. Criminal Legal System,” a new study resolution that will be presented at Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30. Eli Reimer, one of the original authors, and Pastor Isaac Villegas, a supporter of the resolution, will discuss it with other church leaders during a webinar on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. ET. Read the resolution and register for the webinar on the delegate resource page: mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate

MennoMedia has kicked off the second season of its “~ing Podcast.” Episode 2 features a discussion about Mennonite Church USA’s “Defund the Police? An Abolition Curriculum.” Join host Ben Wideman and three of the writers of the curriculum as they discuss why a project like this makes sense for churches, what they learned during its creation, and how our faith might call us to navigate this topic. Listen here or anywhere podcasts are heard: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ing-podcast

Mennonite Church USA and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) are cohosting the hybrid Pastors & Leaders | Deep Faith 2022 Conference online and in-person at AMBS Feb. 21-24. Learn more about this year’s event at mennoniteusa.org/leading-hope-deepfaith, and register before the Feb. 14 deadline.

#BeTransformed
Kevin Gasser has experienced transformation through his experiences with people who are different from him. In his blog, “Transformed through friendship,” he expresses how his friendship with a man named Mohamed shined a light on his own religious practices. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/transformed-friendship.

Visit Mennonite Church USA’s employment web page to explore open positions across the denomination. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/employment/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Dave and Rebekka Stutzman, who are jointly serving with Mennonite Mission Network and VMMissions, have requested that people join German Mennonite congregations in praying for church renewal, during the month of February. Pray with them, as they follow a devotional book compiled for this occasion.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: During Black History month (February) and throughout the year, pray for WDC congregations and conference leaders in ongoing work toward racial justice and equity.

Announcements for January 30-February 6, 2022

Congregational Meeting is Sunday, January 30
The Jan. 30, 2022 congregational meeting will start at 1 p.m. and will be held by Zoom. It will not be a hybrid meeting.
Following is the agenda for the meeting and the Zoom link.
For the Financial Report booklet click here
If you have questions about the financial report, please contact Treasurer Mike Claassen.
There are copies of the Financial Report booklets at the church on the ledge by the church mailboxes. BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Congregational Meeting Agenda
Sunday, January 30, 2022, 1 pm – Via ZoomZoom Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81352999266?pwd=NkZQK1gyMFhoMGVDZm1zY1lCOTFWZz09
Meeting ID: 813 5299 9266
Passcode: 004219

1. Call to Order and Centering Prayer – Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator

2. Approval of September 12, 2021 congregational meeting minutes and November 21, 2021
special congregational meeting minutes – prepared by John Kliewer, Interim Clerk

3.   Report from the Auditing Committee – Diane Born, Auditing Committee

4.   Presentation of 2021 Financial Reports -– Mike Claassen, Finance Manager

Zoom poll: Do you approve the 2021 Financial Reports?   Yes        No

5.   Presentation of 2022 proposed budget – Mike Claassen, Finance Manager

The Church Board recommends the following: It is moved that the congregation approve the proposed general fund budget of $522,681 for 2022. During the year, if income is less than expenses, the first $10,000 will be covered by general fund reserves, then from benevolences up to $8,000. Any additional amount necessary will be taken from general fund reserves.

Zoom poll: Do you approve the 2022 proposed budget?    Yes        No

6. Pastoral Transition Update – Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator, & Ada Schmidt-Tieszen,
Moderator-Elect

7. Faith Formation Report:   Plea for Volunteers! – Mary Ellen Hodge, Faith Formation
Commission

8.   Columbarium Expansion Project Report – Glen Ediger, Columbarium Expansion Task Group

9.   Other business

10. Closing Prayer – Pastor Nathan KoontzThis week at BCMC

This week at BCMC
Sunday, January 30, 2022
9:30 am     No In-person worship today—please join the service by live-stream
1 pm          Congregational Meeting via Zoom
Monday, January 31, 2022
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
7 pm          Creation Care Committee
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
7 pm          Menno Ringers in B7
Thursday, February 3, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
6:15 pm    Chancel Bells in Room B7
7 pm         Church Board Meeting via Zoom
Sunday, February 6, 2022
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary—Installation
of Pastor Todd Schlosser
10:30 am Safe Sanctuary Training in Fellowship Hall and by Zoom

The Deacon Commission would like to thank all the members of the congregation for their care for each other and others outside the congregation. You have continued to connect to each other in various ways, meeting outside in nice weather, wearing masks and distancing in Fellowship Hall, gathering in smaller groups in neighborhoods and sometimes visiting over Facetime or Zoom. You have stayed connected through your Sunday school groups, quilting groups, community events, common interest groups, volunteer jobs, and church meetings and events. You have emailed your friends, sent cards to people you are thinking about, and called people on the phone just to chat. Thank you for continuing to be a church community together, sometimes in new and creative ways.
–Deacons Commission

Save the date for the next Safe Sanctuary training on Sunday, February 6th from 10:30am-11:30am. This training will take place in the fellowship hall but will be available over zoom too. Please email Renee for a link if you’d like to join via zoom. Please plan to attend if you are a mentor, youth/child Sunday School teacher, sponsor, or Wednesday night club leader and did not attend a training this past fall.

The new Library Theme is focusing on the state of Kansas. Check out the many books that celebrate Kansas. Also, a couple of 2000 piece puzzles in excellent condition have been donated to the library. We are using them as a fundraiser. We are asking for a minimum donation of $5 for one puzzle. Just place your donation in the basket or give it to the committee person on duty. We look forward to seeing you in the library and let us know of any addition you would like us to add to our collection. Library Committee

A Reminder about potential Spam calls, emails, or texts
This is just a reminder about possible spam calls, emails, or texts that look like they came from pastors or others in your contact list. Look carefully at the phone number the message comes from. If it is not familiar then it is possibly spam. Don’t answer these messages. If you have questions about a message, please feel free to call the church office.

An Article from the BCMC Inclusion Task Group
Solving Gender Confusion

Several weeks ago, I drove through Starbucks to try one of their holiday cold brew coffees. After ordering, I approached the window to pick up my coffee and, based on the voice through the speaker, expected to see a young man. I have no idea the gender of the person I saw at the window! They presented as female in clothing, makeup, and jewelry, but appeared to be otherwise male and spoke with a deep voice which sounded male. They were friendly and engaging, and seemed like someone I would enjoy having as a friend.

I was curious about that person’s gender identity and told a friend about my experience. But my friend asked me, “What difference would it make to know their gender? Would it change how you treat them?” And that is what matters. How we treat others is what really matters, not our confusion about their identity.

Fortunately, there is a way to alleviate the confusion we feel. The LGBTQ+ community has started identifying themselves by name and by pronouns to help resolve the confusion. And it helps if the rest of us follow their example as a way to include ourselves in community with them.

Some people use the traditional male and female pronouns and it’s consistent with their appearance. For someone who is transgender and is still in the process of changing their gender, their preferred pronoun may not match our expectations based on their appearance. Others with more fluid gender identify, who may not feel they are being honest if they limit themselves to one gender identity, prefer pronouns which we have always understood to be plural. Again, we may feel confused. A plural pronoun for an individual? That’s a grammar problem, right?

It not as big a problem as we might think, however. Our language has been solving this problem for centuries. We have been using the plural pronouns “they” and “their” to refer to an individual person when we are speaking about an anonymous individual. For example, “Someone lost their car key in the Dillons parking lot, so I turned it in to Customer Service. I hope they get it back.” Clearly this is a single key belonging to one individual, yet this is an example of how we commonly use plural pronouns to refer to an unknown individual. (See this column from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2019/08/06/744121321/even-a-grammar-geezer-like-me-can-get-used-to-gender-neutral-pronouns

We also have used male pronouns with the understanding that they include both male and female. Until they really refer to males only. As we have learned, all men are created equal until we don’t include women or people of color.

As a bit of a grammar geek, how we use words and grammar is important to me. I continue to remind myself that language is fluid and changes with the needs of the people who use it. As we learn more about other foods and cultures, we add words to our language, some words acquire new meanings, and some words are no longer appropriate. It may annoy me that a coworker used the word “literally” in ways that were clearly NOT literal, but I learned to accept that is part of how language changes and it is becoming acceptable use. In the history of the English language, other words have changed to mean the opposite of their original meaning and humanity survived! I am trying to be comfortable with the idea that grammar “rules” are more descriptive and prescriptive. My parents had to learn to accept the use of the word “cool” in ways that didn’t mean “slightly cold” and I can learn to use words new ways also. I am learning to feel more comfortable using plural pronouns to refer to an individual even when I think I know what gender they should be. We all have the right to our own identities. It is appropriate to clarify how our names are pronounced and it is becoming appropriate to identify our preferred gender.

So, when you see or hear someone listing their preferred pronouns when they identify themselves, remember that it can mean one or all of the following: They are choosing to share how they see themselves. They are trying to alleviate confusion they know they may be caused by their appearance. They are telling you that they are supporting and identifying with a community that may include those whose gender is confusing to others.

As a supporting congregation, it is a way we can celebrate the diversity in the people around us!

Karen Ediger (she, her)
Inclusion Task Group

Click here for a pdf of the above article: Solving Gender Confusion

Bethel College Announcements
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – Ernest Vincent Wood III, “Redefining,” through Feb. 24 (closing reception Feb. 24). Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 5 – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walk, 8 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton. Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Tues., Feb. 8 – Bethel College Organ Recital Series with Dr. David Pickering of Kansas State University, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Fri., Feb. 11– Guest recital with Bethel College Professor Emeritus of Music Don Kehrberg, oboe, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

For Mennonite Creation Care Network newsletter click here
Mennonite World Conference click here
Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
Mennonite Mission Network Urgent Prayer Request for Burkina Faso click here

Mountain States Mennonite Conference Men’s Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is coming March 4-6, 2022. Despite last years cancellation, John Sharp has agreed to return and lead our weekend theme of “Bearing Witness in Places of Violence and Other Stories”. Retreat sessions include: “The MJ Sharp story” (to learn more, see recent book release, “Disarmed: The Radical Life and Legacy of Michael Mj Sharp”), “Stories of Humor, Humanity and Humility: Laughing so we don’t cry”, and concluding Sunday morning with “The Stories We Become”. Additionally, good music, food, fellowship, work (Friday workday projects) and play will be part of our time together. Whose up for a couple of “sheets” of Human Curling (an RMMC original)? While we look forward to gathering again in person with precautions, the goal is to livestream or record the worship sessions so the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic is not a barrier to experiencing even some of Men’s Retreat this year. As a result, online registration (www.rmmc.org) will include both in-person and virtual (worship sessions only) options.

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

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
Please join MCC in praying for peace and safety for everyone in Burkina Faso and Ukraine. MCC staff and partners are safe in both countries and are following security protocols. In Ukraine, there are two SALT participants from Kansas Micah Epp from North Newton and Aaron Ensz from Buhler, please keep them and their families in your prayers as well.
MCC is hosting a Young Adult Peacebuilders Training in Colorado from March 6-11! Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to participate in a rich, week-long experience that will provide opportunities to build new relationships, visit organizations doing powerful work in and around Colorado Springs, and apply Anabaptist, Biblical foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. This training will touch on themes of racial equity, immigration, mass incarceration, gun violence and conflict transformation. The gathering will take place at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp with visits to RAWtools and Casa de Paz. The participant fee is $200. All other costs (including travel, lodging and meals) will be covered by MCC. Register here. Questions? Contact karinkaufmanwall@mcc.org.
Take Action with MCC: Urge the Biden Administration to reverse the expansion of harmful “Remain in Mexico” policy. Find background information, a faith reflection and send a message to President Biden on this topic today.
MCC Central States Annual Meeting will take place virtually on Saturday, February 26 from 1-2:30 CST. Please email tinaschrag@mcc.org for a link to the Zoom meeting.
MCC SALT applications are due by February 15! Are you interested in learning a new language, visiting a new country and joining a new community abroad? SALT applications are now open! Through SALT, practice your skills in education, peace building, agriculture, community health care and more while connecting with the global Anabaptist community of faith. For priority consideration, submit your application by February 15th! Learn more at mcc.org/SALT or contact Abby Endashaw, Young Adult Programs Coordinator at MCC Central States abbyendashaw@mcc.org.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Mennonite Bible School (formerly Bethany Bible School) in Mthatha, South Africa. Praise God for the visionary leadership of Reuben Mgodeli, and pray for the 41 church leaders who graduated this year.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Annual Assembly planning team looking ahead to preparations for our annual conference gathering, July 29-31, 2022.

Announcements for January 23 – January 30, 2022

This week at BCMCSunday, January 23, 2022
9:30 am   Worship Service in the Sanctuary—no in-person attendance—service is live streamed
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
7 pm          Abuse Prevention and Response Committee
Wednesday, January 26, 2022—No Youth Group or Chancel Choir in January
7 pm          Menno Ringers in B7
Thursday, January 27, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
2 pm          Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
6:15 pm    Chancel Bells in Room B7
Sunday, January 30, 2022
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary–to be announced whether the service will be live-streamed only or in person
10:30 am   Faith Formation
1 pm          Congregational Meeting via Zoom
________________________________

Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation from January 14-29.

Pastor Nathan Koontz is increasing his hours up to 3/4 time for the month of January to help cover pastoral staffing until Interim Pastor Todd Schlosser begins on February 1, 2022. Pastor Nathan will be working Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with flexible work days on Friday and Saturday as needed.

Congregational Meeting will be January 30 The Jan. 30, 2022 congregational meeting will start at 1 p.m. and will be held by Zoom. It will not be a hybrid meeting.
Following is the agenda for the meeting and the Zoom link.
For the Financial Report booklet click here There are copies of the Financial Report booklets at the church on the ledge by the church mailboxes. BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Congregational Meeting Agenda
Sunday, January 30, 2022, 1 pm – Via ZoomZoom Link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81352999266?pwd=NkZQK1gyMFhoMGVDZm1zY1lCOTFWZz09
Meeting ID: 813 5299 9266
Passcode: 004219

1. Call to Order and Centering Prayer – Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator

2. Approval of September 12, 2021 congregational meeting minutes and November 21, 2021
special congregational meeting minutes – prepared by John Kliewer, Interim Clerk

3.   Report from the Auditing Committee – Diane Born, Auditing Committee

4.   Presentation of 2021 Financial Reports -– Mike Claassen, Finance Manager

Zoom poll: Do you approve the 2021 Financial Reports?   Yes        No

5.   Presentation of 2022 proposed budget – Mike Claassen, Finance Manager

The Church Board recommends the following: It is moved that the congregation approve the proposed general fund budget of $522,681 for 2022. During the year, if income is less than expenses, the first $10,000 will be covered by general fund reserves, then from benevolences up to $8,000. Any additional amount necessary will be taken from general fund reserves.

Zoom poll: Do you approve the 2022 proposed budget?    Yes        No

6. Pastoral Transition Update – Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator, & Ada Schmidt-Tieszen,
Moderator-Elect

7. Faith Formation Report:   Plea for Volunteers! – Mary Ellen Hodge, Faith Formation
Commission

8.   Columbarium Expansion Project Report – Glen Ediger, Columbarium Expansion Task Group

9.   Other business

10. Closing Prayer – Pastor Nathan Koontz

Follow-up Links from January 19, 2022, COVID Zoom Conversation with Dr. Koontz
During our church’s zoom conversation with Dr. Jennifer Scott Koontz on January 19, requests were made for links to be shared that Dr. Koontz uses to stay informed and updated on COVID-19 related issues. Below is a list of her suggested links.

Armbrust did testing on dozens of mask brands and gave them pass/fail ratings on how well they worked. You can find their results for individual brands here: https://www.armbrustusa.com/pages/mask-testing

Kansas Hospital Association posts a weekly dashboard with hospital data from across the state. This link includes several resources and the dashboard link: https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/HospitalPreparedness/covid-19/

CDC: This is their main link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. I also think it’s helpful to follow them on Facebook and Twitter because they post regular updates.

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Scientific articles from the CDC get posted here and you can subscribe for email alerts: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/Novel_Coronavirus_Reports.html

Kansas Department of Health Environment COVID data: This is the state COVID data that gets updated three times per week: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas

Two links with resources on aerosol transmission from Dr. Jose-Luis Jimenez from the University of Colorado. The first is called “FAQs on Protecting Yourself from Aerosol Transmission”: https://tinyurl.com/FAQ-aerosols. The second is a calculator to assess risk in different situations and has additional statistics: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16K1OQkLD4BjgBdO8ePj6ytf-RpPMlJ6aXFg3PrIQBbQ/htmlview?urp=gmail_link#gid=519189277

Dr. Eric Topol – He is a physician who has been an excellent source of information throughout the pandemic. His work has been consistent and thoughtful. He has a website, drerictopol.com, with excellent articles, but following him on Twitter is a great way to get regular updates (@EricTopol).

Andy Slavitt, Former Biden White House Sr Advisor for COVID Response, has a regular podcast called “In the Bubble.” He has interviews with excellent scientists such as Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Michael Mina, and many others: https://lemonadamedia.com/show/inthebubble/

Journal of the American Medical Association Open Network: This publishes scientific articles related to COVID on a regular basis. This is heavier on science than some of the other links, but can be a great resource to see the latest publications on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the impact of policies: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/pages/coronavirus-alert

medRxiv is the preprint server for health sciences and shares scientific publications before they undergo the peer review process. These articles should be viewed as preliminary but the majority of COVID research is shared here first: https://connect.medrxiv.org/relate/content/181

Link to order four free home antigen tests per household: www.covidtests.gov

The University of Kansas Health System’s Facebook page hosts regular video morning updates.

Each state has a health department (ours is KDHE) and many post excellent data and information from their state.

The UK shares excellent data. This is a link to their technical briefings on variants and their impact on cases, hospitalizations, etc: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investigation-of-sars-cov-2-variants-technical-briefings

Bethel College Announcements
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., Jan. 23) – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2021 semester. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Sat., Jan. 29 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Famous Kansans,” noon-4 p.m. (with food trucks in the museum parking lot starting at 11:30 a.m.), museum and grounds. Along with activities inside and outside the museum, there will be presentations on Gordon Parks (Kirk Sharp, director of the Gordon Parks Museum), Blackbear Bosin (Erin Raux, director of the Mid-America All-Indian Center) and William Allen White (Bev Buller, author and retired educator). For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Sat., Jan. 29 – Guest recital with Gjergji Gaqi, piano, from Tyler (Texas) Junior College, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel at Bethel College. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Save the date: Fri., Feb. 11, guest recital with Bethel College Professor Emeritus of Music Don Kehrberg, oboe.

Click on this link for information and sign up sheet for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Fellowship Meals for 2022
https://mcusercontent.com/6c82c57d5882e890a1945358a/files/e3c48723-f72c-d41a-e9a6-061baf60e9a7/Fellowship_Meals_Brochure_2022.pdf

Western District Conference Announcements
As Western District Conference comes to the end of our fiscal year on January 31, we invite you to share a gift with WDC during this season. We are grateful to many who have given their time and resources to WDC in 2021 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. As of December 31, contributions and other income are $331,300. This leaves a gap of $94,000 to meet our expenses year to date, so your generous gifts are invited to help close the gap towards WDC’s 2021 budget goal! 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!

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

Everyone is invited to the WDC Final Thursday Book Discussion on January 27, 2022 at 7:00pm via Zoom. We will discuss This is God’s Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls by Anna Woofender and explore what it means to explore “raw, honest, gritty way[s] of doing church.” Contact the library at crlib@mennowdc.org to register or borrow a copy of the book.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

To all who supported Camp Mennoscah through gifts, prayers, volunteering, and visits in 2021, thank you immensely! Camp Mennoscah is looking forward to the 74th year of building on the Rock and playing in the sands of the Ninnescah River. Come be part of faith formation and connecting with others! It’s more fun together.
Other events and happenings:

Summer staff positions are being filled, but more staff is needed! 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.
Camp Mennoscah wants to respect your wishes regarding emails. To unsubscribe from these announcements, reply “unsubscribe” to this email. Camp Mennoscah sends announcements, newsletters, and the annual catalog by email. To unsubscribe from all, reply “unsubscribe all.”
Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop
Volunteering opportunities continue through the winter months! The wish list is full of both items and volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. 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. 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.

Mennonite Mission Network Urgent Prayer Request click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here

For Mennonite Men Oregon Eco Excursion click here

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level click here

For Mennonite World Conference Info click here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for young people, ages 15-22, considering participation in Youth Venture next summer. Experiences include: learning about the Hopi people in Kykotsmovi, Arizona; joining an immigration/borderlands tour in Tucson, Arizona; and engaging with a civil rights learning tour in the southern states. International opportunities may also be available, depending on the COVID-19 situation.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC’s relationships with other organizations and institutions, and pray that these partnerships would extend God’s healing and hope in the world.

Announcements for January 16 – January 23, 2022

Children and Youth Sunday School for January
Due to the rise of COVID cases in our area and the increased percent positivity rate (15.3% as of January 11th) children and youth Sunday School classes will be canceled for the rest of January. We recommend adult Sunday school classes evaluate the safety of meeting in small classrooms in the church building on their own. As a reminder, the church has 2 zoom accounts available for groups to use and groups can also reserve the fellowship hall or sanctuary with the church office.

Pastor’s Schedules

Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation from January 14-29.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be at a “Roots of Justice” Training from Jan. 14-16, but he will be available in case of emergencies.

Pastor Nathan Koontz is increasing his hours up to 3/4 time for the month of January to help cover pastoral staffing until Interim Pastor Todd Schlosser begins on February 1, 2022. Pastor Nathan will be working Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with flexible work days on Friday and Saturday as needed.

Remember to fill out the evaluations of Pastors Renee Reimer and Nathan Koontz by January 21, 2022. (The email with these evaluations was sent Wednesday, January 12. If you need to have the evaluations re-sent to you, please contact the office.

The Finance Committee thanks the congregation for their abundant giving for the 2021 Budget. We were able to cover the 2021 expenses plus a little extra for the benevolences. Thank You! II Corinthians 9:7 – “God loves a cheerful giver”!
Committee Chair, Al Peters

BCMC Offering for January 9, 2022: General Fund $12,941.30; Living Stones $740; Women’s Fellowship $100; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $100.

A Thank you to the Deacon Commission from Myron and Mildred Voran
Thank you for remembering us with cards and letters of thoughtful caring and encouragement.

The next week at BCMC Sunday, January 16, 2022
9:30 am   Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am Faith Formation–Youth and Children’s Sunday schools cancelled for the rest of January
Monday, January 17, 2022—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—Office will be closed and church locked
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
7 pm          Worship Commission by Zoom
Wednesday, January 19, 2022—No Youth Group or Chancel Choir in January
7 pm          Menno Ringers in B7
7 pm          Dr. Jennifer Koontz COVID Zoom Call
Thursday, January 20, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
2 pm          Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
4 pm          Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:15 pm Chancel Bells in Room B7
7 pm          Deacon Commission meeting by Zoom
7 pm          Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, January 23, 2022
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation

Dr. Jennifer Koontz COVID Zoom Call, Jan. 19, 7pm

Dr. Jennifer Scott Koontz has been a leading expert on COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. She received the 2021 Bethel College Outstanding Alumni Award for her consistent and clear communication of COVID-19 research and guidelines to the general public. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health along with an M.D. from the University of Kansas and has practiced medicine in Newton for 12 years. She is also a member of BCMC. Dr. Koontz will be hosting a Question and Answer Session via Zoom for anyone interested in learning about the current landscape of COVID-19. Please come with your questions and plan to attend this Zoom meeting on Wednesday, January 19 at 7pm. A Zoom link will be sent out as we approach the 19th.

The new Library Theme is focusing on the state of Kansas. Come check out the many books we have that celebrate Kansas. Also, a couple of 2000 piece puzzles in excellent condition have been donated to the library. We are using them as a fundraiser. We are asking for a minimum donation of $5 for one puzzle. Just place your donation in the basket or give it to the committee person on duty. We look forward to seeing you in the library and don’t forget to let us know of any addition you would like us to add to our collection. Library Committee

N95 Masks Available at BCMC
Thanks to a generous donation to BCMC, we have high quality N95 masks available for those who need them. They will be available inside the south entrance of BCMC. These masks are particularly useful if you are at high risk of severe COVID 19 and you need or want to participate in a more high risk activity. While no mask creates absolute safety, wearing a well-fitted N95 mask can reduce your risk and make activities safer. This includes activities such as a trip to the grocery store, watching a basketball game, or going to the doctor’s office. Part of the rationale behind these masks offered at BCMC is to provide N95 masks for those who may not be able to navigate online purchasing options. N95 masks are not readily available in our local stores. If you know of someone who would benefit from an N95 mask, please pass this information on to them, or stop by the church and grab one for them.

As COVID numbers continue to rise in our community we are keeping an eye on the safety of gathering together on Sunday mornings. Mass gatherings for extended periods of time continue to be a high risk activity. Statistics are coming out on the omicron variant that cloth masks do not work as effectively as they did with other variants. Remember to wear your mask over your nose and chin when inside of our church building.
As a reminder, we offer live streaming options each Sunday. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers these past 2 years, that technology and experience has greatly improved. January might be a good time to enjoy your worship experience with a hot cup of coffee from the comfort of your own home. If you do decide to come to worship in person please be cautious. Wear your mask properly, social distance, use hand sanitizer upon arrival and leaving, and do not come if you feel sick in any way or if you have been exposed to COVID in the last 10 days. If you test positive with COVID within 2 days after attending an in person gathering at BCMC, please let the church office know as we may need to take other safety precautions.
May we all pray for everyone in our community as we navigate safety precautions together and for those who are currently experiencing COVID in our homes.

Congregational Meeting will be January 30
The Jan. 30, 2022 congregational meeting will start at 1 p.m. and will be held by Zoom. It will not be a hybrid meeting. An agenda and Zoom link will be sent in a later email.

Safe Sanctuary Training
Save the date for the next Safe Sanctuary training on Sunday, February 6th from 10:30am-11:30am. This training will take place in the fellowship hall but will be available over zoom too. Please email Renee for a link if you’d like to join via zoom. Please plan to attend if you are a mentor, youth/child Sunday School teacher, sponsor, or Wednesday night club leader and did not attend a training this past fall.

Bethel College Announcements
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.

Mon., Jan. 17 and Tues., Jan. 18 – Bethel College hosts two activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday that are free and open to the public, both in Memorial Hall: Jan. 17, 7 p.m., program with Restorative Justice practitioner and activist Jasmyn Elise Story as the featured speaker; Jan. 18, 2 p.m., screening of the Kellogg Foundation’s 2022 National Day of Racial Healing event. Sponsors are Bethel College Student Life, the Bethel College Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center and the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Save the date: Sat., Jan. 29 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Famous Kansans,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lotand grounds. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

New Hope Shelter Announcement
There will be a Volunteer Training Day at New Hope Shelter on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
New Hope’s volunteer shift hours are 5 pm to 11 pm daily
If you or anyone you know is interested in signing up for volunteer training, please contact Valetta Seymour. seymour2314@gmail.com, 620-217-7536 no later than Tuesday, January 25.

New Hope Shelter is currently looking for a Part Time person who can work at least 2 weekends a month; that is 2 Saturdays and 2 Sundays per month from 8AM to 5 PM. If you know of anyone who would be interested, please have them contact New Hope Shelter
Shonda M Suddeth
Shelter/Volunteer Coordinator
(316) 283-7711
shonda@newhope-shelter.org

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

Everyone is invited to the WDC Final Thursday Book Discussion on January 27, 2022 at 7:00pm via Zoom. We will discuss This is God’s Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls by Anna Woofender and explore what it means to explore “raw, honest, gritty way[s] of doing church.” Contact the library at crlib@mennowdc.org to register or borrow a copy of the book.

The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit invites you to attend the annual meeting on Sunday, January 16, 2 p.m. at Tabor Mennonite church, rural Newton, KS. No need to register. We will be sharing and celebrating the work of MDS and voting on Unit Bylaw revisions. For a copy of the Bylaw revisions and zoom info contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com . This will be a hybrid event, in person as well as virtual on Zoom.
Tabor Mennonite Church is located at 891 Chisholm Trail Rd, Newton, KS.

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Church USA Special Session of the Delegate Assembly click here

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

Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Announcement
WANTED for the Kansas MCC Sale General Auction: Cars, Trucks, Tractors, Motorcycles, Campers, etc. Call Jerry Toews, 620-367-8257, for details and pickup NOW so we have time to get them cleaned up and ready for the sale in April. ALL proceeds go to MCC. We usually get GOOD prices for your donations. Help make a difference in the lives of those struggling around the world through MCC. Thank you!

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: This weekend, as we remember Martin Luther King Jr., who followed Jesus’ way of nonviolent civil disobedience to bring hope to people who have been marginalized by society, pray for Mennonite Mission Network’s ministry of dismantling racism in the United States and around the world.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations joining God’s work of economic justice, racial equity and peace-building in our communities and world.

Announcements for January 9 – January 16, 2022

New Address for John and Elsie Sheriff–They have moved to the Kidron Bethel Village campus
27 Lakewood Circle, North Newton, KS 67117

We offer sympathy to Mildred and Myron Voran and their family on the death of Mildred’s sister, Elizabeth Helene (Claassen) Goering, December 23, 2021, Kidron Bethel Village.

BCMC Offerings
December 26, 2021: General Fund $8,089.79; General Fund for 2022 $225; Caring Fund $750.
January 2, 2022: General Fund $6,512; Living Stones $1,005; Women’s Fellowship $195.

This week at BCMCSunday, January 9, 2022
9:30 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am Faith Formation
4 pm Service of Remembrance in the Sanctuary— In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2021, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a service of Remembrance on January 9 at 4 pm.

Monday, January 10, 2022
7 pm Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
12 noon Mid Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
4 pm Funeral Committees meeting in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, January 12, 2022—No Youth Group or Chancel Choir in January
6:45 pm Menno Ringers in B7

Thursday, January 13, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
4 pm Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
7 pm Finance Committee meeting by Zoom
7 pm Chancel Bells in Room B7

Sunday, January 16, 2022
9:30 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am Faith Formation

Monday, January 17, 2022—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—Office will be closed and church locked

Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation from January 14-29.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be at a “Roots of Justice” Training from Jan. 14-16.

Menno Ringers (bells for youth in grades 3rd-8th) will take place on Wednesdays from 7-7:45 pm beginning January 5th and going through February 23rd.

Service of Remembrance
January 9, 2021
Bethel College Mennonite Church
4:00 pm

In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2021, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a service of Remembrance on Sunday, January 9 at 4 pm. There will be singing, praying, scripture reading,and a reading of each person who has passed, followed by the lighting of a candle in their memory. In addition to wearing a mask and social distancing, windows inside the sanctuary will be open. Please keep your coat and warm clothes with you as you find your place in the sanctuary. You will likely need them!

If you have someone you would like to remember who is
not directly connected to Bethel College Mennonite Church, please contact Pastor Nathan Koontz before the service with their name and connection to you, or write their name and connection on a piece of paper and give it to Pastor Nathan before the service begins. Their names will be read once all the names in order of service have been read. You are also welcome to watch the service live streamed through our Bethel College Mennonite Church homepage (click the green LIVE STREAM button). If you have any questions about this service or COVID 19 precautions, please contact Pastor Nathan at nathan@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Below is a list of those connected with BCMC that have died during 2021. If there are family andfriends that you know who are connected to those who have passed and may like to attend this service, please pass on the details of this service to them.

Lorene Katherine Penner Goering, Helen Ruth Jantzen Unruh, Rosalind Haury Enns Andreas, Laura Ann (Miller) Schrag, Philip Koontz, Elsie Mae Wicke Flaming, Allen Gaeddert, Hartzel Wayne Schmidt, Miner Seymour, Clark Eugene Wiebe, Louise Irene Duerksen Koehn, Ethel Elizabeth Dick Kaufman, Martha Friesen Graber, Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen, Carol Kaufman, Kenneth Kaufman.

Covid Creativity

This era of Covid impacted everyone in different ways. The negative effects are obvious. But for some, it sparked introspection and a new kind of creative energy.

The Visual Arts Committee would like to showcase examples of your creativity in The Gathering Place. A small exhibit with artwork or photos and brief text about your motivation for creating during this challenging time.

What might you share? Whatever you were inspired to create! Did you paint something? Build something? Sew something? Write something? Learn new recipes or revisit old ones?

Pastor Nathan will be the primary contact and would love to connect with you. If you’re willing to share a photo or two (or the artwork itself!) and a brief statement about what prompted this expression, please get in touch with him!

The Visual Arts Committee will begin working on this project shortly after the holidays so the sooner you can share your ideas with Nathan the better!

MLK Service Opportunities and Collecting Hygiene Kit SuppliesThe Newton Community for Racial Justice has put together a list of service opportunities for the Newton Community to take part in on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on January 17th. MLK Day is an opportunity for communities to participate in a “day on” together. This year’s activities include making Mennonite Central Committee hygiene kits, writing letters at Offenders Victims Ministry, building a blessing box, indoor painting, and housekeeping/maintenance at New Hope Shelter. BCMC is invited to participate in 2 different ways. One way is to bring in adult sized toothbrushes (in individual original packaging) and new wide-tooth combs (6-8 in) on January 9th for the MCC hygiene kits. Another way is to sign up to volunteer at one of the service opportunities on January 17th using this form.

Pastor Reviews
Pastor Nathan Koontz and Pastor Renee Reimer are each in their second year of ministry with BCMC. It is BCMC’s practice to engage in a pastoral review of our pastors at this point in their ministry with us. The Staff Congregation Relations Committee, with guidance and assistance from Western District Conference consultant Keith Harder, is undertaking this process. Next week you will receive an email with two electronic evaluation tools. Please take a moment to complete both of the evaluations — there will be one for Pastor Nathan and one for Pastor Renee. If you do not receive email communications from the church, a copy of the evaluation tools will be mailed to you. We would appreciate receiving your responses no later than January 21, 2022. Following collection of the completed evaluations, Keith Harder will tabulate the raw data and prepare a report that will be shared with SCRC, the Church Board, Pastor Nathan and Pastor Renee. A report will also then be shared with the congregation. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to any member of SCRC (Jim Mininger, Dianne Epp, Vern Preheim and Heather Zerger).

Bethel College Announcements
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.

Mon., Jan. 17 and Tues., Jan. 18 – Bethel College hosts two activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday that are free and open to the public, both in Memorial Hall: Jan. 17, 7 p.m., program with Jasmyn Elise Story as the featured speaker; Jan. 18, 2 p.m., screening of the Kellogg Foundation’s 2022 National Day of Racial Healing event. Sponsors are Bethel College Student Life, the Bethel College Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center and the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Save the date: Sat., Jan. 29 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Famous Kansans,” noon-4 p.m., museum and grounds. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org

Everence^® to hold Medicare webinar in January

Everence will hold an informative Medicare webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will also be time for your questions.

Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Attendance recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.

Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.

Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.

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

Everyone is invited to the WDC Final Thursday Book Discussion on January 27, 2022 at 7:00pm via Zoom. We will discuss This is God’s Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls by Anna Woofender and explore what it means to explore “raw, honest, gritty way[s] of doing church.” Contact the library at crlib@mennowdc.org to register or borrow a copy of the book.

Healing & Hope: A confidential group of women supporting each other in seeking healing and hope after experiencing betrayal trauma (a spouse or partner’s use of pornography, affair, or sexual addiction). The group is faith-centered, hosted by First Mennonite Church of Newton for those in the Central Kansas area, and facilitated by Audrey Ratzlaff, M.Div, and Gail Unruh-Revel, LSCSW, CST, CSAT. Meetings are currently occurring via zoom. Please contact Audrey Ratzlaff at aaratzlaff@yahoo.com or Pastor Laura Goerzen laurag@firstmennonitenewton.org if you have questions or would like to participate.

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Kate Widmer, serving with Mennonite Mission Network, has extended her assignment with Eglise la Prairie Montbéliard (The Prairie Church in Montbéliard) in France. Pray for her as she is currently on North American assignment, sharing updates with supporting congregations, before returning to France for a second term to continue her ministries with children and other community outreach programs.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for the generous financial contributions, prayers and volunteer service of all the congregations and individuals who support WDC ministries.

Announcements for January 2 – January 9, 2022

This week at BCMC
January 2, 2022 – Epiphany Sunday
There will be no children’s or youth Sunday school today. The nursery is open but not staffed today.
3-5 p.m. — Farewell for Dawn Yoder Harms—A come and go farewell reception for Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms is today from 3-5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Masks will be required.

Monday, January 3, 2022 The church office and building will be closed to provide the holiday (since January 1, 2022 is a Saturday) for the church staff.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary

Thursday, January 6, 2022
9 am—Community Playschool starts
7 pm—Church Board Meeting

Sunday, January 9, 2022
9:30 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am Faith Formation
4 pm Service of Remembrance in the Sanctuary— In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2021, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a service of Remembrance on January 9 at 4 pm.

Covid Creativity

This era of Covid impacted everyone in different ways. The negative effects are obvious. But for some, it sparked introspection and a new kind of creative energy.

What might you share? Whatever you were inspired to create! Did you paint something? Build something? Sew something? Write something? Learn new recipes or revisit old ones?

The Visual Arts Committee will begin working on this project shortly after the holidays so the sooner you can share your ideas with Nathan the better!

Menno Ringers (bells for youth in grades 3rd-8th) will take place on Wednesdays from 7-7:45 pm beginning January 5th and going through February 23rd. Interested youth can join in on their first rehearsal in room B7 on January 5th!

Service of Remembrance
January 9, 2021
Bethel College Mennonite Church
4:00 pm

As we are in the holiday season that brings joy with the promise of new life and love birthed into our world, there is also grief as we miss those who have passed from this world in 2021. In order to recognize and mourn the loss of our loved ones from 2021, Bethel College Mennonite Church is hosting a service of Remembrance on January 9 at 4 pm. There will be singing, praying, scripture reading,and a reading of each person who has passed, followed by the lighting of a candle in their memory. In addition to wearing a mask and social distancing, windows inside the sanctuary will be open. Please keep your coat and warm clothes with you as you find your place in the sanctuary. You will likely need them!

If you have someone you would like to remember who is
not directly connected to Bethel College Mennonite Church, please contact Pastor Nathan Koontz before the service with their name and connection to you, or write their name and connection on a piece of paper and give it to Pastor Nathan before the service begins. Their names will be read once all the names in order of service have been read. You are also welcome to watch the service live streamed through our Bethel College Mennonite Church homepage (click the green LIVE STREAM button). If you have any questions about this service or COVID 19 precautions, please contact Pastor Nathan at nathan@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Pastor Reviews
Pastor Nathan Koontz and Pastor Renee Reimer are each in their second year of ministry with BCMC. It is BCMC’s practice to engage in a pastoral review of our pastors at this point in their ministry with us. The Staff Congregation Relations Committee, with guidance and assistance from Western District Conference consultant Keith Harder, is undertaking this process. In a week and a half, you will receive an email with two electronic evaluation tools. Please take a moment to complete both of the evaluations — there will be one for Pastor Nathan and one for Pastor Renee. If you do not receive email communications from the church, a copy of the evaluation tools will be mailed to you. We would appreciate receiving your responses no later than January 21, 2022. Following collection of the completed evaluations, Keith Harder will tabulate the raw data and prepare a report that will be shared with SCRC, the Church Board, Pastor Nathan and Pastor Renee. A report will also then be shared with the congregation. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to any member of SCRC (Jim Mininger, Dianne Epp, Vern Preheim and Heather Zerger).

Book Discussion Opportunity
“Finish Strong, Putting Your Priorities First at Life’s End” by Barbara Lee Combs is a book Valetta Seymour and Myrna Krehbiel are looking forward to exploring together with others. This twelve chapter book is a useful guide to help us consider our end of life choices and to make them known to our families and medical providers. We plan to discuss two chapters per session. In addition to the six discussion sessions, there will be an introductory session to get acquainted and confirm meeting times. We will meet in the Youth classroom on 2nd floor.
The group size is limited. The introductory session will be Wednesday, January 12 at 3:00 at BCMC. To ask questions or reserve a place contact: Valetta at seymour2314@gmail.com, 620-217-7536 or Myrna at mrkreh@cox.net, 316-283-9216.

For a message from Mennonite Church USA press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For a message from Mennonite Mission Network press here
For an Appeal Letter for Safe Hope press here
For a message from Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Men press here

Greetings from Camp Mennoscah!

We hope your Christmas was merry and we wish you the best for the New Year! May your celebrations be full of joy and love! Thank you for caring for the earth’s resources and Camp Mennoscah’s financial resources by choosing to receive the quarterly newsletter via email.

Attached is the Winter issue. You may also access the newsletter at 2021 Winter Newsletter.

In this season of generosity, thank you for your overflowing support! Your gifts allow Camp Mennoscah to invite campers from over 10 states to spend a week at camp learning about Christ and faithfully growing into the people of God. There are so many exciting stories yet to be told at camp. You can be part of these stories and support Camp Mennoscah’s camping ministry through a year-end gift. Give now online or send a check to PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. May God’s Spirit enwrap you and fill you with joy and peace in the new year!

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah wants to respect your wishes regarding emails. To unsubscribe from these announcements, reply “unsubscribe” to this email. Camp Mennoscah sends announcements, newsletters, and the annual catalog by email. To unsubscribe from all, reply “unsubscribe all.”
Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop Share a bit of summer with friends and family this Christmas!
Keep those 2022 Summer staff applications coming! 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! Interviews are being scheduled.
Volunteering opportunities continue through the winter months! The wish list is full of both items and volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. 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. 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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Linda Beachy, who is in the middle of her year-long SOOP assignment at the Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission in Bloomfield, New Mexico.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff in the coming year, as they work to support ministers and church leaders, equip congregations with resources, and encourage church planting initiatives and partnerships.

Announcements for December 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022

This week at BCMC
Monday, December 27—Office will be closed; church locked
Tuesday, December 28—Friday, December 31—Office will be closed
January 2, 2022 – Epiphany Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Dawn Yoder Harms
3-5 p.m. Farewell for Dawn Yoder Harms
A come and go farewell reception for Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be held Sunday, January 2, from 3-5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Masks will be required. Cards may be placed in the box provided near the mailboxes, brought to the reception, or mailed to the church.

January 3, 2022 The church office and building will be closed to provide the holiday (since January 1, 2022 is a Saturday) for the church staff.

BCMC Offering for December 19, 2021 General Fund $13,971; General Fund for 2022 $1,000; Caring Fund $1000; Living Stones $93.33; Flower Fund $30; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $500; Women’s Fellowship $80

Covid Creativity

This era of Covid impacted everyone in different ways. The negative effects are obvious. But for some, it sparked introspection and a new kind of creative energy.

What might you share? Whatever you were inspired to create! Did you paint something? Build something? Sew something? Write something? Learn new recipes or revisit old ones?

The Visual Arts Committee will begin working on this project shortly after the holidays so the sooner you can share your ideas with Nathan the better!

Service of Remembrance
January 9, 2021
Bethel College Mennonite Church
4:00 pm

Below is a list of those connected with BCMC that have died during 2021. If there is someone else that you think should be added to this list, please contact Pastor Nathan or Monica in the church office. If there are family andfriends that you know who are connected to those who have passed and may like to attend this service, please pass on the details of this service to them.

Lorene Katherine Penner Goering, Helen Ruth Jantzen Unruh, Rosalind Haury Enns Andreas, Laura Ann (Miller) Schrag, Phil Koontz, Elsie Mae Wicke Flaming, Allen Gaeddert, Hartzel Wayne Schmidt, Miner Seymour, Clark Eugene Wiebe, Louise Irene Duerksen Koehn, Ethel Elizabeth Dick Kaufman, Martha Friesen Graber, Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen, Carol Kaufman, Kenneth Kaufman.
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Linda Beachy, who is in the middle of her year-long SOOP assignment at the Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission in Bloomfield, New Mexico.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors, chaplains and other ministers in WDC, that they would experience God’s renewed strength and hope for ministry in the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Announcements for December 19-26, 2021

Advent Banners and Decorations—We wish to express a deep thanks to all who have helped with advent visuals this year! The Worship Decorations Committee has wonderfully transformed our sanctuary as we prepare for Jesus’ birth. We wish to express a specific thanks to Josh Brubacher and Matt Koontz for hanging new banners each week during the advent season. As we progress toward the birth of Jesus on Christmas, the light grows stronger and stronger. The progression of the advent banners, our candle lighting, and other visual elements all mark our movement towards the Light.

This year two in-person Christmas Eve services (Friday, Dec 24) are being planned:

5 pm: Christmas Enactment Service in BCMC sanctuary and livestreamed. Costumes encouraged & provided for all attenders
9 pm: Service of Lessons and Carols, in the BCMC sanctuary and livestreamed. Please note change in time.

A come and go farewell reception for Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be held Sunday, January 2, from 3-5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Masks will be required. Cards may be placed in the box provided near the mailboxes, brought to the reception, or mailed to the church.

This Week at BCMC

Tuesday, December 21
7 pm           Worship Commission meeting by Zoom
Wednesday, December 22
7:30 pm      Chancel Choir rehearsal in Sanctuary
Friday, December 24—Christmas Eve
5 pm            Christmas Enactment Service in BCMC sanctuary. Costumes
encouraged & provided for all attenders.
9 pm            Lessons and Carols in the Sanctuary
Saturday, December 25—Merry Christmas!—Church building will be locked
Sunday, December 26—Christmas 1
9:30 am      Worship Service in the Sanctuary
There will be no children and youth Sunday school today
Monday, December 27—Office will be closed; church locked
Tuesday, December 28—Friday, December 31—Office will be closed

The nursery will be open but NOT staffed on December 26th and January 2nd.

There will be no children and youth Sunday School on December 26th and January 2nd.

Offerings at BCMC
November 28, 2021: General Fund $14,554.70; Living Stones $305; Flower Fund $80
December 5, 2021: General Fund $8,527.00; General Fund for 2022 $225; Columbarium Fund $1,500; Organ Fund $200; Living Stones $940; Flower Fund $90
December 12, 2021: General Fund $29,932.97; Bethel College $200; Caring Fund $200; Adult Choir $345; Living Stones $105; Louise Koehn Memorial $35.

Covid Creativity

This era of Covid impacted everyone in different ways. The negative effects are obvious. But for some, it sparked introspection and a new kind of creative energy.

What might you share? Whatever you were inspired to create! Did you paint something? Build something? Sew something? Write something? Learn new recipes or revisit old ones?

The Visual Arts Committee will begin working on this project shortly after the holidays so the sooner you can share your ideas with Nathan the better!

New Hope Shelter Announcement
There will be a Volunteer Training at New Hope Shelter on Thursday, January 6th, 2022 from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Their volunteer shift hours are as follows:
5pm to 11pm daily
11pm to 8am on Friday and Saturday.
Please consider being a volunteer at the Shelter. If you are interested, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com, or 620-217-7536 before January 3.

The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit invites you to attend the annual meeting on Sunday, January 16, 2:00 PM at Tabor Mennonite Church. No need to register. Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail, Newton.This will be a hybrid event, in person as well as virtual on zoom. Click HERE to join the hybrid meeting remotely.
Agenda:
We will be sharing and celebrating about the work of MDS.
We will be voting on some Unit Bylaw revisions
For a copy of the Bylaw revisions contact Cleo Koop at email cleohkoop@gmail.com.
This remote link to join the zoom meeting on January 16 will come active 30 minutes before the meeting is started: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83355094919?pwd=anNDNWlBRkJrWmVNOFRKbHUwOU9tQT09Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is monitoring the damage from the string of deadly tornadoes which moved through areas of the Midwest and parts of the South last weekend. We extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones and we offer prayers of support for the survivors.
We have several MDS Early Response Teams investigating several of the tornado sites to help determine how and where MDS will respond. Many of our partners via the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) which specialize in search and rescue, damage assessment and cleanup are already responding. Together with our NVOAD partners and local officials we will determine when and where volunteers will be needed most. If you are interested in being added to a volunteer waitlist, please include your name, address and email address and send to: volunteer@mds.org.
If you wish to donate to the MDS response, you may do so on our website. Please click here.
As new information becomes available we will continue to update information at www.mds.org

Merry Christmas from Mennonite Mission Network click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
Mennonite Mission Network Christian Service and Global Citizenship click here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

What greater gift than to share in the joy of Christ with others! You can be part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry of Christian fun through prayer, donations, and volunteering. Encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ through faith formation at Camp Mennoscah. Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. To volunteer, call 620-297-3290.
Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop Share a bit of summer with friends and family this Christmas!
Keep those 2022 Summer staff applications coming! 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! Interviews are being scheduled.
Volunteering opportunities continue through the winter months! The wish list is full of both items and volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. 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. 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.

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

From the Mennonite Church USA: “The angel said to them, ‘You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you – news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people.” (Luke 2:10) Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and staff hope that you and yours are blessed by the good news and transforming power of Christ this Christmas.

KIPCOR’s Fall 2021 Newsletter is here!!
Read about our recent Peace Lecture featuring Mark McCormick, our ongoing training of professionals in the field, our training in schools across the state, our staff, and MORE!!
You can read the newsletter online with pages that flip here:
https://www.flipsnack.com/kipcor/kipcor-s-fall-21-newsletter.html
(just click on the “+” sign at the bottom of the screen to expand the newsletter, and then ‘grab and drag’ the open page to se the article you’re interested in.)
or on KIPCOR’s website as a PDF here:
https://kipcor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Fall-21-Newsletter-Single-page.pdf

or you can pick up a physical copy at KIPCOR.
Thank you so much for your interest in, and support of, KIPCOR. We couldn’t do our work without you!!

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Matthew and Toni Krabill, of Mennonite Mission Network, are serving as co-directors for the Paris Mennonite Center in France. Pray for their health, creativity and joy, as they welcome researchers, share Anabaptist resources and develop online classes for French-speaking theology students throughout the world.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations as a visible expression of God’s presence in local communities, now in this Christmas season and throughout the year.

Announcements for December 12-19, 2021

December 12, 2021–3rd Sunday in AdventFrom the Reopening Church Task Group
Harvey County has recently experienced a significant rise in COVID-19 numbers.
At this point, in-person church activities will continue as usual, with these cautions:

During worship, windows will be open (wider than they have been), so dress warmly.
If you need to bring a blanket or a prayer shawl to keep warm, please feel free to do so.
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.
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!

RESCHEDULED Creche Making Project!
Join us on this Saturday, December 11th 11am-12:30pm 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.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR DECEMBER 12, 2021 – THIRD SUNDAY IN 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.

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.

Advent worship this Sunday, including the Advent prelude, will be led by BCMC children and youth. Thank you, Pastor Renee and Faith Formation Commission, for your work in planning this worshipful time together.
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
December 12, 2021
Advent 3: Dare to Imagine
Prelude—Jude Oswald, flute
                Miles Brubacher, piano
                Emerson Gering, piano
                Naomi Koontz, piano
                Emma Gering and Maisie Brubacher, violins
                Lucy Burch, flute
                Abby Koontz, piano
                Lily Schloneger, violin
                Menno Singers

Gathering
Creche(sessional)—Preschool Sunday School

Welcome and Call to Worship— Lincoln Kohlman and Brett Gaeddert

Advent Candle Lighting— Lincoln Kohlman and Brett Gaeddert
Leader: We light a candle of joy. And we imagine:
People: Jubilation! Rejoicing! Do not fear!
Leader: We light a candle and join in God’s song, singing loudly, singing fiercely, singing together.

*Hymn—Hope is a Candle (Verses 1, 2, and 4)—VT 211
(Menno Singers Verses 1 and 2; Congregation join on Verse 4)

Worship Music—Obey my Voice—
What Does the Lord Require of You—Menno Singers

Hearing God’s Word
Scripture Reading—Zephaniah 3:14-20—Maisie Brubacher

Children’s Conversation—Esther Eash

*Hymn—Oh, How Joyfully—VT 254

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 12:4-6—Brett Gaeddert
Luke 3:7-18—Collin Gaeddert and Addison Zerger

Skit—The Most Important Person at the Nativity—Sr High Sunday School

Responding
*Hymn—Joy to the World—VT 240

Prayers of God’s People—Renee Reimer

Benediction—Collin Gaeddert

*Benediction Sung Response—You Shall Go Out with Joy—VT 847

VT = Voices Together

Worship leader—Middler Sunday School Class
Keyboardist—Mary Ann Boschmann
Audio visual—Francis Toews
Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms
Menno Singers Director—Virginia Mininger
Menno Singer Accompanists—Mary Ann Boschmann, piano; Esther Koontz, cello; Rebecca Schloneger, violin

Skit Participants In Order of Appearance: Elisabeth Friesen, Alice Claassen, Justin Zerger, Simon Koontz, Ani Koontz, Adah Hodge, Payne Claassen, Katherine Friesen, Simon Hodge, and Lucy Burch

This year two in-person Christmas Eve services (Friday, Dec 24) are being planned:

5 pm: Christmas Enactment Service in BCMC sanctuary and livestreamed. Costumes encouraged & provided for all attenders
9 pm: Service of Lessons and Carols, in the BCMC sanctuary and livestreamed. Please note change in time.

This week at BCMC
Sunday, December 12
TODAY – Lighting of the Green returns in-person this year; 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus.
Monday, December 13
5 pm           Faith Formation Commission meeting at Renee Reimer’s home
5:45 pm     Suzuki rehearsal in Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 15
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers rehearsal in Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group in Room 24
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir rehearsal in Sanctuary
Thursday, December 16
4 pm          Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm     Chancel Bells rehearsal in Room B7
Friday, December 17
7 pm            Suzuki Concert in Sanctuary
Sunday, December 19—Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary       10:30 am   Faith Formation

bcmcXpress
Thank you to those of you who have completed the bcmcXpress intent form.
If you haven’t done so there is still opportunity for you to complete the online bcmcXpress intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/) as soon as possible. Please know that the number and amounts of intents will impact the BCMC budget.
From Michael Claassen, Finance Manager and the Finance Committee

On Sunday, December 12- the Central Kansas Master Chorale, a newly formed, select community ensemble, will be leading a Lessons and Carols concert. All area communities are invited to attend this journey, walking us through the journey of the nativity and birth of our savior. We would greatly appreciate it if you would include an announcement for this event this coming Sunday, during your normal worship services.
Who: Central Kansas Master Chorale
What: Lessons and Carols: An advent journey
When: Sunday, December 12 @ 7:00pm
Where: Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S Main Street, Hesston KS 67062
Admission is free.
The audience will be strongly encouraged to wear masks.

Your prayers are invited for Helen Bargen, who made a move this week to Salem, Oregon, to live closer to her daughter, Jan. Helen greatly enjoyed your shower of birthday cards on her recent 90th birthday. Her new address is:
Helen Bargen
c/o Jan Bargen
1440 Beaumont St NW
Salem, OR 97304

Covid Creativity

This era of Covid impacted everyone in different ways. The negative effects are obvious. But for some, it sparked introspection and a new kind of creative energy.

What might you share? Whatever you were inspired to create! Did you paint something? Build something? Sew something? Write something? Learn new recipes or revisit old ones?

The Visual Arts Committee will begin working on this project shortly after the holidays so the sooner you can share your ideas with Nathan the better!

Science and Faith Webinar Presented by Brenham Presbyterian Church (Dr. Karl Galle)
Issues presented by science and faith continue to be important topics of discussion in our society today, especially among our young adults.
Where do science and faith overlap? Where are they distinct? How do we integrate science and faith into our lives? What role might music and art play in this interchange? What historical figures helped to shape these discussions?
These and other questions are being discussed in three one hour Zoom Webinars in December at Brenham Presbyterian Church. The final webinar on December 15 at 6 pm will be Dr. Karl Galle who will discuss how Galileo and Copernicus changed the way European civilization viewed the universe and our place in it, with emphasis upon their own relationship to the church and their own personal faith. Connect to this Zoom webinar through the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88268428356?pwd=QTVjN1pyZlQzbG01ejkvMnFwVjRwUT09
Funding for this event is provided by the Eli Lilly Foundation as part Pastor Galle’s sabbatical grant, entitled “Faith, Fossils and Far Flung Stars.”

This year there is an Angel Tree at New Hope Shelter
If you would like to participate, simply come by the shelter between 8 am and 8 pm. Pick a tag off the tree; shop for those items and then return the items, along with the tag back to the shelter by Wednesday, December 22nd.
They have a few tags for the children but most tags are for adults and are reasonably priced items.

If you cannot come by the shelter during those hours but would still like to participate, please call (283-7711) between 12 noon and 8 pm Monday through Friday or email shonda@newhope-shelter.org. Shonda would be happy to pull a tag number for you and send you a list of those items.

The deadline for all items purchased is Wednesday, December 22nd.

Scrapbook Retreat, at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp on Jan. 28-30 is your opportunity to create paper or digital photo books and share ideas and good conversation with other scrapbook participants. With safety protocols of mask wearing and individual tables for participants, please come for retreat and community in God’s creation here at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Register online (www.rmmc.org) and save a space to join in.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Christmas Celebration at Camp! We’re celebrating early! Everyone is welcome to come to Camp Mennoscah on Dec. 18 at 2:30pm for time together in faith and fellowship. Join us in the Dining Hall (or outside) for afternoon fun. Bring games to play indoors or out or use what camp has. Camp will provide popcorn, generic pop, and hot drinks. (Masks recommended and encouraged for inside activities.)

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop Share a bit of summer with friends and family this Christmas!
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! Interviews will be scheduled soon.
Thank you to everyone who supported Camp Mennoscah on Giving Tuesday, be that through prayers, gifts, or volunteering! It’s not too late to be part of the efforts to encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ through faith formation at Camp Mennoscah. Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. To volunteer, call 620-297-3290.
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.

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

Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Want to engage with Mennonite Church USA’s Advent at Home guide, “Dare to Imagine,” creatively this year? Watch this webinar by writer Talashia Keim Yoder and learn to slow down and connect with God in new ways from Advent through Epiphany (Jan. 6): mennoniteusa.org/advent22-webinar.

Hear exciting first-hand accounts of peacemakers from across the denomination in Mennonite Church USA’s Storyteller Series videos that premiered at #MennoCon21. View the whole series here: mennoniteusa.org/storyteller-series.

Menno Snapshots
Rev. Amy S. Zimbelman and members of Mountain States Mennonite Conference attended a peace demonstration in late October. Read about why she finds this work to be important in her and her family’s lives in her blog, “Demonstrating peace for my children and me.” mennoniteusa.org/demonstrating-peace

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
How can Mennonites make a difference in the world around us? How can we effect change for the common good? Andre Gingerich Stoner writes about how Mennonites in St. Joseph County, Indiana, have begun to make a difference in the realm of public mental health services, in his blog, “A spirit of power, and of love and of hard work.” Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/power-love-work.

Menno Snapshots
Anger. Lament. Hope. Rick Yoder, professor emeritus at Eastern Mennonite University, grieves the events that have been unfolding in Afghanistan over the past few months in his blog, “Anger, lament and hope.” Read his poetic reflection on the roles we all have to play, here: mennoniteusa.org/anger-lament-hope.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Orodara region, where many of Burkina Faso’s Mennonites live. Foreign-sponsored guerilla fighters are making it difficult for people to go to work and for children to attend school. Pray for the Mennonites’ peace witness, for the families of the more than 1,500 people who have died and for the more than 1.3 million displaced people in Burkina Faso.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for generous financial support for WDC and its congregations, to help meet ministry and budget goals for this year.

Announcements for December 5-12, 2021

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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

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.