Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for March 6-March 13, 2022

March 6, 2022-First Sunday in Lent
Masks will be required. We encourage you to wear your name tags so Pastor Todd Schlosser can learn to know you. The service will also be live streamed.

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 STREAM 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 STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 6, 2022
Lent 1: From security to generosity
Prelude—Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word  (Manz)
Rhosymedre (Vaughn Williams)—Verlene Garber, organ
Introit—Calm me Lord [VT 680]—Chancel Choir; director William Eash; accompanist Verlene Garber
Lighting the Christ Candle—Raylene Hinz-Penner

Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month,
  we acknowledge that we worship
  on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land
  and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories
  and find new paths of right relationships with them
  and all of creation.
Welcome and Prayer
*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power— VT 57

Kin-dom Report—Janeen Bertsche Johnson

Children’s Conversation—Bethany Schrag, Jill Robb, Yolanda Kauffman
Worship Music—God so Loved the World (Stainer)—Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading—Luke 4:1-13—Carol Flickinger
Sermon—Found in the Wilderness—Janeen Bertsche Johnson

*Hymn—Fill Us with Your Feast—VT 309
Communion—Renee Reimer and Todd Schlosser

Prayers of God’s people—Raylene Hinz-Penner

*Hymn—We, Your People, Sing Your Praises—VT 849 Benediction Response—We are Often Tossed and Driven [VT 311]—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Trumpet Tune (Johnson)—Verlene Garber

VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, and Todd Schlosser

Janeen Bertsche Johnson (Director of Campus Ministries; Admission Associate; Development Associate; Alumni Director; Core Adjunct Faculty) from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) joins BCMC for worship this Sunday. Janeen will share about AMBS during the kinship time and offers the morning sermon on this upcoming first Sunday of Lent. The following is from her short biography on the AMBS website.
“Janeen brings to her ministry a passion for worship, music, community, and encouraging the gifts of others. She graduated from Bluffton College (now University), then entered seminary at AMBS, graduating with the MDiv in 1989.
After serving six years on the pastoral team of Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church in Wichita, KS., she returned to AMBS as campus pastor. She also has roles in admissions, alumni relations, and teaching. Janeen has been a member of the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA from 2003 to 2011, and has served on many other conference and denominational committees and boards.”

You are invited to a discussion: “Land Acknowledgement: Then What?” Sunday, March 6, after the Worship Service in the sanctuary. Hosted by Raylene Hinz-Penner, Karin Kaufman Wall, Florence Schloneger and Nathan Koontz. In February Florence described a land acknowledgement as a reminder, a call, a recognition, a desire to seek out those harmed in acts of restorative justice. Nikki Sanchez speaks to those of us who are part of the settler legacy: where you find yourself today may not be your fault, but it is absolutely your responsibility (response-ability). If thinking about the land acknowledgement read each first Sunday of the month at BCMC has led you to wish to talk to other seekers, join us for an open discussion, sharing questions, responses, ideas, and ways to move forward.

This week at BCMC
(Times and events can change, please look for emails with possible changes)Sunday, March 6—1st Sunday in Lent
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
After the worship service there will be a Land Acknowledgement Discussion in the sanctuary
10:30 am Children and Youth Sunday School Classes!
Circles of Grace will be offered to children and youth during their in-person
Sunday School hour , today, March 6.
Preschoolers – Room B4        Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26
High School – Room 24   Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House
The Agape Class will meet in Room B8
Adult Classes (If meeting): Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);
Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
12 noon    Mid Kansas Investment Club meeting in Fellowship Hall
4 pm          Lent Prayers by Zoom
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
4:30 pm    Visual Arts Committee meeting in Room 14
7 pm          Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir in the Sanctuary
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
4 pm          Lent Prayers by Zoom
6:15 pm    Chancel Bells in Room B7
7 pm         Finance Committee meeting by Zoom
Sunday, March 13—2nd Sunday of Lent—Daylight Savings Time Begins—Set your clocks forward one hour
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am Children and Youth Sunday School

Lent Prayers Pastoral staff at BCMC will be facilitating prayers during lent on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a time to take a break from the day and let evening come. We will pray together via Zoom for about 15-20 minutes using the daily prayer book from the Corrymeela Community, northern Ireland’s longest running peace and reconciliation organization: Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Padraig O Tuama.Prayers will be March 8 and 10.
Below is the link for our lent prayers via zoom using Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community as our guide. This same link should work for each prayer time. We are looking forward to connecting and praying together!

Bethel College Mennonite Church is inviting you to a lent prayer Zoom meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85751414152?pwd=MDN0a0x1Z2xSbUtyMU4xWHlQZFR1UT09

Meeting ID: 857 5141 4152
Passcode: 834612

We offer sympathy to Glen and Karen Ediger and their family on the death of Glen’s sister-in-law, Linda Ediger, February 28, McPherson, Kansas. Linda was the wife of Glen’s brother, LaVon Ediger. A memorial service has been scheduled for Friday, March 4, in McPherson.

Wednesday Night Club (open to 3rd-8th graders) will begin Wednesday, March 23 from 7-8pm and continue weekly through the end of April. Look for more information from club leaders in the coming weeks.

Sign Up now for BCMC Pictorial Directory!

Our church directory won’t be complete without your participation. You can still sign-up March 23, 24, 25, and 26. ANYONE who wants to be included in the BCMC Photo Directory is welcomed to participate. Official membership is NOT required. If you want to be included in the BCMC community, shine up that smile!

All photography sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall, March 23, 24, 25, and 26. The photo sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will run from 2:00 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Please note this change: There will be same day proofing of pictures. You will have a professional photography session, and afterwards be able to view your proofs and have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends.

Three options for making an appointment March 23, 24, 25, or 26:
1. Click on the link below and make your appointment yourself on-line
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=63985&step=2
2. Call Doris Whillock at (316) 283-5561 to set up your appointment date
3. Sign up before or after the worship service on Sunday (when in-person worship resumes)
Make an appointment to have your picture taken today. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!

Library Announcement
A couple of beautiful 2000 piece puzzles have been donated to the library. The committee has decided to use them as a small fundraiser to help buy books on our wish list. The puzzles will be outside the library on Sundays. If you choose to buy one, we are asking for a minimum donation of $5. Just hand your donation to the librarian on duty.

Also, several books that were checked out right before COVID and the shutdown have not been returned or were not checked out properly. If you recognize a title that you might have checked out, please double check your own books to make sure that you haven’t inadvertently forgotten to return it. Titles that we are missing are:
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith
The Wounded Healer by Henri J. M. Nouwen
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Ida and Martha by Sara Fretz Goering
The Time is Now by Joan Chittister
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg

Please continue to use or come in and check out our wonderful library. We appreciate your support.

BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTE: Bethel College is on spring break March 5-13. Most offices and services are open but some may be on reduced hours.

(Sun., March 6) – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Reinhild K. Janzen, “Ritual Markers of Life and Death in Uganda and Taiwan,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This program is associated with the current special exhibit marking 125 years of Kauffman Museum, and Janzen will be talking about items included in the exhibit. Current Bethel COVID protocols require face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Sun., March 20 – Bethel College’s Staley Lecture Series presents Karen González, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel. González is the author of The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible and the Journey to Belong (Herald Press, 2019). She will also speak in Bethel College’s convocation on Mon., March 21, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall.

Save the date: March 25-27, spring musical at Bethel College, Bright Star by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell (for mature audiences).

HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCMENT
Spring musical: James and the Giant Peach – March 2 to 6, Black Box Theater, Keim Center
The musical, based on Roald Dahl’s 1961 children’s book, traces the life of the orphan, James Trotter. When he leaves the orphanage to live with his two horrible aunts, he soon discovers a peach growing outside their home and ventures inside of it to befriend five insects. Through a series of odd adventures, James gains an unexpected, unconventional understanding of what it means to be a family. Info and tickets at hesston.edu/theatre.

For a pdf of the Newton Et Cetera Shop’s Local Giving Grants press here

Kidron Bethel Village invites you to share notes of dedication and prayer for the new chapel and classroom spaces that are currently being constructed as a part of the Live Forward capital project. We welcome a written or emailed response as we honor these new spaces and look forward to using them in the near future.
Please submit your words of dedication by Friday, March 25, so they can be written and/or attached to the walls and framing meant to be left as a symbolic “blessing” of the space.

Prayers and dedications can be emailed to TonyaK@blustemks.org.
There will also be a collection box at the Kidron Bethel Village welcome desk.
Notes can be signed or anonymous and will not be shared with others.

For Kidron Bethel Village residents, there will be a service to participate in this way on Wednesday, March 23. The service will focus on the building project and will invite people to write/share prayers and dedications. The schedule for the day will be as follows: 2 p.m. in assisted living, 3 p.m. in health care, and 4 p.m. for independent living. More information will be shared with residents as we get closer to this date.

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

CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Youth Volunteer Weekend is April 9-10! This weekend of service and worship for grades 6-12 returns with vigor. Start your weekend of fun on Saturday at the MCC Sale in Hutchinson (on your own or with your youth group) and then bring the fun with you to Camp Mennoscah in the afternoon.Register at www.campmennoscah.org! (Registration is under Summer Camps.) Keep looking for more information available soon.

Other events and happenings:

Kitchen helpersneeded for Summer Youth Camps! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Cooks need only willing hands and the ability to follow directions. Kitchen staff is needed for June 19-23, July 3-9 and July 17-23. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.
Summer Youth Camp Registration Open! Register now for your week of faith, friends, and gobs of fun! The theme of “What’s in a Name?” focuses on how God knows us beyond any name we may be called. While we hope for a summer with minimal restrictions, the pandemic may change by June and camp guidelines will change with it. Register at www.campmennoscah.org!
New Volunteer Projects every month! This month we’ve added cleaning gutters, lubricating locks, and deep-cleaning the oven and hood–plus more!There are volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Getting ready for outside fun! Camp Mennoscah needs to replace some outdoor sports equipment, including inner tubes, 4-square/Gaga balls, frisbees for ultimate, and inner tubes. Check out the Camp Mennoscah Wish List on amazon.com or the Wish List. Challenge your Sunday School class or youth group to help meet camp needs! We’ve got many more ideas. Contact us by replying to this email.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE KANSAS RELIEF SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 2 – Bohnne Berroggi making, Moundridge
March 26 – Verenike Making, Hillsboro
April 8 – 9 – MCC Sale

Respond to the crisis in Ukraine
Mennonite Central Committee will be responding to the crisis in Ukraine through its local partners. Russian military forces have invaded the country with missiles striking major cities and casualties continuing to grow. Your prayers and donations will help partners scale up their work providing relief and trauma healing for vulnerable and displaced people. “Ukraine is experiencing major upheaval, but our partners have supplies ready to help vulnerable and displaced people,” says Rebecca Hessenauer, MCC representative for Ukraine. Donate today at mcc.org/Ukraine
Here is a link to a brand new MCC video that is a prayer for Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK3VDDSQzJk

For Mennonite Creation Care Network Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network correct link for spruce beetle story press here
For Mennonite World Conference Info press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

The Rocky Mountain March newsletter is here!

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mennonite Education Agency of Mennonite Church USA has released its free Lent at Home 2022 worship guide and calendar for download. The annual guide provides options for individuals and households to follow daily or weekly rituals, which include guided Scripture readings, prayers and special activities for the Lenten season. Download it here: mennoniteusa.org/lentathome. [Download PPT slide here.]

Learn about the Accessibility Resolution that will be voted on at the Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30. Clare Krabill, COO of MHS (an agency of MC USA), and Jeanne Davies, executive director of Anabaptist Disabilities Network, will discuss this resolution during a webinar on March 7 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Se ofrecerá servicio de intérprete al español. Register today: mennoniteusa.org/webinar-accessibility

Registration is open for Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri. Lodging information will be included in the registration confirmation email. To register and for all other information related to the Special Session, visit mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate-session-22/ [Download PPT slide here.]

Menno Snapshots
Katie Graber and Anneli Loepp Thiessen of the Voices Together hymnal project discuss why representation matters in music and how churches can be intentional about singing with the voices that have been missing from published worship collections for too long. Read their blog, “Who writes the songs?” here: mennoniteusa.org/who-writes

Record your family’s births, marriages and deaths for free, using Mennonite Church USA Archives’ vital records form on the Archives home page here: mennoniteusa.org/historical-archives/

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network praises God for the safety of its personnel and partners in Burkina Faso during January’s coup d’état. Pray for peace, both on the national level and in the increasing number of communities impacted by Islamist militant violence. May Mennonite churches witness to God’s peace.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregational delegates planning to attend the special session of MC USA assembly in May, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this week’s zoom forum hosted by WDC in preparation for the assembly.

The Bethel College Mennonite Church Peace Garden is getting a makeover with some landscape work in the area adjacent to the columbarium on the west side of the church building. The Peace Garden also has a new sign. Photo by Duane Friesen, Peace Garden Care Committee

Announcements for February 27-March 6, 2022

Lent Prayers
Pastoral staff at BCMC will be facilitating prayers during lent on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a time to take a break from the day and let evening come. We will pray together via Zoom for about 15-20 minutes using the daily prayer book from the Corrymeela Community, northern Ireland’s longest running peace and reconciliation organization: Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Padraig O Tuama. Please contact Pastor Nathan if you would like to receive the Zoom link. Purchase of the prayer book will be helpful, but is not necessary. Prayers will begin on Thursday, March 3.

You can find the BCMC Lent 2022 Devotional by pressing here

This week at BCMC
Sunday, February 27
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am Children and Youth Sunday School Classes!
Circles of Grace will be offered to children and youth during their in-person
Sunday School hour on February 27 and March 6
Preschoolers – Room B4        Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26
High School – Room 24   Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House
The Agape Class will meet in Room B8
Adult Classes (If meeting): Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);
Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)
2-4 pm      BookReviews Reception for Vern Preheim in Fellowship Hall
BookReviews Recognition for Vern Preheim
You are invited to a come and go reception for Vern Preheim who has retired from BookReviews. This event to recognize Vern’s contributions to BookReviews will be Sunday, February 27 from 2 to 4 pm in the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall.

Monday, February 28, 2022
7 pm           Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
Wednesday, March 2, 2022–Ash Wednesday
7 pm         Ash Wednesday Service—in the sanctuary and live streamed
7 pm          Youth Group
7:45 pm   Chancel Choir in the Sanctuary
Thursday, March 3 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
4 pm          Lent Prayers by Zoom
6:15 pm    Chancel Bells in Room B7
7 pm         Church Board Meeting
Friday-Saturday March 4 & 5
Sunday, March 6—1st Sunday of Lent
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
After the worship service there will be a Land Acknowledgement Discussion in the sanctuary
10:30 am Children and Youth Sunday School

BCMC Pictorial Directory
An additional day has been added to the available photography sessions. Now you can sign up March 23, 24, 25, and 26. ANYONE who wants to be included in the BCMC Photo Directory is welcomed to participate. Official membership is NOT required. If you want to be included in the BCMC community, shine up that smile!
All photography sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall, March 23, 24, 25, and 26. The photo sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will run from 2:00 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
When you sign-up for an appointment, you will have a professional photography session, schedule a ZOOM meeting to see your proofs on computer at a later date where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends. A computer will be available at the church, along with assistance, to hold the scheduled ZOOM meeting for those Individuals that do not have computer access.
Three options for making an appointment March 24, 25, or 26:
1. Click on the link below and make your appointment yourself on-line
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=63985&step=2
2. Call Doris Whillock at (316) 283-5561 to set up your appointment date
3. Sign up before or after the worship service on Sunday (when in-person worship resumes)
Make an appointment to have your picture taken today. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!

Pastoral and Congregational Transition
In an effort to show transparency, the Church Board of the Bethel College Mennonite Church would like to update the congregation on the process surrounding this time of pastoral and congregational transition. After several conversations with Western District Conference Associate Conference Minister Kathy Neufeld Dunn, the church board is in the process of seeking out a consultant who might help us better understand the needs of our congregation. Our hope is to learn more about who and where we are as a congregation so that as we move forward with the process of calling our next pastor(s), the congregation and church board are able to have a clear set of expectations for potential candidates.

At this time, we are not naming a pastoral search committee; rather, we will work through the consulting process first in order to establish priorities and direction. As we move forward, the church board will continue to update and involve the congregation along the way, seeking input and guidance as we proceed. We ask for your prayers that, in this time of transition, the BCMC congregation is able to find clarity and direction in the work that is yet to come – so that we may continue to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Delegates for MSUSA Special Assembly…We are currently seeking one or two additional delegates to attend the upcoming MCUSA Special Delegate Assembly, May 27-30, 2022 in Kansas City, on behalf of BCMC. Currently four resolutions are being addressed including MCUSA Membership guidelines, MCUSA justice resolution, MCUSA accessibility resolution, and the resolution for repentance and transformation. If you are interested or have questions please contact Dale Shrag (Gift Discernment Committee) or any of the pastors.

“Land Acknowledgement: Then What?”
You are invited to a discussion: “Land Acknowledgement: Then What?” Sunday morning, March 6 after the Worship Service in the sanctuary. Hosted by Raylene Hinz-Penner, Karin Kaufman Wall, Florence Schloneger and Nathan Koontz. In February Florence described a land acknowledgement as a reminder, a call, a recognition, a desire to seek out those harmed in acts of restorative justice. Nikki Sanchez speaks to those of us who are part of the settler legacy: where you find yourself today may not be your fault, but it is absolutely your responsibility (response-ability). If thinking about the land acknowledgement read each first Sunday of the month at BCMC has led you to wish to talk to other seekers, join us for an open discussion, sharing questions, responses, ideas, and ways to move forward.

BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sun., Feb. 27 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, soprano, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocol requires face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Mon., Feb. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert under the direction of Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., featuring works by Erickson, Ticheli, Mackey, Standridge and Sousa; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Current Bethel COVID protocol requires face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status; livestream option available on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

Fri., March 4 – Bethel College presents the 2nd Annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture with Dr. Rebecca Thomas, professor and director for international social work studies at the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall. Face coverings must be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status; livestream option available on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

Sat., March 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).

Sun., March 6 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, Reinhild K. Janzen, “Ritual Markers of Life and Death in Uganda and Taiwan,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. This program is associated with the current special exhibit marking 125 years of Kauffman Museum, and Janzen will be talking about items included in the exhibit. Current Bethel COVID protocol requires face coverings to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.

HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Spring musical: James and the Giant Peach – March 2 to 6, Black Box Theater, Keim Center
The musical, based on Roald Dahl’s 1961 children’s book, traces the life of the orphan, James Trotter. When he leaves the orphanage to live with his two horrible aunts, he soon discovers a peach growing outside their home and ventures inside of it to befriend five insects. Through a series of odd adventures, James gains an unexpected, unconventional understanding of what it means to be a family. Info and tickets at hesston.edu/theatre.

Where have all the Pastors Gone? – March 25 to 26, Hesston Mennonite Church and online
A Weekend College event presented by Hesston’s Center for Anabaptist Leadership and Learning (CALL) program, the seminar will explore strategies to encourage discernment and development of calls to leadership within our congregations. Discuss barriers to the pastoral call and work at strategies to remove those barriers. Explore ways the church can change to make the pastor role more attractive. Online and in-person options available. Learn more and register at hesston.edu/weekendcollege.

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get ready for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, a benefit for Mennonite Central Committee, April 8 & 9 at the Kan. Fairgrounds in Hutch. What can you bring as your gift to the hungry and hurting at home and abroad? Quality woodwork and needlework items, cotton tea towels, hobby items, crafts, plants and baked foods are much in demand.

By working together for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, we have the opportunity to share with the needy of our world. Each year, it is the sale board and supporting committee’s goal to raise funds to cover the budget leading up to the sale. The purchasing committee needs cash gifts for 45 items ranging in cost from $350 for butter to $8,800 for building rentals. By meeting the budget prior to the sale, all proceeds sale weekend can be donated to MCC. If you or your Sunday School class can support the sale budget in this way, get in touch with Dale and Margo Schrag or Steve and Elaine Schurr, your relief sale contact persons, or send contributions to sale treasurer, Jo Kasitz, treasurer, 1715 Casey, Newton, KS 67114.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please continue to pray for peace and safety in Ukraine. MCC is evaluating the situation and giving support to staff and partners as the situation allows. All international MCC staff have been evacuated from Ukraine including two SALT participants from Kansas. Aaron Ensz from Buhler has returned to the U.S. and Micah Epp from North Newton has relocated outside of Ukraine. Please keep them and their families in your prayers as well.

Impact 2022: Do you care about helping Mennonite Central Committee make an impact in the U.S. and around the world? If so, we want to listen to you. Your input can help fulfill MCC’s desire to find the best ways of responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. Share your ideas in this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCCimpact2022-Media. Thank you!

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

To Western District Conference congregations,
As the crisis in Ukraine deepens following the invasion by Russian military forces on February 24, I invite you to join Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) and Mennonite World Conference in offering prayer for all who are impacted by this war, particularly for Ukrainians and our Mennonite siblings in Ukraine. MC USA is a member of Mennonite World Conference, a global community of faith in the Anabaptist tradition.
Here are several resources for participating in prayer and support for peacemaking and justice in Ukraine:

Mennonite World Conference – cmm.org/stories/pastoral-letter-regarding-ukraine
Mennonite Church USA – https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/prayer-request-for-ukraine/
Mennonite Central Committee – https://mcc.org/stories/crisis-ukraine

May we join God’s work of justice, mercy and peacemaking,

Heidi Regier Kreider
WDC Conference Minister

Invitation to attend March 6 Meeting on Medicaid Expansion in Kansas
You are receiving this invitation as a church or an organization of faith. As a person of faith, I feel Medicaid Expansion is a moral issue that must be addressed. It is time we step up and see that persons in our neighborhood, community and state have access to affordable health care.

Do you ever wonder…
How many Kansans are without affordable health insurance and therefore affordable health care? What is the maximum income a single parent with two children can make and still qualify for Medicaid? What can persons of faith, those who see the need for the expansion of Medicaid (KanCare) and concerned Kansans do to address Medicaid expansion in Kansas?

You, your congregation, stakeholders and the community are invited to attend an informational meeting of “Faith Voices for Medicaid Expansion” March 6, 2022, 2:30, at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Avenue, Newton, KS. Parking is available on the east side of the church off Trinity Drive. Please extend an invitation out to other interested parties.

We will address this information and more with the goal to find out what we can do individually and collectively to address this moral issue and improve the lives of Kansans. On the 6^th we look forward to hearing from Matt Schmidt from Health Ministries to share the local impact of expanding Medicaid.

Trinity Height UMC Missions Committee

Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World click here
Mennonite Mission Network MVS Mustard Seeds click here
Mennonite World Conference click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here
Mennonite Men click here

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Mennonite Church USA annual Lent at Home guide is now available. Find the guide and other Lent resources at mennoniteusa.org/lentathome.

Learn about the “Accessibility Resolution,” which will be voted on at Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30. MHS’ Clare Krabill and Anabaptist Disability Network’s Jeanne Davies will discuss it during a webinar on Monday, Mar. 7 at 7 p.m. ET. Read the resolution and register for the webinar on the delegate resource page: mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate

Join author and pastor Osheta Moore on March 3 from 6:30-8:30 pm for “Ain’t Gonna Study War No More,” a hybrid event focused on restoration and shalom and cohosted by Atlantic Coast Conference. Register for your free ticket at tinyurl.com/y4fw578v.

Menno Snapshots
In his blog, “Not too much or too little,” Beryl Jantzi reflects on the prayer of Agur in Proverbs 30. He reminds us to be content with our “daily bread” and to avoid the dangers of pursing wealth and power. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/not-too-much-little.

Menno Snapshots
In her blog, “A spiritual discipline?” Mag Richer Smith poetically describes how she sees God using her grandma’s sewing box to create the world and mend the brokenness of humanity. Read her poem here: mennoniteusa.org/spiritual-discipline.

Are you looking for a way to provide a faithful testimony to the world regarding Jesus’ way of nonviolence and peace? This tax season, learn more about Mennonite Church USA’s Church Peace Tax Fund here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/peace-tax-fund/.

Sand Creek Community Garden Announcement (in anticipation of Spring)
The Sand Creek Community Garden (just north of the Bethel College campus) has a few plots available for rent for the 2022 season.
Please email communitygarden@bethelks.edu for more information or to request an application.”

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network, with more than a dozen partners, realized a long-held dream in 2021 — to make Anabaptist theological resources available in the French language. Praise God for the launch of this program with free monthly online webinars offered by le Centre de Formation á la Justice et á la Paix (Justice and Peace Training Center), and pray for its continued development.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commission, as they implement a new strategic plan to engage our whole conference in initiatives for church planting, revitalizing congregations, and fostering relationships with emerging Anabaptist/Mennonite groups.

Announcements for February 20-27, 2022

Please pray for safe travels and exciting experiences for the youth and sponsors traveling to Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp this weekend (February 18-20) for Snow Camp. Renee is the input speaker for the weekend and the BCMC youth are joining together with the First Mennonite Church (Newton) as a joint youth group for this weekend.

This week at BCMC
(Meetings and times can sometimes change–
be sure to watch your emails for possible changes)
Sunday, February 20, 2022
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
Children and youth Sunday School classes! 10:30-11:30 am
Preschoolers – Room B4        Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26
The Agape Class will meet in Room B8
Adult Classes (If meeting): Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5);
Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Mosaic (Rm 20); Open Circle (Room 21); Seekers (Rm 28); Sojourners (Chapel)
No High School or Koinonia classes this Sunday
Monday, February 21, 2022
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
12 pm       Mid Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
4 pm          Reopening Church Task Force meeting
7 pm          Abuse Prevention and Response Committee meeting
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
7 pm          Menno Ringers in B7
7 pm          Youth Group
7:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal in the sanctuary
Thursday, February 24, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
2 pm         Hospitality Commission meeting in Fellowship Hall
6:15 pm Chancel Bells in Room B7
Friday-Saturday February 25 and 26
Sunday, February 27
9:30 am    Worship Service (in person and live streamed)
10:30 am Children and Youth Sunday School
2-4 pm      BookReviews Reception for Vern Preheim in Fellowship Hall

BookReviews Recognition for Vern Preheim
You are invited to a come and go reception for Vern Preheim who has retired from BookReviews. This event to recognize Vern’s contributions to BookReviews will be Sunday, February 27 from 2 to 4 pm in the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals to Resume
Chancel Choir rehearsal will resume Wednesday, February 23, at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. Rehearsals will be from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.

Name Tags
As we are returning to church in personFebrurary 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

BCMC Kaleidoscope
The Bethel College Mennonite Church newsletter The Kaleidoscope is ready to read. Click on the following link: Kaleidoscope link
There are paper copies available on the ledge between the mailboxes at the church.

Circles of Grace Opportunities
With our recently adopted APRC policy, BCMC has committed to being a safe and victim centered community. Everyone in the congregation is responsible for safety and increasing victim awareness. Children are learning about these things through the Circles of Grace curriculum. During this special education time participants will learn about the Circles of Grace curriculum and reflect on what it means to be a trusted adult. Join us via zoom February 23 at 7pm to learn how to be a trusted adult for all persons in our congregation.

Circles of Grace will be offered to children and youth during their in-person Sunday School hour on February 27th and March 6th.

Thank you
Thank you for your prayers, cards, calls and care. I am doing well now.
Willye Hinz

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.

BCMC Pictorial Directory
The Hospitality Commission needs your help and your smiles to complete the task of compiling a new church pictorial directory. ANYONE who wants to be included in the BCMC Photo Directory is welcomed to participate. Official membership is NOT required. If you want to be included in the BCMC community, shine up that smile!
All photography sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall, March 24, 25, and 26. The photo sessions on Thursday and Friday will run from 2:00 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
When you sign-up for an appointment, you will have a professional photography session, schedule a ZOOM meeting to see your proofs on computer at a later date where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends. A computer will be available at the church, along with assistance, to hold the scheduled ZOOM meeting for those Individuals that do not have computer access.
Three options for making an appointment March 24, 25, or 26:
1. Click on the link below and make your appointment yourself on-line
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=63985&step=2
2. Call Doris Whillock at (316) 283-5561 to set up your appointment date
3. Sign up before or after the worship service on Sunday (when in-person worship resumes)
Make an appointment to have your picture taken today. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!

Lent 2022: Seeking God’s Way
For the Lent 2022 Devotional press here

Lent Prayers
Pastoral staff at BCMC will be facilitating prayers during lent on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a time to take a break from the day and let evening come. We will pray together via Zoom for about 15-20 minutes using the daily prayer book from the Corrymeela Community, northern Ireland’s longest running peace and reconciliation organization: Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Padraig O Tuama. Please contact Pastor Nathan if you would like to receive the Zoom link. Purchase of the prayer book will be helpful, but is not necessary. Prayers will begin on Tuesday, March 8.

BETHEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY (Sun., Feb. 20) – KIPCOR Film Series, Citizen Ashe, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience discussion follows with Bethel College head football coach A.B. Stokes. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

TODAY (Sun., Feb. 20) – Senior recital by Bethel College student Trae Gehring, tuba, 4 p.m., featuring works by Dowling, Williams, Haddad, Lebedev, Meador and Baadsvik. Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Tues., Feb. 22 – Bethel College Orchestra concert under the direction of Kristopher Hilding, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Thurs., Feb. 24 – Closing reception for Ernest Vincent Wood III and “Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Fri., Feb. 25 – Bethel College presents its first in-person forensics showcase since 2019, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall (part of the regular convocation series). Livestream option on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

Sun., Feb. 27 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, soprano, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Mon., Feb. 28 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert under the direction of Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., featuring works by Erickson, Ticheli, Mackey, Standridge and Sousa; Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Current Bethel COVID protocols require masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Fri., March 4 – Bethel College presents the 2nd Annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture with Dr. Rebecca Thomas, professor and director for international social work studies at the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall. Livestream option available on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunflower Performing Arts presents: VOCES8 – Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church
Based in the United Kingdom, this world-famous vocal octet will present a program titled “Choral Dances” which explores the interweaving of dance and music through the ages. Info and tickets at sunflowerarts.org.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE AND KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get ready for the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, a benefit for Mennonite Central Committee, April 8 & 9 at the Kansas Fairgrounds in Hutchinson

KMRS’s purpose is to raise funds for Mennonite Central Committee (www.mcc.org). It takes a whole host of individuals playing their part in order that we might carry out the Lord’s bidding to care for the “least of these” found in Matt. 25. We call upon our supporting churches to donate toward the sale budget so that every dollar raised at the sale is donated to MCC. We call upon quilters to complete their quilts and to gather extra supplies to donate to Quilters’ Corner. Consider donating items to the General, Silent and even our Kid’s Auction. During the cool winter months, divide house plants and start vegetable plants to sell at Plants &Things and tea towel sets completed for Kansas Crafts. Challenge yourself to participate in the Run for Relief, a 5K run/walk the Saturday of the sale and spend the winter months gathering your pledges. Go to: www.kansas.mccsale.org or like us on Facebook at Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.

All are welcome to join the fun at 14^th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 7, 8 and 9 at the Journey Yoder Campus, one mile north of Yoder, KS. Times are Monday and Tuesday 9-5, and Wednesday 9-4. Come and have a good time while helping others. No sewing skills required. Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch. You can bring snacks to share during work day. Masks are highly encouraged and plan to practice social distancing. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC, to make good quality, beautiful comforters for MCC to send for warmth, comfort, and love all around the world. Please contact the MCC Central States office with questions at #316-283-2720, or check the Comforter Blitz Facebook Page, “MCC Comforter Blitz for Kansas”.

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

Click here for Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond
Click here for Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Learn about “A Resolution for Repentance and Transformation,” which will be presented at Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30. Members of the Inclusive Mennonite Pastors leadership team, who authored the resolution, will discuss it with other church leaders during a webinar on Monday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. ET. Read the resolution and register for the webinar on the delegate resource page: mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) has partnered with the Kineo Center to offer renewal and retreat options for ministry leaders. This partnership offers many benefits to MC USA minsters, including a cohort option for leaders experiencing ministry burnout. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/mc-usa-kineo.

Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Church Canada and Herald Press are partnering to encourage every Mennonite to read carefully selected books chosen to equip the church. Join authors Regina Shands Stoltzfus and Tobin Miller Shearer for a CommonRead Conversation about their new book, “Been in the Struggle: Pursuing an Antiracist Spirituality,” on Tuesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST. Register here: https://www.mennomedia.org/register-now/

Please join Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) in praying that the hybrid Pastors & Leaders | Deep Faith 2022 Conference, a joint conference by MC USA and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, provides encouragement and insight for pastors and leaders across the denomination. The conference will be held Feb. 21-24 both online and in person on the AMBS campus.

Menno Snapshots
Kyle Rodgers felt the call to ministry as a young child, but he did not receive encouragement to pursue this calling. As an adult, he felt the calling again, and he became a pastor with the mission of encouraging youth and adults to pursue God’s call. Read his blog, “Never too young for God,” here: mennoniteusa.org/never-too-young-for-god.

Menno Snapshots
In retirement, spiritual director, Leslie James, found a new passion: creating worship art. Read her blog, “In the place just right,” to find out how this passion turned into a spiritual practice for her. mennoniteusa.org/place-just-right

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MENNONITE CAMP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mountain States Mennonite Conference Men’s Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is just around the corner on March 4-6, 2022. The incorporated Friday workday (breakfast through supper) projects includes burn piles and siding for the Sky-Hi-View shower addition. For the retreat, John Sharp will join us and lead our weekend theme of “Bearing Witness in Places of Violence and Other Stories”. Retreat sessions include: “The MJ Sharp story” (visit www.tradingpost.rmmc.org for the book, “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 and play will be part of our time together. While we look forward to gathering again in person with precautions, a virtual registration option (www.rmmc.org) is also offered (via Zoom links) for the worship sessions only.

Colorado Roots Music Camp I & II at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is looking to return this summer June 5-11 & August 7-13. Now in its 16th year, RMMC has been the setting for great bluegrass instructors leading daytime classes and performing evening concerts. Class descriptions have just been finalized and are listed on the web page (www.coloradorootsmusic.com). Both weeks are filling up fast and accommodations are made on a first register, first choice basis. Hoping to hold both camps this summer which hasn’t happened since before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Anabaptist musicians with a guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, bass or voice of all levels of play (beginner to expert) are encouraged to come!

Announcements for February 13-20, 2022

This week at BCMC (Meetings and times sometimes change–please watch your emails for changes)
Sunday, February 13, 2022
9:30 am    Worship service will be live streamed only
Monday, February 14, 2022
2 pm          Women’s Fellowship meeting in Room 14
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
7 pm          Worship Commission meeting
7 pm          Church Board
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
7 pm          Menno Ringers in B7
7 pm          Youth Group
Thursday, February 17, 2022
9—11 am Community Playschool
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
Friday-Saturday February 18-19, 2022
Senior High Youth Group at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Snow Camp
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Hopefully, in person worship—be sure to check your emails

BCMC Offerings
January 30, 2022 General Fund $8,135; Adult Choir $25; Living Stones $2,155; Women’s Fellowship $120; Howard Lohrentz Memorial $891.
February 6, 2022 General Fund $9,327; Living Stones $365; Howard Lohrentz Memorial $25

Save the date!
Circles of Grace for children and youth will be offered during the Sunday School hour on February 27th and March 6th. Adults have the opportunity to learn about Circles of Grace this year too! The abuse prevention and response committee will be offering a time for adults on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7pm on zoom.

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

BCMC Pictorial Directory!

A church pictorial directory is a powerful tool to help us know each other better. Our last directory is now 7 years old, and it is time for a new one! The Hospitality Commission needs your help and your smiles to get this task completed.
All photography sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall, March 24, 25, and 26. The photo sessions on Thursday and Friday will run from 2:00 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
When you sign-up for an appointment, you will have a professional photography session, schedule a ZOOM meeting to see your proofs on computer at a later date where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends. A computer will be available at the church, along with assistance, to hold the scheduled ZOOM meeting for those Individuals that do not have computer access.

Three options for making an appointment March 24, 25, or 26:

Click on the link below and make your appointment yourself on-line

https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=3534502&typId=63985&step=2

Call Doris Whillock at (316) 283-5561 to set up your appointment date
Sign up before or after the worship service on Sunday (when in-person worship resumes)

Make an appointment to have your picture taken today. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8×10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!

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, “Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things,” through Feb. 24. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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.
Sun., Feb. 20 – KIPCOR Film Series, Citizen Ashe, 2 p.m., with audience discussion to follow, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., Feb. 20 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Trae Gehring, tuba, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel.
Tues., Feb. 22 – Bethel College Orchestra concert under the direction of Kristopher Hilding, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall.
Fri., Feb. 25 – Bethel College presents its first in-person forensics showcase since 2019, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall (part of the regular convocation series). Livestream option on Bethel’s YouTube channel.

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

HESSTON COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAMP MENNOSCAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summer Youth Camp Registration Open! Register now for your week of faith, friends, and gobs of fun! We do not know exactly what to expect for the 2022 summer, but once again we will build on the Rock and play in the sand! While we hope for a summer with minimal restrictions, the pandemic may change by June and camp guidelines will change with it. Register at www.campmennoscah.org!

Other events and happenings:

Cooks needed for Summer Youth Camps! Your time and skill give campers a week of growing in Christian fellowship and experiencing God’s great creation. Cooks need only willing hands. Contact Camp Mennoscah for available weeks at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Be part of an important time of faith formation for people of all ages!
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. 10, 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!
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!

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond presshere

MENNONITE CHURCH USA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Learn about “Clarification on Mennonite Church USA Polity and the Role of the Membership Guidelines,” a resolution that will be voted on at Mennonite Church USA’s Special Session of the Delegate Assembly, May 27-30. Michael Danner, MC USA associate executive director, and Linda Dibble, MC USA moderator, will discuss it during a webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. ET. Read the resolution and register for the webinar on the delegate resource page: mennoniteusa.org/special-delegate

Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada are partnering to create a new guidebook that addresses the prevention of abuse by church leaders, as well as providing guidance for leadership accountability. The project is expected to be presented to the delegate assemblies in 2023. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/mc-canada-usa-partner.

Listen to Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership podcast, “Holding It(,) Together,” hosted by Bonita Croyle. In Season 2, episode 3, Erica Littlewolf discusses “Bodies and Grief.” Available here or any podcasts can be heard: mennoniteusa.org/hit

Join Mennonite Men and men from around the country on a week-long eco-excursion in Oregon, June 11-19. Explore nature, learn about forest ecosystems and help nurture newly planted trees along the Zena Forest. Find more details and register at oregon-eco-excursion.mailchimpsites.com/.

Subscribe to Mennonite Education Agency’s monthly prayer list for Mennonite schools across the country. Subscribe here: mennoniteusa.org/mea/resource/prayer

Menno Snapshots
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated every January, but his legacy can be celebrated and honored throughout the year. Ann Jacobs, in her blog, “Some reflections on MLK Jr.,” provides several ideas for how to live out King’s peacemaking vision during Black History Month and all year. mennoniteusa.org/reflections-mlk

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Praise God for the opportunities that Mennonite Mission Network’s SOOP program offers for learning and service. February is a busy month for SOOP, with more than 60 participants working in Arizona (three locations), Colorado, Florida (two locations), New Mexico and Texas. Pray that each participant will be blessed, as they bless others.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for health and strength for WDC pastors, chaplains and other ministers as they continue to offer leadership and compassionate care for others in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

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.

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

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.

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.