Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for September 5–September 12, 2021

BCMC Congregational meeting is September 12
MARK YOUR CALENDARS now for the BCMC Congregational meeting, Sept 12, 1pm, via Zoom. The agenda follows and the Zoom link for the meeting is below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82804063690?pwd=cGF5TGViUUFYK2R3MmhnblZPVVIyQT09

Meeting ID: 828 0406 3690
Passcode: 084634

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Congregational Meeting Agenda
Sunday, September 12, 2021, 1 pm, via ZOOM

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

            God of life, we thank you that whether we meet in person or by zoom,
            we gather in your presence. Come among us and guide our time together.
            In our reporting, give us honesty; in our listening, give us compassion;
            in our uncertainties, give us direction; in our deciding, give us graciousness.
            Even amidst rising COVID variants, fill us with the creative contagion of
            your love, a love that calls us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in
            doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with all your Beloved creation.
            Amen.  (revised from Voices Together, #952, Prayer before a Meeting)

2. May 2, 2021 congregational meeting minutes – Elizabeth

3. Financial report – Michael Claassen, Finance Manager

4. Officer Election – replace Clerk Pat Friesen, who resigned due to move out of state.

            Margaret Toews is nominated for Clerk through remainder of term, May 31, 2023.

            Action:  Vote via Zoom poll function, Yes to approve, No to disapprove.

5.   Abuse Prevention and Response Committee report – Jill Robb, Chair

6. Reopening Task Group update – Dawn Yoder Harms, Pastor

7. Technology Task Group update – Bill Swartley

8. Columbarium Expansion Task Group update – Glen Ediger

9.   Other items?

10. Closing Prayer – Pastor Dawn

Press here for the agenda in pdf form.

Press here for the minutes from the last congregational meeting – May 2, 2021

Staff Absences for the coming weeks
Pastor Renee Reimer will be gone from September 3 to 7
Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be gone from September 6-11
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from September 10-12

This coming Sunday, September 5, is the first Sunday of the month
You are invited to contribute non-perishable food for the local Salvation Army food pantry. On the first Sunday of the month, (in this case – September 5) bring items to BCMC and place them on the kitchen cart in the south entrance.

REOPENING CHURCH TASK GROUP UPDATE:

Due to quickly rising COVID-19 cases in Harvey County and the stress on our area healthcare systems, the Reopening Task Group has decided to postpone the reconvening of Chancel Choir this fall for two months. This decision will be revisited as the task group continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our community.

We will continue to gather for worship via livestream and in-person (with masks and keeping distance).

Faith Formation classes will begin on Sept 12, as classes feel comfortable to meet (masked when meeting indoors). Please do not come to in-person gatherings if you are not feeling well.

You can find current BCMC COVID-19 guidelines on BCMC’s website by following this link: BCMC during COVID-19 – Bethel College Mennonite Church.

If you like to bake…..
Pastor Renee is looking for food goodies for college students this semester! There are two opportunities to give: The Red Tenants Bible study on Wednesday evenings or the Koininia Sunday School class on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in baking some goodies for either of these occasions, please reach out to Renee at Renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.

Safe Sanctuary Training will be offered 2 more times for volunteers working with children and youth (Sunday school teachers, sponsors, club leaders, and mentors): Sunday, September 12th at 10:30am in the fellowship hall or Sunday, September 26th at 7pm on zoom (Please email Renee for a link). While this 1 hour training is required for all people working with children and youth each year, others from BCMC are invited to attend this training as well to learn more about abuse prevention and how to model good boundaries in our relationships with one another.

Wichita Pride Parade
BCMC will be participating in the Wichita Pride Parade hosted by Wichita Pride on Sunday, September 26 at 1:00. The Wichita Pride Parade follows an approximate one-mile route on Main Street from the Historic Sedgwick County Courthouse to Douglas Street, right on Douglas Street to Century II. If you are interested in participating, meet at the BCMC east parking lot at 12:00 for carpooling options, or meet at the Historic Sedgwick County Courthouse in Wichita at 12:45. This parade is part of a wider weekend of events in Wichita celebrating LGBTQ+ communities. If you would like more information about the entire schedule of events, go to wichitapride.org. If you plan on participating in the parade, an email, text, or phone call to Nathan Koontz would be helpful but not necessary.

Support Mennonite Central Committee, get to know the new hymnal and enjoy refreshments in a family-friendly hymn sing fundraiser September 11 at “Voices (and Pints) Together” on the New Creation Fellowship Church lawn in Newton. Locally produced beers, wines and nonalcoholic beverages will be available to sample during a 6:06 p.m. fellowship hour of bluegrass music featuring The Flannelbacks preceding the 7 p.m. outdoor hymn sing. More information is on Facebook here. Song requests can be submitted (with a donation) until September 6th by using this google form link.

WANT TO EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE KANZA PEOPLE?
VOICES OF THE WIND PEOPLE, an outdoor pageant, will be performed on Friday, September 17 and Saturday, September 18, at 8:00 p.m. at the Neosho River amphitheater in Council Grove. There will be pre-performance music and activities starting at 7. For more details see https://voicesofthewindpeople.com) The pageant is written by historian Ronald D. Parks and depicts the relocation of the Kanza people as encroaching white settlers arrive on the Santa Fe Trail.

You can also spend the afternoon hiking at Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park southeast of Council Grove. It is located on part of the last Kaw Reservation and includes a dance arbor, stone ruins, plus a few interpretive signs. For more details press here.
– Florence Schloneger

Prayer for Haiti and Afghanistan
Prayer for Haiti and Afghanistan | Mennonite Church USA (mennoniteusa.org)

Bethel College Announcements
Sunday, Sept. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series resumes live, with The Prison Within, a film by Katherin Hervey, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Individuals incarcerated in San Quentin Prison, charged with murder, take a journey of redemption through participation in a restorative justice program. Audience discussion with Hervey, film director, producer and writer, and Leonard Rubio, executive director of Insight Prison Project, live via Zoom. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require mask-wearing indoors, and physical distancing to the extent possible, regardless of vaccination status.

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Doing Good with Wood,” turned wood by Rick McNary, through Sept. 17. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri., Sun, 2-4 p.m. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require mask-wearing indoors, and physical distancing to the extent possible, regardless of vaccination status.

Mennonites Central Committee Announcements
Mennonite Central Committee has a variety of service opportunities all around the world and the following opportunities are especially important to fill at this time. Please contact Heidi Huber with questions at heidihuber@mcc.org or 316.283.2720.
Organizational development and Racial Equity Director
This role will lead MCCs in the US (four regional entities and a national team) in racial equity work through organizational development and change management, toward the goal to reflect the full participation of our diverse constituents in every aspect of our mission, programs, policies and practices. This role will inspire, mobilize and coordinate practical and professional equipping to remove barriers and move MCCs in the US forward to more fully reflect God’s desire for God’s people. For more information or to apply, visit:https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/organizational-development-racial-equity-director

MCC Representative for Haiti
Are you interesting in providing leadership and programmatic direction to MCC’s work in Haiti? This role maintains relationships with MCC partners and is responsible for providing team leadership and support for MCC workers in Haiti. For more information or to apply, visit:https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/mcc-representative-haiti

Seed Community Development Worker
MCC’s Seed program has positions available now in Bolivia! The Seed program is perfect for young adults (18-30) who value service, community, and cultural exchange addressing systemic issues like food insecurity and climate change through grassroots, community-based initiatives. For more information or to apply, visit:https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/seed-community-development-worker-bolivia

Canner Operator
Are you a traveler? Do you like to meet new people? Do you like to serve others? Every year MCC’s Mobile Meat Canner travels across the United States and Canada meeting volunteers who prepare cans of turkey, beef, chicken and pork to be sent around the world. More than 30,000 people a year volunteer to fill, weigh, wash and label every can. Apply to be a canner! For more information or to apply, visit: https://mcc.org/get-involved/serve/openings/canner-operator-4

Thank you for your generous support of the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale! Just recently, the relief sale board gave MCC a check for $500,000 from the sale that took place in July! Thank you for donating your time and energy, making and buying food, donating and bidding on cars, furniture, quilts and art to support the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale. In the past 14 months the Kansas sale has donated just under $1 million (all during a pandemic!) to support the worldwide work of MCC. Your support becomes food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, and locally owned projects that address barriers to human flourishing, thank you.

Western District Conference Announcements
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!

Updated WDC office hours – https://mennowdc.org/updated-wdc-office-hours/

Final Thursday book discussion – https://mennowdc.org/wdc-final-thursday-book-discussion-2/
MC USA announcements – https://mennowdc.org/mennonite-church-usa-announcements/
MC USA Executive Board staff positions open – https://mennowdc.org/open-positions-within-mennonite-church-usa-executive-board-staff/
Save the Date-IBA (Instituto Bíblico Anabautista) Burrito Sale – https://mennowdc.org/save-the-date-iba-instituto-biblico-anabautista-burrito-sale/
50th Anniversary Celebration-Peace Mennonite Church (Dallas, TX) – https://mennowdc.org/50th-anniversary-celebration-peace-mennonite-church-dallas-tx/
Ministerial/Credential Updates – https://mennowdc.org/credential-updates/

News and Stories:

Thank you, Nancy Funk! – https://mennowdc.org/thank-you-nancy-funk/
Welcome, Michelle Schrag – https://mennowdc.org/welcome-to-michelle-schrag-wdcs-new-administrative-assistant/
River Reflections by Heidi Regier Kreider – https://mennowdc.org/river-reflections/

Upcoming Events:

Women’s Retreat 2021 – https://mennowdc.org/womens-retreat-2021/

Everence to hold Social Security and retirement income planning webinar
Everence will host a Social Security and retirement income planning webinar, on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about Social Security strategies, risks that can impact retirement savings and strategies to help income last throughout retirement. This online workshop is free. Register soon by contacting our office 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.

Mennonite Men Announcements
On Oct. 26, Nov. 6, and Nov. 16, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Mennonite Men are co-sponsoring Knowing Your Narrative: Unpacking Our Stories of Masculinity and Equity. This three-part series of events, facilitated by Ben Tapper with the Kindred Collective, seeks to unpack narratives around masculinity, faith, and equity.
After completing the series, participants will be able to coherently articulate their own personal narratives, identify the ways they’ve been shaped by masculine messaging, and reframe their own masculine identity so it is more inclusive and holistic. For more info and to register visit ambs.edu/narrative.”

We are putting the finishing touches on our new book, Strong, Loving, and Wise: Joining Conversations for Men. This book is a guide for men covering topics such as male formation, sexual wholeness, conflict tools, and life roles, just to name a few. It includes reflection questions and resources that make it an ideal book for men’s groups, Sunday School classes, and other group settings.
Check out the pre-release of Strong, Loving, and Wise at this link.

For Mennonite Creation Care Network Newsletter click here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here

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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: This week, Amanda and Tyler Yoder, and their two toddlers, began a year-long SOOP assignment, through Mennonite Mission Network at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in Colorado. Pray for them as they work alongside camp staff in hosting, maintenance and wherever else they are needed
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for God’s faithfulness with WDC congregation Buhler (KS) Mennonite Church, as they celebrate their centennial today and look forward to fruitful ministry in the future!

Announcements for August 29–September 5, 2021

This week at BCMC

Monday, August 30
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, August 31
7 pm  Reopening Church Task Force
Wednesday, September 1
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
3 pm                   Advent Planning—Room 14
4:30 pm             Visual Arts Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 2
7 pm Church Board Meeting—by Zoom
Friday, September 3
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
Sunday, September 5
9:30 am   Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Monday, September 6—Labor Day
Church will be locked; office closed for the Labor Day Holiday

Safe Sanctuary Training will be offered at 3 different times for volunteers working with children and youth (Sunday school teachers, sponsors, club leaders, and mentors). Volunteers will have the option of attending one of the following trainings: Sunday August 29th at 10:30am in the fellowship hall, Sunday, September 12th at 10:30am in the sanctuary, or Sunday, September 26th at 7pm on zoom. While this 1 hour training is required for all people working with children and youth each year, others from BCMC are invited to attend this training as well to learn more about abuse prevention and how to model good boundaries in our relationships with one another.

P.A. Operators Needed at BCMC
Our public address operators here at BCMC (Ken Lamp, Ben Lichti, Francis Toews) have been working tirelessly to live-stream worship services, funerals, and other events. But they could use some help. If you have an interest in being a BCMC P.A. operator, please contact the church office. The current public address operators would be glad to teach you how to use the p.a. system.

New Hearing Assist System
BCMC has installed a new hearing assist system for those with blue-tooth enabled hearing aids. An information and instruction sheet is at the rear of the sanctuary.

Staff Absences
Pastor Renee Reimer will be gone from September 3 to 7
Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be gone from September 6-10
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from September 10-12

Address and Phone Changes
Helen Bertrand – new phone number – 316-284-2900 ext. 4541
Chuck and Pat Friesen – new address – 3010 S. 72nd Street, #44, Lincoln, NE 68506
Mark Kreider – new address – 402 S. 3rd St., W., Missoula, MT 59801; Email markkreider1@gmail.com

We offer sympathy to Chuck and Pat Friesen and their extended family on the death of Chuck’s mother, Martha (Klippenstein) Friesen, Thursday, August 26. She was 100 years old. A memorial service will be held in Henderson, NE at a later time. (See Chuck and Pat Friesen’s new address listed above.)

The BCMC 2021 Directory (used to be called the BCMC Yearbook) will be printed in September. If you have address or contact (phone, email, cell phone) changes, please call or email the church office.

You are invited to contribute non-perishable food for the local Salvation Army food pantry. On the first Sunday of the month, (in this case – September 5) bring items to BCMC and place them on the kitchen cart in the south entrance.

Western District Conference Announcement
Please refer to the WDC website at https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/ for information regarding the 2021 WDC Assembly delegate session, including the minutes, the approved 2022 budget, the election results, and the certified delegates.

Bethel College Announcements
Today (Sun., Aug. 29) – Sunday-Afternoon-from-the-Museum program sponsored by Kauffman Museum, 3 p.m. via Zoom/Facebook Live, with Lorrie Kessler of the Harvey County Health Department. Kessler will talk about tobacco company advertising over the past century-plus, and how it has created health disparities, in conjunction with the museum’s special exhibit “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction.” To attend, go to https://fb.me/e/18FKJYNv4, the Kauffman Museum Facebook page, or the “Visit” tab (click “Events”) at https://kauffmanmuseum.org, at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 4 – Kauffman Museum’s monthly bird walk will be a special event in cooperation with the Kansas Humanities Council: a book and poetry walk with Megan Kaminski and Molly Zahn from the University of Kansas. Start time: 9:30 a.m. at the museum’s front door. For more information, call 316-283-1612 or e-mail kauffman@bethelks.edu

Sunday, Sept. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series resumes live, with The Prison Within, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Individuals incarcerated in San Quentin Prison and charged with murder take a journey of redemption through participation in a restorative justice program. Talk-back to follow. Bethel’s COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Save the date: Mark McCormick, director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas, will give the next KIPCOR Peace Lecture, Thursday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m., on the Bethel campus as part of Bethel’s Fall Festival. Details to come!

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

September 26 is a Camp Mennoscah Combo! It’s the Hymn Sing-Dessert Auction and Annual Meeting all in one! There are still details to be determined, but plan on some hymn singing (masked & distanced), bidding on delectable desserts, and information about Camp Mennoscah’s year. We’ll keep the details coming your way!
There are volunteer opportunities for you! Camp Mennoscah has year-round work to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campus and facilities. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.
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.
Camp Mennoscah also has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours). Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcement

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp is delighted to report (vs. promote) that all Labor Work and Play Retreat weekend volunteers spaces have already been filled to capacity. The weekend is offered as a day of work (Sat. or Sun.) and a day of play (Sat. or Sun.) with a Monday morning sendoff. This year (September 3-6, 2021), two church groups will be served (foodservice & housekeeping) which will require the majority of volunteer help along with additional work projects here/there for ongoing care of facilities & grounds. The next opportunity is Memorial Day Work & Play Retreat scheduled May 27-30, 2022. A friendly reminder that all camp programs are available for online registration the day after the previous year’s program has concluded for continuity and equal opportunity to sign-up.

Colorado Mennonite Disaster Service and Rocky Mountain Mountain Mennonite Camp continue their critical partnership in the ongoing effort to remove beetle infested Engelmann Spruce trees and forest thinning for fire mitigation project. Ten volunteers are needed each day to accomplish the variety of tasks at hand including chipping slash and moving timber. Volunteers for foodservice are also welcomed and encouraged to help in support of the weeks efforts. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.org and select “Signup for Maintenance” or “Signup for Foodservice” to register for the week or for the days you are able to come. For additional information, please contact Paul Unruh (phunruh@gmail.com, 316-772-6308) or Marc Yoder (marcyoder1@gmail.com, 719-942-3276).

Registration Open – Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship Annual Gathering, Online: September 17-19, 2021

Mennonite Health Fellowship (MHF) is hosting its virtual Annual Gathering in September. All with an interest in healthcare from a faith perspective are welcome to attend, and all MHF members are encouraged to attend at least part of the weekend. Registration and information are on the MHF website at www.mennohealth.org. The theme for the weekend is Fostering Provider Resilience with a special 2-hour Introduction to Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) in partnership with Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute. MHF is open to those serving in all areas of healthcare, including mental health, public health, health administration, and more. Register today! We look forward to connecting with you!

Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond presshere

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Join the denomination-wide “CommonRead.” Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Church Canada and Herald Press are partnering to encourage every Mennonite to read carefully selected books to equip the church during this time. This fall, the CommonRead book is “Tongue-Tied: Learning the Lost Art of Talking About Faith” by Sara Wenger Shenk. Learn more here. www.commonread.org

Jeanne Davies, executive director of Anabaptist Disability Network, presented a seminar at MennoCon21, titled “Worship for All.” She offered attendees ideas on how to make worship services accessible to all people, including those with intellectual disabilities and autism. Read about her ideas here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/worship-for-all/.

#BringThePeace
Dona Park is one of two women to receive the first Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) #BringThePeace award. MC USA News Editor Camille Dager interviewed Park about her experiences using art to build peace. Read a transcript of the interview here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/interview-dona-park

#BeTransformed
In his blog, “Message from a friend,” Wil LaVeist , Mennonite Church USA’s chief communications officer, shares a touching story of transformation through personal hardship and a special feathered friend. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/message-from-friend.

Menno Snapshots
Anna Groff of Dove’s Nest wrote, “Don’t bury the lead: Abuse in your congregation,” a blog in which she explains how Dove’s Nest can help prepare congregations to communicate effectively about abuse that has occurred within the church or by a church member. Read more about how to handle such a situation here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/abuse-congregation.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Joseph and Rachel Givens, and their two sons, are preparing to serve in Calais, France, with Mennonite Mission Network. Pray that God will provide the necessary resources for them to join the team that offers shelter to African and Middle Eastern people who are seeking temporary refuge before entering the United Kingdom.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s wisdom and joy for WDC staff members as they seek to encourage congregations and leaders in ministry.

Announcements for August 22-29, 2021

The BCMC 2021 Directory (used to be called the BCMC Yearbook) will be printed in September. If you have address or contact (phone, email, cell phone) changes, please call or email the church office.

BCMC becomes a classroom
Bethel College Mennonite Church will be assisting Bethel College by providing class room space in the BCMC Sanctuary on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the fall semester. On these days there will be classes from 8 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm. You should avoid coming in the south (glass) doors of the church on those days because you will find yourself at the back of a classroom. If you wish to come to the church on those days, please use the front double doors, or the door closest to the office on the northwest corner. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can enter through the south doors.

This week at BCMC
Monday, August 23
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 4 pm    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, August 24
7 pm  Abuse Prevention and Response Committee Meeting
7 pm Decoration Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 25
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 4 pm    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
Thursday, August 26
2 pm  Hospitality Commission Meeting–Fellowship Hall
Friday, August 27
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 4 pm    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
Sunday, August 29
9:30 am   Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am Safe Sanctuary Training
11:30 am  Sunday School Teacher Orientation

Staff Absence
Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation from August 23-28.

The Faith Formation program year will start up again after Labor Day. This means that Sunday School for all children and youth (Preschool Sunday School, Middler Sunday School, and Sr High Sunday School) will begin on Sunday, September 12th, Wednesday Night Club for 3rd-8th graders will begin on Wednesday, September 8th, and Sr High Youth Group for 9th-12th graders will begin on Wednesday, September 8th.

We extend our sympathy to Dale and Margo Schrag, upon the death of Dale’s brother, Dwayne. Dwane died yesterday (Aug 18) in Wichita, following a long illness, and is survived by his wife, Sandy.

UPDATE: BCMC during COVID-19
In light of the current high level of community COVID-19 transmission in Harvey County (per the CDC) and what we are learning about the Delta variant (it can be spread by those vaccinated), the Reopening Task Group has revised safety guidelines for life at BCMC. You can find them here.

Parking at BCMC
Bethel College students will be encouraged to leave parking spaces open around the church on Sundays for BCMC parking. In addition, on Sunday mornings parking is available for BCMCers in 1) the Fine Arts Center parking lot, and 2) the grassy parking lot just south of the paved Warkentin Courts lot. If you can easily walk this distance, we encourage you to use those spaces in consideration of those with mobility issues.

New Hope Shelter
BCMC and Faith Church will be providing volunteers and meals at New Hope Shelter beginning Wednesday, Aug. 25 through Tuesday, Aug. 31. Please consider this opportunity to serve. There will be a volunteer training for new volunteers on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 7-8:30 PM. If you would like to attend, please contact Valetta Seymour by Tuesday, Aug. 17. seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Community Playschool Inc. is seeking volunteer teachers and classroom helpers. If you feel that you might have an interest and are willing to commit to a few hours, or two mornings a week, these are current needs:
2 classroom helpers on Tuesday/Thursday
1 Center helper (snack and greeting kids) on Wednesday and Friday
Several substitutes
If you feel that you might have an interest and are willing to commit to a few hours, two mornings a week, or would like more information, please contact Kasey Newell, Director at Community Playschool, 316-283-3667.

Library News from BCMC
The Library Theme for the next couple of months is Creation Care/Nature. We have many wonderful books to browse through/read. Please come check out our display behind the desk and on the cart in front of the desk. The children’s section’s books are displayed on the book trays on the south side of the room, while the Junior Section have their books displayed around their shelving area. We didn’t pull all of the books on this subject (there are many!), so feel free to look this subject up on our library website. You may just find one that you would like to read.

Bethel College Announcements
1. Save the date: Mark McCormick, director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas, will give the next KIPCOR Peace Lecture, Thursday, Sept. 30, on the Bethel campus as part of Bethel’s Fall Festival. Details to come!
2. Saturday, Sept. 4 – Kauffman Museum’s monthly bird walk will be a special event in cooperation with the Kansas Humanities Council: a book and poetry walk with Megan Kaminski and Molly Zahn from the University of Kansas. Start time: 9:30 a.m. at the museum’s front door. For more information, call 316-283-1612 or e-mail kauffman@bethelks.edu
3. Sunday, Sept. 12 – KIPCOR Film Series resumes live, with The Prison Within, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Individuals incarcerated in San Quentin Prison and charged with murder take a journey of redemption through participation in a restorative justice program. Talk-back to follow. Bethel’s COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
See especially:

Helping Children Through Books – https://mennowdc.org/helping-children-through-books/
Youth Sponsor Appreciation and Resourcing Event on Aug 22 – https://mennowdc.org/youth-sponsor-appreciation/
Prayer requests for August – https://mennowdc.org/wdc-prayer-requests-august-2021/
Western District Women in Mission annual Women’s Retreat, Sept 11-12 at Camp Mennoscah – https://mennowdc.org/2021-womens-retreat/
Immigration Task Force recommends MCC Basic Immigration Law Training, Sept 13-17 – https://mennowdc.org/basic-immigration-law-training/
Bethel College Worship and Arts Symposium coming up Nov 5-8 – https://mennowdc.org/bethel-college-biennial-worship-and-the-arts-symposium/

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements

1. Support Mennonite Central Committee, get to know the new hymnal and enjoy refreshments in a family-friendly hymn sing fundraiser September 11 at “Voices (and Pints) Together” on the New Creation Fellowship Church lawn in Newton. Locally produced beers, wines and nonalcoholic beverages will be available to sample during a 6:06 p.m. fellowship hour of bluegrass music featuring The Flannelbacks preceding the 7 p.m. outdoor hymn sing. More information is on Facebook here. Song requests can be submitted (with a donation) until September 6th by using this google form link.

2. Join MCC in prayer and support for those suffering in our world. MCC has prepositioned relief materials in Haiti for immediate use. Earlier this month an additional shipment of supplies was sent to Haiti and is expected to arrive in September. MCC continues to respond to needs around the world in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Congo and other crisis areas. We greatly appreciate your monetary donations to keep current projects going and to help with extra expenses due to recent disasters; and we could use your help in replenishing our supplies of relief kits and hygiene kits. Questions can be directed to 316.283.2720 or centralstates@mcc.org.

Prayer for Afghanistan
God of safe passage,
open the way.

God of hospitality,
prepare rooms to receive.

God of protection,
envelop those in danger.

God of peace,
remove the seed and tools of violence.

God of tears,
hold us in your embrace.

Oh, Afghanistan! May peace flow down like cooling rain.

Written by Kirstin De Mello, Program and Communications Coordinator for MCC U.S. Washington Office.

3. MCC Treats & Beats, August 26 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at MCC in North Newton! Join us for this relaxed come-and-go event featuring ice cream treats from Salted Creamery and beats from the talented Kevin Gaeddert! Drop in, grab some ice cream and enjoy a little music as our thank you for your support of the work of MCC!

Click here for the Mennonite Central CommitteeWashington DC E Memo

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
1.  The next Work Day is August 28 with projects galore! We may work on some of the finishing touches to the campfire amphitheater or any number of other projects, depending on the turnout. We’ll meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Contact us at 620-297-3290 to let us know you’re coming!
2.  September 26 is a Camp Mennoscah Combo! It’s the Hymn Sing-Dessert Auction and Annual Meeting all in one! There are still details to be determined, but plan on some hymn singing (masked & distanced), bidding on delectable desserts, and information about Camp Mennoscah’s year. We’ll keep the details coming your way!
There are volunteer opportunities for you! Camp Mennoscah has year-round work to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campus and facilities. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.
3.  Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required. This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff. Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

Hoffnungsau Fun Night
Are you sad that summer is coming to an end? Come out and have a great night of fun and entertainment at the Community Fun Night! Saturday, September 4, starting at 5:30pm at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13^th Avenue, Inman. There will be Cornhole Tournament ($20 entry fee, cash prizes, registration 5:30-600); Kids’ activities (inflatables, face painting, water games); Car Show; Food Vendors (Epp Soul Food and Patrick Klassen); Drive-in Movie on the lawn at dark. Everyone’s welcome! Bring your family and friends as we celebrate the end of summer!! Find Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church on Facebook for more details.

Click here for the Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level

Click here for Mennonite Mission NetworkNews and Beyond

Click here for the New Hope Shelternewsletter

Work on the addition to the columbarium progresses. More pictures taken by Monica Lichti. The wall grows. The contractor is Dana Orpin. An interesting fact about Dana is that his father Charles Orpin and grandfather Clarence laid the original stones for the current BCMC building.

Announcements for August 15-22, 2021

In summary:

Sunday morning worship will continue to be offered in-person and via live stream.
Masks are required inside the church building during worship, Sunday School classes (for adults and children), commission/committee meetings, and other indoor gatherings.
Please be mindful of maintaining physical distance between you and others. Specifically, on Sunday mornings, find a seat in front of a piece of blue tape, and leave space between you and other family units in your row. Seating is also available in the balcony.
If your Sunday School class, commission/committee/small group would like to meet over Zoom, please contact one of the pastors to help set up a meeting with a BCMC zoom account.
Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, please do not attend church gatherings, indoors or outdoors, if you are feeling unwell.

If you have questions, you can be in touch with anyone on the Reopening Task Group: Dawn Yoder Harms, Nathan Koontz, Renee Reimer, Monica Lichti, Doris Whillock, Barbara Thiesen, Susie Swartley, Jeanette Stucky

BCMC welcomes new Bethel College students! Although COVID-19 has disrupted our practice of inviting new students to worship at BCMC as part of their orientation, BCMC will help welcome new students this Sunday, Aug 15 at Bethel College. Pastors Renee and Nathan will help lead a worship service for new students in Memorial Hall, and following worship, the Hospitality Commission, Bethel College Relations Committee, and Education Service and Scholarship Committee members will welcome new students on Centennial Plaza with home-baked cookies (thank you, Brenda Turner!). In the meantime, there will be worship at BCMC as usual, at 9:30am (in person at BCMC or live streamed).

Mel and Mary Sue Voth express their deepest thanks and appreciation for everyone’s prayers and support during Mary Sue’s recent hospitalization and now as she recovers as home.

Now at Kauffman Museum: “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction.” This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from the exhibit “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” Previously on display at NMC Health in Newton, “Vapes” will be at Kauffman Museum through Jan. 9, 2022. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. There is a small admission charge for non-museum members.

New Hearing Assist System
BCMC has installed a new hearing assist system for those with blue-tooth enabled hearing aids. An information and instruction sheet is at the rear of the sanctuary.

Upcoming memorial service: Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
You are welcome to attend this service in-person. It will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Annual Meeting will be Thursday, August 26, 6:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, McPherson. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves at bj.reeves@live.com or 620-543-6863 by August 22. We will be checking with health information sources regarding group meetings closer to the date for everyone’s protection. The funds will go to the McPherson Housing Coalition for the construction of Oak Harbor Cottages for low income/homeless families.

KIPCOR Film Series 2021-2022:
“The Prison Within”
The KIPCOR Film Series is returning live and in-person on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium in the Luyken Fine Arts Center on the campus of Bethel College to screen the film, “The Prison Within.” We will watch the film and discuss it afterwards. Films are free and open to the public. PLEASE NOTE that we will be following Bethel College’s COVID-19 guidelines, which currently require everyone to wear masks indoors for groups of 10 or more, regardless of vaccination status.
ABOUT THE FILM
The “Prison Within” takes you on a journey into redemption and forgiveness inside the walls of San Quentin prison. Witness the powerful journeys of individuals incarcerated for murder as they participate in a restorative justice program to expose and heal the roots of their traumas.
The post-film discussion on September 12 will be led by filmmakers, producers and/or featured actors. Find more information by going to the KIPCOR website.

New curriculum now available from Mennonite Central Committee! Conflict is a normal part of life. It arises in our workplaces, in our churches and with our families. To help people to learn to work through divisive issues, Mennonite Central Committee has produced a new adult Sunday school curriculum, Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict. It invites churchgoers to follow Jesus’ call to peacemaking through dialogue with each other in nine sessions. The curriculum is available to download for free, or in print for a suggested $5 donation. Please direct questions to karinkaufmanwall@mcc.org 316.283.2720 or curriculum author Jes Stoltzfus Buller at peacefulpractices@mcc.org.

MCC Treats & Beats, August 26 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at MCC in North Newton! Join us for this relaxed come-and-go event featuring ice cream treats from Salted Creamery and beats from the talented Kevin Gaeddert! Drop in, grab some ice cream and enjoy a little music as our thank you for your support of the work of MCC!

Mennonite Central Committee Washington E Memo click here

Offender Victim Ministries’ fundraiser “Just Desserts” will be Sunday, August 29 from 6 to 8 pm at the Carriage Factory Art Gallery Park, 126 E. 6th, St., Newton. See information at offendervictimministries.org
Click on this link https://mcusercontent.com/6c82c57d5882e890a1945358a/files/39a793c4-7b63-f264-f90a-abcc11b9c92c/poster_21.pdf

Mennonite Disaster Service Volunteer Update – click here

Mennonite Creation Care Network News – click here

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond – click here

Mennonite Mission Network Faith in Action – click here

MEDA’s Congregational Connections – click here

Mennonite Men – click here

Mennonite Church USA Links
#BringThePeace
Mennonite Church USA awarded its first ever #BringThePeace award to Dona Park and Michelle Armster. This award honors peacebuilders and is sponsored by the Church Peace Tax Fund. Read more about the recipients and watch a short video about the award here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/bringthepeace-honorees

Menno Snapshots
Regina Shands Stoltzfus was one of the women responsible for putting Mennonite Church USA’s “Laboring Toward Wholeness” anti-patriarchy curriculum together. In her blog, she describes what it was like to be part of this team and why she thinks the curriculum is important. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/working-on-ltw.

Menno Snapshots
In his blog, “The Bible and Christian nationalism,” Drew Strait discusses how to identify Christian nationalism and some of its root causes. He also provides four ways to begin moving past it. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/bible-christian-nationalism.

#BeTransformed
Iris de León-Hartshorn, associate executive director of Mennonite Church USA, shares her reflection on this biennium’s theme — Be Transformed — in her blog “Transforming as becoming.” Read how she views transformation as a continual movement here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/transforming-as-becoming.

The Rocky Mountain August newsletter is here!
Goodness! It has been a summer camping season like none other than camp has experienced with youth campers on site AND an ongoing coronavirus pandemic at the same time. For a bit more of what we’ve been up to, please enjoy the July and August newsletters.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Laura Schlabach, of Mennonite Mission Network, has had a steep learning curve during the past year in the JCS International office, as she learned new administrative skills for responding to the crises caused by COVID-19 in Mongolia. She requests prayer to improve her communication skills, especially in the Mongolian language.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: As a new school year begins, pray for health and strength for all students, teachers and mentors in WDC congregations.

Announcements for August 8-15, 2021

Bethel College students will soon be arriving!
They will be encouraged to leave parking spaces open around the church on Sundays for BCMC parking. In addition, on Sunday mornings parking is available for BCMCers in 1) the Fine Arts Center parking lot, and 2) the grassy parking lot just south of the paved Warkentin Courts lot. If you can easily walk this distance, we encourage you to use those spaces in consideration of those with mobility issues.

Pastor Dawn will be out of town Aug 6-9.

Thank you to our BCMC family for your support during this past year after losing our daughter and sister, Nancy Jo. Thank you for your cards and emails, for celebrating Nancy’s life with us, whether in person at her memorial service or via live-streaming. Thank you to the pastors, staff and volunteers who helped us with the memorial service and, in the process, helped us feel cared for. We now walk the rest of the way without Nancy (and Maddox), but we know we have your arms to lean on when we lose heart. –Jim, Melanie and Becky Mueller

We, the family of Miner Seymour, are so grateful for this community that has held Miner and us so steadfastly these past months/years. We appreciate the caring, gifts of food, and many other thoughtful gestures of kindness. Thank you! Valetta, Kate, Todd and Roo.

There will be a celebration of life service for Kristin Schmidt’s husband, Archie, on August 14, 2021, at Tabor Mennonite Church at 2:00 pm. (Kristin Schmidt is employed at Bethel College.) A brain tumor ended Archie’s life on January 17, 2021. For the service, masks are required, and social distancing will be observed.
Please continue to offer sympathy and support to Kristin and her family, as they share memories and continue to grieve. Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, is Archie’s sister and Wes Schmidt-Tieszen his brother-in-law.
You will find the obituary at this link.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/thekansan/name/archie-schmidt-obituary?pid=199668070

Play Bells!
Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall? If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome! Rehearsal time has not yet been set. Please complete the survey by August 8.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
The next Work Day is August 28 with all sorts of fun projects! Meet at the Maintenance shed at 8:30am and bring your lunch and a water bottle. Come for a partial day, if that’s what works! Call us at 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org! You are important to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry!
The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat held over Labor Day Weekend will take a hiatus to review and reflect upon mission. There will be no retreat in the fall of 2021.

Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction”
This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Mennonite Central Committee Newsletter “In Touch” – click here
Mennonite Mission Network – Replanting Peace Churches – click here
Mennonite Central Committee Action Alert – click here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond – click here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
At the close of MennoCon21, Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, announced the new theme for this biennium: “Be Transformed.” Read more about what Guyton had to say here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/guyton-call-for-change.

A new video from Mennonite Church USA shows how the Justice Fund is supporting peace and justice work across the denomination through mutual aid. See how Justice Fund grants are helping congregations dismantle racism, uplift the oppressed and promote peace: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/justice-fund-video.

Menno Snapshots
It is too easy for churches to adopt traditions and policies that pull us away from our foundation. In his blog, “The Rock,” Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Glen Guyton urges readers to “set our feet firmly on the rock that is Jesus.” Read his blog here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-rock/.

Menno Snapshots
In his blog, “The hyphenated Anabaptist and the hyphenated college,” Brad Kohlman explains that in Mennonite colleges, it is common to find students who come from other church traditions. He shares how being able to marry people’s faith traditions with their Anabaptist education creates value for the church and the individual’s faith formation. Read more of Kohlman’s thoughts here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/hyphenated-anabaptist-college/.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: This month, the Bokgoni Sporting Club in Botswana is showcasing opportunities for at-risk teenage girls to participate in life-skills training and sports. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for increased community participation in this program.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC members who have been affirmed for conference leadership roles this coming year, and pray for God’s guidance as they serve in this way.

Announcements for August 1-8, 2021

Worship Service for August 1
There will be no worship at BCMC on Sunday, August 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30 am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually. Following is the link for the livestreamed service. Click on the words, YouTube Live.
10:30 am – Worship (On-site or YouTube Live)

Thank you to BCMCers serving as delegates at the Western District Conference Assembly this weekend:
Ada Schmidt-Tieszen, Arlo Kasper, Austin Prouty, Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Dawn Yoder Harms, Dick Koontz, Elaine Prouty, Elaine Schurr, Jim Mininger, Marlene Faul, Renee Reimer, Roger Juhnke, Susie Swartley, Tim Hodge.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly
Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm. July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn. Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun. Storytelling also inside and online! See the WDC Assembly flier here.
Western District Conference invites you to visit their website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Staff Absences and Pastor On Call

Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms will be out of the office July 28 – August 3.
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be out of the office August 1-3.
Pastor Renee Reimer will be the pastor on call for August 1-3. Her cell phone is: 605-212-0081

Here are links to recent services at BCMC:

Nancy Mueller’s memorial service on July 24: Press here for the link to the service.
Worship Service for Sunday, July 25: Press here
Hartzel Schmidt’s memorial service on July 25: Press here
Miner Seymour’s memorial service on July 28: Press here

Budget Updates
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48. Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Living Stones II update: Currently the amount contributed to Living Stones II is $13,712.61 short of covering the costs of the kitchen/fellowship hall renovations. Please continue to keep this in mind during the second half of the year.

Offering at BCMC for July 11: General Fund $8,086; Plant Fund $120; Living Stones $93.33; Hartzel Schmidt Memorial $125; Mission Quilters $942; Miner Seymour Memorial $100.
Offering at BCMC for July 25: General Fund $2,467; Living Stones $505; Women’s Fellowship $50; Elevator Repair $10.

Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Sent an update on the Colorado Peaches
Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2 (payment must be made before the end of day on August 2 or your order will be canceled). Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
What a great summer we’ve had! Summer Youth Camps will be ending on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage. On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm. We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done. A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday. There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday! Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly! Contact us at 620-297-3290.
The next Work Day is August 28 with all sorts of fun projects! Meet at the Maintenance shed at 8:30am and bring your lunch and a water bottle. Come for a partial day, if that’s what works! Call us at 620-297-3290 or email office@campmennoscah.org! You are important to Camp Mennoscah’s ministry!
The Mental Health Spiritual Retreat held over Labor Day Weekend will take a hiatus to review and reflect upon mission. There will be no retreat in the fall of 2021.

DATE CORRECTION
The first notice had the wrong October date.
Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas

Dates of two trips:
October 16 – October 23 (corrected)
February 19 – 26
Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project.
Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses.
Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.

For Mennonite Disaster Service Volunteer Update press here

For Mennonites Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Central Committee Action Alert press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
You are invited to participate in the Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) churchwide Journey Forward study through Springtide Research Institute. The survey results will be used to help inform the direction of MC USA, as we Journey Forward together. It is important that the denomination hears from a variety of voices, so please take part in the survey today: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/MC-USA-Member-Survey

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) held its first online Delegates Assembly on July 10. During the assembly, delegates voted on changes to the MC USA bylaws, confirmed nominees for churchwide boards and heard reports from the Resolutions Committee and racial ethnic and constituency groups. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/virtual-delegate-assembly .

MennoCon21
Good news! It’s not too late to purchase your virtual content pass for MennoCon21! The cost of the pass has been reduced to $25. Access to the MennoCon21 virtual convention will continue to be available through August 10. Sign up here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21_virtual_access.

Menno Snapshots
Joy Cotchen has been volunteering at conference in some capacity since 2000. In her blog, “The Joy of volunteering,” she shares what she finds most enjoyable about the volunteer experience. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/joy-of-volunteering.

Announcements for July 25-August 1, 2021

MC USA Convention Report: Brad Kohlman, Dale Schrag, Renee Reimer and Dawn Yoder Harms participated in the MC USA Convention in Cincinnati, July 6-10 and served as delegates for BCMC. You can hear their reflections about the experience by following this link: https://youtu.be/h8iqcC_xTEM

There will be no worship at BCMC on Aug 1, so that everyone can participate in the Western District Conference Assembly worship at Faith Mennonite Church, 10:30am. You can participate in the worship service in-person or virtually. A link for the livestreamed service will be posted on the WDC Assembly webpage next Wednesday, July 28.

Thanks to those responding to the chancel choir survey! You’ve provided helpful information that allows us to plan for the fall choir season. More details will follow in mid-August.

Play Bells!

Are you interested in participating in Chancel Bell Choir this fall? If so, complete the brief survey here. Both new and experienced players are welcome! Rehearsal time has not yet been set. Please complete the survey by August 8.

Current BCMC Covid guidelines can be accessed on the BCMC website here.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller: Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt: Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Miner Seymour: Wednesday, July 28, 10 am, BCMC Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and live streamed. You can access the live stream by going to the Bethel College Mennonite Church website and clicking on the green live stream button at the right hand side of the page. Click here to get to the website: BCMC Website
We will send out links to the services on Monday, July 26, for viewing on the BCMC YouTube Channel.

Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton Announces that the Peaches are Coming
Colorado Peaches are coming to MCC in North Newton! Get your Colorado Peaches this summer and support MCC at the same time. Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs is organizing a fundraiser to cover expenses related to the annual Rocky Mountain Relief Sale, which is being planned for October 15-16 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Peaches are available in 10-pound boxes for $25 and 18-pound boxes for $35. Deadline for orders/payment is Monday, August 2. Checks or cash are accepted, checks are made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line. Please contact Patsy Dirksen at MCC Central States Office for orders/payments at patsydirksen@mcc.org. Pick-up date for peaches is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 23 at the MCC Central States in North Newton.

Western District Conference Annual Assembly
Remember to register for the WDC Annual Assembly at: mennowdc.org/2021. Friday worship, July 30 at 7 pm followed by sno-cones outside at 8 pm. July 31, Saturday 7-8 pm enjoy storytelling under the tent with fresh popcorn. Invite your friends to Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson Ave, Newton, KS, for some summer fun. Storytelling also inside and online! See the WDC Assembly flier here.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

Camp Mennoscah Announcement
Summer Youth Camps will end on July 30 and the tents and bunks need to be taken down in preparation for fall groups. Volunteers are needed in abundance for both July 30 and 31 to lower the tents and break down the bunks for storage. On Friday, July 30, work will begin at approx. 1:30pm (after the end of Senior High Camp) and go until 6:30pm. We’ll begin again on Saturday at 8:30am and work until we’re done. A simple noon meal will be offered on Saturday. There is the option of staying overnight between the two work days–make it a service holiday! Let us know you are coming for one or both days so we can plan accordingly! Contact us at 620-297-3290.

Thursday, July 29 – Grand Open House for the new Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Vapes: Marketing an Addiction,” 2-6 p.m. This new exhibit examines what is known about e-cigarettes, and includes selections from a previous Kauffman Museum exhibit, “Better Choose Me: Collecting and Creating with Tobacco Fabric Novelties, 1880-1920.” “Vapes” has been on display at NMC Health in Newton since the beginning of June and moves to Kauffman Museum July 29-Jan. 9, 2022.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

The August 2021 Mennonite Mission Network PRAYER VINE is now available for download. The PDF is posted in the prayer resources section of our website and can also be downloaded directly by clicking the link below:
Download this month’s Prayer Vine (PDF)

Mennonite Mission Network “News from Around the World” click here
Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

The link to the August issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below.
Prayer requests from Mennonite schools – August 2021

For the Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” click here.

The Kansas Mennonite Disaster Service Unit is sponsoring two Learning and Service Trips to McAllen Texas

Dates of two trips:
October 30 – November 6
February 19 – 26
Participants will leave Kansas on Saturday morning traveling to San Antonio, TX, staying overnight. Visiting San Antonio Mennonite Church on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon traveling to McAllen TX for the MDS project.
Costs: Lodging and meals on the two traveling weekends. MDS will cover the remainder of the expenses.
Reservations: To make your reservations or for more information contact Cleo Koop at cleohkoop@gmail.com or call 316-282-0797.
If you are interested in volunteering at McAllen, TX on different weeks than what is in this announcement please call the volunteer coordinator at 800-241-8111.

Christian Peacemaker Teams invites you to a webinar on Colombia
To Work the Land is to resist: Farmer’s Voices in Defense of the Land – click here for information

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   This month, Mary Raber is bringing closure to her 11 years of ministry with Mennonite Mission Network in Ukraine. Pray that Mary will find ways to maintain relationships, even as she says goodbye to students and colleagues at Odessa Theological Seminary and the churches where she worshiped.
Western District Conference Prayer Request:   Pray for WDC’s Annual Assembly next weekend, as we share the new experience of a hybrid (in-person and online) gathering!
Mennonite World Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for peace and stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. We strongly request your prayers for our brothers and sisters in Tigray and Metekel areas. They need our support to heal from the trauma and rehabilitate. Pray for brothers and sisters who are persecuted because of their faith in some parts of the country. Pray for funds to rehabilitate people affected by natural and human-made crisis in different parts of the country.
—Meserete Kristos Church

Announcements for July 18-July 25, 2021

BCMC Offering for July 4, 2021: General Fund $6,654; MCC Sale $200; Living Stones $835; Women’s Fellowship $250. Attendance was 97.
BCMC Offering for July 11, 2021: General Fund $8,683.30; Living Stones $155; Women’s Fellowship $130; Hartzel Schmidt Memorial $75. Attendance was 93.

Budget Update
As of the end of June 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $29,302.48. Contributions received stand at 42% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 47% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the second half of the year.

Interested in singing in Chancel Choir this fall? If so, please complete this short survey by following this link. Your participation in the survey will help choir directors plan for the coming year.

WOVEN INTO GOD’S STORY

The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-August 1. This will be a “hybrid” event – some parts will be only virtual, other parts will be only on-site, and much of it will be hybrid with people on-site and virtual sharing together. The on-site parts will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson, Newton, KS.The Assembly theme will be “Woven Into God’s Story” using Scripture themes from Colossians 2:2-7. Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor Hesston College, will be the keynote speaker and storyteller. Other storytellers will be sharing throughout the weekend, as well. For more Assembly info, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc -annual-assembly/.

BCMC is urgently seeking delegates for the WDC Delegate Session (held virtually) on Saturday, July 31, 8:30-10:30am. If you would be willing to represent our congregation at this meeting, please contact Dale Schrag. Registration fees will be covered by BCMC.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and/or live streamed.

A memorial for Robert Waltner’s wife, Barbara, who died March 7, 2021, will be Saturday, July 24, 11 am. They are members of Lorraine Avenue Church, but the service will be held at the First Church of the Brethren, 1103 Jefferson in Wichita. (The air conditioning at Lorraine Avenue is not working). Robert is John Waltner’s brother.

The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will be in concert Sunday, August 1, 3 pm at the First Prebyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. See the poster here.

Everence to hold Gifts that give back webinar
Tuesday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Many make charitable gifts to support their favorite causes and organizations. Some choose to extend their charitable giving further by designating dollars for charity in their end-of-life plans. But did you know there is another type of gift plan that generates income for the donor and then sends a gift to charity at a later date? Come to this workshop to learn more about “Gifts that give back” and whether it is a strategy for you! This webinar will be hosted by Mitch Stutzman, Everence Stewardship Consultant.
This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Advisory services and securities may be offered through a third-party registered investment advisor or registered broker-dealer that is not affiliated with Everence Trust Company. Investments and other investment-related and/or securities products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and are not guaranteed.

The 2021 issue of Mennonite Life, Bethel College’s annual online journal, is now live at ml.bethelks.edu, with articles and reviews by Brad Born, Rachel Epp Buller, Peter Goerzen, Raylene Hinz-Penner, Mark Jantzen, Jim Juhnke, Nate Kroeker, Alec Loganbill, Jacob Miller, Bethany Powls, Rich Preheim, Darrin Snyder-Belousek, Tara Schwartz, Anne Marie Stoner-Eby and Melanie Zuercher.

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond link

For news from the Western District Conference go to this link

For the Mennonite Central Committee Washington E-Memo press here

Announcements for July 11-July 18, 2021

Pastor Renee Reimer at Camp Mennoscah
Renee will be leading input at Camp Mennoscah July 11-15
Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from July 11-19.

WOVEN INTO GOD’S STORY

The WDC Annual Assembly will be held July 30-August 1. This will be a “hybrid” event – some parts will be only virtual, other parts will be only on-site, and much of it will be hybrid with people on-site and virtual sharing together. The on-site parts will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 North Anderson, Newton, KS.The Assembly theme will be “Woven Into God’s Story” using Scripture themes from Colossians 2:2-7. Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry Professor, Hesston College, will be the keynote speaker and storyteller. Other storytellers will be sharing throughout the weekend, as well. For more Assembly info, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc -annual-assembly/.

Upcoming memorials services are being planned to remember these loved ones among us:

Nancy Mueller: Saturday, July 24, 3 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Hartzel Schmidt: Sunday, July 25, 2 pm, BCMC Sanctuary
Rosalind Andreas: Saturday, Aug 21, 1:30 pm, BCMC Sanctuary

You are welcome to attend these services in-person. Services will also be recorded and/or live streamed. Following the services, cookies will be served outdoors (or indoors in case of inclement weather).

Bluestem Communities will host its annual community dementia forum, Innovations in Living with Dementia, as an online webinar on Wednesday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. The presentation is entitled, “I Already Told You…Don’t You Remember?: Understanding Memory Loss, Dementia and Dementia Communication,” and is presented by national-known dementia educator Erin Bonitto. The webinar is free, and one credit of CEUs approved by the State of Kansas is available as an option for $15. Whether you’re a professional caregiver or someone caring for a loved one living with dementia, this learning session will help participants focus on what the person with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia needs you to know. Register at bluestemks.org/dementiaforum. Registration is required. Spaces are limited.

The Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble will be in concert Sunday, August 1, 3 pm at the First Prebyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. See the poster here.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website at https://mennowdc.org/ to read the latest news, stories and announcements!

WDC Assembly Seminars & WebinarsPosted on: July 7, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD
Basic Immigration Law TrainingPosted on: July 6, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD
Bethel College Biennial Worship and the Arts SymposiumPosted on: June 29, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD
WDC Staff position openingPosted on: June 16, 2021READ AND DOWNLOAD

Western District Conference Announcements
1. Shaking up the WDC Assembly worship Saturday evening (July 31)! Virtual participants, grab your supper at home, and onsite participants, get your supper from a food truck (at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS), then join us for a time of worship and communion around the supper table. We hope you’ll join us for this and other creative worship times, seminars/webinars, and more July 30-August 1 as part of the WDC Annual Assembly. For more Assembly information, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

2. WDC Assembly Sunday Worship: How can we join August 1 Assembly worship? Join us in-person at 10:30 am at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N Anderson, Newton, KS. Or worship via YouTube Live at 10:30 am wherever you are. Or watch the recording on our WDC YouTube channel at Western District Conference (MC USA) whenever it is convenient for you. Join us for Friday (July 30) worship at 7 pm in any of these ways, too!

3. Storytelling opportunity! WDC’s Annual Assembly theme is “Woven into God’s Story.” StoryCorps has invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. OneSmall Step is an initiative to facilitate online conversations between people of different viewpoints and life experiences. (Facilitators are bilingual, so conversations may be either in Spanish or English). Thank you to those who have registered to participate in this initiative! We are still seeking additional registrants to meet the number needed for the project, so StoryCorps has rescheduled WDC’s virtual recording days for October 7-9 (instead of July). With this change in dates, participants will be matched with a conversation partner from the WDC community OR from the StoryCorps national community, to make sure everyone has an opportunity for a conversation. This means you still have time to sign up! To register, go to https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/. To learn more, see these examples of One Small Stepstories.

Mennonite Central Committee’s monthly newsletterIn Touch can be read here.

Mennonite Disaster Service’s Volunteer Update can be viewed here.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Family Weekend at Camp Mennoscah on July 17-18! If you’re looking for a weekend to escape, this retreat offers a smorgasbord of camp activities for you to choose from and plenty of time to be with your family and friends. Register at campmennoscah.org and contact 620-297-3290 with questions!

2. Extra help needed for summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah has paid and volunteer positions for grounds, maintenance and custodial positions. Volunteer kitchen staff is needed for July 18-24; willing hands and the ability to follow directions is all that is needed. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details. You will make camp an amazing experience for everyone!

3. August 28 is the next Work Day at Camp Mennoscah! We’ll remind you again, but save the date. You make camp great!

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Tuesday, July 13
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.
*Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member 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 ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: In Bangladesh, India and Nepal, Community Health Evangelists (CHEs) have received special permission from their governments to work, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the CHEs, who care for the sick and share the good news of God’s love throughout Asia.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Ministerial Leadership Commission as they meet this week, and offer support and accountability for ministerial leadership in the conference.

Announcements for July 4-July 11, 2021

Church Office and Building Closed and Staff Absences
The church office and building will be closed on July 5 in order for the staff to have a holiday (since July 4 is on a Sunday.)
· Monica Lichti will not be in the office July 6.
· Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from July 5 to 10.
· Pastor Renee Reimer will be attending the MC USA Convention from July 6-10.

BCMC’s Reopening Church Task Group met on June 29. Among decisions made was one to dispense with sign-up for in-person Sunday worship, effective July 11. Even though a high percentage of BCMCers are vaccinated, masks are still required as we care for those among us who are still at risk, including children and those who are immuno-compromised.

BCMC Offering for June 27, 2021: General Fund $6,847; Sr Hi Youth $100; Living Stones $5; Women’s Fellowship $50; Esther Rinner Memorial $250; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $50; Helen Ruth Unruh Memorial $25.

The Library Theme for June and July is MCC/Community Service in honor of the MCC Sale. Please stop by the library and see what we have to offer. New book write ups will also be published soon, but the new books have already been added to the recent shelves on the west side of the library. Please take advantage of the many books that we have available by either stopping by or using the church website link. – Library Committee

Summer Sunday School for Children
Outdoor Summer Sunday School for Children and Youth will take place July 4, 11, 18, and 25 on the BCMC playground. All ages are welcome as we will be playing outdoor team building games together.

_________________________________

The WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session on July 31 at 8:30-10:30 will be virtual only. BCMC is looking for 15 people to serve as delegates. If you have interest in representing our congregation, please contact Dale Schrag. Registration fees will be covered by BCMC. For more Assembly info, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc -annual-assembly/.

Fireworks Extravaganza at Kidron Bethel Village
Kidron Bethel Village will host its annual Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday, July 4, at 3001 Ivy Drive in North Newton. There is no admission charge. Fireworks will begin after sundown, and arrival may begin at 8:30 p.m. Due to COVID precautions, the event will be scaled down from previous years and will be outdoors only, featuring just the fireworks show. Salted Creamery ice cream will be available for purchase. Organizers request physical distancing to be observed and for unvaccinated individuals to wear masks. Parking for the event will be marked. Lawn chairs are recommended for fireworks viewing, and flashlights may be helpful for navigating to and from parking areas.

The Mennonite Central Committee Central States office in North Newton, KS will be open to the public starting Tuesday, July 6. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm. Masks are respected but not required for fully vaccinated adults. We look forward to welcoming you back at MCC! Contact us at 316-283-2720 or centralstates@mcc.org.

Western District Conference announcements

1. Shaking up the WDC Assembly worship Saturday evening (July 31)! Virtual participants, grab your supper at home, and onsite participants, get your supper from a food truck (at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS), then join us for a time of worship and communion around the supper table. We hope you’ll join us for this and other creative worship times, seminars/webinars, and more July 30-August 1 as part of the WDC Annual Assembly. For more Assembly information, go to: https://mennowdc.org/2021-wdc-annual-assembly/.

3. WDC delegates appointed by the WDC Executive Board to the Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly on July 10 are Lois Barrett, Delon Martens, June Krehbiel, Karen Mascho, Lee Lever, Heidi Regier Kreider, Sandra Montes-Martinez, Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Lilly Garcia (youth delegate) and Andrea Hernandez (youth delegate). Pray for the Spirit’s presence and guidance for these representatives, as well as WDC congregational delegates, youth groups and others who gather virtually or in person for MennoCon21, July 6-10.

4. Storytelling opportunity! WDC’s Annual Assembly theme is “Woven into God’s Story.” StoryCorps has invited WDC to partner with their storytelling project, One Small Step, to share and record our own stories within WDC. OneSmall Step is an initiative to facilitate online conversations between people of different viewpoints and life experiences. (Facilitators are bilingual, so conversations may be either in Spanish or English). Thank you to those who have registered to participate in this initiative! We are still seeking additional registrants to meet the number needed for the project, so StoryCorps has rescheduled WDC’s virtual recording days for October 7-9 (instead of July). With this change in dates, participants will be matched with a conversation partner from the WDC community OR from the StoryCorps national community, to make sure everyone has an opportunity for a conversation. This means you still have time to sign up! To register, go to https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/wdc/. To learn more, see these examples of One Small Stepstories.

5. Join us in saying thanks to WDC Administrative Assistant Nancy Funk! If you would like to share an expression of appreciation for Nancy in anticipation of her retirement at the end of August, you are invited to stop by to visit with Nancy at the WDC office (2517 North Main Street, N. Newton, KS) over the next several weeks, or to send a note to her at WDC, PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117, or wdc@mennowdc.org.

3. August 28 is the next Work Day at Camp Mennoscah! We’ll remind you again, but save the date. You make camp great!

Mennonite church announcement
Want to be an integral part of a young adult’s life? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office Announcement
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact globally on health, economic well-being and inequality. Many countries lack the resources to access COVID-19 vaccines or therapeutic treatments and are struggling to recover from a global economic downturn.Join us for a webinar on Thursday, July 15, at 1:00 p.m. EDT to explore the issue of vaccine justice and the need for an equitable pandemic response by the U.S. government.

Register for the webinar here (if you cannot attend, you will receive a link to the recording).

Hear from the following panelists:

Paul Fast, MCC U.S. Global Health Coordinator
Vurayayi Pugeni and Thelma Sadzamari, MCC Area Directors for Southern and Central Africa and Nigeria
Charles Kwuelum, Senior Legislative Associate for International Affairs, MCC U.S. Washington Office

We hope you will join us. Register here.

Everence Announcements
We are excited to share with you the Everence Toolkit; a quarterly newsletter to help you creatively use your God-given gifts.

Everence offers many resources to your congregation. By clicking on the button below, you will be able to download the current Toolkit. Contact your Stewardship Consultants for physical copies.

Download current issue (English)

Click here for the Mennonite Creation Care Network Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/6ee5bab45821/menno-creation-care-e-news-july-church-edition?e=e981fb2fe8

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Arloa Bontrager of Mennonite Mission Network has been the servant project coordinator for Mennonite Church USA conventions since 2003! Thank God for her faithful ministry and for the 23,533 volunteers who have contributed to the ministry of 420 local agencies during the past 18 years. Pray that Jesus’ love will be shown through this year’s Service in a Box projects.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for delegates, youth groups and others from WDC attending MennoCon21 (Mennonite Church USA convention and delegate assembly) both virtually and in-person this week.