Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for October 3-10, 2021

October 3 is Bethel College Fall Fest Sunday. This year there will be no worship service on October 3 at BCMC. There will be a worship service at the Bethel College Memorial Hall at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. The service will also be live-streamed.
Here is the link for Fall Fest Worship: https://youtu.be/CNRbAKxtx44.
It will be set to go live on Sunday, October 3 at 10am.

The next week at BCMC Monday, October 4
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, October 5
9 to 11 am Community Playschool in church basement
Wednesday, October 6
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
7 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7 pm   Youth Group in Room 24
Thursday, October 7
9-11 am Community Playschool
7 pm Church Board Meeting by Zoom
Friday, October 8
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Saturday, October 9–No events in church
Sunday, October 10
9:30 am Worship Service
10:30 am Faith Formation

Staff Absence: Monica Lichti will be on vacation from October 4-15. During this time the office will be closed on Mondays and open mornings only Tuesday through Friday.

As Anabaptists, we believe the church is a “priesthood of all believers.” Exercise your “priestly” function by expressing your appreciation and gratitude to all who are involved in our congregation for what they do. During this time of health and safety protocols, national tensions, and difficult issues in the church, everyone is under more stress. This is especially true for our pastors, employees, those in leadership, and others. Expressions of care and appreciation for each other can strengthen our bond and give each of us strength to reach out to others. Pray for each other. Names of those in leadership positions are listed in the BCMC Directory.
– Deacons Commission

2021 BCMC Directory
The 2021 BCMC Directory is in your mailboxes here at the church.
Add to it this new phone number for Arlo Kasper. 620-951-1800

Exploring the Parables…is our worship focus through Nov 14. If you’d like to read ahead in preparation for worship, here’s where we are headed:

Oct 10 (World Communion): Matthew 22:1-14 – The wedding banquet
Oct 17: Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan
Oct 24: Luke 15:11-32 – The Prodigal Son
Oct 31: Luke 16:19-31 – The rich man and Lazarus
Nov 7: Matt. 13:44-46 – Treasure hidden in a field; The pearl of great price
Nov 14: Matthew 13:33 – The Leaven

The Staff Congregation Relations Committee extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to Barbara Thiesen in recognition of her years of service to the congregation in her role as Music Coordinator. Barbara has decided to step down from this role effective October 31, 2021. Her work in this role will be greatly missed.

If you or someone you know might be interested in filling the role of Music Coordinator for the congregation, please reach out to Heather Zerger (SCRC Chair) or Dawn Yoder Harms. Generally, duties include scheduling pianists and organists for Sunday worship, coordinating (but not directing) youth and adult bell and vocal choirs, caring for the church’s musical instruments, scheduling special musicians as needed, and other responsibilities. A copy of the current job description is available from the Church Office or from Dawn or Heather. A small monthly stipend is included in the annual budget for this position.

Jazz and Charcuterie on the Lawn
The Sr High Youth Group will be hosting an evening of Jazz and Charcuterie on the Lawn on October 10th to raise funds for their 2022 Summer Trip. We invite you to enjoy an hour of Jazz music by Icy Tea Jazz (a jazz trio) from 5:30-6:30pm (bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on) while enjoying desserts and flavored lemonade. The October 10th event will be outside on the lawn of the Bethel College Goerz House (2512 College Ave). Feel free to invite friends, family, college host students, or others to this event!
If you cannot stay for the jazz music but ordered a charcuterie box, you may pick it up on October 10th between 5-7 pm.

It’s time to start thinking about pumpkins and bonfires! Faith Formation Commission would like to invite families and mentor/mentee pairs to spend some time at P&M Pumpkin Patch on October 17. We have the Cedar campfire site reserved from 4:00-7:00 pm. Hot dogs and smore’s will be provided. Please email Mary Ellen Hodge at hodge_mar@yahoo.com and give her the contact person’s name and the number of people in your party by October 10. You will be asked to give your name at the admissions window when you arrive.

Budget update
As of the end of August 2021, expenses exceed contributions by $28,500.69. Contributions received stand at 57% of the amount expected for the year, and expenses are at 63% of the budget. Please keep this information in mind as we begin the final third of the year.

Everence to host informative webinars in October
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 5, Everence Financial^® will host three informative webinars. Topics include Making Medicare an easy step, Maximizing your year-end giving and Estate planning basics. The online events are free. To register, or for more information, visit www.everence.com/kansas or contact the Everence 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.

Bethel College Announcements
The 2021 Worship and the Arts Symposium at Bethel College, “Joining Voices Together,” originally scheduled for Nov. 5-8, has been postponed due to COVID precautions. The symposium will be rescheduled for fall 2022, with a new date to be announced soon. The “Voices Together” art exhibition will still take place as planned, with original artwork from the Voices Together hymnal on display Oct. 29-Nov. 19 in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center on campus.

Weds., Oct. 6 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status.

In the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Roots and Wings: Our Gift from Mother Nature,” a group exhibition by the Springdale Art & Nature Center of Halstead, featuring sculpture by Beth Vannatta, through Oct. 22. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri., Sun, 2-4 p.m. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton and Friends of Kidron will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 2, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This year’s event will be a drive-thru with to-go pick up for the menu of breakfast burritos and fruit. Pull up to the front door at 3001 Ivy Drive and breakfast will be delivered to your vehicle! Free will donations will support Friends of Kidron and the Health Care Benevolent Fund.

Kauffman Museum Living Endowment Dinner
Please SAVE the DATE for the KAUFFMAN MUSEUM annual LIVING ENDOWMENT DINNER
on SATURDAY, OCT. 23.
• Due to continued health concerns associated with the Delta variant we will host a pick-up/drive-by/delivered fall fundraising meal.
• The museum will again collaborate with Elderslie Farm of Kechi to bring you a locally sourced meal.
• In anticipation of the spring museum exhibit celebrating 125 years of a museum on the Bethel College campus (now Kauffman Museum!), the dinner will reflect menus of 1896 when the museum first opened.
• Reservations = $125 per person. (Get it?)
• Watch for an invitation in the United States mail and instructions for online reservations later in September.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS, TELL YOUR FRIENDS, AND PLAN TO MAKE RESERVATIONS!

Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton currently has over 800 sets of comforter tops and backs that need to be tied, as well as kits of fabric that can be sewn into more tops. MCC’s partners all around the world value these handmade comforters as useful, beautiful and tangible expressions of love. If you or your sewing group would be interested in tying or sewing for MCC, or if you have questions and are curious about how to make a comforter, please contact Kate Mast at the MCC Material Resources Center at katemast@mcc.org, or 316-283-2720.

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:

Announcements:
–2021 Bethel College Worship and Arts Symposium Postponed
–Resourcing Event for WDC Ministers -Nov 13
–WDC Final Thursday Book Discussion -Oct 28
–Annual IBA Benefit Burrito Sale Details
–WDC Prayer Requests for October 2021
–WDC Hope Fund
–Mennonite Church USA Announcements
–Mennonite Education Agency October Prayer Requests

Stories:
–What does it mean to be a Conference? by Heidi Regier Kreider

Come hear the Paradizo Choir of Amani Community Church, Wichita, at Hesston Mennonite Church on Sunday, October 10, 4 pm. The choir is sharing the Benefit Concert for the Amani Building Fund toward an initial goal of raising $50,000. Translation of Swahili-language songs will be projected in English. YouTube videos of the Choir may be found under Amani Community Church. See the poster on the church bulletin board.

Fall 2021 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly is available now on-line here and here. The issue’s theme is “MCC and National Socialism.” Typical issues of Intersections examine MCC’s current work. In contrast, this fall 2021 issue of Intersections has an historical focus, with twelve historians from Canada, the U.S., Germany, France, and the Netherlands examining different aspects of how MCC’s humanitarian efforts before, during, and after the Second World War were entangled with National Socialism and its legacy. As the articles in this issue reflect, this history was complicated, ambiguous, and difficult.
The downloadable pdf of this issue can be found here.
As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! We have a new email address where your thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel can be sent: intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader of Intersections!
Warm regards, Alain Epp Weaver

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Summer is practically tomorrow (plus 8 months)! Camp Mennoscah will be recruiting for 2022 summer staff on Nov. 8 at Hesston, Nov. 9 at Tabor, and November 10 at Bethel College with other Mennonite Camping Association camps. Tables are usually outside or near the cafeteria. We’ll be there from mid-morning through lunch.

Other events and happenings:

Fall Fun Volunteer Day! Saturday, October 9, is a Work & Play Day for all ages. Come with your friends, your kids or grandkids and even your own work group! Let us know you’re coming by Oct. 6 so we have the best projects for your skills at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Please bring your water bottle and a sack lunch. Mask and distance at your own comfort level. Meet at the maintenance shed by the red apartment at 8:30am. Stick around afterwards for one last kayak or canoe ride or a hike around camp!
The dam at Camp Mennoscah will be removed on October 17! The fun will begin at approximately 2pm. All are welcome to help with removing and cleaning the boards or simply to watch. The dam will be removed whatever the weather, unless deemed dangerous. Contact Camp Mennoscah if you have questions.
Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, November 5-7, at Camp Mennoscah! Register at www.campmennoscah.org! There is only one Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat. Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall. Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be complete by the beginning of November. Fees for the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat have increased to $150 to meet higher costs and the use of multiple facilities. There is an option to receive up to $25 in scholarship funds per person as part of the registration process.
Thank you for granting wishes! We are grateful for the recent donations of items off the Wish List. Thank you! The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
We need help mowing and burning brush piles! The grass that is usually cut short is doing its best to compete with the tallgrass prairie in height. Volunteer to mow (with a riding lawn mower) for whatever length of time you can offer or grab a string trimmer to chase back those wily weeds. Or get a group together and schedule a day to burn (wind speed permitting) –we’ll keep trying until a day works! Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
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.

For Mennonite Mission Network Service Adventure press here

For Mennonite Creation Care Network Newsletter press here

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Hesston College Events

     Fall Cultures Fair – October 4, 6:00 p.m.
Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center
The campus boasts students from 25 countries and the United States – many of whom will be sharing their hearts through food, games, dance, vocal and
instrumental music. This is a family friendly event and open to the public.DyckArboretum 40th Anniversary Celebration Picnic  – October 10, 4:00 p.m .
  177 W. Hickory St., Hesston
Come celebrate 40 years of the Dyck Arboretum! BBQ-style meal provided,
including the Dyck Family Birthday Banana Cake with Ice Cream, music by The
Flannelbacks, family portraits available and one free tree per household.

Herm and Vince Tour Concert – October 16, 6:00 p.m.
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
Sponsored by Hesston College. Free outdoor concert (donations welcomed). Bring a lawn chair.

Bel Canto Singers Fall Concert – October 24, 2:00 p.m.
Hesston Mennonite Church

Music Department Recital – October 28, 4:00 p.m.
Hesston Mennonite Church

Sunflower Performing Arts: Sunflower Soiree – October 31, 3:00 p.m.
Hesston Mennonite Church

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Alisha, Josh and Asher (5) Garber of Mennonite Mission Network have moved into the newly renovated Barcelona Anabaptist Center, which now houses 16 residents. Pray that the center will encourage solidarity in their neighborhood and that the Garbers will model servant leadership in Catalonia (a region where allegiance to Spain vies with voices calling for independence).

Mennonite Church USA
Let your voice be heard by taking part in our denomination-wide survey. Your responses will help Mennonite Church USA better serve the needs of its members. Take the survey here. MennoniteUSA.org/member-survey En español: MennoniteUSA.org/member-survey-espanol [Download slide here]

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) invites you to engage in its “Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty” initiative. Throughout September and October, MC USA is offering stories, blogs, prayers and resources to encourage you to learn about the impact of poverty, to pray for economic justice and to join in mutual aid and advocacy work. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/lpj-poverty

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
To kick off Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty” initiative, Bert Newton asks, “Who owns the land?” From a theological perspective, Newton dives into God’s ownership of the land and what that should mean for housing equality. Read his blog here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/owns-land

Menno Snapshots
In the wake of the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti and the traumatic civil and political distress in Afghanistan, you are invited to join Mennonite Church USA in prayer for all people who call these countries home. Read the prayer for Haiti and Afghanistan here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/prayer-haiti-afghanistan

Announcements for September 26-October 3, 2021

The next week at BCMC
Monday, September 27
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
10 am                 Library Committee—Room 14
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, September 28
9-11 am Community Playschool
7 pm       Abuse Prevention and Reconciliation Committee
Wednesday, September 29
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
7 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7 pm   Youth Group
Thursday, September 30
9-11 am Community Playschool
Friday, October 1
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 pm to 3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Saturday, October 2—Fall Fest at Bethel College
Sunday, October 3
10:00 am   Fall Fest Worship Service at Bethel College Memorial Hall— All are welcome to attend
Service will also be live-streamed on the Bethel College YouTube Channel
There will be no service at BCMC on October 3

October 3 is Bethel College Fall Fest Sunday. This year there will be no worship service on October 3 at BCMC. There will be a worship service at the Bethel College Memorial Hall at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. The service will also be live-streamed.
Here is the link for Fall Fest Worship: https://youtu.be/CNRbAKxtx44. It will be ready to view on Sunday, October 3 at 10 am.

Jazz and Charcuterie on the Lawn

The Sr High Youth Group will be hosting an evening of Jazz and Charcuterie on the Lawn on October 10th to raise funds for their 2022 Summer Trip. We invite you to enjoy an hour of Jazz music by Icy Tea Jazz (a jazz trio) from 5:30-6:30pm (bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on) while enjoying desserts and flavored lemonade. Pre-ordered charcuterie boxes will also be served beginning at 5:00 pm. Charcuterie boxes can feed 2 people a lite meal or fill one hungry person! The event itself will be outside on the lawn of the Bethel College Goerz House (2512 College Ave). Feel free to invite friends, family, college host students, or others to this event!

Please fill out this form by September 30th to reserve your charcuterie box (or boxes) for this fun event! Each box costs $50 and will need to be paid for by September 30th by dropping a check off in the BCMC church office (write sr high youth group in the memo line) or by making an online donation on the Bethel College Mennonite Church website. You can make your online donation here and click on Sr High Youth Group. Unpaid boxes will not be ordered.

Sr high youth will be in the back of the sanctuary after worship on September 19th and September 26th if you would like to order your box in person.

Can’t stay for the jazz music but still want a charcuterie box to-go?! Feel free to still order one that can be picked up on October 10th between 5-7pm.

Offering at BCMC for September 19: General Fund $12,866; Caring Fund $1,000; Living Stones $443.33; Peace Garden $2,000; Women’s Fellowship $150.

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 1 more time for volunteers working with children and youth (Sunday school teachers, sponsors, club leaders, and mentors): 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 pm. 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

BAKERS AND CRAFTERS NEEED! Help support the Bethel College Women’s Association by donating pies for BCWA’s Pie-By-The-Slice booth or any baked item or craft item for the Market in the Round at Fall Festival 2021. Peppernuts, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes are popular items! Bring your pies (no refrigerated or custard pies please) to Seminar A in Schultz Student Center from 4:00-6:30pm on Friday, October 1, or 8:00-11:00am on Saturday, October 2. Baked goods and crafts can be dropped off at the Luyken Fine Arts Center Rm 140 on Friday 1-30-4-30pm or Saturday 7:00-8:00am. All proceeds go to Bethel College.

Bethel College Announcements
– Tues., Sept. 28 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall
– Weds., Oct. 6 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
– Thursday, Sept. 30 – KIPCOR Peace Lecture with Mark McCormick, “Peace: It’s a Choice,” 7 p.m., in Memorial Hall. McCormick is a former columnist for the Wichita Eagle and former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum in Wichita, and is currently director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas.
– Thurs., Sept. 30-Sun., Oct. 3 – Bethel College Fall Festival; most activities take place Saturday, Oct. 2, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, exhibits in the Regier Art Gallery and Kauffman Museum, the comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [revised], and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Richard Zerger. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule and ways to buy tickets online.
Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton and Friends of Kidron will host its annual Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 2, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This year’s event will be a drive-thru with to-go pick up for the menu of breakfast burritos and fruit. Pull up to the front door at 3001 Ivy Drive and breakfast will be delivered to your vehicle! Free will donations will support Friends of Kidron and the Health Care Benevolent Fund.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting will be held September 26 at 3:30pm at Hope Mennonite Church (Wichita, KS)! Join us on September 26 at 3:30pm for the Camp Mennoscah Annual Meeting! You are invited to join in person at Hope Mennonite Church (Wichita, KS) or on Zoom. Please bring a mask, if attending in person. We welcome you to look back on our memorable past summer and look forward to where camp is going in the next year and beyond. We invite you to support the many projects of Camp Mennoscah with your donation here! Click here for Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting! Sept. 26, 2021 at 3:30pm Central Time (US and Canada)

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College Fall Fest on October 2! Stop by the booth near the Schultz Student Center to say hi and howdy or to buy a sticker, tee shirt, or water bottle! Don’t miss out!
Fall Fun Volunteer Day! Saturday, October 9, is a Work & Play Day for all ages. Come with your friends, your kids or grandkids and even your own work group! Let us know you’re coming so we have the best projects for your skills at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Please bring your water bottle and a sack lunch. Mask and distance at your own comfort level. Meet at the maintenance shed by the red apartment at 8:30am. Stick around afterwards for one last kayak or canoe ride or a hike around camp!
The dam at Camp Mennoscah will be removed on October 17! The fun will begin at approximately 2pm. All are welcome to help with removing and cleaning the boards or simply to watch. The dam will be removed whatever the weather, unless deemed dangerous. Contact Camp Mennoscah if you have questions.
Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, November 5-7, at Camp Mennoscah! Register at www.campmennoscah.org! There is only one Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat. Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall. Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be complete by the beginning of November. Fees for the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat have increased to $150 to meet higher costs and the use of multiple facilities. There is an option to receive up to $25 in scholarship funds per person as part of the registration process.
There are volunteer opportunities for you (and a Wish List)! 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. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
We need help mowing and burning brush piles! The grass that is usually cut short is doing its best to compete with the tallgrass prairie in height. Volunteer to mow (with a riding lawn mower) for whatever length of time you can offer or grab a string trimmer to chase back those wily weeds. Or get a group together and schedule a day to burn (wind speed permitting) –we’ll keep trying until a day works! Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours). Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.
This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.
Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

Western District Conference 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! See especially:

Announcements:
-WDC Hope Fund – https://mennowdc.org/wdc-hope-fund/

-WDC September Prayer Requests – https://mennowdc.org/wdc-prayer-requests-for-september-2021/

-Pastors or church representatives be sure to fill out the Google Form created by the Resource Commission giving your ideas on what has worked for your congregation during the pandemic- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctvGDzLJid8VVuEOv0W82J9SoyPTHWs7E5QyDh6eKnbDqHVw/viewform?usp=sf_link

-Hymnals for Donation – https://mennowdc.org/hymnals-for-donation/

Stories:
–Time for Celebration by Jennie Wintermote – https://mennowdc.org/time-for-celebration/
–Marvin Penner Recognized with Everence Journey Award –https://mennowdc.org/marvin-penner-recognized-with-everence-journey-award/

Events:
-Virtual Training: “Cuidando a los Cuidadores” (Caring for Caregivers) In Spanish only, Sep 27 & Oct 4 – https://mennowdc.org/events/

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements

Join Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for the 3^rd MCC Color of Compromise webinar featuring Sandra Maria Van Opstal on September 28th at 1:00 p.m. EDT. From the depth of her experience ministering to the Hispanic and Latino community, writer, speaker and co-founder of Chasing Justice movement, Sandra Maria Van Opstal will speak about the impact of the church’s complicity in racism on the Hispanic and Latino community here in the U.S. Register here: https://mcc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mn84mcwBTHu_ggUajNFQKw For more information on past webinars in the series, visit mcc.org/color-of-compromise.

Take action to advocate for Haitian asylum seekers by urging President Biden to immediately halt deportation flights to Haiti. Following the biblical call to welcome the stranger, MCC is asking that all deportation flights to Haiti be halted immediately and is seeking respect for basic human rights at the U.S./Mexico border. Take action today!

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Men press here

Mennonite Mission Network New from Around the World press here

Hesston College Announcements
Hesston College HomecomingWeekend – September 24-26
Featuring Art a la Carte – September 24, 8:30 p.m.
Hesston College Campus, Keim Center Lawn
Student performances featuring theatre, Global Voices, Bel Canto Singers and
soloists.

TheatreFest (for high school students) – September 29
Hesston College Campus
High school students are invited to spend the morning in acting and tech-based
workshops followed by a matinee of the murder mystery comedy, The Game’s Afoot

Fall Play – The Game’s Afoot – September 30 to Oct. 3
Hesston College Campus, Keim Center
Plan to see The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ludwig. Murder mystery comedy. Presented
in the Black Box Theater. Showtimes: Sept. 30, 7:00 pm; Oct. 1, 7:00 pm; Oct.
2, 7:00 pm; and October 3, 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 per adults/seniors and $5 for
students and can be purchased here. Masks required for audience members.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Rejoice with Brian and Noelia Fox of Mennonite Mission Network that COVID-19 cases in Spain are decreasing and in-person meetings for churches and schools are starting to resume. Pray for Brian and Noelia as they search for a place to hold their English classes, after a year of conducting online classes.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s strength for chaplains, medical providers and others in WDC who serve hospitals, health-care and hospice organizations, as they minister among those most impacted by the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Announcements for September 19-26, 2021

Jazz and Charcuterie on the Lawn

Sr high youth will be in the back of the sanctuary after worship on September 19th and September 26th if you would like to order your box in person.

Can’t stay for the jazz music but still want a charcuterie box to-go?! Feel free to still order one that can be picked up on October 10th between 5-7pm.

Volunteers are needed to deliver “goodie” bags to BCMC Leadership Retreat participants on Friday, Sept 24. Is this one-time opportunity something you’d be willing to help with? If so, contact Dawn Yoder Harms at dawn@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.

Link for the BCMC Congregational Meeting
If you were unable to attend the congregational meeting on Sunday, September 12, below is the link to watch the meeting on YouTube.
Press here

The next week at BCMC
Monday, September 20
8 to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 to 3 pm Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, September 21
7 pm Worship Commission Meeting
Wednesday, September 22
8 am to 10 am Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 to 3 pm Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
7 pm   Wednesday Night Club
7 pm   Youth Group
Thursday, September 23
2 pm Hospitality Commission Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Friday, September 24
8 am to 10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2 to 3 pm Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Saturday, September 25
9:30 to 11:30 am Leadership Retreat by Zoom
Sunday, September 26
9:30 am   Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation
7 pm Safe Sanctuary Training by Zoom

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

Memorial Service for Lynn Loucks
A memorial service to remember Lynn will be Saturday, September 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus Avenue, at 1:30 PM. Masks will be required.

BCMC Kaleidoscope
Click here for the 2020-2021 COVID-19 Edition of the BCMC Newsletter Kaleidoscope.
Because of the length of the newsletter, we will not be printing a copy for each mailbox here at the church. If you wish to have a paper copy, call the office or email the church at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org Paper copies of the Kaleidoscope are available at the church in the racks in the foyer or by the mailboxes.

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

Bethel College Announcements
Thursday, Sept. 30 – KIPCOR Peace Lecture with Mark McCormick, “Peace: It’s a Choice,” 7 p.m., in Memorial Hall. McCormick is a former columnist for the Wichita Eagle and former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum in Wichita, and is currently director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Sept. 30-Oct. 3, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 2, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, exhibits in the Regier Art Gallery and Kauffman Museum, the comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [revised], and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Richard Zerger. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule and ways to buy tickets online.

Hesston College Events
Hesston College HomecomingWeekend – September 24-26
Featuring Art a la Carte – September 24, 8:30 p.m.
Hesston College Campus, Keim Center Lawn
Student performances featuring theatre, Global Voices, Bel Canto Singers and
soloists.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah’s Annual Meeting will be held September 26 at 3:30pm at Hope Mennonite Church (Wichita, KS)!

Due to the recently increased Covid-19 transmission, the Camp Mennoscah gathering scheduled for Sept. 26 has changed. The dessert auction and hymn sing portions of the event will not take place as originally planned due to the increased concerns of safety regarding food and singing. This event will be replaced with another opportunity in the future. Updated details will be shared with you as soon as they’re available.

We will still meet on September 26 at 3:30pm for the Camp Mennoscah Annual Meeting! You are invited to join in person at Hope Mennonite Church (Wichita, KS) or on Zoom. A link will be shared in upcoming weeks. Please bring a mask, if attending in person. We welcome you to join us to look back on our memorable past summer and look forward to where camp is going in the next year and beyond. Our goal for the gathering was to raise money for new diving boards for the pool. We invite you to support the many projects of Camp Mennoscah with your donation here!
Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah will be at Bethel College Fall Fest on October 2! Stop by the booth near the Schultz Student Center to say hi and howdy or to buy a sticker, tee shirt, or water bottle! Don’t miss out!
Fall Fun Volunteer Day! Saturday, October 9, is a Work & Play Day for all ages. Come with your friends, your kids or grandkids and even your own work group! Let us know you’re coming so we have the best projects for your skills at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Please bring your water bottle and a sack lunch. Mask and distance at your own comfort level. Meet at the maintenance shed by the red apartment at 8:30am. Stick around afterwards for one last kayak or canoe ride or a hike around camp!
The dam at Camp Mennoscah will be removed on October 17! The fun will begin at approximately 2pm. All are welcome to help with removing and cleaning the boards or simply to watch. The dam will be removed whatever the weather, unless deemed dangerous. Contact Camp Mennoscah if you have questions.
Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, November 5-7, at Camp Mennoscah! Register at www.campmennoscah.org! There is only one Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat. Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall. Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be complete by the beginning of November. Fees for the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat have increased to $150 to meet higher costs and the use of multiple facilities. There is an option to receive up to $25 in scholarship funds per person as part of the registration process.
There are volunteer opportunities for you (and a Wish List)! 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. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
We need help mowing and burning brush piles! The grass that is usually cut short is doing its best to compete with the tallgrass prairie in height. Volunteer to mow (with a riding lawn mower) for whatever length of time you can offer or grab a string trimmer to chase back those wily weeds. Or get a group together and schedule a day to burn (wind speed permitting) –we’ll keep trying until a day works! Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours). 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.

Announcements:
-WDC Hope Fund- https://mennowdc.org/wdc-hope-fund/

-Resources for how to be church together during a (continuing) pandemic- https://mennowdc.org/resources-for-churches-during-a-continuing-pandemic/

Pastors or church representatives be sure to fill out the Google Form created by the Resource Commission giving your ideas on what has worked for your congregation during the pandemic- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctvGDzLJid8VVuEOv0W82J9SoyPTHWs7E5QyDh6eKnbDqHVw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Spanish translation will be added soon.

– Annual IBA Benefit Burrito Sale (Order to-Go) Details-https://mennowdc.org/annual-iba-benefit-burrito-sale-order-to-go-details/

-Camp Mennoscah Announcements- https://mennowdc.org/camp-mennoscah-announcements-2/

– WDC September Prayer Requests- https://mennowdc.org/wdc-prayer-requests-for-september-2021/

Stories:
–Weaving Rich Images of God into Our Lives by Kathy Neufeld Dunn- https://mennowdc.org/weaving-rich-images-of-god-into-our-lives/

–WDC Hope Fund Update: The Hope Fund Task Force –https://mennowdc.org/wdc-hope-fund-update/

Prairie View Inpatient Clothing and Book Drive
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV
The harsh reality is, when some patients come to Prairie View’s inpatient psychiatric unit for treatment, they arrive only with the clothes on their back. We keep extra clothing items on hand, but our supply is quickly diminishing. Through your gift of clothing, you’ll provide our patients with a sense of dignity in addition to warmth and comfort.
Will you give gently used clothing items or shoes?
All sizes are welcome. We cannot accept items with strings, belts, cords or similar features unless they can be removed. Donations are accepted on an on-going basis.
We’re also collecting books! The books we receive will be used to enhance our patient library. We are looking specifically for materials related to mental health diagnoses, self-help, and general health and wellness. Many of our patients enjoy reading during their stay with us and have found these materials helpful to them on their healing journey. Books (and magazines) will be accepted through the end of this year.
For more information about our clothing and book drive, or to schedule a drop-off of donations, please contact Diane Peltier, vice president of advancement, at peltierdm@pvi.org or 316-284-6365.

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here

Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level click here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Christy Harrison and Peter Sensenig, and their three children, are in language study in Paris, preparing for a ministry building Muslim-Christian relationships in West Africa. Pray for their children in French public schools and for Christy and Peter in language school. They are jointly serving with Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Mission Network.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC elected leaders and staff, as they meet via zoom next Saturday for Reference Council with a focus on one of WDC’s mission priorities, “Connect to God’s Mission in the World.”

Announcements for September 12–September 19, 2021

BACKPACK BLESSING–Bring your backpacks to church Sunday – September 12
Students, teachers, Sunday school teachers, Wednesday night club leaders, school administrators and staff: Bring your backpacks, satchels, briefcases, and school bags to worship on Sunday to receive a backpack blessing for the school year!

Children and Youth Sunday School classes start Sunday – September 12
Sunday is the start of children and youth Sunday School classes! All ages will be meeting every week this year from 10:30-11:30 am.
Preschoolers – Room B4
Middlers (3rd-8th graders) – Room 26
High School – Room 22
Koinonia (college students welcome!) – The Agape House (across the street by the FAC)

BCMC Congregational meeting is this Sunday, September 12
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: 084634BETHEL 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

Paper copies of the agenda will be at the back of the church on Sunday, September 12

Peace Sunday
Mel Lehman will be our guest speaker for Peace Sunday, September 19. Mel is a long time peace activist and director of Common Humanity which focuses on peacemaking through understanding, respect, and friendship with the Middle East and Muslim world. Mel lives part-time in Hesston and the remainder of the time in New York City where he is a deacon at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. Please join us in-person or live-streaming for the worship service at 9:30 and for a discussion time in the sanctuary at 10:45. For more information about Common Humanity, go to commonhumanity.org.

Memorial Service for Lynn Loucks
A memorial service to remember Lynn will be Saturday, September 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus Avenue, at 1:30 PM. Masks will be required.

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.

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.

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.

Thursday, Sept. 16 – Artist reception for Rick McNary and “Doing Good with Wood,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes Friday, Sept. 17. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 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.

Thursday, Sept. 30 – KIPCOR Peace Lecture with Mark McCormick, “Peace: It’s a Choice,” 7 p.m., in Memorial Hall. McCormick is a former columnist for the Wichita Eagle and former executive director of The Kansas African American Museum in Wichita, and is currently director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Kansas. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require mask-wearing indoors, and physical distancing to the extent possible, regardless of vaccination status.

Bethel College’s Fall Festival is Sept. 30-Oct. 3, with most activities taking place Saturday, Oct. 2, on campus. Features include music, food, class reunions, football, the comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), and the STEM Symposium honoring Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Richard Zerger. See https://www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for the complete schedule.

Announcements:

New Reading Challenges from WDC Resource Library- https://mennowdc.org/new-reading-challenges-from-the-wdc-resource-library/
Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat at Camp Mennoscah- https://mennowdc.org/fall-scrapbook-and-crafts-retreat-november-5-7-at-camp-mennoscah/
Kansas MDS Unit Sponsoring Service and Learning Trips- https://mennowdc.org/kansas-mds-mennonite-disaster-service-unit-sponsoring-learning-and-service-trips/
WDC September Prayer Requests- https://mennowdc.org/wdc-prayer-requests-for-september-2021/

Events:

Women’s Retreat Sep. 11- https://mennowdc.org/event/womens-retreat-2021/

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat, November 5-7, at Camp Mennoscah! Register at www.campmennoscah.org! There is only one Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat. Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall. Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be complete by the beginning of November. Fees for the Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat have increased to $150 to meet higher costs and the use of multiple facilities. For those who find the increase prohibitive, there is an option to receive up to $25 in scholarship funds per person as part of the registration process.

Other events and happenings:

We need help mowing! The grass that is usually cut short is doing its best to compete with the tallgrass prairie in height. Volunteer to mow (with a riding lawn mower) for whatever length of time you can offer or grab a string trimmer to chase back those wily weeds. Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
September 26 is a Camp Mennoscah Combo! It’s the Hymn Sing-Dessert Auction and Annual Meeting all in one! Plan on singing hymns (masked & distanced), bidding on delectable desserts, and information about Camp Mennoscah’s year. The start time is yet to be finalized, but be ready to join us for an afternoon of fun!
There are volunteer opportunities for you (and a Wish List)! 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. See the attached 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). 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 Central Committee In Touch Newsletter click here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Jane and Jerrell Ross Richer’s family is together on the North American part of their two-way mission — between Ecuador and the United States — through Mennonite Mission Network. Pray for God’s leading, as health issues and logistical problems, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused many changes to their plans.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for Western District Women in Mission, as they host their annual women’s retreat at Camp Mennoscah this weekend.

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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.