Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for January 16 – January 23, 2022

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

Pastor’s Schedules

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bethel College Announcements
Life Enrichment at Bethel College has been canceled for spring 2022, due to ongoing health and safety concerns. Organizers hope to resume Life Enrichment in fall 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

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

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

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

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

Announcements for January 9 – January 16, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Covid Creativity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bethel College Announcements
Life Enrichment at Bethel College has been canceled for spring 2022, due to ongoing health and safety concerns. Organizers hope to resume Life Enrichment in fall 2022.

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

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

Everence^® to hold Medicare webinar in January

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond click here

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

Announcements for January 2 – January 9, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Covid Creativity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greetings from Camp Mennoscah!

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

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

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

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah wants to respect your wishes regarding emails. To unsubscribe from these announcements, reply “unsubscribe” to this email. Camp Mennoscah sends announcements, newsletters, and the annual catalog by email. To unsubscribe from all, reply “unsubscribe all.”
Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop Share a bit of summer with friends and family this Christmas!
Keep those 2022 Summer staff applications coming! Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement. See website for details. Information and the online application can be found here! Call or email with questions! Interviews are being scheduled.
Volunteering opportunities continue through the winter months! The wish list is full of both items and volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah. The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits). Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.

This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.

Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net

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

Announcements for December 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022

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

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

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

Covid Creativity

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Announcements for December 19-26, 2021

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

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

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

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

This Week at BCMC

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

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

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

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

Covid Creativity

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

What greater gift than to share in the joy of Christ with others! You can be part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry of Christian fun through prayer, donations, and volunteering. Encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ through faith formation at Camp Mennoscah. Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. To volunteer, call 620-297-3290.
Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop Share a bit of summer with friends and family this Christmas!
Keep those 2022 Summer staff applications coming! Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement. See website for details. Information and the online application can be found here! Call or email with questions! Interviews are being scheduled.
Volunteering opportunities continue through the winter months! The wish list is full of both items and volunteer projects for every group size, skill set and length of project. These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah. The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits). Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements for December 12-19, 2021

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

During worship, windows will be open (wider than they have been), so dress warmly.
If you need to bring a blanket or a prayer shawl to keep warm, please feel free to do so.
Wear masks at all indoor church events
Maintain 3-6 feet of distance from others when possible
Greet each other in ways other than hugging or shaking hands
In the sanctuary, please sit where you find blue tape on the pews (sit with your back to the tape), and refrain from entering rows that have been taped off.
Use hand sanitizer
If you are not feeling well or have a known COVID-19 exposure, please please participate in worship via livestream in the comfort of your home.

Thanks for your help in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community!

RESCHEDULED Creche Making Project!
Join us on this Saturday, December 11th 11am-12:30pm for aCreche Making Project (BCMC fellowship hall). Come and make your very own creche (nativity set) with a variety of art supplies that will be provided for all participants. Invite your crafty friends as we have PLENTY of shoe boxes. Faspa snacks will be provided and all ages are welcomed to attend.

WORSHIP SERVICE FOR DECEMBER 12, 2021 – THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENTWorship begins with an Advent prelude at 9:15am. Advent resources are available on a table in the Gathering Place.

The Witness Commission Advent project will be to supply food items and in kind donations to the Bethel College Food Pantry. We will be collecting items at the table in the Gathering Space. Press here for a list of needed items for the food pantry.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE on the right side of the screen,which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE button. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.

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

Gathering
Creche(sessional)—Preschool Sunday School

Welcome and Call to Worship— Lincoln Kohlman and Brett Gaeddert

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

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

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

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

Children’s Conversation—Esther Eash

*Hymn—Oh, How Joyfully—VT 254

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

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

Responding
*Hymn—Joy to the World—VT 240

Prayers of God’s People—Renee Reimer

Benediction—Collin Gaeddert

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

VT = Voices Together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Covid Creativity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah Merch! From CamelBaks to tee shirts and stickers, you can find your Camp Mennoscah merchandise at https://camp-mennoscah-store.square.site/s/shop Share a bit of summer with friends and family this Christmas!
2022 Summer staff applications are being accepted! Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement. See website for details. Information and the online application can be found here! Call or email with questions! Interviews will be scheduled soon.
Thank you to everyone who supported Camp Mennoscah on Giving Tuesday, be that through prayers, gifts, or volunteering! It’s not too late to be part of the efforts to encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ through faith formation at Camp Mennoscah. Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. To volunteer, call 620-297-3290.
We are grateful for you! We continue to get calls from volunteers and receive gifts of items off the Wish List. These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah. The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits). Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.
This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.
Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

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

Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” click here

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

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements for December 5-12, 2021

Worship Service for December 5, 2021 – 2nd Sunday of AdventWorship begins with an Advent prelude at 9:15am. Advent resources are available on a table in the Gathering Place.

The Witness Commission Advent project will be to supply food items and in kind donations to the Bethel College Food Pantry. We will be collecting items at the table in the Gathering Space. Press here for a list of needed items for the food pantry.

bcmcXpress
We need to hear from you! Please complete the online bcmcXpress intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/) as soon as possible. The information received is necessary to plan the church’s budget for 2022.
From Michael Claassen, Finance Manager and the Finance Committee

Creche Making Project
Join us on Sunday, December 5th 4-6pm for aCreche Making Project (BCMC fellowship hall). Come and make your very own creche (nativity set) with a variety of art supplies that will be provided for all participants. Invite your crafty friends as we have PLENTY of shoe boxes. Faspa snacks will be provided and all ages are welcomed to attend.

This week at BCMCMonday, December 6
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
7 pm Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, December 7
9—11 am Community Playschool
4 pm          Reopening Church Task Force—Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 8
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm          Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, December 9
4:30 pm Women’s Fellowship Leadership Team meeting in Room 14
7 pm           Finance Committee Meeting by Zoom
Sunday, December 12—Third Sunday of Advent
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation

From the Reopening Church Task Group:
Harvey County has recently experienced a significant rise in COVID-19 numbers. As of Monday, Nov 29, the 2-week positivity rate is 13.8%. Currently there are 144 active cases and 6 hospitalizations.
At this point, in-person church activities will continue as usual, with these cautions:

Wear masks at all indoor church events
Maintain 3-6 feet of distance from others when possible
Greet each other in ways other than hugging or shaking hands
In the sanctuary, please sit where you find blue tape on the pews (sit with your back to the tape), and refrain from entering rows that have been taped off.
During worship, windows will be open (wider than they have been), so dress warmly.
Use hand sanitizer
If you are not feeling well or have a known COVID-19 exposure, please please participate in worship via livestream in the comfort of your home.

Thanks for your help in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community!

The Gifts Discernment Committee would like to thank each and every one of you who completed the Gifts Discernment Survey. The Committee will be meeting to collate the responses and share them with commissions and committees as appropriate. Thanks again for supporting BCMC’s efforts to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

The Library Theme for the rest of 2021 is Advent/Christmas. Be sure to look for these books in back of the desk by the computer and/or in the Children’s Room where Everybody Books and Young Adult books are located and Advent/Christmas books are displayed. Also, coming soon to the library is a section we are calling Pastors’ Corner. Books recommended by our pastors will be highlighted on a shelf on the north wall closest to the window where our DVD/CDs used to be shelved. These books could compliment sermon themes or are books that they have asked for or donated to the library. Happy Holiday Reading!

Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus
Attention singers, KMMC will be again singing this year after not being able to the last two years. If you would like to join us, please contact Joe Peters (316-288-7031) and sign up today. We are doing a two concert series this year. Our first concert is April 24, 2022 at Bethel College and our second concert will be May 1, 2022 at Bethany College. So please, if you have any interest in singing with us let me know and I will get you registered to sing for the 2022 concert season!

Bethel College Announcements
Sat., Dec. 4 – Five Places of Christmas, the annual holiday open house, includes Kauffman Museum and Goerz House on the Bethel College campus, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No charge for admission. The Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) is the host at Goerz House, where there will be baked goods and other items for sale. Please plan to wear a face covering indoors and follow all COVID-19 protocols requested by the venue. (Other locations: Warkentin House, Harvey County Historical Museum and Carriage Factory Gallery, all in Newton.)

Tues., Dec. 7 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing to the extent possible and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Weds., Dec. 8 – Singalong to Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah returns in-person, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall, with chamber orchestra, soloists and student conductors. Scores provided. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing to the extent possible and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Fri., Dec. 10 – Christmas Gala Jazz concert, 8 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing to the extent possible and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Sun., Dec. 12 – Lighting of the Green returns in-person this year; 8 p.m. on the Bethel College campus.

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

Western District Conference staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks an Administrative Assistant to work part-time (18 hours/week) with the WDC Associate Conference Minister (Texas-based), beginning February 1, 2022. Responsibilities include clerical and logistical support, communications, records management, and translation. Qualifications include strong organizational and computer skills, communication skills in Spanish and English, ability to collaborate as part of a team, intercultural competency, and willingness to promote WDC’s mission and priorities. For position description and application form, contact Sandra Montes-Martinez, Associate Conference Minister, at sandram@mennowdc.org or 214-907-6309; or contact the WDC office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300. Applications will be accepted until December 31 and will be processed in January 2022.

December’s WDC Resource Library Book Discussion will be Thursday, December 16 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Join us to discuss Tongue-Tied: Learning the Lost Art of Talking about Faith by Sara Wenger Shenk. We welcome those who have read the book and those interested in the topic. Copies of the book available through the library. RSVP at crlib@mennowdc.org

The McPherson Community Brass Choir under the direction of Jerry Toews will give their Christmas Brass Concert Sunday, Dec. 12 at 7:30pm in the Goessel HS gym in Goessel, KS. This event is sponsored by the Goessel Ministerial Alliance. Note the location change accommodating for social distancing. Come and enjoy a festive brass Christmas concert!

Immerse yourself into the Christmas message with music and song Sunday December 19 at 4pm. Hopeful Blues is honored to host Doxology Ensemble, a 12-voice male ensemble from the Anabaptist community near Hutchinson. Jointly, they will present a concert of sacred music, joining two unique ensembles for an afternoon of Christmas music.
Hopeful Blues, an eclectic instrumental group based at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita performs a variety of sacred instrumental music from old world to contemporary. The Christmas selections will be a blend of contemplative and familiar.
Doxology Ensemble sings Acapella choral arrangements, both classic and modern. The Christmas repertoire includes arrangements of traditional carols, rousing spirituals, and soaring choral settings of scripture. After a two year hiatus, we are excited to be rehearsing again and are looking forward to sharing the joy of the Incarnation through song.
The Sunday (December 19) 4pm concert will be held at Hope Mennonite church, 868 N Maize Road, Wichita KS. Admission is free, donations are welcomed.

For Mennonite Men announcements press here
For Mennonite Church USA Webinar, “2022 Special Delegate Assembly: What it is and why it’s so important” press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For news from Mennonites World Conference press here
For Mennonite World Conference Info – “Mustard Seed Faith That Moves Mountains” press here.

The fifth & final Neuf Memorial Run takes place on Saturday, January 8, 2022 on the campus of Bethel College. In addition, the Neuf 90K Challenge runs from December 9 through January 8. All proceeds support the Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship at Hesston College and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Visit runtheneuf.neuf.ca for more information and to register for the Run and Challenge.

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

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
The MCC Comforter Blitz Committee is looking for additional committee members! Would you be interested in assisting the making of comforters for Mennonite Central Committee, and helping to plan the annual three-day comforter making event in Yoder, Kansas? If so, we would love your skills and your voice! If interested, please reach out to Committee Chair, Kara Klingenberg at k.klingenberg@hotmail.com or call her at 620-983-9003 for more information. We are currently looking for a treasurer, advertising help, and anyone else who is interested in helping.

Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday, December 17 from 4-6 p.m.! MCC is thrilled to host this drive-thru event again this year. Order your charcuterie box(es) today to enjoy in the comfort of your home, spread Christmas joy and order extra to give as gifts! Suggested donation per box is $25. We’re also collecting items for MCC hygiene kits at this event. Place your order by 5 p.m. on December 9. Details and order form are on mcc.org. Questions? Please call 316.283.2720.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Register today! Join Michael Danner, Mennonite Church USA associate executive director of Church Vitality, on Monday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. ET for the first in a series of webinars to help conferences and congregations prepare for the 2022 Delegate Assembly (May 27-30, Kansas City, Missouri). He will provide an overview of MC USA’s structure and decision-making – including conversation about how the special session of the Delegate Assembly fits into the big picture. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/why-important-da22.

Your whole household can participate in Advent this year by using the Mennonite Church USA annual Advent at Home worship guide, “Dare to Imagine.” The guide is now available as a printable booklet and in an online format. Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/adventathome

Menno Snapshots
Talashia Keim Yoder, author of this year’s Mennonite Church USA’s Advent at Home guide, reflects on her and her family’s Advent traditions and how she has learned from her church family in her blog, “Dare to imagine the transformative power of Advent.” Find it here: mennoniteusa.org/power-of-advent.

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Christina and Dustin Hite, Mennonite pastors, live in an intentional neighborhood in Austin, Texas, among people who have experienced chronic homelessness. Watch a short video by the Hites and read more about their ministry in their blog, “Broken systems and relational healing.” mennoniteusa.org/broken-healing

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Delicia Bravo Aguilar and Peter Wigginton, of Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for the churches in Ecuador that have suffered the loss of many leaders and members, due to COVID-19. While they continue to lament their losses, pray for their strength and resilience, as new leaders come forward to continue the reconciling mission of Christ.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commissions as they envision new initiatives and partnerships for church planting in the coming year.

Announcements for November 28-December 5, 2021

Advent begins this Sunday, Nov 28. Worship begins with an Advent prelude at 9:15am, and Communion will be served as part of worship (with prefilled elements). Introduction to this season is available in the attachment below and on the table in the Gathering Place. Advent resources are also on the table.’

The Witness Commission Advent project will be to supply food items and in kind donations to the Bethel College Food Pantry. We will be collecting items at the table in the Gathering Space. Press here for a list of needed items for the food pantry.

You are invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season. The Worship Decorating Committee will purchase the poinsettias, and have them delivered to the church. To contribute, email the following to the office: Donor’s:name;
In memory of;
Or in honor of.
Make a payment of $10.00 (made out to BCMC and designated “Flower Fund”) place in the offering plate or bring to church office by Dec. 3. Susie Swartley will have forms at a table in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, Nov. 28, if you wish to fill out a form in person. Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 5 pm Christmas program or after the Christmas Eve, 9 pm program; or, if you can, leave them for the service on Dec. 26.

Congratulations to Pastor Renee Reimer on the publication of her article “The Story of a Modern-Day Red Tenant: Empowering Women Through Bible Reading“, which appears in the most recent edition of Vision: A Journal for Church and Theology (Institute of Mennonite Studies). Here is a link to the issue that contains Pastor Renee’s article, which in part discusses her experience with the Bethel College women’s Bible study group. (Once on the site , you can access the issue by clicking onto the rectangle at the bottom left of the page labeled 22.2).

bcmcXpress
Remember to complete the online bcmcXpress intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/) by December 3, 2021 .

Don’t Forget to Return your Gifts Discernment Survey! Sharing our Gifts

If you are in high school or older, you can:

complete the survey online (preferred), by following this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Qc8YX-STobITfc3zp-7jvBsXQq4M3MjOeqCnS4j_vKbVBg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

If you are in middle school-age or younger, you can:

complete the survey online, by following this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea_gU8AabIYFYZ1XLJfxgGtOAfwwvgcJNQEbd8umg1uDLsMg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

This week at BCMCMonday, November 29
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 30
9—11 am Community Playschool
7 pm          Abuse Prevention and Response Committee—by Zoom
Wednesday, December 1
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, December 2
4 pm           Funeral Committee Meeting—Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm     Church Board Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 5—Second Sunday of Advent
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation
4-6 pm       Creche Making in Fellowship Hall

Vote on Abuse Prevention and Response policy. Thank you to everyone who participated in the special congregational meeting to vote on the Abuse Prevention and Response Policy. All votes were counted – in-person paper ballots, mailed-in ballots, and zoom poll votes. There were 102 total votes. The policy was approved with 94 yes votes and 8 no votes. Thank you again for input and feedback received. Press here for a copy of the approved policy. Hard copies of the policy are available in the Gathering Place on the window ledge by the mailboxes.
Pastoral transition update. The board is reviewing interim candidate information received from Western District Conference, and has an interview scheduled.
A service of release and blessing is being planned for Pastor Dawn on her last Sunday, January 2, 2022.
With thanksgiving,
Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

2022 Summer staff applications are being accepted! Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement. See website for details. Information and the online application can be found here! Call or email with questions!
Other events and happenings:

Giving Tuesday is November 30. There aren’t any gimmicks this year to encourage you to give, just stories. Remember the camper who stayed after campfire to talk to counselors about faith and life struggles. Think of the awe-filling trips in inner tubes down the river at night and the campfires with the starry heavens above. Spend a moment with your own memories of Camp Mennoscah. Encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ by supporting the faith formation ministry of Camp Mennoscah here. Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111.
Christmas Gathering on Dec. 18 at 2:30pm! Join us in the Dining Hall at Camp Mennoscah for afternoon fun–bring games to play indoors or out. Camp will provide popcorn and generic pop. (Masks recommended and encouraged for inside activities.)
We are grateful for you! We continue to get calls from volunteers and receive gifts of items off the Wish List. These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah. The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits). Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.

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

Hesston College Events
– Dec. 4 7 p.m.
You are invited to a theatre and music performance that explores what coming “home for Christmas” means for a diversity of people and cultures.

Music and Theatre Present:  Home For Christmas
   Hesston Mennonite Church

   https://www.hesston.edu/academics/departments/fine-arts/music/ All performers fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will perform without masks. Audience members are required to wear masks.  No tickets are required, but a free-will offering will be accepted following the performance. Program and livestream available at  www.hesston.edu/music.– Dec. 7 7:30 p.m.

Returning to Hesston College after ten years, Canadian Brass will perform as part of the 2021-22 Sunflower Performing Arts series. This ensemble explores many genres of music and has added nearly 600 new arrangements to the brass quintet repertoire. In its 49th season, Canadian Brass is known for concerts that display virtuosity, creativity and humor.

Sunflower Performing Arts: Canadian Brass
Hesston Mennonite Church

https://www.hesston.edu/sunflower-performing-arts/canadian-brass/

Audience members will be required to wear a mask, according to current Hesston College guidelines. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158 or click sunflowerarts.org.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday, December 17 from 4-6 p.m.! MCC is thrilled to host this drive-thru event again this year. Order your charcuterie box(es) today to enjoy in the comfort of your home, spread Christmas joy and order extra to give as gifts! Suggested donation per box is $25. We’re also collecting items for MCC hygiene kits at this event. Place your order by 5 p.m. on December 9. Details and order form are on mcc.org. Questions? Please call 316.283.2720.

Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Celebrate Advent with the Mennonite Church USA annual Advent at Home worship guide, “Dare to Imagine.” This free, downloadable guide is designed for people and groups of all ages. It offers weekly Scriptures, background information, prayers, activities and rituals from the beginning of Advent to Epiphany (Nov. 28 to Jan. 6). Download the guide here: mennoniteusa.org/adventathome[Download congregational PPT slide here]

Mennonite Church USA Women in Leadership has relaunched its “Holding It(,) Together” podcast. The podcast, made by women for women, emphasizes intersectionality and community, creating a space for women to hear other people’s stories. This season’s theme is “Bodies Holding It(,) Together.” Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/hit.

Mennonite Church USA appreciates your support this Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30), as we work together to continue living into our churchwide Renewed Commitments of following Jesus, witnessing to God’s peace and helping our communities experience transformation. Explore the various ways you can support the work of the denomination here: mennoniteusa.org/give/

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Erick Josue Martinez is a student at Goshen College, who is studying to be a financial planner, so he can help people in low-income and immigrant communities. In his blog, “From my window (Desde mi ventana),” he shares how his upbringing in an impoverished immigrant community inspired him to help others. Read in English here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/from-my-window. En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/desde-mi-ventana.

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Redlining has been illegal in the United States for half a century, but its effects still have a lasting impact on Black, Latino/a, Asian, Indigenous and other people of color. Vice President of Community and Church Development for Everence Leonard Dow, in his blog, “Finding inspiration in history: Human-made solutions to human-made problems,” shares what this impact looks like in Philadelphia, as well as practical steps that people can take to enact change. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/human-made-solutions-problems

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Alfonsina and José Oyanguren have walked alongside Toba-Qom churches in the Argentine Chaco since 2004, serving through a partnership that includes the Argentina Mennonite Church, Mennonite Mission Network and congregations in Ohio. Pray for them and their children as they build relationships and promote Indigenous languages and cultures.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors, musicians, worship leaders and teachers who guide WDC congregations in celebrating the upcoming Advent and Christmas season.

Announcements for November 21-28, 2021

Congregational Meeting, Sunday, November 21st at 10:45am
Please use this Zoom Link to join the Special Congregational Meeting remotely to vote on the proposed Abuse Prevention and Response Policy. This meeting’s sole purpose is to vote on the proposed policy, there will not be a time of discussion during the meeting. We will use the poll function for zoom attenders. Paper ballots will be available for in-person attenders.

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE on the right side of the screen,which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE button. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 21, 2021
A Service of Gratitude
Prelude—Cello Concerto in D minor (Lalo)—Caleb Garber cellist, Lisa Schmidt pianist

Christ Candle Lighting—Nathan Koontz

Introit—VT #9 Come Away from Rush and Hurry – vs. 1—Chancel Choir
William Eash, director; Verlene Garber accompanist

Welcome
*Hymn— Now Thank We All Our God—VT 1
Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman
Worship Music—Do Not Fear (Fred Gramann)—Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading—Psalm 118:1-9; 22-29—Vern Preheim
Sermon—Gratitude in the Midst of Grief—Renee Reimer

*Hymn—Praise, I Will Praise You Lord—VT 131
Prayers of God’s people—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Great Is Thy Faithfulness—VT 419
Benediction—Renee Reimer

Benediction Response—VT #839 Go Ye Now in Peace— Congregation join the choir on the second singing of the verse

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual—Ken Lamp
Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

The Koinonia Sunday School class is looking for breakfast goodies for the next 5 Sundays. Please contact Pastor Renee if you’d like to bring something on one of those Sundays.

Pastor Renee is collecting empty shoe boxes (or similar size boxes) for a church Advent project. If you have any you’d be willing to donate, please leave them on the back pew of the sanctuary (by the nursery).

This week at BCMC

Monday, November 22
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
10 am          Library Committee Meeting in Room 14
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 23
9—11 am Community Playschool
Wednesday, November 24—No choir practices tonight or Youth Group
Thursday, November 25—Thanksgiving Day—Church closed—
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 26—Office Closed; Church Locked
Sunday, November 28—First Sunday of Advent
For an Intro to Advent (Advent devotional-“Dare to Imagine”) – Press here
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation

bcmcXpress
Our congregation’s stewardship process, known as the bcmcXpress, provides us with opportunity to reflect on our commitment to seeking God’s treasure together through the sharing of our financial resources. It also provides us with a concrete way to Xpress BCMC’s values, priorities, and commitments:  to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

In that spirit, you are invited to participate in the ministry at BCMC by discerning a financial commitment for 2022.  To indicate the contributions you plan to make to the general budget and Living Stones in 2022, please complete the online intent form (https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2022-intent-to-give/)  by December 3, 2021 . If you plan to give via the electronic transfer system in 2022, please make a request via email to Mike Claassen (treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org). This is separate from the online giving option found on the website.

Information from the intent forms will be combined to determine total commitments for 2022. Based on the intents received, the Church Board will recommend a final budget for approval at the congregational meeting in January 2022.

Press here for the entire letter sent to the congregation:  Congregational Letter

Press here for the 2022 BCMC Budget: Budget Narrative

Don’t Forget to Return your Gifts Discernment Survey!
Sharing our Gifts
As a way of gathering up our gifts, skills, and talents for this kin-dom work, BCMCs Gifts Discernment Committee (GDC) invites you, whatever your age, to consider the gifts you would like to share with the congregation (and beyond) by completing BCMC’s Sharing Our Gifts Survey by November 28, 2021.

If you are in high school or older, you can:

complete the survey online (preferred), by following this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Qc8YX-STobITfc3zp-7jvBsXQq4M3MjOeqCnS4j_vKbVBg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

If you are in middle school-age or younger, you can:

complete the survey online, by following this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea_gU8AabIYFYZ1XLJfxgGtOAfwwvgcJNQEbd8umg1uDLsMg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
or fill out a paper copy and deposit it in the return box (both can be found on a table in the Gathering Space).

Thank you for sharing the gift of who you are
as we follow Jesus
in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

The Gifts Discernment Committee: Dale Schrag (chair), Norma Johnson, Elaine Prouty, Frank Stucky, Dawn Yoder Harms (staff liaison)

Staff Schedules: Pastor Nathan Koontz will be gone from Nov. 23-28. Pastor Renee Reimer will be gone from Nov. 24-27.

Prayer Network is an email ministry of the Deacon Commission to provide prayer support when requested. To be added to the list, contact: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch or call Monica at 316-283-3667. Thank you to the people who already are on the prayer network.

Budget update: October was a major shot in the arm to the church’s fiscal health. At the end of September, we had an expense over income deficit of $32,895. At the end of October, that deficit had been cut to $18,593. Thank you for coming through to make such amazing progress, but we aren’t done. We have two months to go to complete the recovery. Also remember that if you have to make a required minimum distribution (RMD) before the end of the year, you can direct it to the church, which is a charitable organization for income tax purposes.

Living Stones II update: The fellowship hall/kitchen renovations are complete and paid for! Please continue to contribute to Living Stones as you are able to begin preparing for other upgrades or renovations that may become necessary.

We offer sympathy to Willis Harder and family on the death of Willis’ brother, Donald C. Harder, Nov. 9, Wheat State Manor, Whitewater.

Helen Bargen’s 90th birthday is on November 26! Her family invites you to participate in a card shower to help her celebrate. You can send cards to:
Helen Bargen
3054 Ivy Ct. Rm 32-S
North Newton, KS 67117

New Hope Shelter
As the end of 2021 approaches, we want to say THANK YOU for your partnership throughout the year. As of 9/30, New Hope Shelter had already served more than 200 men, women and children this year. The loving support of our church volunteers and supporters enables us to serve those in crisis for short windows of time as they find stability and start anew. A recent quote from a former resident who is employed full-time in a steady job since New Hope: “Through the small group opportunities that were offered, the many one on one encounters with staff and volunteers, I experienced the love of God in new and powerful ways. The holidays could have been very sad and depressing. Instead, they were some of the most meaningful times I have experienced in recent years.” We invite your continued prayers and support as we continue to serve, love and equip in the months ahead.
–New Hope Shelter, 900 W. Broadway, Building 7, Newton. 316-283-7711

Bethel College Events

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas on Saturday, December 4 at Goerz House on Bethel College campus. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, craft items, and poinsettias. Christmas candy, zwieback, peppernuts, poppyseed rolls and cinnamon rolls are always great sellers. Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 3 from 1:30-4:30pm or Saturday, December 4 from 7:00-9:00am.
Thank you for your support of Bethel College!

Mon., Nov. 22 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble Winter Concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Sat., Dec. 4 – Five Places of Christmas, the annual holiday open house, includes Kauffman Museum and Goerz House on the Bethel College campus, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No charge for admission. The Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) is the host at Goerz House, where there will be baked goods and other items for sale. Please plan to wear a face covering indoors and follow all COVID-19 protocols requested by the venue. (Other locations: Warkentin House, Harvey County Historical Museum and Carriage Factory Gallery, all in Newton.)

Hesston College Event

– Dec. 4 7 p.m. You are invited to a theatre and music performance that explores what coming “home for Christmas” means for a diversity of people and cultures. Music and Theatre Present:  Home For Christmas
   Hesston Mennonite Church
https://www.hesston.edu/academics/departments/fine-arts/music/ All performers fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will perform without masks. Audience members are required to wear masks.  No tickets are required, but a free-will offering will be accepted following the performance. Program and livestream available at  www.hesston.edu/music.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Giving Tuesday is November 30. There aren’t any gimmicks this year to encourage you to give, just stories. Remember the camper who stayed after campfire to talk to counselors about faith and life struggles. Think of the awe-filling trips in inner tubes down the river at night and the campfires with the starry heavens above. Spend a moment with your own memories of Camp Mennoscah. Encourage everyone to follow Jesus Christ by supporting the faith formation ministry of Camp Mennoscah here. Checks can be sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111.

Other events and happenings:
Summer staff applications open! Applicants should be 18 years old or older and in agreement with the Camp Mennoscah mission statement. Information and the online application can be found here! Call or email with questions!
Christmas Gathering on Dec. 18 at 2:30pm! Join us in the Dining Hall at Camp Mennoscah for afternoon fun–bring games to play indoors or out. Camp will provide popcorn and generic pop. (Masks recommended and encouraged for inside activities.)
We are grateful for you! We continue to get calls from volunteers and receive gifts of items off the Wish List. These items and projects help with the faith formation that happens at Camp Mennoscah. The list has more wishes and there are more projects to do. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. See the Wish List for other ways to support Camp Mennoscah!
Camp Mennoscah has openings for a part-time custodial/housekeeping position (10 hours) and a part-time office/administrative position (30 hours with benefits). Some of the office/administrative tasks can be done from home. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.
Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required. This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff. Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite World Conference Courier press here
For Mennonite Mission Network Giving Tuesday press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Are you looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for friends or family? Give a gift of peace and inspiration with the “Pause: Play, Breathe, Pray” card deck! Developed by Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation leaders, each card has a different image on one side and a prayerful pause on the other. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/pause-play-breathe-pray

Calling all pastors and faith formation leaders! Registration is now open for Pastors & Leaders | Deep Faith 2022, a joint conference of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) and Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation. Join us Feb. 21-24, 2022, either virtually or in person on the AMBS campus in Elkhart, Indiana, to explore the theme, “Formed in the Wilderness, Leading in Hope.” Learn more here: ambs.edu/pastorsandleaders.

Menno Snapshots
Ruth Goring, Mennonite author of children’s books, wrote about how her faith community nurtured her writing and art for children. Read her blog, “Picture books for the kin-dom of God,” here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/kin-dom-of-god.

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
In his blog, “Seeing poverty up close around the world,” Stanley Green, executive conference minister of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, recounts his experiences with poverty in Cambodia, South Africa and Argentina, where he saw people impoverished due to low wages, lack of education, gentrification and systemic oppression. Read about his experiences here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/seeing-poverty-up-close

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
In his blog, “Poverty and climate injustice,” Doug Kaufman of the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions explains how climate injustice affects people experiencing poverty and communities of color disproportionately, which causes further economic and ecological problems. Read how churches can help people in these vulnerable communities here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/poverty-climate-injustice

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Liz Breckbill and Erin McWilliams are participants in Mennonite Mission Network’s Alamosa, Colorado, Mennonite Voluntary Service unit. Pray for them as they extend the ministry of the Anabaptist Fellowship of Alamosa, through educating local youth on environmental issues in their community and contributing to environmental restoration.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for God’s faithfulness, goodness and generosity, and the many ways that WDC congregations share these gifts so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Announcements for November 14-21, 2021

This week at BCMCMonday, November 15
8—10 am    Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm      Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 16
9—11 am Community Playschool
Wednesday, November 17
8—10 am   Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm     Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
6:45 pm     Menno Singers—Fellowship Hall
7 pm           Youth Group
7:30 pm     Chancel Choir—Sanctuary
Thursday, November 18
9-11 am     Community Playschool
2 pm           Hospitality Commission in Fellowship Hall
4 pm           Staff Congregation Relations Committee—Rm 14
6:30 pm     Chancel Bells—Room B7
7 pm           Bethel College Women’s Association in Fellowship Hall
Friday, November 19
8—10 am  Bethel College Classes in the Sanctuary
2—3 pm    Bethel College Class in the Sanctuary
Sunday, November 21
9:30 am     Worship Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am   Faith Formation

Pastor’s Renee and Nathan will be attending their last Transition into Leadership (a 2 year program through AMBS) weekend November 12-14.

BCMC COMMUNITY NEWS

Helen Bargen’s 90th birthday is on November 26! Her family invites you to participate in a card shower to help her celebrate. You can send cards to:
Helen Bargen
3054 Ivy Ct. Rm 32-S
North Newton, KS 67117

Norma Johnson’s brother, Tim Johnson of Denver, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, November 10 at age 63 from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Please keep Tim’s spouse, Stacie McMullen, and all of the Johnson family in your prayers as they mourn his death and celebrate his life.

On Sunday, November 21^st at 10:45am the congregation will hold a special hybrid congregational meeting to vote on the proposed Abuse Prevention and Response policy. This meeting’s sole purpose is to vote on the proposed policy, there will not be a time of discussion during this meeting. If you do have questions regarding this new proposed policy or want to better understand the rationale of how we used your feedback, please send your questions to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org by November 18^th. An APRC member will do their best to answer any questions directly before the November 21^st meeting. Paper ballots will be available for in-person attenders and zoom attenders will be able to vote via the zoom poll option. Please let Monica, in the church office, know if you would like a paper ballot to mail in prior to the meeting. The mail in ballots will need to be returned to the church office by November 18^th in order to be included in the vote count.

“Thinking of You”
The Deacons Commission is working on a “Thinking of You” campaign for people who are isolated due to COVID and other health concerns. For the next few Sundays, we will have a table at the back of the sanctuary with pages for your comments to members of our church whom we haven’t been able to see for a while. Please stop by and write a short greeting or sign your name to let them know we are thinking about them. For those of you who are unable to attend worship but can stop by the church during the week, these letters will be in the library during the week for anyone to write a note before we send them out. Thank you! -–Deacon Commission

Our speaker for Peace Sunday was Mel Lehman, who works with Common Humanity. He talked about the Middle East and peace efforts there. One of the things he mentioned was exchanging Christmas cards. We have that opportunity.
We will be sending cards to Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, Israel. Small or medium sized cards are recommended. Sign and then print you name. First name only or first and last initial are also fine. You may print a short message if you wish. There will be cards on a table in the gathering place for you to sign, if you wish. Address the card to “A friend in Bethlehem”.
All cards must be back in the church office by Sunday, November 14. Cards for us should be returned by Christmas.
Thank you. Witness Commission

LOCAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES and NEWS

Meat Canning Days Are Coming
Mennonite Central Committee works to meet hunger, sanitation and education needs around the world. One of the ways local people can help is at our yearly meat canning event. This year it will be November 16 and 17 for Newton area churches at the MCC mid states building in North Newton. Please use the attached link to sign up to help. Financial donations are also needed. If you have questions, talk to your church’s MCC contact person (Lowell Stucky) or call the MCC office ((316) 283-2720). Thanks.
https://tinyurl.com/MeatCanning2021

BETHEL COLLEGE NEWS

All bakers and craft makers are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas on Saturday, December 4, at Goerz House on Bethel College campus.
Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods , craft items, and poinsettias. Christmas candy, zwieback, peppernuts, poppyseed rolls and cinnamon rolls are always great sellers.
Please bring your items to Goerz House on Friday, December 3, from 1:30-4:30pm or Saturday, December 4 from 7:00-9:00am.
Thank you for your support of Bethel College!

Life Enrichment at Bethel College has been canceled for spring 2022, due to ongoing health and safety concerns. Organizers hope to resume Life Enrichment in fall 2022.

TODAY (Sun., Nov. 14) – KIPCOR Film Series: A Home Called Nebraska, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Emily Haverkamp, an immigration and asylum lawyer from Wichita, will lead the discussion following the screening. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Last week to view “Voices Together,” a display of the original artwork featured in the new Voices Together hymnal, through Fri., Nov. 19,in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Mon., Nov. 22 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble Winter Concert, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Bethel’s current COVID-19 protocols require physical distancing and mask-wearing indoors with groups of 10 or more.

Kauffman Museum at Bethel College seeks a visitor services coordinator: an organized, detail-oriented, social media-savvy, curious, friendly individual to work 75-100% FTE with visitors, school groups, volunteers and student staffers, and to do scheduling and internal office management. The VSC will be a part of a multitasking team of five. For the job description and to apply, visit http://www.kauffmanmuseum.org/vsc. For more information, contact Andi Andres at asa@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

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

Conference Minister Heidi Regier Kreider plans to be out of the office November 15 – December 31, 2021, for a sabbatical leave approved by the WDC Executive Board. In Heidi’s absence, ministry responsibilities will be covered by other WDC staff and board, commission or committee leaders. Further details will be communicated directly to pastors, congregations and leadership groups. For more information, contact WDC at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300.

Shalom Mennonite Church (800 East 1st Street, Newton Kansas), will host a presentation and discussion with Leonard & Antoinette Kiswangi from the Congo DRC along with Charles Buller of AIMM on Friday, November 19th at 7:00 pm. Fresh from their recent retreat with the Africa Leadership Coaching Network along the banks of the Kwilu River, they seek to re-imagine leadership among Anabaptist communities in Africa. Also planning to join us by zoom will be Bruce Yoder, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission’s new co-director who will share an update on AIMM’s recent gathering of its international partners in Kikwit, Congo. Questions about this event can be directed to Charles Buller at 574.238.9659 or Shalom Mennonite Church at 316.283.7395

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

The Rocky Mountain November 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”.

Jr. High (Jan. 21-23) & Sr. High (Feb. 18-20) Snow Camps are back for 2022! – The time has come to enjoy the beauty and chill and of RMMC in the winter once again. Come play in the snow and on the ice and then be ready to come inside for good food, fellowship and worship together. For Jr. High, Sarah Neher will be sharing on the theme “Filling Your Toolbox” of spiritual practices. Guidelines similar to the summer camping programs (i.e. upload negative COVID test within 3 days and vaccination card if had, along with inside mask wearing and optional outside mask wearing) will be in place for safety in gathering together. Visit the camp web page (www.rmmc.org) for additional details and to sign-up that you’re headed to the Colorado Rockies to start the new year!

Hesston College AnnouncementsHesston College Masterworks: Bach, Brixi, Mozart and Handel – Nov. 13,
7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite ChurchJoin us for an evening featuring Baroque and Classical masterpieces! Bach’s cantata “Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seine,” BWV 148; Brixi’s “Organ Concerto in F,” featuring Kenneth Rodgers, organ; Mozart’s “Exsultate, Jubilate,” K165 featuring Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, soprano; and Handel’s “Hallelujah, Amen” from “Judas Maccabaeus.” Musicians include Bel Canto Singers, area artists, and professional orchestra. Program and livestream at www.hesston.edu/music
Hesston College Keyboard Festival – Nov. 20;
Finals recital at 3 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite ChurchArea piano and organ students are invited for a day filled with competition rounds and workshops. Categories open for Elementary, Junior, and Senior divisions. Schedule and registration information at www.hesston.edu/keyboardfest The finals recital is open to the public in person or at www.hesston.edu/livestream

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Open enrollment for The Corinthian Plan continues through Dec. 31. All Mennonite Church USA-affiliated congregations can enroll their eligible staff for coverage. For more information, please visit mennoniteusa.org

Three pastors from across the denomination share their experiences with intergenerational worship in this recent Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation roundtable discussion. Watch the recorded webinar here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ff-intergenerational

As part of the Mennonite Church USA and MennoMedia’s Common Read initiative, Sara Wenger-Shenk discussed her book “Tongue-Tied,” in which she investigates the reasons why people who claim the name of Christ are so reluctant to talk about him. Watch and share the webinar recording here: mennoniteusa.org/commonread-webinar

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Lane Miller laments the systems that benefit some and leave others in poverty in his prayer, “The cost of poverty,” which is part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join” initiative. Join him in praying that we can achieve a different way of seeing and being, so that poverty can be vanquished. www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-cost-of-poverty/

Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty
Poverty is present in our communities, even when it’s hidden. In their blog, “Poverty in Harvey County, Kansas,” Hesston College’s Del and Michele Hershberger share how under-employment, natural disasters and depopulation have caused people in their community to struggle silently with poverty, often leaving those around them oblivious to their financial difficulties. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/poverty-harvey-county.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Severe funding cuts are hampering the functions of Kalonda Bible Institute, where many Mennonite church leaders are trained in Congo. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the professors and their families, who have lost their incomes, and for Bercy Mundedi, the director, who has an ardent desire to see the next generation of church leaders prepared for God’s work.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC’s online book discussion this Thursday, focusing on The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, and pray for wisdom as we reckon with the legacy that continues to have devastating effects on Indigenous Peoples around the globe.