Category Archives: Announcements

November 13-20, 2020

We invite prayers for Willis Harder and family on the death of his wife, Dorothy, November 4. A private memorial service and inurnment were held November 14, 2020.

We offer our sympathy to Mary Gaeddert and her family on the death of her husband, John Gaeddert. John died Thursday, Nov 12, at Kidron Bethel Village. Following is what the family of John writes: “John W. Gaeddert, age 96, passed away on November 12 with his family around him. The family deeply regrets that, due to the pandemic, they will not be able to celebrate John’s life with the people of the congregations he so loved. A private memorial and burial service is being planned.”

Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your bcmcXpress annual intent form! If you haven’t yet completed it, you can do so electronically by clicking this link https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2021-intent-to-give/. If you prefer to fill out a paper copy, please call the church office, and we’ll make sure you get one. Please submit your intent form–electronic or paper–by Nov 22. — Finance Committee (Al Peters. Judy Friesen, Paul Harder, Gwen Neufeld, LaVern Stucky; Mike Claassen, Finance Manager).

To view Marvin Holck’s memorial service held November 6, at Dyck Arboretum, click on this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zPpjSI_wY1cew52P6cDiiY-EW9Sx6qv7/view?usp=sharing

BCMC’s week to provide volunteers and meals to New Hope shelter is coming up Nov. 18-24. We need some evening volunteers, overnight volunteers, and meals. New Hope takes every Covid precaution, but I understand that that does not give 100% assurance. If you have interest in helping, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.

According to the latest numbers, we still need $666.12 to cover the elevator repair. Based on the estimate from Regier Construction, we need $35,081.03 to cover the kitchen/fellowship hall renovation.
Contributions from January 1 through October 31 were $367,730 and expenses were $385,667, leaving a shortfall of $17,937. ~ Mike Claassen, BCMC Finance Manager
BCMC Offering for November 8-15: General Fund $10,615.33; MCC Meat Canning $125; Living Stones $505; Transfer-Sunday School $25; Elevator Repair $500.

The Hesston College Nursing program is partnering with Slate Creek Elementary, and looking for reusable mask donations from local businesses and organizations. There are 200 students total who need pediatric sized masks. The goal Hesston College Nursing has for the school is to promote mask hygiene, and the students will need another mask while they wait for theirs to dry after washing. We understand that 200 masks is quite the undertaking, so any number of masks that you would be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate some child-sized masks, you can bring them to the BCMC office and the office will see to it that these masks are delivered to the Hesston College Nursing Program. — Noah Miller, Hesston College Nursing Program

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Nov. 16
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com. *Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities Inc., Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee. Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s Colorado Springs Service Adventure unit helps extend the ministry of Beth-El Mennonite Church through building relationships in the community. Pray for Elyse Burton as she helps families who are homeless and for Makenzie Shelman as she works with people with disabilities. Pray also for unit leader Cindy Headings.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC staff in their daily work of sustaining transformational leaders, resourcing missional congregations, and encouraging church planting partnerships in our conference.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· Associate Conference Minister transition: WDC announces that Sandra Montes Martinez has accepted a call to serve as WDC Associate Conference Minister based in Texas. She will begin in this role half-time on December 1, 2020 and move to full time on February 1, 2021. Sandra’s appointment follows consideration of multiple candidates by a Search Advisory Committee composed of representatives from the WDC Executive Board, Ministerial Leadership Commission, Church Planting Commission and Staff Relations Committee. Sandra brings a wide range of church and ministry-related experience, passion for missional church leadership in an Anabaptist/Mennonite context, bilingual and cross-cultural competency, pastoral and organizational skills, and strong relationships within Western District Conference and Mennonite Church USA. She has attended Seminario Anabautista Menonita in Caracas, Venezuela; Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, California; and Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) and Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), programs of Mennonite Education Agency.  Sandra has formerly been serving as a credentialed pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Menonita Monte Horeb in Dallas, TX; Administrative Assistant for WDC in Texas; and Executive Director for Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH), a constituency group of Mennonite Church USA. She plans to continue giving leadership to Academia Liderazgo Misional Anabautista (ALMA), a missional leadership initiative of IMH. WDC is excited to welcome Sandra to this new role of Associate Conference Minister in WDC! A formal installation for Sandra will be planned at a later date. Lee Lever will conclude his role as WDC’s Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas on November 30, 2020.
· Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS 67117. Thank you for your generosity!
· On November 22 at 4 pm, Rainbow Mennonite Church of Kansas City, KS, will host an ordination service in honor of Roseann Penner Kaufman, Minister of Music and Worship.
· Due to Covid-19 concerns, the WDC office and Resource Library are closed until further notice. All staff members are working from their homes. The best way to contact a staff member is by email, or messages can be left at 316-283-6300. Phone messages will be checked as possible.
· Staff email addresses:
· Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister, heidirk@mennowdc.org
· Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister Kansas-Based, kathynd@mennowdc.org
· Lee Lever, Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas (through Nov 30), leelever@mennowdc.org
· Sandra Montes-Martinez, Administrative Assistant (Texas) (through Nov 30, transitioning to Associate Conference Minister Texas-Based beginning Dec 1), sandram@mennowdc.org
· Beth Yoder, Business Manager, busmgr@mennowdc.org
· Jennie Wintermote, Library Director, crlib@mennowdc.org
· Nancy Funk, Administrative Assistant, wdc@mennowdc.org

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground! Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent. It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home.
· Baked goods sign up: A call-out for local bakers to support Bethel College. For years Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) has been a location for 5 Places of Christmas selling crafts and baked goods. BCWA is asking for support in making baked items for the event which is December 5. Please follow the link below for sign-up options. Thanks for your continued support of Bethel College! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABAF2EA4FDCF8-baked
· Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

KIPCOR’s ONLINE 2020-2021 Film Series
The November film is Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a multiple-award winning documentary that focuses on the deadly 1995 Chicago heat wave to illustrate how minorities and low-income citizens suffer the most negative impact from natural disasters. The film is an indictment of our nation’s disaster preparedness, and forges a link between extreme weather, extreme disparity, and extreme racism.
Note that watching the film and participating in the Talk-back are two distinct, separate events.
YOU MUST VIEW THIS FILM BETWEEN NOV. 8 AND NOV. 14 using this link and password:
Click here to view film: https://vimeopro.com/bullfrogfilms/kipcor-cooked
Password: KC30p0
Then on Sunday, November 15 at 2 pm, KIPCOR will host a virtual discussion of the film on Zoom with Christy Miller Hesed, a Hesston resident and Postdoctoral Associate in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Maryland. Go to KIPCOR’s website at http://kipcor.org to register for the November 15 Talk-back discussion, and
we will send you the Zoom link on November 13. Advance registration is required.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Mennonite Church USA offers these resources for election time: A statement on what it means to be a peacemaker at such a time: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/bold-peacemaking/. And the latest article on how different congregations across the country are preparing for potential violence in their cities: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/congregations-prepare-for-bold-peacemaking/
· Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1. Your contribution to Mission Network will help us Be the Gospel through our valued partnerships, ministries, and resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Donate to give on or before December 1.
· Looking for a non-traditional pastoral role? Become a unit leader in Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17–20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the household. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.

A memorable, meaningful and unique MCC gift to give this Christmas! Grab a piece of MCC history to use in a modern day Mennonite feeding station – your home! Get one for yourself and order more for family and friends. Hang it on the wall in your kitchen or dining room, display it on a shelf or use it as a serving tray! Remember the kitchen at your church, too. Each tray was uniquely handcrafted by an artisan in Siberia using Siberian hardwood. The tray is 16” in diameter and 2” deep. Suggested donation per tray is $150. Full details and pictures are available at https://mcc.org/feeding-station-tray.

Announcements for November 6-13, 2020

We invite prayers for Joyce Holck and family on the death of her husband, Marvin Holck, November 1, 2020. The memorial service was Friday, November 6 at Dyck Arboretum, Hesston, KS.

We invite prayers for Willis Harder and family on the death of his wife, Dorothy, November 4. A private memorial service and inurnment are tentatively scheduled for next weekend.

From the Finance Committee:
The annual BCMC pledge drive is now called the bcmcXpress! Multiple factors were involved in the name change, including that this is more in tune with our common purpose statement: “Our faith in a God of love leads us by the power of the spirit to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God.” We know that to some extent the Pony Express played a part in the decimation of the Native American population in our country. So, it was time for a change!
There will be no door to door handing out of the envelope as in the past. Those of you that have email contact from the church will receive an email with a “Giving Intent Form” that is fairly simple to fill out. If you do not receive email from the church, the information should come to you via regular mail.
November 8 is Stewardship Sunday. The theme this year is “Where your treasure is, there is your heart” – taken from Matthew 6:19 to 21.
In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a connection between our treasure and our hearts: Not only do the possessions, money and property we accumulate tell the story of what we value; Jesus seems to suggest that the treasure we possess has the power to shape our values, priorities and lives.
Our congregation’s upcoming bcmcXpress process provides us with opportunity to reflect again on the role of money and wealth in our lives. How might generosity—our willingness to share what we have with our congregation and beyond—help free us from the power that treasure holds over our lives?

Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning time is upon us. BCMC’s days to work are November 10, 11, and 12 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). John Hillegass (MCC, Akron, PA) and Jason Unruh (MCC, North Newton) are working to make this season’s canning experience as safe as possible. Masks will be required, temperatures scanned and extra precautions taken with snacks. The workload is being reduced to four batches per day instead of six or seven and we should be finishing by late afternoon. Starting time is 7 am. If you don’t feel comfortable working, one can send a check to BCMC and write “MCC Meat Canning” on the memo line. As Maynard Knepp says: “The need is great.” Thanks, Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meat Canning Representative, 316-283-9677 (please leave message.)

BCMC Offering for October 25—November 1: General Fund $4,742; MCC Meat Canning $225; Transfer-General $100; Office Expense $50; Living Stones $155; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $1,000; Elevator Repair $1,050.

The Hesston College Nursing program is partnering with Slate Creek Elementary, and looking for reusable mask donations from local businesses and organizations. There are 200 students total who need pediatric sized masks. The goal Hesston College Nursing has for the school is to promote mask hygiene, and the students will need another mask while they wait for theirs to dry after washing. We understand that 200 masks is quite the undertaking, so any number of masks that you would be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate some child-sized masks, you can bring them to the BCMC office and the office will see to it that these masks are delivered to the Hesston College Nursing Program. — Noah Miller, Hesston College Nursing Program

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Nov. 16
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.
*Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities Inc., Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee. Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Janie and Neal Blough have retired in France after 45 years of ministry there through Mennonite Mission Network. Pray for them as they continue to serve by teaching and providing worship resources to congregations throughout Europe and beyond.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC pastor peer groups as they meet virtually or in person to offer support and encouragement to one another in their ministry.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS 67117. Thank you for your generosity!
· Did you miss the WDC webinar “Connect: Faith Formation in Challenging Times”? You can watch a recording of the web and/or read through a list of the faith formation in the digital age resources that were referred to during the webinar at: https://mennowdc.org/christian-nurture/.

Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

Announcements for October 30-November 6, 2020

As of Oct 26, Pastor Dawn is back from sabbatical and fully engaged. You can expect to hear more about her experiences in the coming weeks! Her day off continues to be Monday.

Fall Back: Remember Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 1. Set your clocks back one hour.

We invite prayers for Marvin and Joyce Holck and their family during these last days of Marvin’s life. Marvin is receiving hospice care at Newton Medical Center.

Next week, Monica Lichti will be in the office in the mornings (8 am to 12 pm) and out of the office in the afternoons. She is taking some vacation time by being out of the office in the afternoons.

Call for Poetry
Florence Schloneger shared some of her wonderful and evocative poetry Sunday, October 25, during her reflection time. I am sure there are more poets out there from Bethel College Mennonite Church. It is a very good COVID activity! Please send me your poems to share with the congregation. Here is a seasonal one I just wrote.

Jack-O-Lantern
A four-sided jack-o-lantern
carved at church by my son,
he says they are
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

This is what these saints have become.
Triangle eyes and nose
lit up by one lonely candle
flickering in the wind at night.

How beautiful, how troubling
all our little traditions,
these strange points of contact
so fragile.

Any day you could walk away
saying it’s all so stupid,
but where else would you really go?
Others’ traditions, others’ folklore?

I say search
and still sink the knife
into the ripe orange flesh.
Carve out your piece of the gospel.

Let that little light shine,
Let that little light seek.
–Nathan Koontz

Corrections for the 2020 Directory:
–Fitzsimons, Tommy** & Kasper, Rachel entry on page 19: Address should be 211 Frank Ave.
–Mitchell, Nina** & Friesen, Mark entry on page 31: Add telephone number of 785-766-6356—address is 807 Illinois Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
–Perez, Martin** & Unrau, Paula entry on page 34: Address should be 385 Frio Rd, Bandera, TX 78003-4361
–Schmidt, Kimberly** & Linscheid, Joel entry on page 38: Address should be 2 Arcadia St., #1, Roxbury, MA 02119
–Stanley Scott** & Banman, Nancy* Entry on page 39: Address should be 419 SW 6th St., Newton, KS, 67114
–Stucky, Nathan on page 42: Should be Stucky, Nathan P.

BCMC Offering for October 18-25: General Fund $3,014; Office Expense $1.40; Living Stones $210; Elevator Repair $50.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Tuesday is election day in the United States. Join Mennonite Mission Network in prayer for the vote to take place without violence and that leaders will be elected who will lead the country in ways of justice and peace.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s strength for chaplains and others in WDC caring for those facing pain, illness and death in the midst of the pandemic.

Western District Conference Announcement:
For WDC congregations using Corinthian Plan health insurance: The Corinthian Plan open enrollment begins November 1st through December 31st, 2020. For more information contact Duncan Smith at duncans@mennoniteusa.org or go to the Corinthian Plan website at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ministry/the-corinthian-plan/. Also, for Corinthian Plan participants a reminder that there is a Premium Assistance fund for congregations suffering the financial impact of COVID-19. To learn more, contact Duncan or go to the website and look for the COVID resources in the grey box.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Gardell Stucky, dedicated Facilities Director for the past 7 and a half years at Camp Mennoscah, is retiring as of October 30, 2020. You are invited to celebrate his time at Camp Mennoscah with a card or email: gardell.stucky@campmennoscah.org or PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. Belated greetings will be forwarded to Gardell, so send without fear! Camp Mennoscah’s Board of Directors and staff thank Gardell for the many hours of work and the gracious kindness shared with everyone. Happy adventures, Gardell!
· With great hope, Camp Mennoscah is planning for the 2021 Summer Youth Camps. Safety precautions due to the pandemic may require adjustments, but recruiting for summer staff will happen in the coming months. Put on your best camp outfit and get ready for fun! (Applications are not yet available. We’re just making sure you’re excited.)
· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground! Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent. It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

KIPCOR’s 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series. KIPCOR will be live-streaming “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.” with speaker Sarah Smarsh, Thursday, November 5, 7 pm. Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm. Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central. Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides. She was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric. The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes. This event is a fundraiser. Registration (to be included in the November 4 emailing of the Zoom link), and a donation button if you want to help offset the cost of the event, are available at the website, www.KIPCOR.org.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman and her husband, John, realized that when they stepped out of the way, God began a good work – right in their own backyard. Read their blog, “Hosting Hipcampers: Is this missional? Or spiritual?” at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/hipcampers.
· A new video series from Mennonite Church USA showcases the stories of Mennonites who are advocating for immigration justice and demonstrating radical hospitality. Visit the Learn, Pray, Join web page for these and other resources: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/immigration/.
· Safwat Marzouk, associate professor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, urges us to consider how the demographic changes in North America are providing an opportunity to recover a biblical vision of the church. Read his blog, “A church that embodies immigration justice and radical hospitality” at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/church-embodies-immigration-justice-radical-hospitality/
· Giving Tuesday 2020 is Dec. 1. Live out your call to participate in and support the work of God. Visit MennoniteMission.net/GivingTuesday.

MEDA Convention 2020: Towards an equal world Join MEDA for 2 days of inspiration, information and networking online November 6-7, 2020. MEDA Convention is an intersection of faith and business where you can explore what it means to be faithful in daily work and learn about MEDA’s business solutions to poverty. Go to www.medaconvention.org for more information.

The Tabor Church Mennonite Men would like to invite everyone to the annual chicken barbeque on Nov. 5 from 5-7 pm or until the food runs out. This year it will be a to-go pick up meal. The menu is bbq chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner roll and ice cream and the food will taste great as usual. From the south end of the east parking lot please drive around the south side of the church under the overhang to place your donation and pick up your meal(s). The funds raised will go to Mennonite Central Committee and Bethesda Home in Goessel. The church is located 8 miles north of Newton to 90th then 1 mile east or 3 miles south and 1 east of Goessel.

In preparation for the upcoming election, Mennonite Church USA staff has released the following statement on peacemaking:
Mennonite Church USA calls for bold peacemaking during the election

By Mennonite Church USA staff
Peacemakers are most needed during times of uncertainty, fear and polarization.
The United States has been dealing with all three in 2020, exacerbated by a pandemic and the urgency surrounding the presidential election.
No one knows what will happen on or after Election Day. The heightened emotions and mistrust across the political spectrum make widespread violence seem more possible than in years past.
As followers of Jesus, what do we do in a time such as this?
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Our nation, states, cities and churches need peacemakers more than ever in the weeks and months ahead. Peacemakers do not hide safely behind the status quo, ignoring the rise of violence, while thanking God for personal safety. Peacemakers show up boldly with love and deepen relationships with those who are most vulnerable to bodily and systemic violence. Peacemakers consider the complexity of violence — that structural systems of oppression are already operating in violent ways. Peacemakers look at the roots of violence and join the work to seek transformative justice for all.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Peacemaking is what Jesus demonstrated through his life, death and resurrection. It is what Mennonites have claimed for centuries and often struggled to embody. Now is a time to be bold in our peacemaking. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) We have a community of believers around us and the steadfast teachings of Jesus to guide us through these times.
During this time of uncertainty:
We call on government and public safety officials to fulfill their obligation to offer equal protection and access to the voting process for all registered voters.
We pray that all candidates and citizens honor the outcome of the election(s) and reject any violent reactions that bring harm to others if there are disputed results.
We pray for a Spirit of Peace to hover over our nation, bringing a sense of deep spiritual strength and groundedness during this fragile moment.
We pray that our churches act as agents of healing through nonviolent witness and tangible acts of love and service – even to our enemies — living into our call as people of God’s peace.

MC USA Executive Director Glen Guyton also will be sharing a message on peacemaking during his upcoming Facebook Live event on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. MT / 9:30 a.m. PT. View it here: https://www.facebook.com/MennoniteChurchUSA

Announcements for October 23-30, 2020

Pastor Renee and Pastor Nathan will be out of town attending a workshop from October 23 through 25. If pastoral care needs arise during this time, please contact Rosalind Andreas at kenda4302@aol.com or 316-804.4218 or Carolyn Penner at clpenner@bluestemmail.org or 316-804-4535.

We offer sympathy to Jerry and Carol Buller and their family on the death of their brother-in-law, Gene Hawkey of Schowalter Villa, Hesston. Gene died October 19. Gene’s wife was Jerry’s sister, Doris (Buller) Hawkey. She preceded Gene in death. The memorial service was Friday, October 23 at Trinity Heights Methodist Church, Newton.

We offer sympathy to the family of Mary Lou Goertzen. Mary Lou died Monday, October 19. She was 91 years old and still living in The Blue School House in Deadwood, Oregon. She was no longer a member of BCMC, but she grew up on the campus and at BCMC. Her parents were Willis Rich and Hulda Penner Rich. Many people here knew her, especially because of the china she designed and her other art work. She married Ernie Goertzen, who was also an artist. She was a cousin of Dwight Platt and Zona Galle and also Lenore Waltner. ~ Zona Galle

The BCMC 2020 Directory is in your mailboxes at the church. The south automatic (glass) doors and the northwest door (the door closest to the office) are open at the church every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The office can mail (and would be happy to mail) you the directory but it does cost $1.40 to mail each directory. If you wish to have your directory mailed to you, please email or call the office. Maybe you are coming to the church to pick up your directory and/or visit the church library and you could pick up a directory for a neighbor or a friend! Thank you to Rosalind Andreas for collecting directories and taking them to Kidron Health Care and Assisted Living!

From the Finance Committee:
The annual BCMC pledge drive is now called the bcmcXpress! Multiple factors were involved in the name change, including that this is more in tune with our common purpose statement: “Our faith in a God of love leads us by the power of the spirit to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God.” We know that to some extent the Pony Express played a part in the decimation of the Native American population in our country. So, it was time for a change!
There will be no door to door handing out of the envelope as in the past. Those of you that have email contact from the church will receive an email with a “Giving Intent Form” that is fairly simple to fill out. If you do not receive email from the church, the information should come to you via regular mail.
November 8 is Stewardship Sunday. The theme this year is “Where your treasure is, there is your heart” – taken from Matthew 6:19 to 21.
In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a connection between our treasure and our hearts: Not only do the possessions, money and property we accumulate tell the story of what we value; Jesus seems to suggest that the treasure we possess has the power to shape our values, priorities and lives.
Our congregation’s upcoming bcmcXpress process provides us with opportunity to reflect again on the role of money and wealth in our lives. How might generosity—our willingness to share what we have with our congregation and beyond—help free us from the power that treasure holds over our lives?

According to the latest numbers, we still need $1,466.12 to cover the elevator repair. Based on the estimate from Regier Construction, we need $35,886.03 to cover the kitchen/fellowship hall renovation.
Contributions from January 1 through September 30 were $327,680 and expenses were $352,897, leaving a shortfall of $25,217.

BCMC Offering for October 11-18: General Fund $7,270; Mennonite Central Committee $200; Living Stones $385; Elevator Repair $750.

A Rembrance of Frank Nachtigal’s life will be held on the Bethel College campus at Memorial Hall on October 25, 2020 at 1pm. Friends and family in attendance will be required to wear masks and socially distance before, during, and after the service. In addition because of Covid, no food will be served and no large group singing will take place. Weather permitting, any informal greeting of family and guests will take place outside on the plaza following the service. We look forward to your presence with us as we mourn our husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

The Hesston College Nursing program is partnering with Slate Creek Elementary, and looking for reusable mask donations from local businesses and organizations. There are 200 students total who need pediatric sized masks. The goal Hesston College Nursing has for the school is to promote mask hygiene, and the students will need another mask while they wait for theirs to dry after washing. We understand that 200 masks is quite the undertaking, so any number of masks that you would be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate some child-sized masks, you can bring them to the BCMC office and the office will see to it that these masks are delivered to the Hesston College Nursing Program. — Noah Miller, Hesston College Nursing Program

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale is conducting an Online Quilt Auction. The Quilt Auction begins on Monday, October 12, 2020 and will run through Monday, October 26, 2020. There are 25 quilts that have been selected by the Quilt Committee. The Quilt Auction is on the Auctria website at https://charityauction.bid/KMRSQuilts The link is now live and there are pictures of the quilts with a complete description of each quilt that would be in the MCC Sale Quilt booklet. This includes title, dimensions, as well as the individual that donated the quilt if known. These are lovely quilts that are a representative of the more than 200 quilts that were donated in April.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Pray for Mennonite Mission Network’s partner DOOR and UpNext, DOOR’s mentorship program for young women of color desiring to explore the intersection of faith and justice. Pray for these young adult leaders and their mentors to make a positive impact in their communities as they apply faith-based leadership models.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors in WDC, as they provide congregational leadership and care during challenging times.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· Thumbnail Comparison of Candidates on Immigration policy, asylum, and deportation: The WDC Immigration Task Force invites you to review this brief comparison between the presidential candidates on immigration issues here: https://mennoniteswithoutborders.org/blog/candidates-immigration-policies/. We voters are the voice for the voiceless. “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom that is prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you gave me clothing; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25.34-35).

· Connect! Faith Formation in Challenging Times: Join Kathy Neufeld Dunn (WDC Associate Conference Minister, Kansas Based) Saturday, October 24, 9-11 am CT on Zoom or Facebook Live on WDC Facebook page for ideas of how to connect with the story of Jesus and with God–how to connect your church folk, yourself, and the curious. Before the pandemic, people were already going online for info and interaction. Now faith formation online is one tool we have to have in our faith formation toolbox. How do we do this with integrity? Want to join via Zoom? Request the link at wdc@mennowdc.org.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· A recording of Camp Mennoscah’s annual meeting is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/gWLZ8tXyBcM and soon on Camp Mennoscah’s Facebook page.
· Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 30-Nov. 1 has only a few spaces available. Participants will stay in the Retreat Center with their own bathroom and scrapbook/crafts tables will be set up in the dining hall to provide more space and better ventilation. Mask and distancing guidelines followed. Register at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for more information.
· Another Work and Play Day at Camp Mennoscah has been completed! Thank you to all the volunteers for the work done and your great company. Your support is valued more than you might imagine.
· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground! Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent. It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

Bethel College Announcements
· Virtual events from Bethel College’s Fall Festival, Oct. 2-4, can still be viewed on its YouTube channel, including No Cross, No Crown: Covid Edition, an original play by Karen Robu, based on the life of Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the first woman to be ordained in a mainline denomination in the United States, and an outspoken anti-slavery, temperance and women’s suffrage advocate. You can also see the 2020 alumni awards presentations to Doris Bartel and Barry Hieb and Todd Flory’s Young Alumnus Award convocation (after Oct. 9). Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYk8Gp04MBoPIO2NUap95ug and click the “Videos” link.
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Forthcoming,” photography by David Long, through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.
KIPCOR’s 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series. KIPCOR will be live-streaming “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.” with speaker Sarah Smarsh, Thursday, November 5, 7 pm. Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm. Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central. Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides. She was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric. The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes. This event is a fundraiser. Registration (to be included in the November 4 emailing of the Zoom link), and a donation button if you want to help offset the cost of the event, are available at the website, www.KIPCOR.org.

Mask ask! MCC is responding to a request from people on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in southeastern Montana for cloth face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you would like to sew masks, here are guidelines:
-Adult sized
-Use at least 2 layers of good quality cotton fabric (solid colors preferred)
-Elastic ear loops
-Nose wire/filter pockets optional
Please ship purchased or completed masks to the MCC Central States Material Resources Center (Attn: Kate Mast) at 121 East 30th Street, North Newton, KS 67117, or drop off in the 24 hour donation room at MCC by November 15th. They will all be collected and transported to Montana in time for the winter season. Questions? Please contact katemast@mcc.org.

Announcements for October 16-23, 2020

The BCMC 2020 Directory is now in your mailboxes here at the church. The south automatic (glass) doors and the northwest door (the door closest to the office) are open at the church every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The office can mail (and would be happy to mail) you the directory but it does cost $1.40 to mail each directory. If you wish to have your directory mailed to you, please email or call the office. Maybe you are coming to the church to pick up your directory and/or visit the church library and you could pick up a directory for a neighbor or a friend!

P & M Pumpkin Patch
Faith Formation Commission has purchased 50 tickets for families to visit the P & M Pumpkin Patch on October 18th. If you are interested in picking out a pumpkin, playing some outdoor games as a family, and possibly running into a few other BCMC folks, please contact Deb Georing at dgering@bethelks.edu for tickets.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
Thursday, October 15, marks the International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. We grieve with all those who have lost little ones. May all who have experienced this loss not feel alone in their pain, but find support in solidarity, awareness, and remembrance.

From the Finance Committee:
The annual BCMC pledge drive is now called the bcmcXpress! Multiple factors were involved in the name change, including that this is more in tune with our common purpose statement: “Our faith in a God of love leads us by the power of the spirit to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God.” We know that to some extent the Pony Express played a part in the decimation of the Native American population in our country. So, it was time for a change!
There will be no door to door handing out of the envelope as in the past. Those of you that have email contact from the church will receive an email with a “Giving Intent Form” that is fairly simple to fill out. If you do not receive email from the church, the information should come to you via regular mail.
November 8 is Stewardship Sunday. The theme this year is “Where your treasure is, there is your heart” – taken from Matthew 6:19 to 21.
In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a connection between our treasure and our hearts: Not only do the possessions, money and property we accumulate tell the story of what we value; Jesus seems to suggest that the treasure we possess has the power to shape our values, priorities and lives.
Our congregation’s upcoming bcmcXpress process provides us with opportunity to reflect again on the role of money and wealth in our lives. How might generosity—our willingness to share what we have with our congregation and beyond—help free us from the power that treasure holds over our lives?

The family of Frank Nachtigal wishes to thank the congregation for the many expressions of sympathy including cards, prayers, food, memorial donations, and other sincere condolences following his sudden death on August 17th. All were comforting during this sorrow in our family. A Rembrance of Frank’s life will be held on the Bethel College campus at Memorial Hall on October 25, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Friends and family in attendance will be required to wear masks and socially distance before, during, and after the service. In addition because of Covid, no food will be served and no large group singing will take place. Weather permitting, any informal greeting of family and guests will take place outside on the plaza following the service. We look forward to your presence with us as we mourn our husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite communities in Guatemala are suffering from COVID-19, many people have died. Deb Byler of Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for all, but especially for the pastors who pray with sick people. Pray for wisdom and God’s protection so pastors can care for others without exposing themselves to the disease.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for youth and children’s leaders in WDC congregations, as they give support and nurture faith formation for young people in the midst of our changing and uncertain world.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· The WDC Immigration Task Force offers its next installment in a series of thought pieces, mindful of immigrants among us without a voice this election season. They seek to make visible what is too often invisible with regard to immigrant lives and immigration issues.

· An Immigration Detention Center Attorney Speaks Out, by Anali Looper The months since the COVID-19 outbreak began have been trying for all of us. But for the thousands of people locked in immigration detention centers, trying doesn’t even begin to describe the situation. As a nonprofit immigration attorney in central Texas, I work inside detention centers helping people apply for asylum and other immigration benefits, and I can tell you that even before COVID-19 health care inside these facilities was suspect at best. Early this year one of my colleagues told me she spoke with a detained man who explained how he’d had to use a shoelace as a makeshift catheter because he was unable to get adequate healthcare. Even inhalers or widely available medications are sometimes withheld from those detained. (To read the full length article, go to: https://mennoniteswithoutborders.org/blog/an-immigration-attorney-speaks-out/)

Camp Mennoscah announcements|
· Camp Mennoscah volunteers will be removing the Camp Mennoscah dam on October 18 beginning at 3pm (after a morning baptism). You are welcome to come watch the process (please bring a mask and/or expect to stay at least 6 ft. away from others). If you would like to help in the removal process, please contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290. Physical distancing and mask wearing may not be feasible for those in the water.

· Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 30-Nov. 1 has only a few spaces available. (Nov. 6-8 is waitlist only.) Participants will stay in the Retreat Center with their own bathroom and scrapbook/crafts tables will be set up in the dining hall to provide more space and better ventilation. Mask and distancing guidelines followed. Register at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for more information.

· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground! Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent. It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

Bethel College Announcements:
· 2020 Menno Simons Lectures at Bethel College – For the first time in 68 years, this annual series will be delivered virtually. The speaker is César Garcia, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, Kitchener, Ontario. The series title is “Towards an Anabaptist Catholicity.” Lectures are Sunday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. (live online with Q&A to follow); Monday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. (pre-recorded); and Monday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. (live online with Q&A to follow). To register, go to https://forms.gle/t55EqQjrttWn4md8A All registered participants will receive the Zoom link a day or so before the series begins.

· Virtual events from Bethel College’s Fall Festival, Oct. 2-4, can still be viewed on its YouTube channel, including No Cross, No Crown: Covid Edition, an original play by Karen Robu, based on the life of Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the first woman to be ordained in a mainline denomination in the United States, and an outspoken anti-slavery, temperance and women’s suffrage advocate. You can also see the 2020 alumni awards presentations to Doris Bartel and Barry Hieb and Todd Flory’s Young Alumnus Award convocation (after Oct. 9). Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYk8Gp04MBoPIO2NUap95ug and click the “Videos” link.

· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home.

· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Forthcoming,” photography by David Long, through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.

KIPCOR’s 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series. KIPCOR will be live-streaming “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.” with speaker Sarah Smarsh, Thursday, November 5, 7 pm. Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm. Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central. Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides. She was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric. The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes. This event is a fundraiser. Registration (to be included in the November 4 emailing of the Zoom link), and a donation button if you want to help offset the cost of the event, are available at the website, www.KIPCOR.org.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
In his blog, “Sharing our stories at Mennonite conventions,” Curt Weaver, pastor of children and youth at Portland (Oregon) Mennonite Church, compares the Mennonite convention to a family reunion, where deeper intergenerational and faith formative conversations happen. Read more at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon-stories

· What does radical hospitality mean? Pastor Ulises Arenas of Iglesia Buenas Nuevas in San Juan, Texas, demonstrates the challenges immigrants face through three stories from his own South Texas community and asks us to dig deeper (más allá) to find understanding and answers. Read his blog, “Think ‘más allá’ about the immigrants in your midst,” here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mas-alla

· Richard R. Aguirre, an administrator at Goshen College, talks about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Latinos and challenges Mennonites to do more to help immigrants and refugees stay healthy and safe. Read his blog, “Like Good Samaritans, we must help immigrants through COVID-19,” here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/immigrants-covid-19

· Tune into Mission Network’s Facebook on Mondays at 1 p.m. (EST) for the Hope Series and let us help you dwell in the hope that is the love of Christ. Be sure to tune in on Thursdays at the same time for Hope Around the World, a check-in time with our international partners.

· November is mission month. Racism harms the body of Christ and God’s reconciling mission. But God has made a way to receive forgiveness — repentance that leads to life! Our mission month materials invite MC USA and everyone to engage God’s plan for reconciliation.

Mennonite Central Committee’s Seed program has positions available now in Colombia, Guatemala and El Salvador! The Seed program is perfect for young adults (18-30) who value service, community, and cultural exchange addressing systemic issues like food insecurity and climate change through grassroots, community-based initiatives. For more information, visit mcc.org/seed or email abbyendashaw@mcc.org.

Mask ask! MCC is responding to a request from people on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in southeastern Montana for cloth face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you would like to sew masks, please use the following guidelines:
-Adult sized
-Use at least 2 layers of good quality cotton fabric (solid colors preferred)
-Elastic ear loops
-Nose wire/filter pockets optional
Please ship purchased or completed masks to the MCC Central States Material Resources Center (Attn: Kate Mast) at 121 East 30th Street, North Newton, KS 67117, or drop off in the 24 hour donation room at MCC by November 15th. They will all be collected and transported to Montana in time for the winter season. Questions? Please contact katemast@mcc.org.

Everence will host a Social Security and retirement income planning webinar, on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about Social Security strategies, risks that can impact retirement savings and strategies to help income last throughout retirement. This online workshop is free. Register soon by contacting our office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13th Ave, Inman, annual Mission Supper
There will not be a dine-in experience in the church basement, but they will offer a carry out meal featuring a traditional menu of homemade sausage, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed peas, zwiebach, applesauce and pie on Sat. evening, Oct. 24. Orders will be accepted from October 4-October 18; call/text Barb Reeves (620-543-6863) or Teresa Schrag (620-242-2357) to let them know how many meals to have ready and prepared for you. Meal pick-up will be at the church from 5-6:30 pm, October 24. There will be a free-will offering benefit with all proceeds going to support the Buhler Omega Project, a Christian addiction recovery program. Checks can be made out to “Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church” and cash donations will also be accepted that evening.

The Tabor, 891 Chisholm Trail, Newton, Mennonite Men’s annual chicken BBQ will be Nov. 5. However, unlike the last 50 years there will be no in church dining. The meal will be a drive-by to-go meal. The menu will be the same, bbq chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner roll and ice cream.

Announcements for October 9-16, 2020

Re-open Church Task GroupThe Re-open Church Task Group continues to work at keeping our church and community safe while finding ways we can gather as a community. Some Faith Formation and small group activities have begun to happen outside. As we continue to learn about COVID-19 we are working on continuing to open in safe ways. At this time, BCMC is closed for in-person worship at least through October. In order to gain some feedback from the wider congregation, the Re-open Church Task Group would like to gage the comfort level of in person gatherings at BCMC and find out the needs of the congregation at this time. We are encouraging households to fill out this Google Form to better guide our Re-open Church Task Group. Please click here for the form and complete it by October 15th.
Regardless of the results of this questionnaire a few things can be expected:

Worship and community life will look and feel different
Worship services will continue to be livestreamed on YouTube
Capacity will be limited in order to ensure proper social distancing
There will be no congregational singing
Masks will be required at all times while in the building
There will be no fellowshiping time inside the building. You are welcome to greet others outside at a distance.

To view more information about what the Re-open Church Task Group has been working on, you can visit our new tab on the church website here.

Hello VideoThis week’s Wednesday “Hello” video comes from Al Peters and Patty Shelly. Click here to learn more about the bcmcXpress and how our November pledging event has changed this year.

Thank you to BCMC members for all of the friendly notes, calls, and gifts of food following my fall and subsequent ankle surgery in July. Thank you to pastors Nathan and Renee for your caring and encouraging conversations. My ankle is strong enough for me to walk behind a walker, and I will soon start physical therapy. — Carol Peters

Social Justice is Climate Justice
The Witness Commission along with Christy Miller Hesed would like to continue to provide education and avenues for advocacy for social justice and climate justice. The link below features Katharine Hayhoe, who is a climate scientist and evangelical Christian and speaks very clearly on how to talk about climate change with our neighbors.
Interfaith Power & Light Webinar Recording: Climate Change, Our Faith Values, and 2020: A Conversation Between Dr. Katharine Hayhoe & Rev. Susan Hendershot: http://bit.ly/KatharineHayhoerecording
Learn about Katharine and see her resources on climate science and communicating about climate science at http://www.katharinehayhoe.com/wp2016/

The family of Frank Nachtigal wishes to thank the congregation for the many expressions of sympathy including cards, prayers, food, memorial donations, and other sincere condolences following his sudden death on August 17th. All were comforting during this sorrow in our family.
A Rembrance of Frank’s life will be held on the Bethel College campus at Memorial Hall on October 25, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Friends and family in attendance will be required to wear masks and socially distance before, during, and after the service. In addition because of Covid, no food will be served and no large group singing will take place. Weather permitting, any informal greeting of family and guests will take place outside on the plaza following the service. We look forward to your presence with us as we mourn our husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale is conducting an Online Quilt Auction. The Quilt Auction begins on Monday, October 12, 2020 and will run through Monday, October. 26, 2020. There are 25 quilts that have been selected by the Quilt Committee.
The Quilt Auction is on the Auctria website at https://charityauction.bid/KMRSQuilts The link is now live and there are pictures of the quilts with a complete description of each quilt that would be in the MCC Sale Quilt booklet. This includes title, dimensions, as well as the individual that donated the quilt if known. These are lovely quilts that are a representative of the more than 200 quilts that were donated in April. Check out the pictures now and start bidding on Monday, Oct 12!

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Brian and Noelia Fox of Mennonite Mission Network are trusting God to show them the way through adjustments made necessary by COVID-19. Pray for family members as their daughters continue with e-learning and as Brian and Noelia adapt classes at the English academy. Pray also for their ministry with the Anabaptist community in Burgos, Spain.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for generous contributions that support WDC’s work of sustaining pastors and leaders, resourcing congregations, and nurturing church planting partnerships.

Western District Conference Announcements:
Your Vote Matters! This article (https://mennoniteswithoutborders.org/blog/your-vote-matters-to-us/) from the perspective of DREAMERS (young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children) is the next article sponsored by the WDC Immigration Task Force in their series before the election. Please read it!

Mennonite Central Committee announcements:
· Mennonite Central Committee invites you join Celebration 2020: MCC at 100, a livestreamed event commemorating a century of MCC’s ministry on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 6:50 pm. (EDT). The event will feature photos, videos and storytelling that highlight MCC’s work over the years. Former MCC leader and pastor Leonard Dow of Philadelphia will inspire participants to walk boldly into the next century of MCC’s ministry while talented musicians will lead in prayer and thanksgiving. You can find more information about MCC’s centennial and log in for the livestreamed event at mcc.org/celebration-2020.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah volunteers will be removing the Camp Mennoscah dam on October 18 beginning at 3pm (after a morning baptism). You are welcome to come watch the process (please bring a mask and/or expect to stay at least 6 ft. away from others). If you would like to help in the removal process, please contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290. Physical distancing and mask wearing may not be feasible for those in the water.
· Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 30-Nov. 1 has only a few spaces available. (Nov. 6-8 is waitlist only.) Participants will stay in the Retreat Center with their own bathroom and scrapbook/crafts tables will be set up in the dining hall to provide more space and better ventilation. Mask and distancing guidelines followed. Register at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for more information.
· Last chance for canoeing before the dam comes out! Come to Camp Mennoscah for a day or overnight retreat and spend those hours basking in a canoe. You can also hike the trails in cooler weather, have a campfire cookout, and enjoy the open spaces of the tallgrass prairie! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Mon., Oct. 12 – “In the Time of Injustice and Unrest, Cultural Humility Calms the Storm,” a virtual presentation by Dr. Juliana Mosley, 10-11:30 a.m., sponsored by Bethel College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. To register, send your name and e-mail address to diversity@bethelks.edu, with “Juliana Mosley” in the subject line. Dr. Mosley is chief diversity, inclusion and public relations officer at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, and an experienced public speaker, including a TEDx Talk.
· Due to Bethel College’s current COVID status, the Chamber Orchestra concert scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, has been canceled (it may be rescheduled, or recorded at a later date).
· 2020 Menno Simons Lectures at Bethel College – For the first time in 68 years, this annual series will be delivered virtually. The speaker is César Garcia, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, Kitchener, Ontario. The series title is “Towards an Anabaptist Catholicity.” Lectures are Sunday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. (live online with Q&A to follow); Monday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. (pre-recorded); and Monday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. (live online with Q&A to follow). To register, go to https://forms.gle/t55EqQjrttWn4md8A All registered participants will receive the Zoom link a day or so before the series begins.
· Virtual events from Bethel College’s Fall Festival, Oct. 2-4, can still be viewed on its YouTube channel, including No Cross, No Crown: Covid Edition, an original play by Karen Robu, based on the life of Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the first woman to be ordained in a mainline denomination in the United States, and an outspoken anti-slavery, temperance and women’s suffrage advocate. You can also see the 2020 alumni awards presentations to Doris Bartel and Barry Hieb and Todd Flory’s Young Alumnus Award convocation (after Oct. 9). Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYk8Gp04MBoPIO2NUap95ug and click the “Videos” link.
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home.

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Forthcoming,” photography by David Long, through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.

KIPCOR’s 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series. KIPCOR will be live-streaming “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.” with speaker Sarah Smarsh, Thursday, November 5, 7 pm. Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm. Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central. Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides. She was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric. The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes. This event is a fundraiser. Registration (to be included in the November 4 emailing of the Zoom link), and a donation button if you want to help offset the cost of the event, are available at the website, www.KIPCOR.org.

SAVE THE DATE—IBA BENEFIT DINNER: The annual Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) benefit fundraiser will beFri., Oct. 16 at First Mennonite Church in Newton. A burrito order to go will take place instead of the usual dinner. (You can order Pork, Chicken or Meatless burritos. Sold by ½ dozen-6 burrito and a dozen-12 burritos) Pick up between 4:30-6:30 pm, instructions will be sent later. Sale by donation. If you are not able to order you are invited to give a donation. Your generous gift will help ensure the future of this vital ministry. IBA is a program of Mennonite Education Agency’s Hispanic Ministries for Leadership Development and Pastoral Education. For any inquiries or to ORDER contact Violeta Ajquejay Suastegui at: VioletaA@MennoniteEducation.org or call 316-281-4342. DEADLINE to order: Thursday Oct. 9.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, reflects on his 27 years as a Mennonite and shares his vision for what’s working, what’s not and what opportunities lie ahead for our denomination in his blog, “The church we’re called to be.” Read it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-church-were-called-to-be/
Subscribe to Mennonite Church USA’s convention newsletter to get the latest news about MennoCon21, scheduled for July 6-10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. http://eepurl.com/gbyUCj
· Hillary Watson, a bivocational pastor in Ann Arbor, Michigan, reflects on the relationship between our war-tax-resisting Anabaptist roots and our response to current-day violence in her blog, “’Defund the police’ is deeply Anabaptist.” Read more: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/defund
· Join Bible teacher Joe Sawatzky on Mission Network’s Facebook on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. (EST) for “Missional Meditations.” A church relations representative, Sawatzky will help you gain insight for your sermons or daily life and inspire a missional imagination in your congregation!
· November is mission month. Racism harms the body of Christ and God’s reconciling mission. But God has made a way to receive forgiveness — repentance that leads to life! Our mission month materials invite MC USA and everyone to engage God’s plan for reconciliation.

How has 2020 strengthened, challenged or reshaped your Anabaptist faith and the way you live your life? Share your stories, photos, videos and artwork at Anabaptist History Today, a collaborative, online, Anabaptist storytelling platform. https://aht.libraryhost.com/s/archive/page/Welcome

Announcements for October 2-October 9, 2020

Social Justice is Climate Justice

Social Justice is Climate Justice
The Witness Commission along with Christy Miller Hesed would like to continue to provide education and avenues for advocacy for social justice and climate justice. Please click the link below to learn more from topics and resources discussed on Peace Sunday.
IPL’s Faith Climate Justice Voter Campaign- https://www.faithclimatejusticevoter.org

The family of Frank Nachtigal wishes to thank the congregation for the many expressions of sympathy including cards, prayers, food, memorial donations, and other sincere condolences following his sudden death on August 17th. All were comforting during this sorrow in our family.
A Rembrance of Frank’s life will be held on the Bethel College campus at Memorial Hall on October 25, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Friends and family in attendance will be required to wear masks and socially distance before, during, and after the service. In addition because of Covid, no food will be served and no large group singing will take place. Weather permitting, any informal greeting of family and guests will take place outside on the plaza following the service. We look forward to your presence with us as we mourn our husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

A message from Pete Janzen, Wichita about his mother Dotty’s birthday
On October 4, 2020 my mom, Dotty Janzen, will reach the age of 90. Kidron Bethel is still on 100% quarantine, so we had to cancel our proposed big bash in her honor. Some of mom’s friends are putting the word out to have a card shower for her. You are invited to participate. If you want to include a snapshot, that is also encouraged because Mom has an easier time remembering people when she has a picture for reference. Send cards to her at this address: Dotty Janzen, Kidron Bethel Health Care, Room 23, 3001 Ivy Drive, North Newton, Kansas 67117

Tues., Oct. 13 – The Bethel College Chamber Orchestra will present a short outdoor concert (weather permitting), 5 p.m., on the Green. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.

The Library Committee reminds you that our wonderful library is open whenever the church is. Please feel free to come and explore our collection-either at home through TinyCat or on the computer here at church. As an added incentive, we have begun choosing genres/themes that will change every other month or so. Currently, we have pulled the books that share the theme “Racial Justice”. This healthy collection is on the shelves in back of the library check out desk. Also, those of you that have had books checked out since February or before, please return them as soon as possible. If you still don’t feel comfortable bringing them back yourselves, one of us will be glad to pick it up. You can access the church library catalog by going to the BCMC website, click on Resources, then click on Library. Happy Reading! Kathryn Simmons, Margaret Goering, Rose Haury, Barb Koontz, Sondra Koontz, LaVonne Sawatsky

Bethel College Mennonite Church offering for the week of September 27-October 4, 2020: General Fund $4,612; Living Stones $110.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Jae Young Lee and Karen Spicher of Mennonite Mission Network completed their sabbatical leave in the United States last month. Pray for them as they pick up their ministries, many have been put on hold due to South Korea’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations as they continue to navigate difficult decisions and new patterns of church life during the pandemic.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· Racial Justice from Palestine to the US video is now posted at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDhQEV0VfGw&list=PL6aO7e884ZT6FJtR4ENGB8dtMFJgSorEJ&index=1&t=4s. If you missed this great dialogue hosted by the WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force and MennoPIN last Monday because of our technical difficulties, here’s your chance to listen to it. It was full of fascinating intersections of racial justice issues here and in Israel-Palestine.
· Include a gift to Western District Conference in your will or estate plan, as a great way to support WDC’s work of sustaining pastors, resourcing congregations and nurturing church planting into the future! To learn more about basic tools of creating an estate plan, see a recording of the recent Everence webinar What to do with your stuff: basic estate planning (https://www.everence.com/everence-articles/core-markets/national-advisors-and-representatives/webinars/20200129-ww-basic-estate-planning). This is part of an 11-week “Webinar Wednesday” series by Everence.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 30-Nov. 1 has spaces available. (Nov. 6-8 is waitlist only.) Participants will stay in the Retreat Center with their own bathroom and scrapbook/crafts tables will be set up in the dining hall to provide more space and better ventilation. Register at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for more information.
· Work and Play Day! Camp Mennoscah invites volunteers to sign up for a day of service and fun on October 10. The day begins at 8:30 am and ends approximately 2:30 pm. Contact staff at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org for details. Please bring a mask!
Camp Mennoscah welcomes guests! Camping areas and cabins are open to guests/groups for overnight stays and day visits. Spend time in the river, have a campfire cookout, and enjoy the open spaces of the tallgrass prairie and the Ninnescah River! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation and to inquire about use of additional facilities. We can’t wait to see you!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Kauffman Museum First-Saturday bird walk, Sat., Oct. 3 7:30 am, beginning in the museum parking lot, Main & 27th Streets in North Newton. Experienced birders will lead a walk of 1 to 1.5 miles (about an hour) in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Fall Festival at Bethel College is not canceled but will look different this year. While there won’t be a “Fall Festival fair” on campus Oct. 3, there will be a homecoming football game, an art exhibit by David Long, and a virtual play written by Karen Robu, among other events. See www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for a detailed schedule.
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Forthcoming,” photography by David Long, through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.
· Bethel College Theater presents No Cross, No Crown: Covid Edition, an original play by Karen Robu, adapted for an online format. This year’s Fall Festival play is based on the life of Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the first woman to be ordained in a mainline denomination in the United States, and an outspoken anti-slavery, temperance and women’s suffrage advocate. The play can be viewed on Bethel’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYk8Gp04MBoPIO2NUap95ug

KIPCOR’s 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series. KIPCOR will be live-streaming “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.” with speaker Sarah Smarsh, Thursday, November 5, 7 pm. Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm. Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central. Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides. She was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric. The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes. This event is a fundraiser. Registration (to be included in the November 4 emailing of the Zoom link), and a donation button if you want to help offset the cost of the event, are available at the website, www.KIPCOR.org.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Mennonite Church USA staff invites you to join them in supporting the Mennonite World Conference Global Sharing Fund to provide COVID-19 relief to congregations with less access to aid and resources, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia. For more information: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/word-conference-relief-fund
· Mennonite Church USA is offering Justice Fund grants to congregations that are actively addressing racial justice, poverty, police brutality/reimagining policing and immigration or are seeking start-up money to engage in these areas. For more information on how to apply or donate: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/applications-for-justice-fund/
· Women in Leadership, a ministry of Mennonite Church USA, is presenting “What We Need Is Here,” a series of webinars engaging theological work born out of women’s experiences. The next two webinars will address intersectionality (Oct. 11 @ 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT) and navigating patriarchy (Oct. 22 @ 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT). Register by Oct. 8 here: https://forms.gle/kARRY9JLTcZv4duf9
· The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board recently met to report on its strategic plan, approve a budget and affirm a process for addressing polity concerns. Read about it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/eb-meeting-sept-2020/. The Executive Board also responded to the report from the Membership Guidelines Advisory Group: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/processes-advisory-group-report/
· Join Mennonites across the church who are reading Stephanie Lobdell’s “Signs of Life: Resurrecting Hope Out of Ordinary Losses,” as part of a Common Read, a shared reading experience. Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/common-read/

Camp Mennoscah’s Board of Directors and Staff invite you to the 2020 Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 27, at 7pm via Zoom!
We’ll hear about camp experiences, recognize and welcome staff & board members, and get an update from the treasurer. To join, click here on Sunday, September 27, at 7pm. This will take you to the Zoom meeting. Camp Mennoscah will be recording the meeting. You are welcome to leave your video & audio off and remove your name from the name tag at the bottom. Otherwise, please view the recorded version once made available, if you prefer not to be recorded.
Camp Mennoscah’s revenue has been significantly reduced this year. If you are in a position to make a financial gift to camp during this time, you have the opportunity either now or during the annual meeting to give through Tithe.ly. A gift to Camp Mennoscah will directly contribute to expenses associated with maintaining programming and camp operations so when groups are ready to be back at camp again, it will be ab to happen in a safe and responsible way.

Everence will have a Social Security and retirement income planning webinar, about Social Security strategies, risks that can impact retirement savings and strategies to help income last throughout retirement, Oct. 21, 2 pm and 8 pm EST. Visit www.everence.com/webinar-wednesdays to view more information or to register. Or contact Darlene Buller at the Everence office—316-283-3800 or 877-467-7294 or darlene.buller@everence.com.

Announcements for September 25-October 2, 2020

Christine Miller Hesed spoke to BCMC Peace Sunday, September 20. She writes: “Thank you again for the opportunity to share with your congregation on the topic of climate justice. I had the opportunity to watch a recording of a webinar sponsored by Interfaith Power & Light on connecting action on climate change with our faith values. It features Katharine Hayhoe, who is a climate scientist and evangelical Christian and speaks very clearly on how to talk about climate change with our neighbors. I would encourage you all to watch it. Link for the webinar recording and the links they mention within the webinar are listed Click on the following to access the webinar: Link Interfaith Power & Light Webinar

This week’s “Hello” video comes from the BCMC elevator that was updated and fixed over the summer. Join this elevator tour to see the work that was done and to join Pastor Renee on her first ride in the now working elevator! Watch by clicking here.

A message from Pete Janzen, Wichita about his mother Dotty’s birthday On October 4, 2020 my mom, Dotty Janzen, will reach the age of 90. Kidron Bethel is still on 100% quarantine, so we had to cancel our proposed big bash in her honor. Some of mom’s friends are putting the word out to have a card shower for her. You are invited to participate. If you want to include a snapshot, that is also encouraged because Mom has an easier time remembering people when she has a picture for reference. Send cards to her at this address: Dotty Janzen, Kidron Bethel Health Care, Room 23, 3001 Ivy Drive, North Newton, Kansas 67117

BCMC Offering for September 20-27: General Fund $8,702; Living Stones $25.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Matthew and Toni Krabill, serving with Mennonite Mission Network at the Paris Mennonite Center in France, help resource Anabaptist Ch ristians to engage with issues of injustice and conflict. Pray that they would continue to draw on God’s words to guide their ministry and that they will help others to be faithful to Jesus’ way.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commission and church planters as they listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading for church development in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· The WDC Immigration Task Force introduces its second installment in a series of thought pieces, mindful of immigrants among us without a voice this election season. They seek to make visible what is too often invisible with regard to immigrant lives and immigration issues. Watch for these topics in the coming weeks: “Positions on Immigration Issues of the 2020 Presidential Candidates;” and “Voices of Our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters.”
· You are invited to read the September/October/November issue of WDC’s quarterly newsletter, WDC Garden, now available at:  https://mennowdc.org/wdc-garden-september-october-november-2020/.
· Include a gift to Western District Conference in your will or estate plan, as a great way to support WDC’s work of sustaining pastors, resourcing congregations and nurturing church planting into the future! To learn more about basic tools of creating an estate plan, see a recording of the recent Everence webinar What to do with your stuff: basic estate planning (https://www.everence.com/everence-articles/core-markets/national-advisors-and-representatives/webinars/20200129-ww-basic-estate-planning). This is part of an 11-week “Webinar Wednesday” series by Everence.

Mennonite Central Committee announcements:
If you can tie a knot you can help MCC! There are lots of comforters at MCC in North Newton that need to be tied and we’re looking for volunteers! If you would be interested in borrowing a set of sticks/stands from the MCC Workroom to set up and tie comforters at home, please contact Kate Mast at (katemast@mcc.org, ‪316-804-8432).
· Mennonite Central Committee invites you join Celebration 2020: MCC at 100, a livestreamed event commemorating a century of MCC’s ministry on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 6:50 pm. (EDT). The event will feature photos, videos and storytelling that highlight MCC’s work over the years. Former MCC leader and pastor Leonard Dow of Philadelphia will inspire participants to walk boldly into the next century of MCC’s ministry while talented musicians will lead in prayer and thanksgiving. You can find more information about MCC’s centennial and log in for the livestreamed event at mcc.org/celebration-2020.
· “FORGOTTEN.” This is the word that Ana Alicia Hinojosa, an MCC immigration education coordinator, said has been on her mind since South Texas/Rio Grande Valley was hit with Hurricane Hanna in late July. Read her powerful call to action in her blog, “Do something bold for immigration justice.” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/do-something-bold
· Register NOW for the MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride! Due to COVID-19, the ride is a “virtual” event this year and open to EVERYONE. Riders may register any time until September 29. Register online at Bikereg.com. Join us in raising money for MCC to fund the construction of new wells and repair existing water and sanitary systems at schools in Nicaragua. With these improvements, students will have safe water to drink and wash their hands. In this global pandemic, access to clean water is more essential than ever. Donations from non-riders are welcome! Checks to MCC Flatlander Bike Ride may be sent to MCC Central States, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117.

Quilter’s Corner Fall Announcement: Quilter’s Corner items that would have been sold at the annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale in April will be available for purchase. Come support the relief work of Mennonite Central Committee and start or replenish a quilting stash. Health protocols for Harvey County will be observed during the sale. Questions? Contact Rose Wiebe Haury at 316-288-0079 or haury@juno.com. Times are: Friday October 2, 9 am – 5 pm or Saturday October 3, 9 am – 3 pm Place: MCC Materials Resource Center, 121 East 30th, North Newton

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on October 30-Nov. 1 has up to five spaces available. (Nov. 6-8 is waitlist only.) Participants will stay in the Retreat Center with their own bathroom and scrapbook/crafts tables will be set up in the dining hall to provide more space and better ventilation. Register at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for more information.
· Work and Play Day! Camp Mennoscah invites volunteers to sign up for a day of service and fun on October 10. The day begins at 8:30 am and ends approximately 2:30 pm. Contact staff at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org for details. Please bring a mask!
· Camp Mennoscah welcomes guests! Camping areas and cabins are open to guests/groups for overnight stays and day visits. Spend time in the river, have a campfire cookout, and enjoy the open spaces of the tallgrass prairie and the Ninnescah River! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation and to inquire about use of additional facilities. We can’t wait to see you!
· Camp Mennoscah’s annual meeting is September 27. An online link will be shared soon!

Now at Kauffman Museum (through Nov. 29) – “Sorting Out Race: Examining Racial Identity and Stereotypes in Thrift Store Donations.” Regular hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1:30-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays, but with ever-changing COVID-19 protocols, you are advised to check the museum website, kauffmanmuseum.org, or Facebook page or call 316-283-1612 before planning a visit.

Wurst Fundraiser Ever: You’re invited to a German-themed drive-through carryout meal fundraiser to benefit Mennonite Central Committee Sept. 26 held at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, Kan. Tim and Heidi Huber’s family will be offering bratwurst, sides, dessert and drinks, with an RSVP deadline of Sept. 19 or 300 reservations at https://forms.gle/ASndjK9AQPa3BLRS7 or by calling 316-217-1932. Hope to see you there!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Kauffman Museum First-Saturday bird walk, Sat., Oct. 3 7:30 am, beginning in the museum parking lot, Main & 27th Streets in North Newton. Experienced birders will lead a walk of 1 to 1.5 miles (about an hour) in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail.
· Fall Festival at Bethel College is not canceled but will look different this year. While there won’t be a “Fall Festival fair” on campus Oct. 3, there will be a homecoming football game, an art exhibit by David Long, and a virtual play written by Karen Robu, among other events. The Bethel College Women’s Association is taking orders for baked goods at www.bcwamarketonline.com/shop/preorderforfallfest/9 (ordering deadline: Sept. 30). See www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for a detailed schedule.
· Bethel College Women’s Association is inviting area churches and former BCWA members to help with Fall Fest Baking. Check out items needed and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4ca8a72fa3f58-fall/. Thank you for your continued support of Bethel College!
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home. If circumstances allow, on September 1 we will begin accepting orders for baked goods to be picked up on Fall Fest weekend, October 1-3. Please check the website for updated information.
· Save the date: KIPCOR will kick off its 2020-21 Peace Lecture series with journalist and author Sarah Smarsh, Thurs., Nov. 5, 7 pm, in an online format. This is a fundraiser for KIPCOR. More details to follow!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Mennonite Church USA staff invites you to join them in supporting the Mennonite World Conference Global Sharing Fund to provide COVID-19 relief to congregations with less access to aid and resources, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia. For more information: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/word-conference-relief-fund
· Mennonite Church USA is offering Justice Fund grants to congregations that are actively addressing racial justice, poverty, police brutality/reimagining policing and immigration or are seeking start-up money to engage in these areas. For more information on how to apply or donate: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/applications-for-justice-fund/
· Joel Miller, pastor of Columbus Mennonite Church, a sanctuary church in Ohio, talks about putting a face on immigration and reminds us that we have choices to make that impact our own humanity. Read more in his blog, “These are my people!” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/these-are-people/
· Writing as part of a blog series on racial justice, Goshen College sophomore Greta Lapp Kassen reminds us that, “Silence is violence, and as pacifists, it is our duty to promote peace.” Read her blog, “Our faith must compel us to work for change”: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/our-faith-must-compel-us-for-change/

Mennonite Church USA Common Read Book Discussion: Join us in September’s MC USA Common Read! Contact the library to borrow your copy of “Signs of Life: Resurrecting Hope out of Ordinary Losses” and join us for a discussion via Zoom on Thursday, September 24 from 7:00-8:00pm. Contact Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org for the Zoom link.

Announcements for September 18-25, 2020

Hello! This week’s “Hello” video comes from Julianna Schrag, BCMC’s 2020-2021 Faith Formation Intern. Watch this video to learn more about who Julianna is and what her responsibilities will be at BCMC. The link for the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeX7x9kxl24&feature=youtu.be

Peace Sunday
Sunday, September 20, we will be celebrating Peace Sunday with Dr. Christine Miller Hesed as a guest speaker. Miller Hesed is an environmental anthropologist and conservation biologist whose work focuses on engaging underrepresented communities in climate change adaptation planning. She was the project director of Engaging Faith Communities for Coastal Resilience, an applied research project that brought together rural church communities with county and state government employees to address climate change on the Chesapeake Bay. Her work involves cultural consensus analysis and ethnographic methods to understand differences and similarities in cultural knowledge within and across stakeholder groups. Her doctoral research focused on rural African American communities on the Chesapeake Bay in order to understand environmental justice, vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience to sea-level rise. Miller Hesed is a former EPA STAR Fellow. She currently lives in Hesston, Kansas with her husband and young children.

Pastor Renee Reimer will be on vacation September 21-25.

Keith Sprunger writes the following: “We received word that Janet Sprunger, Harrisonburg, VA, died Sunday, September 13. She was the wife of Hugh David Sprunger (died in 1998), Keith’s brother. Hugh and Janet were General Conference missionaries in Taiwan and Hong Kong for many years. They lived in Newton for several years in the 1980s and attended our church and were active members of the Sojourners Sunday School class.” Please pray for Keith and Aldine Sprunger as they mourn the loss of their sister-in-law, Janet Sprunger.

Jerry Friesen died September 11 at Kidron Bethel Village with his spouse Donna by his side. Jerry had been put on hospice earlier in the week. Please pray for Donna and the Friesen family as they mourn his loss.

A message from the family of Larry Friesen
We deeply appreciate the many expressions of kindness and support during the illness and death of our dear husband, father, and brother, Larry Friesen. Donna June, Katy June Friesen & Christian Samaniego, Duane & Liz Friesen

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Diana Cruz and Felipe Preciado of Mennonite Mission Network request prayer for the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Benin since quarantine ended in June. Pray especially for the protection of the children and staff at La Casa Grande and that the children will not fall behind in their education.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Executive Board, Commissions, Gifts Discernment Committee and staff as they meet online next Saturday for Reference Council, a time for orientation and reflection together on common mission and priorities for the coming year.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· The WDC Immigration Task Force introduces its second installment in a series of thought pieces, mindful of immigrants among us without a voice this election season. They seek to make visible what is too often invisible with regard to immigrant lives and immigration issues. Watch for these topics in the coming weeks: “Positions on Immigration Issues of the 2020 Presidential Candidates;” and “Voices of Our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters.”
· You are invited to read the September/October/November issue of WDC’s quarterly newsletter, WDC Garden, now available at:  https://mennowdc.org/wdc-garden-september-october-november-2020/.
· The Israel Palestine Relations Task Force of Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force/Mennonite Church USA is sponsoring a webinar on September 21, 7 to 8 pm (CT). UN’s International Day of Peace entitled Racial Justice from US to Palestine features Jonathan Kuttab, Alex Awad and Sarah Thompson Nahar. Instructions for registration and more information about this free webinar attached.
· Include a gift to Western District Conference in your will or estate plan, as a great way to support WDC’s work of sustaining pastors, resourcing congregations and nurturing church planting into the future! To learn more about basic tools of creating an estate plan, see a recording of the recent Everence webinar What to do with your stuff: basic estate planning (https://www.everence.com/everence-articles/core-markets/national-advisors-and-representatives/webinars/20200129-ww-basic-estate-planning). This is part of an 11-week “Webinar Wednesday” series by Everence.

Mennonite Central Committee announcements:
· If you can tie a knot you can help MCC! There are lots of comforters at MCC in North Newton that need to be tied and we’re looking for volunteers! If you would be interested in borrowing a set of sticks/stands from the MCC Workroom to set up and tie comforters at home, please contact Kate Mast at (katemast@mcc.org, ‪316-804-8432).
· Mennonite Central Committee invites you join Celebration 2020: MCC at 100, a livestreamed event commemorating a century of MCC’s ministry on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 6:50 pm. (EDT). The event will feature photos, videos and storytelling that highlight MCC’s work over the years. Former MCC leader and pastor Leonard Dow of Philadelphia will inspire participants to walk boldly into the next century of MCC’s ministry while talented musicians will lead in prayer and thanksgiving. You can find more information about MCC’s centennial and log in for the livestreamed event at mcc.org/celebration-2020.
· “FORGOTTEN.” This is the word that Ana Alicia Hinojosa, an MCC immigration education coordinator, said has been on her mind since South Texas/Rio Grande Valley was hit with Hurricane Hanna in late July. Read her powerful call to action in her blog, “Do something bold for immigration justice.” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/do-something-bold
· Register NOW for the MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride! Due to COVID-19, the ride is a “virtual” event this year and open to EVERYONE. Riders may register any time until September 29. Register online at Bikereg.com. Join us in raising money for MCC to fund the construction of new wells and repair existing water and sanitary systems at schools in Nicaragua. With these improvements, students will have safe water to drink and wash their hands. In this global pandemic, access to clean water is more essential than ever. Donations from non-riders are welcome! Checks to MCC Flatlander Bike Ride may be sent to MCC Central States, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale is sponsoring an online auction at this time. Here is the Acutria Auction site. https://charityauction.bid/KMRS
Bidding began last week on September 1 with bidding to close at 5 pm, September 26. This auction will feature donations that would have been sold at the silent or general auction at the KMRS event last April. Currently there are over 20 donations and items will continue to be added through the time period of the auction so check out the auction site often. There will not be any quilts sold at this auction but the quilt committee is putting together a quilt online auction for October. More details will follow as those details are worked out. This is an opportunity to contribute to the continuing needs of the Mennonite Central Committee. The auction site is easy to use and is geared for non-profit charitable organizations. Items purchased may be picked up at a distribution points in North Newton, Topeka and Hutchinson. Shipping or delivery will be considered upon request. Again, here is the Acutria Auction website https://charityauction.bid/KMRS Please check out the items on the auction site and bid. If you have something you would like to donate or have questions, please contact me at jimandbeatyrobb@gmail.com or 620-747-0186. You have been very generous in your donations and contributions to KMRS and MCC. For this we are thankful. But in this centennial year we should consider stretching ourselves as the original supporters of MCC did. The best way to celebrate is to “give in the name of Christ.” Jim Robb, KMRS Chair

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Limited number of openings! Camp Mennoscah’s Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats will take place on Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 6-8. Masks and physical distancing guidelines will be followed and the facility used has been changed. More spaces will be opened as determined safe and feasible, so put your name on the waitlist! Register online at campmennoscah.org! Call 620-297-3290 for further information.
· Camp Mennoscah welcomes guests! Camping areas and cabins are open to guests/groups for overnight stays and day visits. Spend time in the river, have a campfire cookout, and enjoy the open spaces of the tallgrass prairie and the Ninnescah River! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation and to inquire about use of additional facilities. We can’t wait to see you!
· Camp Mennoscah’s annual meeting is September 27. An online link will be shared soon!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Last week to see work by three seniors from the Class of 2020, Georgia Anderson, Blayne Stump and Anna Wiens, in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The exhibit closes Friday, Sept. 25. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Receptions will be individual and by invitation only. Face masks must be worn on the Bethel College campus.
· Join Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution ONLINE for KIPCOR’s 2020 Nonviolence Week Presentation on Friday, September 25, at 11:00 am.   KIPCOR will be hosting a ZOOM TED-talk style presentation by the Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding. In these turbulent times, this is a unique opportunity to support one another, to learn from one another, and to add your voice to the ongoing dialogue about race in society.
KIPCOR will host a Q & A session after her presentation. In order to receive the email with the Zoom link, you MUST preregister on the KIPCOR website no later than Noon on Thursday, September 24.  Simply go to KIPCOR’s website at  http://kipcor.org/ and click on the event, then click on the green “Register Here” button.
· Fall Festival at Bethel College is not canceled but will look different this year. While there won’t be a “Fall Festival fair” on campus Oct. 3, there will be a homecoming football game, an art exhibit by David Long, and a virtual play written by Karen Robu, among other events. The Bethel College Women’s Association is taking orders for baked goods at www.bcwamarketonline.com/shop/preorderforfallfest/9 (ordering deadline: Sept. 30). See www.bethelks.edu/alumni/events/fall-festival for a detailed schedule.
· Bethel College Women’s Association is inviting area churches and former BCWA members to help with Fall Fest Baking. Check out items needed and sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4ca8a72fa3f58-fall/. Thank you for your continued support of Bethel College!
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home. If circumstances allow, on September 1 we will begin accepting orders for baked goods to be picked up on Fall Fest weekend, October 1-3. Please check the website for updated information.

Announcements for September 11-18, 2020

Peace Sunday
Next Sunday we will be celebrating Peace Sunday with Dr. Christine Miller Hesed as a guest speaker. Miller Hesed is an environmental anthropologist and conservation biologist whose work focuses on engaging underrepresented communities in climate change adaptation planning. She was the project director of Engaging Faith Communities for Coastal Resilience, an applied research project that brought together rural church communities with county and state government employees to address climate change on the Chesapeake Bay. Her work involves cultural consensus analysis and ethnographic methods to understand differences and similarities in cultural knowledge within and across stakeholder groups. Her doctoral research focused on rural African American communities on the Chesapeake Bay in order to understand environmental justice, vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience to sea-level rise. Miller Hesed is a former EPA STAR Fellow. She currently lives in Hesston, Kansas with her husband and young children.

Zoom practice sessions
Renee will be holding 2 Zoom practice/tutorial sessions before the Zoom September 20th worship service. Please note, Renee does not know everything but can help you get started on a few things. If you have never used Zoom before you will need to download the application onto your computer. You can do this here: https://zoom.us/download You will also need a microphone and camera on your computer/tablet/smartphone to fully participate and interact with others during the discussion session following the service. If you’d like to practice getting on Zoom before this worship service, please let Renee know at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. The two drop in Zoom practice sessions will be Monday, September 14th from 4-5pm and Thursday, September 17th from 1-2pm. This service will also be recorded and uploaded to YouTube (like we normally do on Sunday mornings).

Hello!
This week’s “Hello” video comes from Monica Lichti. Click here to join Monica, Lucy, and Faith on a tour of the Fellowship Hall remodel to see what’s being done while we’ve been away. You can see the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XtI4NBH3Og&feature=youtu.be

Donna and Jerry Friesen who live at Kidron Bethel Village ask for your prayers as Jerry is in hospice care. We pray for strength for Donna and others as they provide physical and emotional support, and for patience, comfort, and love as Donna and Jerry enter into this last stage of life together.

BCMC is responsible for meals and volunteers at New Hope Shelter this week from Sept. 9 through Sept. 15. Please remember our volunteers as they serve the homeless in our community.

Porch Portraits
We love seeing your pictures and want to keep seeing more! Please send your porch portraits to Renee at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org so we can include your smiles to our collection. View photos by following this link: https://cruxphotos.smugmug.com/BCMC-Porch/ New photos have been added and will continue to be added in this ongoing project.

Updating Church Directory
Monica Lichti is working hard at updating our church directory for this coming year. Please take a look at your contact information and your families contact information from the yellow 2019 directory. If anything is incorrect, please let Monica know by September 16.

This is a gentle reminder from the Library Committee that our wonderful library is open whenever the church is. Please feel free to come and explore our collection-either at home through TinyCat or on the computer here at church. As an added incentive, we have begun choosing genres/themes that will change every other month or so. Currently, we have pulled the books that share the theme “Racial Justice”. This healthy collection is on the shelves in back of the library check out desk. Also, those of you that have had books checked out since February or before, please return them as soon as possible. If you still don’t feel comfortable bringing them back yourselves, one of us will be glad to pick it up. You can access the church library catalog by going to the BCMC website, click on Resources, then click on Library. Happy Reading! Kathryn Simmons, Margaret Goering, Rose Haury, Barb Koontz, Sondra Koontz, LaVonne Sawatsky

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God that no students, staff, or faculty of the Near East School of Theology were injured when last month’s explosion rocked Beirut, Lebanon. Pray for wisdom for George Sabra, the school’s president, and for the necessary resources to repair the extensive damage done to the eight-floor building. Pray also for all who have lost loved ones and homes.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, guidance and joy for Lois Barrett, as she begins serving as the new moderator for WDC.

Join KIPCOR ONLINE for their 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series kickoff
Thank you so much for your patience since the beginning of the year when we announced Sarah Smarsh as our 2020 Peace Lecturer. After much discussion with her team, we have decided that the best way to safely host the event is to do it virtually. Therefore, we will be live-streaming the event on Thursday evening, November 5, 2020. The author, speaker, and journalist will present, “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.” Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, an instant New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm.
Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and many other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central. Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides at venues ranging from small-town libraries to Sydney Opera House. Sarah was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric. The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes. This event is a fundraiser. Registration details will be provided at a later date. For the most up to date information, please see our website at www.KIPCOR.org.

Sunday, Sept. 13– KIPCOR, the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Bethel College, is hosting a Zoom call, starting at 2 pm, featuring Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot, a 40-minute documentary about a group of Alabama students and teachers who nonviolently resisted a century of Jim Crow in a segregationist state to win voting rights for Blacks, followed by a talk-back session with Larry Burks Sr., president of the Wichita branch of the NAACP. If you signed up, don’t forget to tune in!

Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: work by three seniors from the Class of 2020 — Georgia Anderson, Blayne Stump and Anna Wiens. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Receptions will be individual and by invitation only. Face masks must be worn on the Bethel College campus.

You are invited to read the September/October/November issue of WDC’s quarterly newsletter, WDC Garden, now available at: https://mennowdc.org/wdc-garden-september-october-november-2020/.

Everence will host its workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com.

Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years. This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com. We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home. If circumstances allow, on September 1 we will begin accepting orders for baked goods to be picked up on Fall Fest weekend, October 1-3. Please check the website for updated information.

Mennonite Central Committee announcements:
If you can tie a knot you can help MCC! There are lots of comforters at MCC in North Newton that need to be tied and we’re looking for volunteers! If you would be interested in borrowing a set of sticks/stands from the MCC Workroom to set up and tie comforters at home, please contact Kate Mast at (katemast@mcc.org, ‪316-804-8432).
Mennonite Central Committee invites you join Celebration 2020: MCC at 100, a livestreamed event commemorating a century of MCC’s ministry on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 6:50 pm. (EDT). The event will feature photos, videos and storytelling that highlight MCC’s work over the years. Former MCC leader and pastor Leonard Dow of Philadelphia will inspire participants to walk boldly into the next century of MCC’s ministry while talented musicians will lead in prayer and thanksgiving. You can find more information about MCC’s centennial and log in for the livestreamed event at mcc.org/celebration-2020.
Register NOW for the MCC Flatlander Bicycle Ride! Due to COVID-19, the ride is a “virtual” event this year and open to EVERYONE. Riders may register any time until September 29. Register online at Bikereg.com. Join us in raising money for MCC to fund the construction of new wells and repair existing water and sanitary systems at schools in Nicaragua. With these improvements, students will have safe water to drink and wash their hands. In this global pandemic, access to clean water is more essential than ever. Donations from non-riders are welcome! Checks to MCC Flatlander Bike Ride may be sent to MCC Central States, PO Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale is sponsoring an online auction at this time. Here is the Acutria Auction site.  https://charityauction.bid/KMRS
Bidding began last week on September 1 with bidding to close at 5 pm, September 26. This auction will feature donations that would have been sold at the silent or general auction at the KMRS event last April. Currently there are over 20 donations and items will continue to be added through the time period of the auction so check out the auction site often. There will not be any quilts sold at this auction but the quilt committee is putting together a quilt online auction for October. More details will follow as those details are worked out. This is an opportunity to contribute to the continuing needs of the Mennonite Central Committee. The auction site is easy to use and is geared for non-profit charitable organizations. Items purchased may be picked up at a distribution points in North Newton, Topeka and Hutchinson. Shipping or delivery will be considered upon request.
Again, here is the Acutria Auction website  https://charityauction.bid/KMRS
Please check out the items on the auction site and bid.  If you have something you would like to donate or have questions, please contact me at jimandbeatyrobb@gmail.com or 620-747-0186.
You have been very generous in your donations and contributions to KMRS and MCC. For this we are thankful. But in this centennial year we should consider stretching ourselves as the original supporters of MCC did. The best way to celebrate is to “give in the name of Christ.” Jim Robb, KMRS Chair

Women’s Retreat 2020: And now for something completely different! After much discussion and prayer, the Retreat Committee has decided not to meet in person at Camp Menoscah this year. We will miss all of you and the energy and joy you bring to camp. However we WILL gather virtually on Saturday night, September 12 from 7-8:30 pm via Zoom for a worship service. Our goal is to connect to and encourage each other through Christ and His love for us. Susan Jantzen (interim pastor of Worship/Visitation at First Mennonite in Newton) will lead us on “Reflections on God as Keeper”. Bethany Martin from Faith and Life Bookstore will review a few books. Annelle Claassen (Retreat Committee Chair) will lead singing, and Karen Mascho (Pastor and Retreat Committee) will lead communion together. No masks required! For free registration or questions, send your email to Tammy Duvanel Unruh at 2020womensretreat.rsvp@gmail.com by Thursday, September 10. Save the date and we look forward to seeing your whole face!

The Mennonite Heritage and Cultural Museum in Goessel, has an ongoing display of Marie and Martha Voth’s Wheat Marquetry Art till the end of September. Over 25 larger works (both paintings and wheat art) and many, many smaller items and greeting cards. Museum Hours are Tues. through Sat. 10 am – 5 pm. Regular admission applies and free admission for museum members.

The Israel Palestine Relations Task Force of Western District Conference Israel Palestine Task Force/Mennonite Church USA is sponsoring a webinar on September 21, 7 to 8 pm (CT). UN’s International Day of Peace entitled Racial Justice from US to Palestine features Jonathan Kuttab, Alex Awad and Sarah Thompson Nahar. Click here for instructions for registration and more information about this free webinar. Celebrate%20International%20Day%20of%20Peace.pdf

From the Mennonite Creation Care Network
Jim Musselman, creation care liaison from First Mennonite Church of San Francisco Mennonite Church writes:
September 13, 2020.
Please pause for a moment to grieve the devastation and suffering from the forest fires in California right now. For those of us with some understanding of climate change, it is a double grief. See what Jim has to say below. Lament and beg for God’s mercy, respond with advocacy and action as you can; leave the rest in God’s hands.
The Day the Sun Did Not Come Up
For those of us in Northern California, September 9, 2020, was “The Day The Sun Didn’t Come Up.” As I write this at 2:20 pm, the sun still had not risen here in San Francisco.
Yesterday the NY Times reported that wildfires in California have now burned more acreage than in any prior year in recorded history, plus we still have four months left in our fire season. Amy Goodman, on the Democracy Now news show, reported not only that the acreage burned this year exceeded all prior recorded years, but also that these record breaking wildfires are caused by global warming. Thank you, Amy Goodman, and thank you to all the news agencies that have had the integrity to link these record-breaking fires to climate change instead of regarding global warming as a radical leftist hoax.
My friends and family in Dublin California, 60 miles to the southeast; Aptos California, 70 miles south; and Salinas California 105 miles south, have all reported today that the sun did not come up there either.
I cannot help but take this phenomenon as a warning that we must alter how we live and begin to de-grow our human enterprise across the planet. We seem to have completely lost touch with the natural world and forgotten that we are an integral part of it.