Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for May 16-May 23, 2021

Baptism Worship and call for scripture passages!
Worship this week will take place at Camp Mennoscah beginning at 10:00 am on May 16th. There will be no in-person worship at BCMC and no live-streamed worship. All are welcome to attend worship at Camp Mennoscah as we join in celebrating the baptism of Caleb Koontz!

Pastor Renee would like to invite the congregation to share an important or meaningful Bible passage to them with Caleb as he enters this new adventure of his faith journey. You can send or drop off a card for Caleb at church by May 24th:

BCMC/Caleb Koontz
PO Box 364
North Newton, KS 67117

Sympathy Notice
Please hold Sondra Bandy Koontz and the Koontz family in your prayers as they mourn the death of Phil Koontz. He had a heart attack early morning of May 13. His sudden loss is deeply saddening. Press this link for the obituary on the Petersen Funeral Home website. The memorial service for Phil Koontz will be live-streamed.

Sunday, May 16 Bethel College celebrates its 128^th commencement (4 p.m.) with a Baccalaureate worship service at 10 a.m., both in Thresher Stadium, with Memorial Hall as a rain back-up. Because of COVID-19 protocols, admission is by ticket only, with graduates receiving a certain number each. Please keep the Class of 2021 and their families in your prayers.

BCMC has an ongoing commitment to provide volunteer help at New Hope Shelter, a shelter in Newton for the homeless. We provide evening and overnight volunteers and meals for 1 week every 9 weeks. Some of our most faithful volunteers have had to stop serving due to age and/or health problems. We are always in need of replacements. Our next week to serve is June 16-22. There will be a volunteer training on May 18, from 7-8:30 PM. Please consider this important volunteer opportunity to serve the homeless among us. If you have questions or are willing to serve, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.

BCMC Offerings
April 25, 2021: General Fund $2,674; MCC Sale $75; Sr Hi Youth $100; Living Stones $125; Peace Garden $2,000
May 2, 2021: General Fund $10,484; Sr Hi Youth $300; Living Stones $415

Behind the Hammer is now available in digital format. Now you can choose to read BTH in print, on your phone or tablet, or on your computer.

Behind the Hammer is the quarterly publication of Mennonite Disaster Service. Each issue brings you compelling and inspiring stories of volunteers helping to give people hope after disaster strikes.
This new digital format offers an environmentally friendly alternative to print. It brings you additional content not found in the print version, offering you a robust and enjoyable reading experience.
Click here to view the digital version of Behind the Hammer.
Click below and select the version that best meets your needs. You will continue to receive only the print version unless you select one of the options below.

Western District Conference announcementThe WDC Resource Library is now open to the public – Library capacity will be limited to one household in the library at a time. The self-checkout station & library catalog computer will remain off during this phase of reopening. Please see library staff or WDC staff for assistance in looking up items (or browse the catalog on your smartphone). Please plan to make your visit to the library quick and not linger (couches/chairs will be turned around for the time being). Please stop at the WDC front lobby to check whether there is anyone in the library. Questions? Contact the library at crlib@mennowdc.org As in the rest of the WDC offices, masks are required while you are in the library. The library continues to offer service to any individual or congregation in WDC via the United States Postal Service–check out the online catalog here.

Camp Mennoscah announcements1. Help set up camp! Volunteers are needed to help set up the HUGE tents used for this summer’s youth camps at Camp Mennoscah. Setup will happen May 28 and 29. Sign up by May 15 by contacting 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. 2. Camp Mennoscah is looking for additional staff to help with extra tasks necessary this summer. The person should be at least 18 years old and will be paid the summer staff stipend. A multiple-week/full summer commitment is preferred, but those with partial summer availability are invited to apply. Complete the Summer Staff application at www.campmennoscah.org 3. Nurses needed for summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah needs nurses for June 17-19 (First Camp), June 20-26 (Junior I) and July 25-30 (Senior High). Nurses receive a stipend or a discount up to full camp fees for their camper (camper does not have to attend the same camp week). Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information. 4. Congratulations! Deborah, Camp Mennoscah’s dedicated and generous office assistant of over 7 years, is retiring! She has reduced her hours and has graciously agreed to stay on for a time while the next assistant is found. Camp Mennoscah is seeking someone to share in office/support operations and guest services in a position with potential growth. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for information.

5. Camp Mennoscah has volunteer opportunities available both now and throughout the summer!

Amphitheater renovations (May 14-15)
Work Day (May 22)
Tent assembly (May 28-29)
Trail bridge (concrete work)
Mowing (weekly)
Cleaning/custodial (weekly)

…and so much more! Check out this list of great ways to be involved! Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to make arrangements.

Mennonite church announcements1. Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, IN is seeking to fill two senior level positions:

Senior Executive of Ventures – Help create, foster, and deliver collaborative programs and services to our constituents and partners.

Senior Executive of Operations – Oversee administrative and operational functions of the organization.

Detailed position descriptions are here. Letters of interest and resumes should be emailed to StaffRecruitment@MennoniteMIssion.net.

2. Have you been wondering whose faces you will see on stage at MennoCon21, Mennonite Church USA’s biennial convention on July 6-10? Read about who the worship speakers are and what topics they will be covering at this first hybrid (in-person and online) convention: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon21-worship/.

3. For a variety of reasons, regularly attending Sunday morning church services is just not feasible for many people. Beryl Jantzi, in his blog, “Revisioning Church: Sabbath Diaspora and Christian Synagogues,” addresses this issue by offering several ways that churches can accommodate a non-traditional Sabbath. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/diaspora-synagogues

4. Jonathan Brenneman reflects on how the militarized state of Israel causes children to suffer and how our taxpayer dollars aid in causing that suffering. Read his blog, “Investing in Justice Rather Than Militarism at Home and Abroad,” here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/justice-over-militarism

5. In response to increased violence and hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islander people, the Mennonite Church USA Women in Leadership Steering Committee made a statement urging the church to work together to call out anti-Asian rhetoric and abuse. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/aapi-statement/. Also, consider attending the Christian Faith & Anti-Asian Violence Workshop sponsored by Mennonite Church USA, Roots of Justice, and ReconciliAsian on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at 6:30 CDT. To register, click HERE, or go to http://reconciliasian.org/new-events.

Mennonite Central Committee announcements
1. MCC Central States COVID-19 update: We look forward to re-opening the MCC office in North Newton on July 6. Please keep us in your prayers as we consider our protocols, processes and capacity. Material resources donations continue to be accepted in the 24-hour donation room. Financial donations can be made at mcc.org, mailed to the office (MCC Central States PO BOX 235 North Newton, KS 67117) or dropped off by appointment. Please call the MCC office at 316-283-2720 with any questions. Thank you for continuing to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee.—

2. SWAP summer staff needed! MCC’s Sharing With Appalachia People (SWAP) program is in need of Job Site Coordinators and Meals Coordinators to support home repair projects in Kimball, West Virginia or Harlan, Kentucky. Applicants should be at least 19 years old, but these paid roles are not limited to young adults. For more information and to apply, visit mcc.org/swap-summer-staff or contact the MCC Appalachia SWAP office at (606) 634-4418 or AppalachiaAdmin@mcc.org.—

3. HR Generalist: MCC is looking for someone with excellent relational skills, intercultural competency and HR experience in recruitment/selection, benefits administration, onboarding or policy work to join our team as a full time HR Generalist. This position is open for someone to be based in the U.S. headquarters in Akron, PA or any regional office including North Newton, KS. The deadline to express interest is May 31. For more information and to apply click here: HR Generalist application.

Mennonite Creation Care Network E-News – click here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praising God for Robin Gingerich’s 20 years of ministry at LCC International University in Lithuania. Pray for students from around the world, who persevere in learning despite the many difficulties caused by COVID-19 restrictions, which compound other trauma they may have experienced in their lives.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC’s Stewardship Commission, meeting this week to discern faithful use of resources, and give thanks for generous contributions that support conference ministry.

Announcements for May 9-May 16, 2021

Save the date for the Sr High Sunday School class play – Thursday, May 20th at 7pm. This year’s play is based on the story of Elijah. Come out for an evening of theater…more information coming soon!

Thank you for your prayers, concern, and other forms of encouragement as I went through my operation and as I am now in the recovery phase. Paul M. Harms

Website Access
One way to learn more about ongoing work of the board, commissions, and committees is to read minutes. To increase communication and information-sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the board has decided to grant password-protected access to online meeting minutes to interested church members and active participants. If you are an interested church member/ active participant and want to read minutes, please contact Monica at the church office for further instruction. Thanks to the church member who made this suggestion!

Looking for 3 people to be delegates at the Mennonite Church USA Delegate Session
The MC USA delegate session will be held virtually on Saturday, July 10, from 1-3:30pm EDT. BCMC is looking for 3 more people to represent our congregation at this delegate session. Please consider helping our congregation’s voice be heard! If you are willing to serve as a delegate, please contact Pastor Dawn (dawn@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org).

Congregational Meeting Link
Here is the link for the congregational meeting from Sunday, May 2.
https://youtu.be/wPxc_A70QR8

Keith and Donna Woolery celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary
Keith and Donna are celebrating their 50th anniversary of getting married at Bethel College Mennonite Church on May 16. Their children, Danielle and Jesse, are requesting a card shower. They are asking for cards to be sent to Keith and Donna’s Texas address: Keith & Donna Woolery, 3205 Masthead Drive, Denton, Texas 76210
Click here for the invitation.

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., May 9), 2 p.m. – Concert by Bethel College’s small a cappella ensembles Open Road (men) and Woven (women), on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Last week to view the Senior Art Show, “Requiem aeternam,” paintings by Adam Kroeker, in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College (through May 14). Reception: Fri., May 14, 7-9 p.m. near the gallery. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Sunday, May 16 – Bethel College will celebrate its 128^th commencement (4 p.m.) with a Baccalaureate worship service in the morning (10 a.m.), both in Thresher Stadium, with Memorial Hall as a rain back-up. Because of COVID-19 protocols, admission is by ticket only, with graduates receiving a certain number each. Please keep the Class of 2021 and their families in your prayers. Members of Open Road and Woven:Open Road is Jesse Balzer, Hurley, S.D., Phillip Balzer, Hurley, S.D., Peyton Fast, Moundridge, Nathan Garber, Newton, Trae Gehring, Pretty Prairie, Jerod Kaufman, Moundridge, Adam Kroeker, Augusta, Eli Regier, Newton, Nathaniel Schmucker, Moundridge, Zach Shima, Topeka, and Bryce Wilson, Sterling.Woven is Annie Carlson, Hurley, S.D., Charlie Gibson, Ashland, Aubry Grame, Kalispell, Mont., Addie Regier Kauffman, Newton, Halle Krehbiel, Hesston, Rachel Miller, Freeman, S.D., Bethany Powls, Garnett, Juliana Schrag, Goessel, and Allie Weaver, Hesston.

Western District Conference announcement
The WDC Resource Library is now open to the public – Library capacity will be limited to one household in the library at a time. The self-checkout station & library catalog computer will remain off during this phase of reopening. Please see library staff or WDC staff for assistance in looking up items (or browse the catalog on your smartphone). Please plan to make your visit to the library quick and not linger (couches/chairs will be turned around for the time being). Please stop at the WDC front lobby to check whether there is anyone in the library. Questions? Contact the library at crlib@mennowdc.org As in the rest of the WDC offices, masks are required while you are in the library. The library continues to offer service to any individual or congregation in WDC via the United States Postal Service–check out the online catalog here.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Nurses needed for summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah needs nurses for June 17-19 (First Camp), June 20-26 (Junior I) and July 25-30 (Senior High). Nurses receive a stipend or a discount up to full camp fees for their camper (camper does not have to attend the same camp week). Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.

2. Help set up camp! Volunteers are needed to help set up the HUGE tents used for this summer’s youth camps at Camp Mennoscah. Setup will happen May 28 and 29. Sign up by May 15 by contacting 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.

3. Congratulations! Deborah, Camp Mennoscah’s dedicated and generous office assistant of over 7 years, is retiring! She has reduced her hours and has graciously agreed to stay on for a time while the next assistant is found. Camp Mennoscah is seeking someone to share in office/support operations and guest services in a position with potential growth. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for information.

4. Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position. Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule. For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org

5. Camp Mennoscah has a new tee shirt design and new colors to choose from! The design and colors can be found at www.campmennoscah.org When tee shirts are ordered, the number of each size and color we get is rarely close to what is actually purchased. Often there are a lot left over of certain colors and sizes and none of the ones everybody wants. Help us get the best color in your size! You can show interest or order a tee shirt here! Pre-ordering will be available until May 15.

If you or your camper ordered a tee shirt during camper registration (including Bring a Friends), please complete the survey so we are sure to get the tee shirt you want. (You will not be able to change colors or sizes after ordering.) Camp tees are so much fun to wear!

Mennonite church announcements

1. Glen Guyton has been reappointed for a second three-year term as executive director of Mennonite Church USA. Read about his goals and accomplishments here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/glen-second-term

2. Mennonite Church USA profiled Amy Yoder McGloughlin – mom, pastor and peacemaker with Christian Peacemaking Teams – as part of its Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of War initiative. Read about Yoder McGloughlin’s journey in “From Palestine to Pennsylvania, peacemaking is not passive.” https://www.mennoniteusa.org/palestine-to-pa

3. Carlos Romero shared about his experience as the first Latino executive director of Mennonite Education Agency and about his anti-racism work in the education system in a recent interview. Read more. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/table-menno-education En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/por-ampliar-la-mesa

4. Voices Together was made with children in mind, too! Read Ingrid and Anneli Loepp Thiessen’s blog, “Introducing Voices Together to Children: Ten ideas,” for examples of how to integrate Voices Together into children’s programming. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/vt-children-ten-ideas

5. Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, IN is seeking to fill two senior level positions.
Senior Executive of Ventures
Help create, foster, and deliver collaborative programs and services to our constituents and partners.
Senior Executive of Operations
Oversee administrative and operational functions of the organization.
Detailed position descriptions are here. Letters of interest and resumes should be emailed to StaffRecruitment@MennoniteMIssion.net.

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

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: On this Mother’s Day, Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for all the world’s families. May they find the resources to provide for their children, so they will have the joy of seeing their children blossom physically, mentally, socially and spiritually into their full God-created potential.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for God’s guidance for WDC congregations, pastors and leaders as they determine priorities and focus vision in the midst of the ongoing challenges and changes of the pandemic.

Announcements for May 2-May 9, 2021

Spring Congregational Meeting – Sunday – May 2, 2021 – 2 pm
The BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom. Here is the Zoom link for the May 2 meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85663468861?pwd=U0cxcEJ3YlB4eGR5eFRhd3dtZklSUT09

Meeting ID: 856 6346 8861
Passcode: 508271

Tempestry Project panels are now installed in the Gathering Place
The seven panels feature a row of knitted yarn representing the high temperature for each day in twenty year increments, from 1897, when Bethel College Mennonite Church began, through 2019. The project is designed to help us visually think about our warming climate. Additional information can be seen by the Tempestry.
The project was coordinated by the BCMC Visual Arts Committee and the participating knitters (Sara Dick, Esther Kreider Eash, Deane Frey, Mary Goering, Marilyn Harrold, Peggy Souder and Lenore Waltner) completed the project in April 2020.

Miner Seymour is now living at Paramount Community Living and Rehab which until recently was part of Asbury Park.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat
Dust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… it’s the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

April 25 Offering at BCMC: General Fund $6,927; MCC Sale $650; Sr Hi Youth $650; Living Stones $155; Women’s Fellowship $500; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $105.

Bethel College Announcements
TODAY (Sun., May 2), 4 p.m. – Spring choral concert, featuring the Bethel College Concert Choir, Woven, Open Road, soloists and small ensembles, on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets or use chairs set up on the Ad Building plaza. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.
Tues., May 4, 7 p.m. – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert on the plaza in front of Luyken Fine Arts Center (rain location: KREHBIEL AUDITORIUM). Bring your own chairs/blankets. The concert is free – there will be a freewill offering taken to help support steel drum performance at Bethel. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.
Weds., May 5, 7 p.m. – Jazz on the Green, featuring Bethel College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, a little south of the usual location, on the slab to the east of the art gallery (rain location: Krehbiel Auditorium). Bring your own chairs/blankets. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus
Sat., May 8, 5 p.m. – Trae Gehring junior tuba recital, Administration Building chapel on the Bethel College campus. Free and open to the public with limited seating, physical distancing enforced for non-family groups, and face coverings required.
Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m. – Concert by Bethel College’s small a cappella ensembles Open Road (men) and Woven (women), on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. The concert is free, but a freewill offering will be taken to support the Concert Choir’s 2022 Europe tour. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: Senior Art Show, “Requiem aeternam,” paintings by Adam Kroeker, through May 14. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Everence to hold several upcoming webinars
Everence will host the following free, online webinars during the month of May; all starting at 6:30 p.m.
Making your wishes known – Tuesday, May 11

Navigating education savings: 529 plans – Tuesday, May 18

Social Security and retirement income planning – Tuesday, May 25

To register, or learn more about each webinar event, please visit our webpage at everence.com/kansas.

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 Central Committee Relief Sale Announcements
California Roasted Almonds are to arrive in Buhler, May 3. As soon as they are received, we will deliver to Etcetera stores in Hutchinson, Newton and Hillsboro and the MCC Center in North Newton. Selling price will be $10/bag with donations welcomed. The money will all go to MCC. Richard Ediger will also have some available in Buhler. Call 620-543-2787

Get your MCC Relief Sale gear online at https://wearatomic.com/product-category/mcc/
The proceeds from the sale of these products go to support MCC.

Hesston College Announcements

Bel Canto Singers May Tour: Lift Every Voice

Visit www.hesston.edu/everyvoice for more information and virtual or livestream play options.

Friday, April 30, 7 p.m. – Hesston College Mullet Drive, Hesston, Kan.
Monday, May 3, 7 p.m. – Dyck Arboretum of the Plains with Marie Engle, Hesston, Kan.
Tuesday, May 4, 7 p.m. – First Mennonite Church, Hutchinson, Kan.
Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m. – Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, Harper, Kan.
Friday, May 7, 7 p.m. – Heartland Community High School, Henderson, Neb.
Sunday, May 9, 4 p.m. – Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, Freeman S.D.
Monday, May 10, 7 p.m. – Bethel Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake, Minn.
Thursday, May 13, 7 p.m. – Banman Residence, 8538 Mette Street, Lenexa, Kan.
Friday, May 14, 7 p.m. – Tabor Mennonite Church, Goessel, Kan.

Commencement – May 1 – www.hesston.edu/commencement

Western District Conference announcement
Church Replanting: Discerning God’s Call to Change: Thank you to everyone who joined us for this discussion last week (April 21) on zoom! The WDC Church Planting Commission was greatly encouraged by your participation. For those who were unable to join us, here’s a video of what we discussed about discerning and considering changes as church communities: Video: Church Replanting: Discerning God’s Call to Change

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. There are openings for youth at Camp Mennoscah’s summer youth camps! Several of the camp weeks still have space for more campers. Register at www.campmennoscah.org and find further information in the camp blog!

3. Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position. Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule. For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org4. Nurses needed for summer youth camps! Camp Mennoscah needs nurses for June 17-19 (First Camp), June 20-26 (Junior I) and July 25-30 (Senior High). Nurses receive a stipend or a discount up to full camp fees for their camper (camper does not have to attend the same camp week). Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for more information.

Mennonite church announcements

1. For Corinthian Plan (TCP) CEP Health Coverage participants. TCP is providing specific COVID-19 health coverage for its participants. Many of these benefits are covered without further cost to the participant during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). For specific information regarding coverages below go to the TCP webpage regarding the following:

Vaccinations
Testing, Diagnosis and Inpatient hospitalization
Telemedicine
Temporary eligibility exceptions for furloughed staff or staff with reduced hours.

The Corinthian Plan also has grants available for congregations experiencing economic stress during the COVID-19 Outbreak. The COVID Premium Assistance fund has been made possible by the donations of TCP participating congregations. Click on Guidelines or Application or go to the TCP webpage.
2. Seeking a Chaplain: Bethesda Home, in Goessel, KS, is looking for a part-time chaplain. Interested parties may apply on the Bethesda website: www.bethesdahome.org. Please contact Marci Heidebrecht in Human Resources for additional information at 620-367-2291 x 229 or mheidebrecht@bethesdahome.org.

The link to the May issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below.
This is a monthly prayer resource prepared by Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. These prayer requests were gathered from across Mennonite education, from early childhood – grade 12, undergraduate schools, graduate schools and seminaries, and MEA’s Hispanic Ministries’ seminary and Bible institute. By partnering with these schools and helping them flourish, MEA works to strengthen the church through education. Thank you for supporting the Anabaptist-Mennonite schools through prayer.
Prayers for Mennonite Education – May 2021

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network’s Youth Venture program is offering three learning and service opportunities in the United States this summer. Pray for participants, ages 15-22, to be challenged by the Doctrine of Discovery tour, the civil rights tour, or the immersive peacebuilding experience, which will include cooperative interaction with Colombian Mennonite youth.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as they seek the Spirit’s leading in selecting nominees for positions on the Executive Board and Commissions.

Announcements for April 25-May 2, 2021

As we seek to learn about and challenge racial injustice, we invite you to read the reflections of MC USA’s Executive Director, Glen Guyton in response to the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict this week, here.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend RetreatDust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… it’s the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

We offer sympathy to the family of Laura Ann Schrag. Laura Ann died Friday, April 23, at Kidron Bethel Village. More details will come later.

Spring Congregational Meeting: This year, due to the Leonard Pitts lecture scheduled by Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) on April 25 at 2 pm, the BCMC Congregational Meeting will be held on May 2, at 1 pm, via zoom. Mark your calendars now! The Annual Report Booklets will be sent out early next week. If you wish to have a paper copy, contact the BCMC office.

BCMC Offering for April 18, 2021: General Fund $11,840.61; Community Play School $250; MCC Relief Sale $50; Sr Hi Youth $4,812.95; Living Stones $323.33; Women’s Fellowship $670; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $550; Helen Ruth Unruh Memorial $220; Harold Bartel Memorial $25.

ooking for an opportunity to sing or play an instrument in church this summer? BCMC is seeking musicians of all ages, individuals or small groups, to assist in leading worship this summer. If you are willing or want more information, email Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator, at thiesenjba@gmail.com. Please indicate dates you would be available. If you are a singer, indicate if you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone/bass; if you are an instrumentalist, indicate your instrument.

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale will be having their 2021 sale for MCC on July 2 and 3 this summer. They are asking the churches for help with expenses, so if anyone would like to help contribute on behalf of BCMC, please let one of our church liaisons know. By the first of May would be preferable, but of course contributions would be welcomed at any time! Contact people are Dale and Margo Schrag 316-283-6031, and Dennis and Kathy Campbell 316-416-5156.

Bethel College Announcements

TODAY (Sunday, April 25), 2 p.m. – If you registered for the Zoom link, don’t forget to tune in to hear award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. speak on “Is America Possible?,” part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR).

Kauffman Museum’s spring fundraiser is FaspBox – faspa in a box. Faspa is a light evening meal traditional among Low German-heritage Mennonites. Each box serves one and costs $50. Reservations must be made by Monday, April 26 (for pickup or delivery on May 2), at www.kauffmanmuseum.org/faspbox or by contacting the museum with credit card information at kauffman@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

April 29-May 1 (including Saturday matinee): Bethel College spring play, I and You by Lauren Gunderson, planned for Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – and there is a livestream option! Call or stop by Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 316-284-5205, for tickets for either in-person or livestream. Please note: This play has adult content and is not suitable for children. Face coverings must be worn and physical distancing will be enforced for in-person performances.

Sat., May 1, 7 a.m. – Kauffman Museum first-Saturday bird walks resume. Meet in the museum parking lot (corner of Main and 27th streets in North Newton) to join experienced birders for a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail. Trails are mostly unpaved and sometimes steep or sloping. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing between non-family members practiced at all times.

Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m. – Spring choral concert, featuring the Bethel College Concert Choir, Woven and Open Road on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

Tues., May 4, 7 p.m. – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert on the plaza in front of Luyken Fine Arts Center (rain location: Memorial Hall). Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Weds., May 5, 7 p.m. – Jazz on the Green, featuring Bethel College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo (a little south of the usual location, on the slab to the east of the art gallery).Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus

Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: Senior Art Show, “Requiem Aeternam,” paintings by Adam Kroeker, through May 14. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Face coverings must be worn on the Bethel campus.

SafeHope Event
SafeHope is hosting an event the end of May for their participants to receive new clothes. These clothes could be used for a job, new job interview, or just for fun! Please bring new items to 316 Oak Street, Newton. Thank you for your support with their Clothing Boutique this year! As much as they appreciate all donations, for this event they are requesting only NEW items.

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

Western District Conference announcements1. KLC Competencies: “Why Purposes Matters (and Why Experimentation in Crucial)” is our discussion topic – Thursday, April 22, 12-1 pm. Join us if you are a Kansas Leadership Center alum or if you’re curious. Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84286455892?pwd=KzdKK1NMRGt2bnVKZExvSERnNDNSUT09, Meeting ID: 842 8645 5892, Passcode: 827423. 2. A Shot for your Right (to Party)? Energizing Others to Beat the Virus – A Virtual Discussion and Journal Launch event – April 27, 6:00-7:45 pm
The latest edition of The Journal, the Kansas Leadership Center’s magazine, explores how the return to “normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic requires most Americans to take an approved coronavirus vaccine. But fears exacerbated by the unprecedented speed of vaccine development, growing political fissures, barriers to access and a shameful history of medical experiments on people of color complicate the return to normal.

What kind of leadership can everyday people exercise to help boost the chances that the pandemic will finally come to an end, and truly bring about a cause for celebration?

Join The Journal and the Kansas Leadership Center for this free, virtual launch event to discuss leadership challenges being elevated by the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. You’ll hear from experts to gain a better understanding of why Kansans are skeptical of the vaccines and how to communicate effectively about them without jeopardizing close relationships with family, friends and neighbors.

Following the presentation by experts, a small group discussion will help you reflect on your own efforts to help end the pandemic, learn from the experiences of others and explore how to contribute going forward. All participants of the Kansas Beats the Virus and Voices on Vaccinations efforts are encouraged to attend.
REGISTER HERE: https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/klcevents/a-shot-for-your-right-to-party/?ct=t%28Journal+Launch%3A+A+Show+for+Your+Right%29&mc_cid=8a030b3192&mc_eid=d2ce127c34

Camp Mennoscah announcements1. Smorgasborg of volunteer opportunities for you! Starting with the Work Day on April 24, Camp Mennoscah has multiple opportunities to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campgrounds. Get Involved and be part of the fun! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer. 2. Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position. Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule. For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org 3. Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. More information at www.campmennoscah.org. Applications accepted until the position is filled. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

Mennonite church announcements1. Are you a pastor or professor that feels God’s call to mission? Join Mission Network as we partner with agencies all around the world. Serve globally in various short-term assignments. Contact MichelleR@MMNWorld.net.

2. If you are being called to walk in mission with partners around the world, Mission Network has a place for you. JCS International in Mongolia is seeking a full time Funding and Communications Management Director. Partner in God’s work in these or many other placements around the world! Contact LaurenEH@MennoniteMission.net for more information.

3. Felipe Hinojosa, author of “Apostles of Change,” shared stories about Latino activists transforming churches into staging grounds for protests against urban renewal and displacement, in a recorded webinar from Mennonite Church USA. View it here: mennoniteusa.org/webinars

4. Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference recently licensed Katerina Friesen for ministry at Wild Church Fresno (California), a Mennonite Church USA church plant that meets outdoors and feels a particular call to care for God’s creation. Read more at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/friesen-licensed-wild-church

5. What are the causes of war? And what can we do to end war before it begins? David Lapp-Jost answers these questions in his blog, “Nurturing more life-giving community.” Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/life-giving-community

6. Pastor Graciela Tijerina listened when God called her to lead Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania (Bethany House Mennonite Church), in Newton, Kansas. Read her story here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/iglesia-casa-betania/
En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias-tijerina

7. Award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who packed out Memorial Hall at Bethel College in September 2017, makes a return appearance on Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m. Pitts will be live online, speaking on “Is America Possible?” This is part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Register for the Zoom link at kipcor.org

Hesston College Announcements:
Bel Canto Singers – An outdoor worship service at Alexanderwhohl Mennonite Church in Goessel, KS – April 25, 10:00am

Bel Canto Singers Concert – Presented at the Mullet Drive parking lot at Hesston College – April 30, 7:00pm – Fine Arts Livestream

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
RMMC SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY NOW APRIL 24TH – With the coming of snow and cold (ah, Springtime in CO), the workday has been moved to April 24. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Hope to have you join us!

SPRUCE BEETLE TREE CUTTING AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAY 23-29, 2021 – Mennonite Disaster Service and RMMC continue their critical partnership in the work to remove beetle infested Engelmann Spruce trees from camp. Ten volunteers (approximately) needed each day. Volunteers for foodservice are also encouraged to help in support of the week’s efforts. Please visit the volunteer page at www.rmmc.org and select “Signup for Maintenance” or “Signup for Foodservice” for 1 or 2 days or the whole week if you can. For additional information, please contact Paul Unruh (phunruh@gmail.com, 316-772-6308) or Marc Yoder (marcyoder1@gmail.com, 719-942-3276).

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network praises God for the three-year ministry of Diana Cruz and Felipe Preciado at La Casa Grande, a children’s home in Benin. Pray for Diana and Felipe as they transition back to living in and doing God’s work in Colombia, their sending country.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastors, parents, teachers, and mentors in WDC congregations, as they guide faith formation for children and youth in the midst of challenging times.

Announcements for April 18-April 25, 2021

From the Staff Congregation Relations Committee
The Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) of the Bethel College Mennonite Church (BCMC) serves as a bridge between BCMC staff and the congregation. We hold within our vision the mutual care and growth of both staff and congregation. SCRC advocates for each side while working to enhance and strengthen the whole.
BCMC is part of the Corinthian Plan, which is the MC USA health insurance plan. The Corinthian Plan publishes a Pastor Wellbeing Checklist, which SCRC is in the process of reviewing. As described by The Corinthian Plan, the checklist is an invitation for congregations to enter into discussions with their pastors about how to create a healthier and more fulfilling work environment. The checklist includes an invitation for congregational leadership to remind the congregation of important boundaries to protect the well-being of our pastors. To that end, SCRC wishes to remind BCMC of important ways we can respect the boundaries of our staff in order to ensure they have a healthy and fulfilling work environment and that they can enjoy healthy work-life balance.
1. Our pastors and staff have dedicated working hours. Unless there is an emergency, care should be taken to respect our staff’s working hours and personal time. By way of reminder, below are the days our pastors and staff are away from the office:
Pastor Dawn Yoder Harms – Mondays off
Pastor Renee Reimer—Fridays off
Pastor Nathan Koontz—Mondays and Wednesdays off
Monica Lichti, Office and Facilities Manager—Friday afternoons off
Mike Crawford, Custodian—Tuesdays off
SCRC has encouraged our staff to use their days off to rest and recharge and to avoid reading and responding to emails or addressing other church business. For our pastoral staff, Sundays are working days, so their Sabbath day must come on another day. It is our belief that these days of Sabbath are critical to our staff’s well-being and we hope you will join us in respecting these important boundaries.
2. Another way we can support the well-being of our staff is to be mindful of the ways in which we communicate with one another. It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy on the part of our staff to keep the everyday life of our church running smoothly. Email can be a helpful tool for engaging in ordinary communication that furthers this end. But on top of the daily tending to the functioning of our organization, our staff are dealing with the deeper, human and spiritual needs of our congregation. Email is usually not an effective tool to communicate in this vein, nor is it an effective tool for expressing frustration, disappointment or disagreement. If you are frustrated or upset about something in your life or the life of the congregation, SCRC encourages you to pick up the phone and call the church or schedule and in person meeting. It is healthier for everyone involved to engage in conversation rather than to send an email that might be misinterpreted or sent in anger.
In the last year, we have been through a long season of fear, uncertainty and change as we learned to adjust to living in a pandemic. Much of what we hold dear has been stripped from us, whether it be worshiping together in our church, hugging our friends and family, or visiting with loved ones in person. We are all tired and weary, including our pastors and our BCMC staff. They have borne the responsibility for navigating our congregation through these unprecedented times. And they have done it with grace and compassion. As we look forward to the light at the end of this long tunnel of separation, let’s be mindful of the ways we can show care and respect for those who have been so dedicated to caring for us.
The Staff Congregation Relations Committee: Heather Zerger, SCRC Chair, Dave Linscheid, Mary Goering
Vern Preheim

As the Reopening Task Group makes plans to increase the number of people participating in in-person worship, your feedback is important. Please take two minutes to complete this two question survey. Hit the “submit” button when you are finished:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDwpq9MgVVWbWm4tv-_DfH822RjHko8eypCzNSXFCi7DphTw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&gxids=7628

Looking for an opportunity to sing or play an instrument in church this summer? BCMC is seeking musicians of all ages, individuals or small groups, to assist in leading worship this summer. If you are willing or want more information, email Barbara Thiesen, BCMC Music Coordinator, at thiesenjba@gmail.com. Please indicate dates you would be available. If you are a singer, indicate if you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone/bass; if you are an instrumentalist, indicate your instrument.

JOINING SCN SURVEY RESULTS:
Final results of the Congregational Survey regarding joining Supportive Communities Network (SCN) are:
TOTAL RESPONSES 131
YES 121 (92.4%)
NO 10 (7.6%)

SCN is a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests. It is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members.
The survey was sent to people who attend and participate in the life of BCMC and was not restricted to voting BCMC church members. The survey was sent electronically via email, and also by post mail to participants who do not communicate electronically.
The Church Board reviewed survey results at its meeting on April 9, 2021. The number of YES responses significantly exceeds 75%. The Board is taking next steps to join SCN.
May we continue learning and following Christ together on pathways of justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God and neighbor.
Elizabeth Schmidt, Moderator and Board Chair

BCMC Offerings
March 28, 2021: General Fund $8,026; Media Supplies $55; Sr Hi Youth $20; Caring Fund $100; Living Stones $325; Transfer-Funeral $175; Hymnals $20; Women’s Fellowship $775
April 4, 2021: General Fund $7,735; Sr Hi Youth $150; Transfer-General $4; Living Stones $715; Rosalind Andreas Memorial $275
April 11, 2021: General Fund $10,056.30; General Fund 2022 $12,017.72; Caring Fund $25; Living Stones $330.Rosalind Andreas Memorial $275; Helen Ruth Unruh Memorial $275

Mennonite Central Committee Announcements
From the MCC U.S. Washington Office, an invitation to take action: Prevent future war—repeal the Iraq AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force) The 2002 Iraq AUMF authorized war against the Saddam Hussein regime and has been used to justify military action for 19 years without additional congressional approval. Two bills repealing the AUMF in the House of Representative and the Senate have growing bipartisan support. Repealing past AUMFs will return authority to engage in militarized force to Congress, creating greater accountability for military actions. Send a message to your members of Congress calling on them to support the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs.

MCC dignity kit informational webinar, April 20 at 7 p.m. Yes, MCC has a new kit that has been in development for years and now we’re ready to teach you how to help us bring dignity to young women around the world! The dignity kit includes hygiene items and a reusable menstruation pad system. Join Kate Mast for this webinar to learn about the kit and how to sew the base units for the reusable system. Email katemast@mcc.org for the Zoom link.

Responding to disaster: MCC’s response to hurricanes Eta & Iota webinar April 21 & 22 at 7pm
MCC is pleased to bring you, via Zoom, the people and stories directly impacted by this disaster response that you generously supported. Register here for this two night webinar to hear directly from MCC partner organizations and church partners in Honduras and Nicaragua. They will share about MCC’s disaster response as well as how climate change impacts migration and poverty in Central America.

MCC is hiring a multimedia producer! Check out the job description and apply today!

Bethel College Announcements
Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m. – Award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who packed out Memorial Hall at Bethel College in September 2017 with a lecture titled “America in an Age of Trump,” makes a return engagement, live online, speaking on “Is America Possible?” This is part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Register for the Zoom link at kipcor.org

Kauffman Museum’s spring fundraiser is FaspBox – faspa in a box. Faspa is a light evening meal traditional among Low German-heritage Mennonites. Each box serves one and costs $50. Reservations must be made by Monday, April 26 (for pickup or delivery on May 2), by going to the Kauffman Museum website, then click on Visit, then click on Events, or by contacting the museum with credit card information at kauffman@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m.: Spring choral concert, featuring the Bethel College Concert Choir, Woven and Open Road on the steps of the Administration Building on campus. Bring your own chairs/blankets. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing practiced on the Bethel campus.

Sat., April 24, 7 p.m. – Caleb Abbott senior saxophone recital, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring classical and jazz pieces by Glazunov, Morosco, Shorter, Wood & Mellin, and an original composition. Those planning to attend must wear masks and sit physically distanced or in family groups. Seating is limited, with priority given to members of a pre-concert list of family and friends.

Western District Conference Announcements
1. Church Replanting – Discerning God’s Call to Change
God is continuing to call God’s church to change so that we can better embody our Jesus-given mission. Perhaps the Spirit is already moving in your heart: Have you been longing to implement changes resulting in deeper discipleship, while inviting and welcoming others into the way of Jesus? But how can we do that if we have become stuck in what was and what has been? How can we prayerfully approach healthy changes as a community for the sake of the Gospel? Join members of the WDC Church Planting Commission for a Zoom conversation and discussion on these topics and more on April 21 at 11:00 am (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84445430211?pwd=Y3A4V2toK3YxUEVhZGtVcEQzU21nQT09, Meeting ID: 844 4543 0211, Passcode: 173971). Tim Amor, pastor at Beatrice (NE) Mennonite Church, will share his congregation’s ‘replanting’ story and engage our own exploration into how God’s Spirit is moving within us and the congregations we serve, considering guiding questions such as:
· What are you willing to change so that you and your church can better embody and share the love of Jesus?
· What are you not willing to change?
· How can we better disciple and invite others to join with us in orienting all of life toward the radical love of Jesus?

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
1. Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for time for fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival at the shelter. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
2. Camp Mennoscah is cleaning house! Anyone visiting will notice a “display” of items in the field in front of the maintenance shed. When the shed was cleaned out, the items were placed there until we could find new locations for them. It’s messy, as many big cleaning projects are, and we’ll continue to find places to store those items!
3. Camp Mennoscah is seeking to fill a part-time custodian/housekeeper position. Hours average 10 per week and are flexible, dependent upon the camp schedule. For more information, contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org
4. Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. More information at www.campmennoscah.org. Applications accepted until the position is filled; early submission encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.
Mennonite Church Announcements1. Come build communities of peace with the Colombia Youth Venture experience. Youth participants in both countries come together (virtually) to collaboratively explore that which makes for peace in their own, respective contexts. Visit MennoniteMission.net/YouthVenture to learn more. Deadline is May 1!
2. Looking for a non-traditional pastoral role? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Colorado Springs, CO and Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.
3. Pastor Jon Carlson of Forest Hills (Pennsylvania) Mennonite Church has been nominated as Mennonite Church USA moderator-elect for the 2021-2023 biennium. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/carlson-elect
4. Hendy Matahelemaul sheds light on the dramatic increase in hate crimes and acts of racism against Asians in the United States in his blog, “Difficult things in difficult times.” Learn more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/difficult-things-times
5. In her blog, “Let us lay down our economic weapons,” Katerina Parsons explains the impact that U.S. economic sanctions have on the people in the countries that have experienced these sanctions. Parsons calls us to advocate against these sanctions, in order put our love for people around the world into action. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/economic-weapons
6. As a young man, Alfonso Alvarado dreamt of leaving his home in El Salvador and moving to the United States. Read about his journey, which led him to become a pastor and church planter at a Mennonite church in “Beyond that ocean is North America.” In English: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias-alfonso-alvarado/ En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menoticias/posts/alfonso-alvarado/.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS – Another year of coronavirus impacts and we are all anew hoping for a successful summer camping season. While guidance from the state is yet to come, we are working toward offering our resident camp programs at 50% capacity and our wilderness camp programs at 100%. Currently, four out of our eleven youth camps (2 resident camps and 2 wilderness camps) have reached capacity with waitlists. Camp is excited again for the group of summer staff who are looking forward to serving the campers and guests anticipating their time here at Rocky Mountain this summer. Special thanks to our donors and churches and conference who have ensured the opportunity to offer a summer camp experience in 2021.

Buhler High School Choral Department Announcement (under the direction of Greg Bontrager)
Buhler High School Choral Department will present the musical GODSPELL, April 28, 30, May 1 and 2!. Music and Stage Direction by Greg Bontrager with Choreography by Katelyn Stoss and Rock Combo Direction by Rich Toevs. In this tale of building a community, friendship, loyalty, and love, a small group of disciples help Jesus tell a variety of parables through song, dance, and humor. But at its core, it’s the story of all of us, how we need to take care of each other, how we are all, in essence, a family. Godspell will be performed at the Buhler High School Auditorium April 28, 30 at 7:00 p.m.,
May 1 at 7:30 pm. and a matinee, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for K-12 students and are available by calling BHS at 620-543-2255. Tickets will also be available at the door or at this website: file:///Users/gbontrager/Desktop/Godspelltickets.html

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the two-day Sent Network conference that begins on Thursday, April 23. Pray that all who participate in this virtual church-planting summit will be inspired, energized, and given the tools necessary for encouraging the growth of Jesus’ church.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for farmers and gardeners, and pray for all those in WDC congregations working to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.

Announcements for April 11-April 18, 2021

Interested in learning more about our new hymnal, Voices Together? Check out this helpful article by Katie Graber, member of the Worship and Song Committee. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/answers-to-your-voices-together-questions/

A heartfelt thank you with deep appreciation for the many birthday wishes I received for my 90th birthday. May you also receive many blessings in the coming year.” Esther M. Thieszen

Helen Ruth Unruh
A private graveside service for Helen Ruth Unruh occurred this past Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Attached is a PDF of the service. Please continue to hold Helen’s family and friends in your prayers as they grieve her loss. Helen Ruth Obit Helen Ruth Worship Service

The BCMC Mission Quilters are back in the church building. A new quilt has been set up. Everyone is welcome to come quilt. Bring your mask. Come on Monday afternoons, 1-5 pm in the church basement, Room B6, to quilt!

Through Friday, April 16 – Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. The 2020 exhibit had to be canceled because of COVID shutdowns, so this one covers two school years and 55 different student artists, including two graduates. 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.

Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m. – Award-winning syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who packed out Memorial Hall at Bethel College in September 2017 with a lecture titled “America in an Age of Trump,” makes a return engagement, live online, speaking on “Is America Possible?” This is part of the Peace Lecture Series from the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Register for the Zoom link at kipcor.org

Kauffman Museum’s spring fundraiser is FaspBox – faspa in a box. Faspa is a light evening meal traditional among Low German-heritage Mennonites. Each box serves one and costs $50. Reservations must by made by Monday, April 26 (for pickup or delivery on May 2) by going to the Kauffman Museum website and clicking on events or by contacting the museum with credit card information at kauffman@bethelks.edu or 316-283-1612.

The MC USA biennial convention will take place in July 6-10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. While a limited number of persons will be allowed to participate in-person, any registrant can participate virtually from home–joining in worship, participating in seminars and exploring the exhibition hall. You can register here, after April 6: https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/

The MC USA delegate session will be held virtually on Saturday, July 10, from 1-3:30pm EDT. BCMC is looking for 5 people to represent our congregation at this delegate session. Since the session will be held virtually, there will be no need to travel. If you are interested in being a delegate, please contact Pastor Dawn (dawn@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org).

The annual corporation meeting of Community Playschool, Inc. will take place on Monday, April 12 at 7:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Bethel College Mennonite Church. This meeting is open to all corporation members which includes all members of sponsoring churches. In order to maintain safety guidelines for Covid 19, we ask that you call 316-217-2548 if you plan to attend and leave a message with your name so that we know how many people to expect. Mask wearing will be required.
Thank you-Jeanette Leary, director

Newton Et Cetera Shop is grateful for your donated items, your volunteer time, and your shopping enthusiasm! We have three requests for you this spring:
1. Please let your friends and neighbors know we’re hiring a full-time Home Goods Manager! The job description and applications are available on our website (newtonetceterashop.com) and at our shop; applications are due April 19, 2021.
2. We are in need of high-quality furniture, toys and home goods at this time. Our current donation schedule is every Wednesday, 9:30-6:00, and we hope to add other days of the week in the coming months!
3. We welcome new volunteers! Amazingly, we welcomed the same number of new volunteers (40!) in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, as we did in 2019! If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our website or facebook page, send us an email expressing interest to manager@newtonetceterashop.com, or call us at 316-283-9461. Thank you for supporting your local MCC Thrift Shop!

Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale will be having their 2021 sale for Mennonite Central Committee on July 2 and 3 this summer. They are asking the churches for help with expenses, so if anyone would like to help contribute on behalf of BCMC, please let one of our church liaisons know. By the first of May would be preferable, but of course contributions would be welcomed at any time! Contact people are Dale and Margo Schrag 316-283-6031, and Dennis and Kathy Campbell 316-416-5156.

Mennonite Central Committee dignity kit informational webinar, April 20 at 7 p.m. Yes, MCC has a new kit that has been in development for years and now we’re ready to teach you how to help us bring dignity to young women around the world! The dignity kit includes hygiene items and a reusable menstruation pad system. Join Kate Mast for this webinar to learn about the kit and how to sew the base units for the reusable system. Email katemast@mcc.org for the Zoom link.

Responding to disaster: MCC’s response to hurricanes Eta & Iota webinar April 21 & 22 at 7pm
MCC is pleased to bring you, via Zoom, the people and stories directly impacted by this disaster response that you generously supported. Register here for this two night webinar to hear directly from MCC partner organizations and church partners in Honduras and Nicaragua. They will share about MCC’s disaster response as well as how climate change impacts migration and poverty in Central America.

MCC is hiring a multimedia producer! Check out the job description and apply today!

Western District Conference announcements
1.  WDC Hope Fund update: One year ago in April 2020, the WDC Executive Board established the Hope Fund to support WDC congregations and ministers in response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, contributions of over $45,000 have been received, and grants totaling over $31,000 have been distributed to assist with expenses such as rent and repairs, utilities, groceries, pastoral support, medical expenses and mental health care. Thanks be to God for the mutual support and generosity that has been shared through these funds!  In anticipation of future needs beyond the pandemic, the Executive Board recently approved an expansion of the Hope Fund guidelines, to also include assistance in times of natural disaster or similar emergencies, and to allow WDC commissions (in addition to congregations) to also apply for grants to assist congregations and ministers. The Board also approved a Hope Fund Task Force to continue administering the fund. For more information, see the attached revised guidelines and application forms. Gifts to the Hope Fund may be made online at https://mennowdc.org/ (click on “Donate to WDC) or by sending a check to PO Box 306, N. Newton, KS 67117. Thank you!
2.  All women and girls are invited to the Western District Women in Mission 2021 Spring Soiree Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 pm.  In lieu of attending our annual Spring Supper, gather with us for a virtual night of worship, music and a reflection on “Faith in Turbulent Times” offered by special guest speaker and freelance minister, Georgia Metz, M. Div. Special music will be provided by Erin Regier Graber and Addie Regier Kauffman. Email WDWM2021SpringSoiree@gmail.com to register ASAP. A zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
3. Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS, is pleased to host the Service of Ordination for Lead Pastor Caleb Yoder on Sunday, April 11, at 4:00 pm. COVID precautions will be followed, including social distancing, required masks, and no congregational singing. A quartet will sing from the stage. Guests are welcome to join by livestream; email alexmenno@mtelco.net for the Zoom link.
4.  Church Replanting – Discerning God’s Call to Change – Zoom conversation – APRIL 21, 11:00 AMGod is continuing to call God’s church to change so that we can better embody our Jesus-given mission. Perhaps the Spirit is already moving in your heart: Have you been longing to implement changes resulting in deeper discipleship, while inviting and welcoming others into the way of Jesus?  But how can we do that if we have become stuck in what was and what has been? How can we prayerfully approach healthy changes as a community for the sake of the Gospel? Join members of the WDC Church Planting Commission for a Zoom conversation and discussion on these topics and more on April 21 at 11:00 am. Tim Amor, pastor at Beatrice (NE) Mennonite Church, will share his congregation’s ‘replanting’ story and engage our own exploration into how God’s Spirit is moving within us and the congregations we serve, considering guiding questions such as:· What are you willing to change so that you and your church can better embody and share the love of Jesus?
· What are you not willing to change?
· How can we better disciple and invite others to join with us in orienting all of life toward the radical love of Jesus?

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. More information at www.campmennoscah.org. Applications accepted until the position is filled; early submission encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.
2.  Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for time for fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
3.  It’s time to finish the Campfire Amphitheater at Camp Mennoscah!  Work days are scheduled for the following days: April 9 to 10, April 24, May 15. Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project.  Let us know by the Tuesday before!
4,  Looking for kitchen staff and nurses!  Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer. Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details. Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper.

Mennonite church announcements
1. Bethel College Women’s Association invites donations to help purchase two earth-friendly water refill stations for the Bethel campus. The stations will accommodate water bottles, and cost $890 each. Donate at bcwamarketonline.com by April 30, 2021. Thank you for your support!
2. Interested in short-term service opportunities? Ask us about SOOP! We’d love to speak with your congregation about the awesome service opportunities that we can provide through SOOP. Contact LaurenEH@MennoniteMission.net for more information.
3. Serve with Literacy Connects through MVS in Tucson! Help connect people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression. Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more.
4. After living in sanctuary at Columbus (Ohio) Mennonite Church for three years, Edith Espinal was finally able to move back into her own home with her family in February. Celebrate with the Espinal family by reading Edith Espinal’s story here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/edith-espinal/
5. The Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council (CLC) recently met and provided feedback on four proposed resolutions, concerning the denomination’s Membership Guidelines, inclusion of LGBTQIA people, accessibility for people with disabilities, and justice in the U.S. criminal legal system. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/clc-resolutions
6. Please pray for the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA, which is gathering for a virtual meeting on April 16-17. The Executive Board meets two or three times per year, setting the vision and guiding the direction of the denomination.
7. Read Mennonite Church USA’s convention newsletter to meet the worship team for MennoCon21 and get the latest updates on Mennonite Church USA’s first hybrid convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, and online on July 6-8 8. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21-march-letter

Hesston College Event:Spring Play: Superior Donuts – Presented in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center at Hesston College – April 14-17, 7:00pm and April 18, 2:00pm – Tickets are $10 per adults/seniors and $5 for students and can be purchased at: www.hesston.edu/theatre

Announcements for April 4-April 11, 2021

Drive-Thru Soup FundraiserThe sr high youth drive-thru soup fundraiser has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 11th from 11:30am-1:00pm. Orders are still recorded from earlier RSVP’s. If you would like to order soup and had not done so previously, you can using this link. Please contact Renee at renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org if you have any questions. All proceeds for this fundraiser will help support the sr high youth going on a Civil Rights Learning Tour in Alabama this summer. Thank you for your support!

Holy Hilarity Sunday is April 11
A Holy Hilarity Sunday is scheduled for April 11th and we are looking for some good church jokes to include throughout Sunday’s service! Many Christian churches celebrate Holy Hilarity Sunday the Sunday after Easter as a way to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. This year we will again celebrate a day of joy and laughter together, remembering the great joy that comes with the risen Christ. Send your jokes to renee@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org by Easter Monday (April 5th) for a chance for them to be incorporated in a service of joy and laughter on April 11th.

The MC USA biennial convention will take place in July 6-10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. While a limited number of persons will be allowed to participate in-person, any registrant can participate virtually from home–joining in worship, participating in seminars and exploring the exhibition hall. You can register here, after April 6: https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/

A Conversation About Justice & Peace for Palestine & Israel: The Western District Conference Israel – Palestine Task Force is hosting an informal Conversation About Justice & Peace for Palestine & Israel. The one-hour Zoom meeting will occur on April 13 from 7 – 8 pm CDT. The purpose of the meeting is to create a safe space where informal dialogue can occur with WDC Mennonite Churches. Esther Koontz will provide a welcome & overview, Bob Atchison, reflections on Manhattan Mennonite Church’s Gaza Twinning project, and Jonathan Kuttab a report on current conditions in Gaza and the West Bank. Participants will be divided into breakout groups where discussions will take place facilitated by Joe Roos, Lydia Brenneman, Kathy Neufeld Dunn and the other presenters. There is no cost to participate. To register for the meeting please e-mail to wdc@mennowdc.org. A Zoom link will be provided. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kathy Nuefeld Dunn at kathynd@mennowdc.org.

Hesston College Event
Spring Play: Superior Donuts – Presented in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center at Hesston College – April 14-17, 7:00pm and April 18, 2:00pm – Tickets are $10 per adults/seniors and $5 for students and can be purchased at: www.hesston.edu/theatre

Western District Conference Announcements
1. Due to Covid-19 concerns, the WDC staff has worked from their homes for the last several months. Now, with lower positivity rates and vaccine availability, the WDC office plans to again be open beginning Tuesday, April 6 at 8 am. Visitor protocols will include wearing a mask and social distancing from others. Hand sanitizers will also be available. At this time, Resource Library materials will be available by lobby pick up only, but it is hoped that patrons will be able to enter the library again soon.
2. Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, KS, is pleased to host the Service of Ordination for Lead Pastor Caleb Yoder on Sunday, April 11, at 4:00 pm. COVID precautions will be followed, including social distancing, required masks, and no congregational singing. A quartet will sing from the stage. Guests are welcome to join by livestream; email alexmenno@mtelco.net for the Zoom link.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.
Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.
2.  Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Spend time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. People are welcome Friday, but no meals or entertainment will be provided. Meals available for an additional cost. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.
3.  2021 Summer Staff!  Camp Mennoscah’s summer staffers are Anna Lubbers, Beth Balzer, Karina Brandt, Emily Brandt, Schyler Entz, Ethan Entz, Seth Rudeen, Ben Rudeen, and John Koontz. We are excited to have them be part of the summer camp staff and they are ready for an absolutely rootin’, tootin’ summer! Start your prayers now for these staffers and for all who are part of the summer youth program!
4.  Looking for HUGE tents! Camp Mennoscah is looking for at least 2 more tents that hold approx. 8-10 bunk beds for summer youth camps (18′ X 36′). These would be (similar) to the ones used for Senior High Camp (military tents repurposed for peace). The cost to purchase one is approximately $2600. If you have one stored away and are willing to lend it to Camp Mennoscah for the summer, please contact us at 620-297-3290.
5.  It’s time to finish the Campfire Amphitheater at Camp Mennoscah!  We’d like to have this ready for the summer youth camps. Work days are scheduled for the following days: April 2-3, April 9 to 10, April 24, May 15. Come out for one or both days and part or all-day. Ask about lodging if you would like to stay overnight. A team of five volunteers will work from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day installing the new stone benches. There will be stone to cut, move, clean and set along with a whole lot of mortar to mix up. Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project.  Let us know by the Tuesday before!
6.  Looking for kitchen staff and nurses!  Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer. Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details. Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper.

Mennonite church announcements
1. Join Michael Danner, Mennonite Church USA’s associate executive director of Church Vitality, in a webinar April 8 at 7 p.m. ET, as he interviews Elain Enns and Ched Myers, authors of “Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship of Decolonization.” Register here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/registration-decolonization
2. SeongHan Kim, in his blog, “Walk out from the military base nation,” recounts how the construction of a Republic of Korea naval base on Jeju Island, Korea — and its connection to the U.S. military — has affected the lives of those Koreans who live in that region. Read his take on the Cost of War here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/base-walk-out
3. Allegheny Mennonite Conference (AMC) is offering a matching grant of up to $15,000 for donations made to Mennonite Church USA’s Justice Fund, a mutual aid fund that supports MC USA congregations’ work toward social justice. Find out more about AMC’s contribution and how your congregation can get involved at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/justice-fund-match/.
4. Registration for MennoCon21 opens April 6 for in-person and online attendance. Learn more here: https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/
5 . Want to be an integral part of a young adult’s life? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Colorado Springs, CO and Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.

Newton Et Cetera Shop is grateful for your donated items, your volunteer time, and your shopping enthusiasm! We have three requests for you this spring:
1. Please let your friends and neighbors know we’re hiring a full-time Home Goods Manager! The job description and applications are available on our website (newtonetceterashop.com) and at our shop; applications are due April 19, 2021.
2. We are in need of high-quality furniture, toys and home goods at this time. Our current donation schedule is the first and third Wednesday of each month, 9:30-6:00, and we hope to add Wednesdays in April and May.
3. We welcome new volunteers! Amazingly, we welcomed the same number of new volunteers (40!) in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, as we did in 2019! If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our website or facebook page, send us an email expressing interest to manager@newtonetceterashop.com, or call us at 316-283-9461. Thank you for supporting your local MCC Thrift Shop!

The link to the April issue of Prayers for Mennonite Education is below. This is a monthly prayer resource prepared by Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. These prayer requests were gathered from across Mennonite education, from early childhood – grade 12, undergraduate schools, graduate schools and seminaries, and MEA’s Hispanic Ministries’ seminary and Bible institute. By partnering with these schools and helping them flourish, MEA works to strengthen the church through education. Thank you for supporting our schools through prayer.
Prayers for Mennonite Education – April 2021

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements
The Rocky Mountain April newsletter is here! Have a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. For this and previous newsletters, please visit the camp website and click on the “News” tab under “About Us”.
SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY APRIL 17TH – Since 2015, camp has continued the effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle’s desire to make a home and reproduce in the mature Engelmann spruce trees here at RMMC. Pheromone packets disbursed around camp facilities are intended to “communicate” to the beetles that camp’s part of the forest has a “no vacancy” sign and they should move on elsewhere. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by visiting our Volunteer page and select “Signup for Maintenance“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and breakfast will be served Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Hope to have you join us!

SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first quilters retreat for 2021 coming April 22-25. These retreats are a great opportunity to get away and get those projects done that have been waiting. While there will be some short, fun breaks, the main focus of this weekend will be giving participants plenty of time to sew. Bring lots of projects, or that one big project you’ve been waiting to start. Sharing ideas, tips and techniques are part of the weekend along with bringing any show and tell items to share with the group. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

Mennonite Central Committee Announcement
There is still time to register for this year’s virtual Ecumenical Advocacy Days taking place from April 18-21! Register by April 7th to receive the early bird discount on the registration fee. If the cost of attending is prohibitive, there is a student and limited income registration option.

Learn more and register!

Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a space where people of all denominations gather to worship, engage in fellowship, and advocate to their members of Congress. First-time advocates are welcome! This year, the theme is “Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored.” The conference will center around climate justice and our role as Christians in advocating for equitable access to a safe and healthy planet.

Throughout the conference, you can join a variety of engaging workshops, including two facilitated by MCC U.S. Washington Office staff:

Climate change as a driver of forced migration from Central America
The impact of border walls on endangered species and sacred lands

Finally, during Ecumenical Advocacy Days’ time for denominational gatherings, we hope you’ll join a gathering of Anabaptists to share stories and inspiration and hear what others are doing.

Join KIPCOR LIVE ONLINE for
Part 2 of
2020-2021
Peace Lecture Series
featuring Leonard Pitts Jr.
Mr. Pitts spoke on the Bethel College campus in 2017 to the largest audience since KIPCOR hosted Martin Luther King Jr., and will be presenting live online (via Zoom Webinar) in a sequel to that 2017 KIPCOR Peace Lecture, sharing his thoughts on, “Is America Possible?” The event is free of charge (although we will be asking for voluntary donations to support our work and to cover the cost of the lecture) and you can sign up to receive the Zoom link to participate at https://kipcor.org/

Announcements for March 26-April 4, 2021

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: As we enter into Holy Week, we invite you to reflect on the meaning of this season by participating in a Maundy Thursday service (pre-recorded) and by coming to the church to pray on Good Friday afternoon (anytime between 1 – 5pm). More details, including a link to the Maundy Thursday, will be sent out next week

Prayers for Marilyn and Martha Graber
Both Marilyn and Martha Graber received care at NMC Health last week. Martha is continuing to do rehab at Presbyterian Manor. Pray that they both will heal and be able to regain strength.

Card Shower!
Esther Thieszen, will be 90 on April 1. Her family would like to have a card shower for her. The address for cards or notes is: 606 W Bluestem St., North Newton KS 67117

The BCMC Mission Quilters are back in the church building. A new quilt has been set up. Everyone is welcome to come quilt. Bring your mask.

For the next two months, the Library Committee is highlighting books that were written and/or illustrated by BCMC members, whether former or current. We have over 50 books displayed in the special section in back of the library desk or the shelving cart in front of the desk. Come and check them out! (If you see some that are missing, please be sure to contact one of us!) And, don’t forget that until the church is fully reopened a library committee member is on duty every Tuesday from 10:00-noon!

March 14, 2021 Offering at BCMC: General Fund $1,855; Sr Hi Youth $325; Living Stones $233.33
March 21, 2021 Offering at BCMC: General Fund $10,831; Sr Hi Youth $100; Living Stones $65; Transfer-Funeral $265

“Renewed Life” with Hesston College Bel Canto Singers – A community worship service with music of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter – Presented at the Mullet Drive parking lot at Hesston College – March 28, 3:00-4:00pm – For more information and access to digital resources for worship visit www.hesston.edu/easter

Supportive Communities Network (SCN)
Carol Wise, Director of the Supportive Communities Network, (SCN) gave a presentation to BCMC Sunday afternoon, March 14. You can get an overview of her presentation by reviewing the attached document. Click here for the document: Partial Transcript of Carol Wise Comments. Or you can view the presentation in its entirety by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/frP95wDaxkw

Congregational Survey
Regarding
BCMC Joining Supportive Communities Network
The Church Board has commissioned this survey to gauge where BCMC as a congregation stands on the issue of Bethel College Mennonite Church becoming part of the Supportive Communities Network (SCN). SCN is a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests. It is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members. BCMC’s welcoming statement is printed below for your reference. The annual network membership fee is $200. More information can be found at: https://www.bmclgbt.org/scn

This survey is being sent to people who attend and participate in the life of BCMC. It is not restricted to voting BCMC church members. People who do not communicate electronically will have an opportunity to participate by mail. Survey returns are due and the survey will be closed on March 29, 2021. Following the survey the Church Board will review survey results. If the number of YES responses is 75% or more of the total response, the Board will take action to join the SCN.

If you have not done so already, please click here to submit your response: https://forms.gle/KcoKHTr7HjPb5hYt8

Sincerely from the survey task group members,

Karen Ediger
Megan Kohlman
John Kliewer
Nathan Koontz
Karen Penner

BCMC Welcoming Statement

Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who confess faith in Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender, age, sexual orientation, education, ability, and other factors which give rise to discrimination and marginalization.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat
Dust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… its the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

Prayer requests–Mennonite World Conference
The Mennonite churches in Indonesia are looking forward to hosting Anabaptist brothers and sisters from around the world. Pray for the fundraising team to find solutions to close the budget gap in the fundraising efforts for Global Youth Summit (GYS) and Assembly 17.
Pray also for acceleration of the COVID-19 vaccination process to help the country be free of the virus before the end of 2021. Pray for the Indonesian government to make wise choices about prioritization and procurement.

Interested in serving as a delegate for the MC USA Assembly this summer? Due to COVID-19 realities, the biennial Delegate Assembly will be held virtually on July 10, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. EDT, so there will be no need to travel. Serving as a delegate provides opportunity not only to speak to the establishment of general policies and programs; it also is an opportunity to connect with and listen to the various members in our diverse denomination. BCMC may send 16 delegates. If you have interest, please contact Dawn Yoder Harms (dawn@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org).

New Hope Shelter
BCMC and Faith Mennonite Church provide volunteers to provide meals as well as evening and overnight volunteers. We answer the call every 9 weeks. New Hope is asking for a list of volunteers who might be willing to be on an on call list to serve during a week when BCMC is not responsible but when other churches are unable to find volunteers. Please let Valetta Seymour (620-217-7536 or seymour2314@gmail.com) know if you would be willing to be on call to serve as an evening volunteer (5-midnight), overnight volunteer (midnight to 8AM), or to provide a meal. If you wish to specify that you do not wish to do so now but would be willing to serve when the pandemic is behind us, please feel free to do so. BCMC also needs to replenish our pool of regular volunteers, so please consider this important mission and contact Valetta with any questions.

Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Auction – April 10, 2021
A gentleman cleaned out storage containers and buildings. He donated items to Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS). An auction will be held on Saturday, April 10, 9 am, in Buhler (Buhler Auction Barn, 310 Industrial Park Rd., Buhler, KS) to sell these items. To see the sale bill, click on the following link:
Sale Bill

All women and girls are invited to the Western District Women in Mission 2021 Spring Soiree Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 pm. In lieu of attending our annual Spring Supper, gather with us for a virtual night of worship, music and a reflection on “Faith in Turbulent Times” offered by special guest speaker and freelance minister, Georgia Metz, M. Div. Special music will be provided by Erin Regier Graber and Addie Regier Kauffman. Email WDWM2021SpringSoiree@gmail.com to register by April 5. A zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event. For the flier click here.

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1. Thank you, thank you to all the volunteers who helped with Youth Volunteer projects and with putting in the dam! We are grateful you are willing to share your time and energy doing projects that make Camp Mennoscah safe and fun!

2. Camp Mennoscah is seeking a full-time Director of Development, Marketing & Communications to lead our ongoing operational and advancement needs. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors while taking directive from the Executive Director when related to operational considerations. As a member of a small, very hands-on staff, the role is expected to be highly collaborative. This professional must embrace the mission of Camp Mennoscah, have an established background in coordinating nonprofit donation strategies, possess strong written, interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills, and work as an independent contributor with good organization and follow-through. Most of the work will commence off campus, however some in-person time at camp is required.
This role involves organizing broad-based fundraising initiatives, advocating for Camp Mennoscah through speaking engagements, promotional materials, and social media, as well as recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with board members, donors and staff.
Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of fund development experience, or equivalent experience in church relations, and a passion for Camp Mennoscah. They should also be familiar with office related applications, and other technology used for communication and social media. Experience with CampBrain and the associated donor database is a plus.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and early submission is encouraged. Please send application materials (resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements) to campmennojobs@att.net.

3. Men and Boys Retreat, April 16-18, at Camp Mennoscah! Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Spend time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. People are welcome Friday, but no meals or entertainment will be provided. Meals available for an additional cost. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.

4. Looking for HUGE tents! Camp Mennoscah is looking for at least 2 more tents that hold approx. 8-10 bunk beds for summer youth camps (18′ X 36′). These would be (similar) to the ones used for Senior High Camp (military tents repurposed for peace). The cost to purchase one is approximately $2600. If you have one stored away and are willing to lend it to Camp Mennoscah for the summer, please contact us at 620-297-3290.

5. It’s time to finish the Campfire Amphitheater at Camp Mennoscah! We’d like to have this ready for the summer youth camps. Work days are scheduled for the following days: April 2 to 3, April 9 to 10, May 14-15. Come out for one or both days and part or all-day. Ask about lodging if you would like to stay overnight. A team of five volunteers will work from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day installing the new stone benches. There will be stone to cut, move, clean and set along with a whole lot of mortar to mix up. Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project. Let us know by the Tuesday before!6. Looking for kitchen staff and nurses! Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer. Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details. Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper.

Mennonite church announcements
1. Wilma Ann Bailey, Ph.D., gave this spring’s Staley Lecture at Bethel College. “Reading Biblical Laments in the Age of COVID” can be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHVBcr4_djA Dr. Bailey is Minnie Vautrin Professor Emerita of Christian Witness, and professor emerita of Hebrew Bible and Aramaic Scripture, at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, where she attends Shalom Mennonite Church. Dr. Bailey’s lecture on Lamentations (for which she wrote the commentary in the Believer’s Church Bible Commentary series) supports one of this year’s common texts for Bethel’s senior capstone course Basic Issues of Faith and Life (BIFL). The Q&A with students and faculty is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6AcnIQu1bM Bethel’s spring convocations are posted at https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/convocation as they become available.

2. The award winning traveling exhibit Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War has returned to the Western District Conference region. It is currently on display at Stauth Memorial Museum in Montezuma, Kansas through Saturday May 1. The exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of World War I peace protesters, and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today. Developed and traveled by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College. To learn more visit VoicesOfConscienceExhibit.org

Everence to hold several upcoming webinars
Everence will host the following online webinars during the month of April; all starting at 6:30 p.m.

Gifts that give later – Tuesday, April 6
You can practice generosity in many ways, but sometimes it can be challenging to find the method that best fits both your faith and financial goals. Join this webinar to learn about a few options to consider, including bequests and end-of-life giving, as you explore ways to make your finances work for you while giving back.
Financial planning: Your dreams, your goals – Tuesday, April 13
Planning is the process of considering ways to reach a desired destination or goal. Join this webinar where we will visit seven areas that make up a comprehensive financial plan. You’ll learn foundational concepts, hear about helpful tools and get actionable ideas to help you on your financial journey.
Make Medicare an easy step – Tuesday, April 20
Join us for this informative and interactive Medicare webinar. Topics will include:
Signing up for Medicare: how, when and where.
What Medicare covers (and does not cover).
Prescription drug coverage.
Plans that supplement Medicare.

*Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Register soon for these free, online events by contacting our office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com. Click here for the flier.
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.

Thespring 2021 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly is available now on-line. Compiled by MCC health coordinator Paul Shetler Fast, this issue examines “community approaches to trauma,” exploring the different ways that MCC and its partners in Nepal, Colombia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti, and DR Congo accompany individuals and communities that have undergone traumatic events. The downloadable pdf of this issue can be found here. As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections!

The second MennoCon21 newsletter is out now!

Click here to read it.

Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Open position at Kipcor:
Director of Education and TrainingDirector of Education and Training
Because we believe the best way to reach the widest pool of applicants is to ask our friends if they are interested, or if they know of a potential candidate who would be an excellent fit for our team, we’re asking your help to make our opening known far and wide. A VERY short version of the position description is:
“This position is focused on the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of all education and training courses, workshops, and educational programs offered by KIPCOR. It also includes some widely varied tasks that will incorporate third-party intervention work in interpersonal conflict, group/organizational conflict, and public policy consensus building.”
The ideal candidate should be a restorative justice practitioner and have a good understanding of restorative justice in all of its applications.
The full position description and associated context is available HERE.

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

Announcements for March 19-March 26, 2021

March 21, 2021 — Worship at 9:30 am
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box belows that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE button. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 21, 2021, 9:30 am
Lent 5
Deep in the earth: Called to deep growth

Prelude—Verlene Garber

Lighting the Christ Candle– Florence Schloneger

Welcome and prayer

Hymn—How Great Thou Art—VT 436

Children’s Conversation–Carol Flickinger

Scripture Reading—Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Psalm 51: 1-12

Sermon–Who are we now?–Renee Reimer

Hymn–I Saw a Tree by the Riverside–VT 514

Prayers of God’s people

Sending Hymn—Rain Down—VT 703

Benediction—Renee Reimer

VT = Voices Together
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Musicians—Verlene Garber, Bethany Schrag, Tim Schrag, Renee Reimer, Ben Lichti

Audio visual—Francis Toews

Pastors—Renee Reimer, Nathan Koontz, Dawn Yoder Harms

In-person worship schedule  for Sunday, March 21: This Sunday, the Catacombs and Fellowship Sunday School classes and their family members are invited to attend. Please RSVP at the church office if you plan to be there!  office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.
For those Catacombs and Fellowship members (and their families) who are attending this Sunday, you can enter by the front doors (west) or the south automatic doors. All other doors to the church will be locked.

If you would like to bring an offering on the Sunday you attend in-person worship, there will be an offering plate on a table at the back of the sanctuary where you can place your offering as you enter or exit the sanctuary. If writing a check, please indicate its intended destination in the memo line: for example, general fund, special fund (please name), or Sunday School.  You can also support BCMC and its work beyond this congregation by sending a check into the office, contributing electronically (https://bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org/–see red “Support BCMC” tab), or by working with Finance Manager Mike Claassen to set up an electronic deposit system.

Pastor Renee Reimer will be away March 22-28 for rest and renewal. Please contact pastors, Dawn Yoder Harms or Nathan Koontz, if you need assistance during those dates.

Crystal Gaeddert’s mother, Mary Enz, of Newton passed away on Monday morning. Please keep Crystal, Joel, and their two sons, Brett and Collin from our congregation in your prayers along with the rest of Crystal’s family as they grieve her loss.  Family visitation will be at the First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st Street, Newton, Sunday, March 21, from 5-7.
Mary’s Celebration of life will be March 22 at 2 pm at Grace Community Church, 1600 S. Anderson Road, Newton.

We offer our sympathies to the family of Rosalind Andreas, who died March 15. A private service for Rosalind was held Tuesday, March 16, in the BCMC Peace Garden. A larger memorial gathering is being planned for when Covid restrictions are lifted.

We offer sympathy to John and Mary Jane Waltner and the extended family on the death of their sister-in-law, Barbara Waltner, March 7, Wichita. Barbara’s husband was Robert (Bob) Waltner, John’s brother.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat
Dust off your tents, string your fishing poles, and prepare your hearts for worship at one of the best settings south-central Kansas has to offer! That’s right… its the BCMC Camp Mennoscah Weekend Retreat! This year’s event will be held May 15-16, and will only include BCMC – not Halstead First Mennonite as has been the case in the past (due to COVID). We plan on eating, fellowshipping, playing, worshiping, and seeing each other – safely, outdoors – as a way to be in community with each other. We’ll follow Camp’s safety protocol as we do this, of course, but would love to have as many folks out as can come – whether for Saturday evening, Sunday morning and lunch, or a whole weekend of fun! If you/your family is interested in attending, please fill out the link here: https://forms.gle/hr72BEDmvyXsayTKA And, if you have questions about the retreat, pricing, COVID-friendly protocol, etc. OR would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Adam Robb (adamandjillrobb@gmail.com) or Pastor Renee and they’ll do their best to be helpful! Looking forward to being together, in nature, to worship our God!

Greetings from Bethel College!
While we work ourselves through the sometimes tumultuous month of March and also a tumultuous year dealing with a pandemic, it is important to keep a positive eye on the future. Spring and Easter are right around the corner, and vaccines will hopefully provide a return to normal soon. Our students are eager to return full in-person classes and gatherings, as I’m sure you congregants are as well. God is still working in the world through many amazing followers.
I would like to share with you the link below to our annual Staley Lecture. These lectures are presented as part of our Convocation series and are always free and open to the public. This year, Convocation has been held in an online format, which gives me the opportunity to share this with you.
The speaker this year was Dr. Wilma Ann Bailey, Professor Emerita at Central Theological Seminary. She spoke on “Biblical Laments in the Age of COVID.”
Click this link to see the video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHVBcr4_djA, and feel free to share the link as you wish.
Grace and peace, Benjamin Lichti, Coordinator, Alumni & Church Relations

New Hope Shelter
BCMC and Faith Mennonite Church provide volunteers to provide meals as well as evening and overnight volunteers. We answer the call every 9 weeks. New Hope is asking for a list of volunteers who might be willing to be on an on call list to serve during a week when BCMC is not responsible but when other churches are unable to find volunteers. Please let Valetta Seymour (620-217-7536 or seymour2314@gmail.com) know if you would be willing to be on call to serve as an evening volunteer (5-midnight), overnight volunteer (midnight to 8AM), or to provide a meal. If you wish to specify that you do not wish to do so now but would be willing to serve when the pandemic is behind us, please feel free to do so. BCMC also needs to replenish our pool of regular volunteers, so please consider this important mission and contact Valetta with any questions.

Card Shower!
Esther Thieszen, will be 90 on April 1. Her family would like to have a card shower for her. The address for cards or notes is: 606 W Bluestem St., North Newton KS 67117
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supportive Communities Network (SCN)
Carol Wise, Director of the Supportive Communities Network, (SCN) gave a presentation to BCMC Sunday afternoon, March 14. You can view the presentation by clicking on the following link:  https://youtu.be/frP95wDaxkwCongregational Survey
Regarding
BCMC Joining Supportive Communities Network
Dear Congregant:

The Church Board has commissioned this survey to gauge where BCMC as a congregation stands on the issue of Bethel College Mennonite Church becoming part of the Supportive Communities Network (SCN). SCN is a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests. It is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members. BCMC’s welcoming statement is printed below for your reference. The annual network membership fee is $200. More information can be found at: https://www.bmclgbt.org/scn

This survey is being sent to people who attend and participate in the life of BCMC. It is not restricted to voting BCMC church members. People who do not communicate electronically will have an opportunity to participate by mail. Survey returns are due and the survey will be closed on March 29, 2021. Following the survey the Church Board will review survey results. If the number of YES responses is 75% or more of the total response, the Board will take action to join the SCN.

Please click here to submit your response: https://forms.gle/KcoKHTr7HjPb5hYt8

Sincerely from the survey task group members,

Karen Ediger
Megan Kohlman
John Kliewer
Nathan Koontz
Karen Penner

BCMC Welcoming Statement

Bethel College Mennonite Church welcomes into fellowship and membership all persons who confess faith in Jesus Christ, without regard to their race, ethnic background, gender, age, sexual orientation, education, ability, and other factors which give rise to discrimination and marginalization.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLANTS AND THINGS…Mark your calendars for the Annual KMRS Plants and Thing Sale. Because of the move of the MCC Sale to July, we are selling plants, seedlings, flowers, vegetables and many more items on Saturday, April 10, starting at 9:00 AM and running through the day, closing at 6:00 PM. The Sale will be held at the MCC Building in North Newton, Kansas and will utilize the MCC Buildings as well as the parking lot to allow for proper social distancing and having plenty of room to spread out the flats brought in from greenhouses for the Sale and the many donations by our local gardeners.  This is your opportunity to prepare for your gardening year, and to support the great work of the Mennonite Central Committee. Credit Cards will be accepted.   If you have donations of plants to make, please bring them to the MCC Building on Friday afternoon, April 9. This will be a drive through donation with volunteers greeting you and collecting your donations of tomato plants, cabbage sets, etc. If you wish to make a donation and can’t make this time frame, please contact Kristi at 1-620 367-2721 or email kdunruh97@gmail.com.
Volunteers are needed to help Friday to accept plants and help set up. On Saturday volunteers are needed to help with organization and cashiers. Please check out the Sign-up Genius below or KMRS website at www.kansas.mccsale.org
Theresa Klassen will also have a table present at the Plants and Things Sale area selling recycled jewelry. As with Plants and Things all profits go to support the work of MCC.
Get a start on participating in the 2021 KMRS, by planning to attend the Plants and Things Booth and some recycled jewelry.  Here is the link to the Plants and Things Sign-Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E44AFA72CA6F85-volunteers1

WDC announcements

1. The Western District Conference, First Mennonite Church (Beatrice, NE), and Beatrice Mennonite Church are hosting a virtual event with featured speaker Pastor Natalie Frisk. Zoom info for March 21st @ 7pm, plus info for all the videos are available via the links below, and there are some PDF handouts attached. If you have any questions or technical difficulties, please email Pastor Tim Amor at pastor@summitstreetchurch.com.
The Raising Disciples series includes:Sunday evening, March 21, 7:00 p.m. – “Jesus Centered Parenting: Q & A” – a live/interactive zoom gathering with Natalie to conclude our event. Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 811 7635 4895
Passcode: 9783291st message from Sunday morning, March 14th – “Kids in the Kingdom” (see attached handout)Session 1 – Anchors and Waves – see attached handout.Session 2 – Journeying on Sacred Pathways – see attached handout.Fun interview to get to know Natalie Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me – a game show where we test Natalie’s knowledge on Nebraska and the Midwest!Facebook event info: Raising Disciples – Natalie Frisk
Full YouTube Playlist: Raising Disciples with Natalie FriskNatalie Frisk is the curriculum pastor at The Meeting House Church in Toronto, Canada, where she and an education team create kids’ and youth curricula for ages 0–18 used by churches worldwide. Frisk is a sought-after speaker on topics of youth and children’s ministry, spiritual formation, and discipleship, and is the author of the book Raising Disciples: How to Make Faith Matter for Our Kids, published by Herald Press.
2.  RECONNECTING HOPE FOR IMMIGRANTS:  Thursday, March 25 7:00 p.m. ZOOM networking meeting hosted by WDC Immigration Task Force.  Reconnect with other churches to hear about their advocacy on behalf of immigrants. Hear from MCC’s National Advocacy Director Tammy Alexander. How should our work go forward? What is your church doing or what do they hope to do? Ask a representative from your church to contact wdc@mennowdc.org for the ZOOM invitation.
3.  A Conversation About Justice & Peace for Palestine & Israel:  The Western District Conference Israel – Palestine Task Force is hosting an informal Conversation About Justice & Peace for Palestine & Israel. The one-hour Zoom meeting will occur on April 13 at 7 pm CDT.  The purpose of the meeting is to create a safe space where informal dialogue can occur with WDC Mennonite Churches. The agenda will include a welcome & overview, reflections on Gaza Twinning, a report on current conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, followed by breakout groups where discussions will take place.  There is no cost to participate.  To register for the meeting please e-mail to wdc@mennowdc.org.  A Zoom link will be provided.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting Kathy Nuefeld Dunn at kathynd@mennowdc.org.
4. Sarah Augustine, from the steering committee of the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition is preaching at Peace Mennonite Church, Dallas, TX, on Sunday April 11 at 11 am, and staying for a discussion after worship. You can join at the Peace Mennonite Facebook page, or on zoom at https://zoom.us/j/810523212. Sarah is a leader in the Indigenous rights movement, and author of the book “The Land is not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.” She will speak on how Texas Mennonites can support justice for native people. Everyone is invited to come and learn with us!

Camp Mennoscah announcements
1.  A double-decker of thanks to everyone who participated in the Verenike Casserole fundraiser meal for Camp Mennoscah! Over $8500 was raised with the dedicated work of 22 volunteers who made 330 meals for hungry camp people. Extra thanks go to Leslie Schrag for organizing the event and Moundridge High School for allowing us to use their facilities! Your generosity supports the faith formation of the youth in your congregation and community.

2.  Looking for HUGE tents! Camp Mennoscah is looking for at least 2 more tents that hold approx. 8-10 bunk beds for summer youth camps (18′ X 36′). These would be (similar) to the ones used for Senior High Camp (military tents repurposed for peace). The cost to purchase one is approximately $2600. If you have one stored away and are willing to lend it to Camp Mennoscah for the summer, please contact us at 620-297-3290.

3.  One Day Event for Grades 7-12!  Camp Mennoscah’s Youth Volunteer Day on March 20 is a full day of service projects, worship, lunch & socially distanced fellowship.  Register online, email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 by March 18 to take part in the fun! Masks are required.

4.  We need volunteers for the dam! Camp Mennoscah is currently seeking a team of 5 to 10 volunteers to install the dam in the river. Completing this project will provide the opportunity for much fishing, boating and swimming for the upcoming season. We are excited to get in the water and encourage you to join us on Sunday, March 21, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Dress according to the weather conditions that day, and we’ll have a snack ready to enjoy after we are done. Let us know you are coming or just head on out, see you then! Connect with us at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org

5.  We are ready to rock! Preparation for the Amphitheater Improvement project was completed in the Summer of 2020 and we are ready to finish this project up. Work days are scheduled for the following days: March 26 to 27, April 2 to 3, April 9 to 10, May 14-15. These opportunities to get involved are on Fridays and Saturday, come on out for one or both days, and part or all day. Ask about lodging if you would like to stay overnight. A team of five volunteers will work from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day installing the new stone benches. There will be stone to cut, move, clean and set along with a whole lot of mortar to mix up. Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project.

6.  There are volunteer opportunities for you! Camp Mennoscah continually has year-round work to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campus and facilities. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.

7.  Looking for kitchen staff and nurses!  Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer. Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details. Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper.

Mennonite church announcements
1. Combine your faith with action and join MVS! Serve with the Center for Restorative Programs in Alamosa, Colorado, where you will assist in empowering and uplifting the community through restorative justice practices. Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS today to learn more and sign up!

2. Save the date for the Sent Conference 2021! Join us on Thursday, April 22 at 7-8:30 p.m. and Friday, April 23 at 2:30-4 p.m. ET for two webinars from peace church planters. They will share stories of hope and resilience in birthing new communities of faith. Keep your eyes on MennoniteMission.net/Sent for how to register!

3. Turn donated firearms into garden tools and art as part of Mennonite Church USA’s new collaboration with RAWtools, Inc. Learn how your congregation can get involved. https://www.mennoniteusa.org/collaboration-with-rawtools

4. Do you have questions about MennoCon21? Mennonite Church USA leaders provide an update and address questions in this recorded webinar: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennocon21-da-webinar

5. This month marks five years since Pastor Max Villatoro of Torre Fuerte Mennonite Church, Iowa City, Iowa, was detained and deported to Honduras. He now lives in Mexico, separated from his family. Read his story here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/deportation-knocked En español: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/la-deportacion-toco-la-puerta

6. In his blog, “Let us create communities of resistance to militarism in all its forms,” Titus Peachey recounts his experiences dealing with the aftermath of U.S. military engagements in Vietnam and Laos and calls us to create communities of resistance to militarism. Read it here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/resistance-militarism

7. Through the experiences of her own family, Ingrid Friesen Moser reflects on how Mennonite congregations have evolved in the way they support the health of pastors and their families in her blog, “With gratitude for health and pastoral well-being.” She encourages congregations to use The Corinthian Plan’s Pastor Well-being Checklist to support their pastor(s). Read more: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/gratitude-pastoral-wellbeing

Announcements for March 12-March 19, 2021

This Sunday, the Bible Study and Seekers Sunday School classes and their family members are invited to attend the in person church service. For those Bible Study and Seekers members (and their families) who are attending this Sunday, you can enter by the front doors (west) or the south automatic doors. All other doors to the church will be locked.

Sunday School Offering for In-Person Worship
If you would like to bring an offering on the Sunday you attend in-person worship, there will be an offering plate on a table at the back of the sanctuary where you can place your offering as you enter or exit the sanctuary. If writing a check, please indicate its intended destination in the memo line: for example, general fund, special fund (please name), or Sunday School.
You can also support BCMC and its work beyond this congregation by sending a check into the office, contributing electronically (https://bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org See the red “Support BCMC” tab), or by working with Finance Manager Mike Claassen to set up an electronic deposit system.

Card Shower!
Esther Thieszen, will be 90 on April 1. Her family would like to have a card shower for her. The address for cards or notes is:
Esther Thieszen
606 W Bluestem St
North Newton KS 67117

Congregational Learnings Survey

As we move toward beginning in-person worship after a year’s hiatus, this seems like an important moment for us as a congregation to reflect on our experience of this past year and what we have been learning together. The BCMC Pastor Team invites you to follow this link to share your thoughts by Friday, March 19. In the spirit of conversation with each other, a summary of the responses (without names attached) will be shared with the congregation.

Supportive Communities Network (SCN)

Carol Wise, Director of the Supportive Communities Network, (SCN) will be giving a presentation to BCMC and available for question and discussion Sunday afternoon, March 14, from 1:30-2:30. All those from the Bethel College Mennonite Church community are encouraged to participate.  Please come with questions or comments that you would like to share.
The Zoom Link will be:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87040781903?pwd=cm40N1hmR3BVNDRaUnpScTBCQUJwUT09
Meeting ID: 870 4078 1903
Passcode: 610531
The following day on Monday, March 15, you will be sent a survey to see if you want BCMC to join SCN. The survey will be open until March 29.  Supportive Communities Network (SCN) is a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC). It is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members.  SCN’s goals are to offer support, resources and opportunities for dialogue among congregations which welcome gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members; to encourage meaningful dialogue at the denominational level; to offer support and resources for individuals who are working toward welcome.

March 7, 2021 Offering at BCMC: General Fund $8,899; Sr Hi Youth $175; Caring Fund $25; Living Stones $640; Transfer-Sunday School $40; Levi Minkevitch Memorial $25

Bethel College Announcements:
Save the dates for upcoming events at Bethel College:

– Sun., April 25: KIPCOR Peace Lecture with Leonard Pitts (virtual). Registration is now open at kipcor.org

– Fri.-Sat., April 30-May 1 (including Saturday matinee): spring play, I and You by Lauren Gunderson (in person)

– Sun., May 2: Outdoor choral concert

Western District Conference announcements1. WDC invites prayer for the people of Myanmar in the midst of conflict and violence in their country. Pray especially for God’s care and peace for WDC congregation Chin Emmanuel Baptist Church and Pastor Simon Tlumang in Houston, TX, as they carry concern for friends, family members, friends and home communities in Myanmar.2. The WDC Resource Library will host a Zoom discussion on Michele Hershberger’s book Why Did Jesus Die and What Difference Does it Make? at 7:00pm on Thursday, March 25. Contact the library (crlib@mennowdc.org) to borrow a copy of the book or to register for the discussion.
3. All women and girls are invited to the Western District Women in Mission 2021 Spring Soiree Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 pm. In lieu of attending our annual Spring Supper, gather with us for a virtual night of worship, music and a reflection on “Faith in Turbulent Times” offered by special guest speaker and freelance minister, Georgia Metz, M. Div. Special music will be provided by Erin Regier Graber and Addie Regier Kauffman. Email WDWM2021SpringSoiree@gmail.com to register by April 5. A zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.

Camp Mennoscah announcements

1. Pick up your Verenike Casserole Meals on March 13! For all who ordered meals supporting Camp Mennoscah’s summer youth program, thank you! Pick up meals at Moundridge High School on March 13 between 5:30-6:30pm. Enter the west drive and stop in front of the school. There will be buckets for your donations where you pick up your meals. (Suggested minimum donation of $15 per meal.) We’ll see you on Saturday!

2. One Day Event for Grades 7-12! Camp Mennoscah’s Youth Volunteer Day is a full day of service projects, worship, lunch & socially distanced fellowship on March 20! Register online, email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290. Masks are required.

3. We are ready to rock! Preparation for the Amphitheater Improvement project was completed in the Summer of 2020 and we are ready to finish this project up. Work days are scheduled for the following days: March 12 to 13, March 26 to 27, April 2 to 3, April 9 to 10, May 14-15. These opportunities to get involved are on Fridays and Saturday, come on out for one or both days, and part or all day. Ask about lodging if you would like to stay overnight. A team of five volunteers will work from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day installing the new stone benches. There will be stone to cut, move, clean and set along with a whole lot mortar to mix up. Bring a lunch and water bottle with you when you come, and plan to arrive at the North cabin area to check in around 9:00 am. Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer for this project.

4. Looking for kitchen staff and nurses! Camp Mennoscah is filling volunteer and stipend positions for kitchen staff and nurses for the upcoming 2021 summer. Contact Camp Mennoscah at office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 for available weeks and details. Kitchen staff can receive a scholarship up to full camp fees for their camper.

5. There are volunteer opportunities for you! Camp Mennoscah continually has year-round work to support the maintenance and upkeep of the campus and facilities. We can accommodate every group size, skill set and length of project you would like to tackle. Check out these ways to Get Involved! Email office@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to volunteer.

Mennonite church announcements

1. Looking for a non-traditional pastoral role? Become a unit leader for Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17-20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, who are at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the Service Adventure household. Leaders are needed in Colorado Springs, CO and Johnstown, PA. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net.
2. Mennonite Education Agency Executive Director Search: The MEA agency profile and the job description are available at: www.MennoniteEducation.org. Interested persons are encouraged to apply for the position or to ask for more information by contacting Jolene VonGunten at the MEA office. Applications are invited through March 31, 2021. Mennonite Education Agency is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, and partners with Anabaptist Mennonite educational institutions and programs to provide resources, networking and support to school administrators, faculty and staff. As an agency of Mennonite Church USA, MEA ties church and school together in a complementary and cooperative way to ensure students receive a quality Anabaptist Mennonite education.
3. Lombard Mennonite Peace Center: For those who have already taken our Mediation Skills Training Institute (MSTI), we are pleased to offer a new one-day event: the MSTI Refresher Course! Sessions are available on Tuesday, May 11 and Saturday, June 12. The fee is $99, and the event runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm Central Time. The full five-day version of MSTI is also available on May 3-7, June 21-25, August 2-6, October 11-15, and November 15-19, 2021. The session in August will include the option for in-person attendance in the Chicago area. Registration for all events being offered by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is open now at www.LMPeaceCenter.org/ticketspice/. Questions? Please consult the attached MSTI Brochure, call 630-627-0507, or send an email to Admin@LMPeaceCenter.org.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praying for the two-day virtual meeting of Mennonite Voluntary Service staff and local unit leadership, which begins on Friday. Pray for them as they discuss opportunities for the future of the program, share best practices, and build relationships.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Executive Board as they meet this week, and give leadership and oversight for conference vision and priorities.