As we enter into this season of Eastertide, celebrating the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, we remember God’s commitment to continue breathing new life into places of death, here and now. And we remember how we are invited to join in that life-giving work with God.

During this pandemic, opportunities for sharing life and hope abound.  Today we highlight several opportunities coming from Western District Conference:

Western District Conference has established a Hope Fund to support congregations and ministers in direct response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. WDC is seeking to raise funds to respond to the most vulnerable by empowering local congregations to meet needs with Christ’s love and generosity in a time of fear and anxiety. If you have interest in learning more or contributing to this fund, you can find more information here:  https://mennowdc.org/wdc-hope-fund-response-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

Western District Conference Israel-Palestine Task Force, in partnership with Mennonite Palestine Israel Network (MennoPIN), asks you to pray for and share resources with people deeply in need in Gaza. The Gaza Strip is a densely populated region, with more than two million people. Suffering from a 13-year air, land, and sea blockade and three devastating wars, Gaza faces economic collapse and is very vulnerable during this pandemic. In response, the WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force requests your help to share funds with Youth Vision Society (YVS), who will distribute food baskets and hygiene kits to affected families. See attachment (below) for information about how you can help. (ATTACHMENT) https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ljmDgFnd3VtRSb_76iW_zDz8Lopbm1_c

You can also support the ongoing work of BCMC by contributing to the General Fund, or to two special projects:  the Caring Fund (to respond to needs within our congregation and local community), or the Elevator Fund (to make our building fully accessible to diversely-abled folks). Gifts to any of the funds can be made through BCMC’s online giving option (see “Support BCMC” at the top right corner of the BCMC website homepage) or a check made out to BCMC (with designated gifts noted in the memo line).

May this Praise Song for the Pandemic offer us a way to pray together throughout the week!  https://abbeyofthearts.com/blog/2020/03/19/praise-song-for-the-pandemic/

We welcome your prayers for Vince and Priscilla Miller, Wider Fellowship members at BCMC currently residing in Idaho, upon the death of their son, Tamen, who took his life on April 9, fearing that he had Covid 19.  If you would like to share your care through a card, please send it to Vince and Priscilla Miller, 1617 Calico Circle, Pocatello, ID 83201.

Christopher Shaw offered this 12 minute organ recital during Holy Week. Listen on YouTube here. 

The Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale that was set for this weekend was one of the many events that has been cancelled this past month. Fortunately, organizers have put together a virtual 5K Run/Walk for people to participate on their own. Pastor Renee is participating in this 5K Run/Walk on Saturday. Anyone looking for ways to donate the money they would have spent on food or auction items at the MCC Sale is invited to donate to her link. Or, you can sign up and participate in your own 5K run/walk here! The goal for this fundraiser is $30,000, let’s see if we can reach that goal together! 

Each year at the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale there is a German buffet.  The average amount that each “diner” paid for a meal last year was $11.80.  The Committee would like to propose that those who can donate $12.00 a person around their dinner table on Saturday, April 18.  This is a reasonable amount for such a good cause.   We hope that this will raise awareness of the importance of the MCC Sale.  Please make your checks payable to KMRS and mail to Tim Miller, Treasurer, 4805 S Broadacres Road, Hutchinson, KS 67502.  Feeding the Multitude Committee:  Doug & Cathy Everingham, Delon & Joretta Martens, Francis & Margaret Toews, Hugo & Mary Ann Boschmann,  Bob & Barb Esau, Delbert & Janine Peters

Camp Mennoscah announcements:
· Keep in touch on the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page and YouTube channel.  Reach camp at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.  They will update the website and social media sites, as well as through email. 

· Camp Mennoscah is planning to have summer youth camps, but recognizing the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 situation, a final decision will be made closer to the start of camps.  Your camp fees, including the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be refunded if camp is canceled.  Further information can be found at www.campmennoscah.org or by calling 620-297-3290. 

· Send words!  Camp Mennoscah will create the 2020 tee shirt from three pairs of words representing important parts of Camp Mennoscah, serious or playful.  An example would be Gaga Ball, Verenike Casserole, Campfire Songs.   Send your ideas to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or send a message to the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page by April 30.

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), Everence and Mennonite Central Committee U.S. (MCC U.S.) have joined together to launch a COVID-19 Congregational Relief Fund to aid churches facing financial crisis due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The fund will accept grant requests of up to $5,000 each from churches that might not have means to recover from this unprecedented global situation. Recipient churches may use the grants to meet their congregational financial needs (such as rent, mortgage, utilities, staff salaries, etc.) or to assist families and individuals in their midst recover from COVID-19 hardships. Churches with historic roots or relationships with the Anabaptist faith community are eligible to apply for a grant. Priority will be given to racially and ethnically diverse churches serving in historically under-resourced communities, i.e. communities and households that are underbanked, underinsured and/or uninsured. To learn more and/or apply for a grant, see everence.com/covid-19-congregational-relief-fund.  Click here to see additional information on the Everence website.  

Kauffman Museum might be closed to the public, but there are still two exhibits visitors can view. One is “Meta: An Exhibition about Exhibitions,” a senior project by Bethel College students Elizabeth Friesen Birky and Emma Girton. Take a virtual tour of this exhibit at https://tinyurl.com/metavirtualexhibit

The other is “Science Behind the News: Viruses,” a pop-up exhibit mounted on the outside of the museum at the corner of Main and 27th Streets in North Newton, by the front door. Text is in both English and Spanish. You can also see the “Viruses” exhibit at Newton Medical Center and Health Ministries Clinic.

This week at BCMC:  General Fund $13,293.04; Living Stones $680; Elevator Repair $500; Caring Fund $100.

New address for Larry Friesen:  Larry D. Friesen transitioned  to healthcare at Schowalter Villa.  His new address, for those who would like to send cards, notes, letters is: Larry D. Friesen, Schowalter Villa, West Gardens #207, 200 W. Cedar St., Hesston, KS 67062.  Email: ldf3@cox.net. 
Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Announcements:

Dear Church Friends and Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Supporters and Volunteers, 
We are excited to let you know that we will still be holding the 2020 Run for Relief, but that it will be a virtual event this year!  Although the larger Mennonite Central Committee Sale has been cancelled, many of us can still use our abilities and connections to help get funds to MCC for their vital work of relief and development throughout the world – support that is going to be desperately needed.  Many of you volunteer at the Sale, but many have not ever had time to take part in the Run – this is your opportunity!!  We are asking you to consider joining us in a virtual run on Saturday, April 18 and walk, jog, or run a 5K for MCC!  
· Put on your favorite MCC Sale t-shirt or Run for Relief t-shirt from a past year if you have one.
· Take your picture, post it on the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale – Run for Relief Facebook page.
· Run or walk a 5K on your own (or 6 ft. away with a friend).
· Invite others to sponsor your walk/run to raise additional funds. 
· Feel free to post your time and amount of money you raised (if you invited others to sponsor your run)! 
· Send your entry fee and/or collected sponsor donations to Angie Teeter, 712 Charles Street, Hesston, KS  67062.
If you haven’t already please register yourself and ask family, friends, or neighbors if they would also consider signing up to participate on April 18 (online registration and printable form can be found HERE). There will be no late registration fee – that has been waived!
We are not going to be printing t-shirts to send out to all participants, nor mailing out medals – just too much of a logistical challenge.  We will still be offering a special shirt for those raising over $400 in additional funds, along with plaques for top fundraiser and oldest participant. 
Please check out the Run for Relief Facebook Page for additional information, business sponsor info, pictures, and to follow along with our amazing community of walkers and runners participating with you on April 18! This is a powerful way we can come together to support MCC’s work this year!  Sincerely,  The Run for Relief Committee

The almonds usually sold at the MCC Sale General Auction will be arriving at the beginning of next week.  Richard Ediger is the contact person and the almonds will be shipped to him in Buhler.  It is not known how many almonds will be available. There will be some of each kind of almond.  
Roasted Almonds will sell for $10 a bag. (at the sale they would bring $18 per bag) 
Almond clusters, a smaller bag, will sell for $5 per bag as will the spicy almonds and the sweet almonds.  
It will be up to you as congregational liaisons to let people in your congregations know to accept orders and collect payment for the orders.  You can contact Richard Ediger at 620-543-2787 or Jim Robb at 620-747-0186 or if using e-mail send to the following address: jimandbeatyrobb@gmail.com  to place orders and arrange a time for delivery.  Checks should be made out to the KMRS.  We will sell until we are out of almonds and cannot get any more.   Questions? Direct them to Jim Robb at the number already listed. This  is a good way to support KMRS in an unusual year.  Any additional donation would be appreciated.
Jim Robb, KMRS Chair

MCC Comforter Fabric Deliveries Available – Hello, Comforter-Makers! We hope you are all staying home and staying safe. We invite you to make comforter tops for MCC! There is a great need for comfort, warmth, and love in the world right now; MCC anticipates an increase in requests for comforters from MCC partners around the world as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts vulnerable and displaced people.

If you would like to work on making comforter tops for MCC and need fabric to do so, we will deliver it to your doorstep! MCC has bags of color coordinated cotton fabrics that can be made into 60 X 80 comforter tops. A limited amount of pre-cut squares are also available. If you would like a bag (or bags) delivered safely to your house, please email katemast@mcc.org by Wednesday, April 15, to get on the delivery list. Already have fabric at home that you’d like to use? Please review the MCC Comforter Guidelines and instructional videos at mcc.org/comforters. Thank you in advance for your stitches!

As we celebrate the new life given to us through Jesus’ resurrection this Easter morning, we can’t escape the realities of COVID-19. In a time of uncertainty and social distancing, we offer you a selection of resources that Mennonite Central Committee has prepared over the years for congregations, families and individuals.  We pray for the many who are dealing with COVID directly and the many others who are impacted by our collective attempt to stop the spread of this virus. From prayers to recipes and cooking videos, from coloring pages to videos that give you a glimpse of life across the world, we hope we are able to offer something that may encourage or nourish you in an extraordinary time. mcc.org/covid-19-resources.

Everence^® Financial will host a webinar, Exploring planned giving, on Tuesday, April 21. The event will be at 10 a.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will discuss strategies to remember and support the causes and organizations that they are passionate about in their planning. Reserve your spot by contacting Darlene Buller at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or darlene.buller@everence.com. 

Reflecting on Faith and Fear:  “Time Such As This” is a FREE edition of the Rejoice devotional in the midst of a pandemic.  These are wonderful, thoughtful reflections by some gifted Anabaptist writers.  Find a copy of this at https://mennowdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-Time-Such-As-This-sm.pdf

Former WDC staff member, Marlene Bogard, is hosting a Zoom Story Hour at 11:30am (central time) on Mondays and Thursdays for the next several weeks. Children are invited! Stories will be geared to ages 3-8. In order to get the Zoom meeting link, please email Marlene at harderbogard@gmail.com 

Dove’s Nest has resources for protecting and engaging children and teens while families are sheltering at home.  There are some creative ideas, as well as internet safety tips available at: https://dovesnest.net/Are-the-Kids-OK  

Want to serve with your family?  Only have time for a short service term?  Then SOOP is perfect for you!  Age:  25+ and families; flexible term length.  Learn more at www.MennoniteMission.net/Serve.

The camp staff and board members at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp are responding to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic (doing the best we can, with what we know, when we know it) in ensuring the safety of our staff, campers and guests during this time. While cancellations of programs and guest groups are part of our current response, we are planning and preparing for the day we return to our normal (or new normal) ministry offerings when permissible and appropriate. Regardless, we will continue to fulfill our mission statement of, “A place of retreat and community in God’s creation.” Please visit our web page (www.rmmc.org) for additional information about the financial impact or donating to the Rocky Mountain ministry in these challenging times.

 

We offer sympathy to Rachel and John Pannabecker on the death of Rachel’s father, David Habegger, March 30, Elkhart, IN. Rachel writes: “On behalf of the family I send our appreciation for the contributions of the congregation to Dad’s life.” Click here for a link to the obituary: David Habegger obituary

Congratulations to Elizabeth Raid and Gary Franz!
Elizabeth Raid and Gary Franz celebrated their marriage in BCMC chapel last Sunday, March 29th. Rev. June Thomsen officiated with a blessing from Pastor  Dawn. Elizabeth and Gary were former colleagues at the GCMC Newton office and have many common interests, including life long friends, Marv and Ruthann Dirks. They attended the BCMC grief support group. They welcome your prayers. 

The BCMC church retreat that was scheduled for May 2-3, 2020 at Camp Mennoscah has been cancelled.

And… Congratulations to Rebecca and Aaron Tschetter who have the following announcement:
With all the uncertainty and changes in the past month, we are excited to share some happy news with everyone! We are expecting Baby Tschetter in September 2020!

MCC Comforter Fabric Deliveries Available – Hello, Comforter-Makers! We hope you are all staying home and staying safe. We invite you to make comforter tops for MCC! There is a great need for comfort, warmth, and love in the world right now; MCC anticipates an increase in requests for comforters from MCC partners around the world as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts vulnerable and displaced people.

If you would like to work on making comforter tops for Mennonite Central Committee and need fabric to do so, we will deliver it to your doorstep! MCC has bags of color coordinated cotton fabrics that can be made into 60 X 80 comforter tops. A limited amount of pre-cut squares are also available. If you would like a bag (or bags) delivered safely to your house, please email katemast@mcc.org by Wednesday, April 8^th, to get on the delivery list. Already have fabric at home that you’d like to use? Please review the MCC Comforter Guidelines and instructional videos at mcc.org/comforters. Thank you in advance for your stitches!

Camp Mennoscah will be closed at least until April 30 with respect to your health and the statewide Stay Home order.  Camp staff will be working from home and at a distance.  You can reach us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.  Keep in touch on the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page!  We send you many prayers.  Stay healthy!

You can still sign up for summer youth camps!  Camp Mennoscah is planning to have summer youth camps, but recognizing the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 situation, a final decision will be made closer to the start of camps.  Your camp fees, including the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be refunded if camp is canceled.  Further information can be found at www.campmennoscah.org or by calling 620-297-3290. 

With attention to the safety of all, our Retirees Retreat (scheduled for April 20-22) has been cancelled. It has not been determined if the retreat will be rescheduled for a later date. Take a moment over these next weeks, have a personal coffee break, remember a story about Camp Mennoscah, and know we are thinking of you.

Men and Boys Retreat (previously scheduled for April 3-5) at Camp Mennoscah has been rescheduled to September 4-6, 2020! 

The 2020 Camp Mennoscah tee shirt contest ends April 30!  We’re looking for three two-word phrases representing the important parts of Camp Mennoscah. The best combination of phrases will become our camp tee!  One (generic) example would be River play, Campfire songs, Love all.  Be creative!  Send all your stunning ideas to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!  (Or send a message to the Camp Mennoscah Facebook page.)

Lectionary Texts for March 29:  Lent 5 — Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

In light of what is happening in our community, the women and girls banquet that was scheduled for April 14 has been cancelled. We felt that it was best to reduce the possible risks at this time. Please continue to engage and look after others by social media, and we will look forward to celebrating with each other in our new kitchen and Fellowship Hall space next season.  ~ Women’s Fellowship Executive Board

Our elevator is broken!   The concerning news is that it will cost an estimated $60,000 to repair it.  We will be able to cover the required upfront $15,000 from our plant reserve fund, and still leave $10,000 in that fund.  However, the remaining $45,000 will be due upon completion, hopefully by the first of August.  This unexpected expense comes on top of our decision to renovate the kitchen and fellowship hall.  We have funds in hand to cover nearly all of the basement renovation.  However, a special fund is being set up to meet the remaining cost of repairing the elevator.  Please seriously consider helping with this project, as we have all been inconvenienced by its demise, and are anxious for its return.

BCMC for March 22:  General Fund $6,655; Living Stones $40.00; Women’s Fellowship $494; Plant Fund $175; Flower Fund $7; Bequests $15,000; Elevator Repair $2,000; Maurine Hean Memorial $580.

The giving reports for the first quarter of 2020 will be sent out soon.  If you don’t already receive them via email, please provide your email address to help save postage and time.  Email treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org.  Reports will be mailed if an email address is not on file.

We have not yet decided about Wednesday evening suppers–watch this space for changes. ——–

From 6 pm to 6:15 pm:   The meal serving line will be open to get food, be seated, and begin eating. There will be one basket at the food line to receive donations for supper. Suggested donation is $5 per person or $15 per family. (Proceeds above food expenses go to the Kitchen Fund for supplies and future improvements).  Please bring your own table service.

Wednesday’s menu is Chili, vegetable soup, crackers, cinnamon rolls

Served by the Issues and Christianity Sunday school class

After the meal there will be Chancel Choir, and Chancel Bell rehearsals. No Junior or Cherub Choir rehearsal this week due to school Spring Break and no Journey or Junior High Club this week.

2019 budget update:  The final numbers are in.  Thanks to your generosity and commitment to BCMC, all the goals set as part of the 2019 budget have been met, and we have a surplus of $890!  We are grateful, and look forward to 2020!  ~ Michael Claassen, Finance Manager

December 29, 2019—Christmas One~

9:30 am    A Christmas worship service filled with lots of music and storytelling. No Sunday school following worship. Bring Christmas goodies to share during fellowship time.

January 5, 2020—Epiphany

9:30 am   Worship with sermon by Dawn Yoder Harms; music by Mark Kreider, piano; Andrew Thiesen, trombone

4 pm  Service of Remembrance of BCMC members and friends who died in 2019 — BCMC Sanctuary

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Advent giving project:  The BCMC Witness Commission invites you to
participate in this year’s project benefiting the Bethel College Food Pantry.  List of items needed is on the BCMC bulletin board (on pink paper!)

Click on READ MORE below for more information and links to the online survey.

We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12 that a body has many different parts that work together for wholeness and unity.  That example is applied to the church in regards to the variety of gifts needed and used.  Our life together in our congregation and our witness to the world are strengthened when we share our gifts.  The Gifts Discernment Survey is a resource for the Gifts Discernment Committee and staff for recruiting leaders.  We invite you to give thoughtful consideration to the gifts you are willing to share in the life and work of our congregation in the next two years.

The online survey is no longer available.  You can fill out a paper form by clicking here and returning to the church office.

Children up to 8th grade are encourage to fill out a survey available by clicking here.

Communities of Abundance.Today is the beginning of BCMC’s annual Pony Express, a financial commitment process for the 2020 budget, including a blessing as neighborhood captains, appointed by the Finance Committee, come forward during the dedication hymn.  Join the Pony Express by prayerfully anticipating your intentions to give for 2020.  Fill out the intent form when materials arrive at your home, return the form according to the directions in the packet, and pass the packet on to your neighbor. The Pony Express concludes on Nov. 17, when captains return packets during worship. 

Wednesday Night Schedule in Fellowship Hall
From 6 pm to 7:30 pm
From 6 pm to 6:15 pm:   The meal serving line will be open to get food, be seated, and begin eating. There will be one basket at the food line to receive donations for supper. Suggested donation is $5 per person or $15 per family. (Proceeds above food expenses go to the Kitchen Fund for supplies and future improvements).  Please bring your own table service.
At 6:20 pm:  A welcome, announcements and a meal blessing. There are no programs scheduled after these suppers, so come, eat, and relax if you are not going to a club or choir afterwards.  This Wednesday’s supper is Bangers and Mash, carrots, rice krispie bars

Wednesday, October 23 supper:  Coneys, potato salad, chili and cheese, cake and ice cream