Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for August 6-13, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM 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 STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/R5OB4b4fuko?feature=share

BCMC Worship Service
August 6, 2023

Prelude—Prelude and Fugue in C (JS Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Raylene Hinz-Penner

*Hymn—Here in This Place—v.1,2,4—VT 10

Kin-dom Report—MCC School Kit Challenge-Lincoln Kohlman

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Land Acknowledgement—Raylene Hinz-Penner

*Hymn—By the Waters of Babylon—VT 695

Scripture Reading—VT 13—and VT 783—Darlene Dick
John 4:3-7, 9-10,19-24—Darlene Dick and Raylene Hinz-Penner

Sermon—Finding a Place in the World–Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Let Us Build a House—v.1,2,5–VT 36

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be Thou My Vision—v. 1,2,5—VT 549

Benediction—The Lord Lift You Up—VT 832

Postlude—The Kingsfold Trumpet (Alfred Fedak)—Will Wiebe-Smith

Audio-visual – Ken Lamp
Guitar—Roger Neufeld Smith
Scripture Reader—Darlene Dick
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on the first Sunday of each month,
  we acknowledge that we worship
  on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land
  and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories
  and find new paths of right relationships with them
  and all of creation.

              This Week at BCMC: August 6—13, 2023
Sun., August 6, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/R5OB4b4fuko?feature=share
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School

10:45 a.m. “Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, today, 10:45-11:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. Bob Atchison from the Manhattan Mennonite Church will be present for the discussion. Bob serves with Menno PIN (Mennonite Palestine Israel Network) and also with the Western District Conference Israel-Palestine Task Force.   The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.
Bob and Tareq will also be presenting a workshop, “ Creating Relationships and Understanding in Gaza” at the Western District Conference Assembly August 12.
Mon., August 7, 2023
10 a.m. Staff Meeting in Room 14
Tue., August 8, 2023
12 noon Mid-Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
Wed., August 9, 2023
4 p.m.     Creation Care Committee meeting in Room 14
Sun., August 13, 2023—Worship will be at 10 a.m.
10 a.m. Worship with sermon by Pastor Nathan Koontz
August 13 BCMC worship with BC New Students
Next Sunday worship will begin at 10 a.m. on August 13 as we welcome new students from Bethel to our church. The new students will join us for worship and then for a time of fellowship afterwards. Please come and welcome our new neighbors!

Please join us Sunday, August 6 during the Sunday School hour to help pack MCC School Kit bags in Fellowship Hall. Because of your generous
donations, enough supplies were able to be purchased for approximately 200 school supply bags! Supplies for the bags are set up in an assembly style to facilitate easy assembly.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Pastor Roger will be in Newton until Sunday afternoon. Then Roger (and Cynthia) will be helping their daughter move from Durham, North Carolina to Los Angeles, CA. So Roger will be “on the road” for a couple of weeks. He will probably NOT have internet access for much of this time. But he will try to check his email and text messages when he can. Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.) Roger plans to be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, August 23.

Congratulations to Pastor Elizabeth Schmidt
Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator here at BCMC, received a License for Special Ministry from the Western District Conference Ministerial Leadership Commission on August 2. We will be celebrating this milestone of pastoral ministry on September 3 during worship. We are so thankful for Elizabeth’s call and gifts in ministry.

BCMC Offering for July 30, 2023: General Fund $2,707; MCC $25; Living Stones $175; Kitchen Fund $14; Women’s Fellowship $50.

My thanks to the many of you for the get well cards, telephone calls, food, even a Prayer Shawl, John cooking so many meals and taking me to every appointment. As promised recovery is slow! —Bernice Esau

A Message from the BCMC Church Board
On the advice of the Faith Formation Commission, the BCMC board renewed contracts for Jill Robb, our Faith Formation Coordinator (.2 FTE), and George Leary, our Youth Coordinator (.3 FTE), for an additional year. The contracts offer continuity through the summer as well as the coming program year. The church is so fortunate to have the inspired and dedicated work of each of these fine staff; please offer your appreciation to them!

Senior High Youth Group 23-24. As we begin a new year of youth group activities, our first task is to renovate our meeting space (room 24). Plans include painting the walls, increasing/improving the seating, and adding technology. We need your help. We are searching for good quality two person love seats. If you have a love seat to donate, please contact George at 316-587-6910 or george@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, or catch me in person. Thank you.

Mennonite Central Committee is looking for a driver with a semi tractor that would be willing to transport cardboard paper bales for recycling from the MCC warehouse in North Newton to Wichita. This is an immediate need, but MCC anticipates needing help like this 4-5 times per year. If you can help or have questions, please reach out to Duane Unruh at MCC at 785.760.1390 or duaneunruh@mcc.org.

AUGUST 20/AUGUST 27 Repair Network Discussions:
The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice, in its continuing work on dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery as a call for the Christian Church, invites the congregation to two post-worship discussions in the Fellowship Hall on August 20 and August 27. We will discuss the Repair Network, a coalition of 30 churches across the U.S. that supports church communities in education, solidarity and reparative action alongside Indigenous Peoples. We will share the seven steps recommended by the Repair Network to join and how BCMC has been working on those the past couple of years. We will also talk about what it would mean for BCMC to become a part of the Coalition. Please join our discussions with your ideas, comments, and questions.

The August/September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?” In the doldrums of this extreme heat, come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the cool comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book on or before August 27: Summer vacation is almost over, but you can still earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each BCMC library book you check out, read, and return. And parents, grandparents, and friends of youth, you can help by checking out a book from the children’s collection and reading it too, or with a child. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.

The Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge is going strong, thank you for helping us meet our goal of gathering 10,000 school kits in the month of August! School kits now include four new blue or black ballpoint pens. The MCC material resources center in North Newton is very low on pens and notebooks. Please keep these needs in mind as you see these items for sale this month. Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact katemast@mcc.org or 316-283-2720. A full list of MCC kit contents and other challenge resources can be found at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

The Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sept. 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Retreat theme is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Registration information and more details will be on the Western District Conference website, in the church bulletin, on the church bulletin board. Follow the Western District Women in Mission on Facebook.

You’re invited to the Camp Mennoscah celebration of a summer of faith formation with some of your favorite camp songs. All ages, campers and others–everyone is invited Saturday, August 5, at 2 p.m. at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita. There will be a freewill offering and iced coffee for purchase. Free pop will be available, but no popcorn this time. Singing will be held inside. Tell all your camp friends and come sing (or listen) your heart out!

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements
Fund Development Coordinator: Western District Conference is pleased to announce that Mike Lamb will begin September 1 as Fund Development Coordinator for WDC. In this new role, he will promote resource development for congregations and encourage congregational and individual giving to support WDC’s ministries of resourcing congregations, of sustaining ministers, and cultivating church planting partnerships. Mike recently retired as Vice President responsible for planned giving, annual giving and regional development with the Wichita (KS) State University Foundation, and previously served as Director of Admissions at Bethel College. He is active in community and Mennonite organizations, and he and his wife Susan are members of Hesston Mennonite Church where he has held a variety of leadership roles. We welcome Mike as he joins WDC’s mission of empowering Anabaptist Mennonite congregations to witness and invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, dwell in just and loving relationships, and connect to God’s mission in the world!

Tabor Mennonite Church’s annual MennoGrass Concert will be on Saturday, August 12 as a part of WDC’s Annual Assembly! Everyone is welcome to come (even if you’re not registered for the Assembly)! The meal will begin at 5:30 and will be catered by Carlos’ Kitchen & Cater. Musical performances by Michelle & Friends, The Hopeful Blues and The Flannelbacks will begin at 6pm. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Donations to help cover the cost of the meal are welcome.

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
The Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly acted on three proposed organizational resolutions at its meeting on July 7-8, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. The assembly of more than 300 registered delegates approved resolutions to clarify the MC USA bylaws and streamline its agency structure, while narrowly voting down a proposal to meet less frequently. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/delegates-vote

The Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly installed Jon Carlson as the moderator for the new biennium and provided strong affirmation for a slate of new Executive Board members and other nominees, including incoming Moderator-elect Marty Lehman. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/da-carlson

Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Glen Guyton used a surprising pop culture reference to launch his state of the denomination report to delegates at the MC USA Delegate Assembly, held in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 7-8, 2023. Read more about his address here: mennoniteusa.org/news/state-denomination23 View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/slide-theme-fj

Catch up on all the happenings at MennoCon23 and the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit by reading the KC Sauce, MC USA’s daily convention newsletter, here: mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce

Subscribe to our Convention Newsletter for exciting news and updates about future MennoCons here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon-newsletter View the PowerPoint slide here: mennoniteusa.org/menncon-slide-newsletter

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for staff at Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI) as they prepare to begin their two-week summer training session in South Korea. Pray for fruitful relationship building and learning as NARPI brings together peacemakers from China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for all who will participate in the WDC Annual Assembly next weekend, Aug 11-13, as we gather for worship, work and fellowship around the theme Holy (Wholly) Listening / Escuchar con Atención a Dios y al Pueblo.

Announcements for July 30–August 6, 2023

WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH JULY 30, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 30, 2023
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude— Two preludes on Early American Folk Hymns:
Promised Land (arr. Diane Bish)—Antioch (arr. Dale Wood)
— Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Sondra Bandy Koontz

*Hymn—When in Our Music God Is Glorified— VT 83

Children’s Conversation

Worship Music— Nun ist sie erschienen (arr. Larry Nickel )
Joan Griffing, violin; Will Wiebe-Friesen, piano

Scripture Reading—Genesis 29:15-28; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52—Joe Peters

Message—The Kingdom of Process—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response— My Love Colors Outside the Lines—VT 582

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—God, Whose Giving—VT 745
People with July birthdays come forward for a blessing,
please bring a hymnal.

*Benediction

Postlude– Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (arr. Janet Linker)—Joan Griffing, violin; Will Wiebe-Friesen, organ

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Violin—Joan Griffing
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Francis Toews

Welcome and thank you to Joan Griffing who brings us the worship
music this morning and will accompany on hymns.

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/IdJkXfzk1HI?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: July 23-August 6, 2023

Sun., July 30 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Pastor Nathan Koontz; music by Joan Griffing; July birthday recognition
YouTube Link for this Sunday is: https://youtube.com/live/IdJkXfzk1HI?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., July 31, 2023
10 a.m. Staff Meeting in Room 14
Thurs., August 3, 2023
4 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee Meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Church Board Meeting in Room 14
Sun., August 6, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith
“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Pastor Roger will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, August 2 and be in Newton until Sunday afternoon, August 6. Then Roger (and Cynthia) will be helping their daughter move from Durham, North Carolina to Los Angeles, CA. So Roger will be “on the road” for a couple of weeks. He will probably NOT have internet access for much of this time. But he will try to check his email and text messages when he can. Email roger@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org or text or call (785-220-1968.) Roger plans to be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, August 23.

BCMC Offering for July 23, 2023: General Fund $3,829; Sr Hi Youth $200; Columbarium Fund $2,000; Living Stones $140; Kitchen Fund $16.

Senior High Youth Group 23-24. As we begin a new year of youth group activities, our first task is to renovate our meeting space (room 24). Plans include painting the walls, increasing/improving the seating, and adding technology. We need your help. We are searching for good quality two person love seats. If you have a love seat to donate, please contact George at 316-587-6910 or george@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, or catch me in person. Thank you.

We offer sympathy to Richard Siemens, Doug Siemens and LuAnn Zook,their children Angus and Zoe Siemens, Charlotte Siemens and David Sprunger and their children Samuel, Jacob, and Anna, and their extended family, on the death of Frances Siemens yesterday, July 25 at Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton. Memorial service details are yet to be determined.

We offer sympathy to Mildred and Myron Voran and their family on the death of Mildred’s sister, Elva Claassen Unruh on July 25 at Kidron Bethel Village.

Looking Ahead
For a Bethel College Mennonite Church calendar with dates for 2023/2024 congregational meetings, Wednesday night suppers, Christmas and Easter programs, and other important dates, press here

Colorado Peaches are coming! The Palisade peaches on the Western Slope are supposed to be a good crop this year thanks to the moisture during the winter and spring. Please email patsydirksen@mcc.org to place your peach order from July 24-August 5. Two sizes are available: 10 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line and payment (cash/check only) is due by August 5 to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30^th St.). Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Material Resources Center on Monday, August 21. This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Rocky Ford, Colorado October 20-21.

There is still time to fill out the Faith Formation Survey!

Greetings from Faith Formation!

Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.

If you are a parent of a youth who will attend the Intergenerational Sunday school class or who will be a part of Jr High Club or Senior High Youth Group, you may fill out the following Release Form for the 2023-24 school year.

Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.

Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.

Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.

Week 3: Craft or games

Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)

The weekly schedule will follow the format below:

Following the service until 10:45 am

Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Bible Story/Activity

11:15 am – 11:30 am

Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal

Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.

Intergenerational Survey: https://forms.gle/upn5yizoKEUvqumZ7

Youth Release Form: https://forms.gle/AfyQ7fV5RXHUJZqp7

2023-24 Faith Formation Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFpdGhmb3JtYXRpb25jb21taXNzaW9uQGJldGhlbGNvbGxlZ2VtZW5ub25pdGVjaHVyY2gub3Jn

Thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Faith Formation Sunday School team

Jill Robb

Kathy Stucky

Rebecca TschetterDeb Gering

Mary Ellen Hodge

The August/September Library theme is called “What’s For Dinner?” In the doldrums of this extreme heat, come check out one of the library’s books on food: either to find a new dish to prepare or sit back and enjoy a new read in the cool comfort of your own home. We’d love to help you find your next read.

It’s time for the MCC School Kit Challenge! Help us meet our goal of gathering 10,000 school kits in the month of August. By donating items like notebooks and pencils, you can help kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Join this effort to share a tangible message of God’s love with children around the world. Learn more about this challenge and download a free activity resource at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.
Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale. How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make. We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited!

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book on or before August 27: Summer vacation is almost over, but you can still earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each BCMC library book you check out, read, and return. And parents, grandparents, and friends of youth, you can help by checking out a book from the children’s collection and reading it too, or with a child. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.

The Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sept. 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Retreat theme is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Registration information and more details will be on the Western District Conference website, in the church bulletin, on the church bulletin board. Follow the Western District Women in Mission on Facebook.

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

BCMC still could use more delegates for the WDC Assembly. Delegates can also attend virtually. BCMC would be eligible to send 15 delegates to the Assembly. If you would like to be a delegate contact the BCMC office.

Hope Mennonite Church is delighted to invite you to an evening of fun and inspiring music Sunday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. You will be entertained by the lead vocalists of Everyday Lights, Paul Austin and Jennifer (Hope) Chlumsky from Salina, KS. They combine a variety of musical styles including folk, bluegrass, jazz, country, and traditional hymns. Many of their songs are original. The band recently performed at the Smokey Hill River Festival in Salina, The Farm in Minneapolis, KS and various private parties.

As you listen to the concert, a dessert and snack bar with sweet and salty snacks will be available.

No tickets are necessary but a free-will donation will be gladly accepted with the proceeds going to Camp Mennoscah.

Paul is Director of Worship Ministries at the First Covenant Church in Salina. He is married to Kandi and they have 4 awesome, talented children. Jennifer is the choir director at First Covenant. She also happens to be married to Christopher, (a former Hope Mennonite member) a mother to 4 amazing children, a music educator, and a Tabor College Grad.

You can preview their music at https://www.everydaylightsmusic.com/ or facebook.com/everydaylights, iTunes, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

Hope Mennonite Church – 868 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67212

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

It’s a celebration of a summer of faith formation with some of your favorite camp songs! All ages, campers and others–everyone is invited to join us on Saturday, August 5, at 2pm at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita, KS. There will be a freewill offering and iced coffee for purchase. Free pop will be available, but no popcorn this time. Singing will be held inside. Tell all your camp friends and come sing (or listen) your heart out!

Other events and happenings:

Need a bunk-like bed? Camp Mennoscah will be taking apart the bunks used with the large tents since there has not been a recent need for them. These bunks have the lower bed at essentially ground level. If you would be interested in purchasing one, contact us at 620-297-3290 before August 5.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!

For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the World press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Menno Snapshots

Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for ministerial leadership for Mennonite Church USA, highlights the importance of properly compensating pastors to adequately support and lead healthy congregations. Read more about the updated Pastor Salary Guidelines and why MC USA’s Church Vitality office and Everence collaborate to update every year: mennoniteusa.org/generosity-congregation

As part of MC USA’s series on The Peace Table, the new storybook Bible from Shine, a children’s Sunday school curriculum, jointly published by MennoMedia and Brethren Press, Ruth Goring shares her process for creating child-friendly images to accompany the seven Psalms that had been selected for inclusion in The Peace Table Bible storybook. Read her journey here: mennoniteusa.org/for-children-for-all

In honor of Juneteenth, June 19, Wilma A. Bailey, Ph.D., the first Black woman to be licensed for ministry by MC USA’s Indiana-Michigan Conference and 2023 Hope for the Future honoree, reflects on the history and importance of the expansion of the newly recognized national holiday. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/juneteenth-history

As a member of MC USA’s Women in Leadership Steering Committee, Bonita Croyle reflects on her complex experience with Mother’s Day through the expression of a written prayer. Read the full prayer here: mennoniteusa.org/complicated-mothers-day

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for C. Paul and Hildi Amstutz, who have served in Paraguay since 1985. Pray for them as they invite people into deeper communion with God, through business chaplaincy, teaching and spiritual direction.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: We pray for the newly-certified church plant of Arca de Salvación (Ark of Salvation) in Uspantán, Guatemala. We also pray for the calling of new members in the church planting commission which experiences transition as a number of its members make moves. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Announcements for July 23-30, 2023

WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH JULY 23, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 23, 2023

Prelude—Salut d’Amout (Edward Elgar)—Karen Schlabaugh

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome—VT 851

Invocation—VT 857

Songs for Gathering
VT 6 Let’s walk together (piano, guitar) (Verse 1 octet, verse 2 & 3 congregation.)
VT 28 Come, Christians, join to sing (organ/acapella) (Verse 1 and 3 with organ, verse 2 acapella)

Song With Children:
VT 63 Like a rock

Song of Praise
VT 101 Sing praise to God who reigns (verses 1 and 4 in unison, 2 and 3 parts)

Telling God’s Story
From the OT: VT 185 (Psalm 104)
VT 175 Planets humming as they wander

From the NT: 295 (Matthew 5:3-12)
VT 290 Blessed are you

Confessing Our Faith
VT 419 Great is thy faithfulness (acapella)

Sharing Our Stories
VT 625 Far above the noise of life (octet sing verse 1, congregation sing verse 2, octet sing the second ending)

Prayers of God’s People—VT 996

The Lord’s Prayer—VT 675 Abana Alathi—(octet sing each phrase, congregation sing repeat)

Benediction—VT 822 (Romans 15:5-6)

Sending Song
VT 769 Now I know—(Ron Garber, leader, congregation echo)

Postlude—When in our Music God is Glorified—(Robert A. Hobby)—Cynthia Neufeld Smith

Thank you to the participants of this Sunday’s hymn sing:
Song Leader—Cynthia Neufeld Smith
Audio-visual—Ken Lamp
Violin—Rebecca Schloneger
Flute—Susie Swartley
Guitar—Roger Neufeld Smith
Scripture Reader—Elizabeth Schmidt
Octet—Ron Garber, Verlene Garber, Cynthia Linscheid, Dave Linscheid, Virginia Mininger, Joe Peters, Bill Swartley, Susie Swartley
Accompanists—Verlene Garber and Karen Schlabaugh

This Week at BCMC: July 23-August 6, 2023
Sun., July 23, 2023
9:30 a.m. Our worship will be getting more acquainted with Voices Together.
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/i_L0L-s4B28?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., July 24, 2023
7 p.m. Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tues., July 25, 2023
6 p.m. Pastor Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Thurs., July 27, 2023
4 p.m. Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Pastor Nathan Koontz; music by
Joan Griffing; July birthday recognition

BCMC Offering for July 16, 2023: General Fund $3,008.33; Caring Fund $250; Memorial Funds $100; Living Stones $258.33; Francis Funk Memorial $50.

You did it again! June was a great month with a positive balance of about $3000. That’s three in a row! Congratulations! If this trend continues we will wind up with a fantastic year. Finance Committee

“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.

Pastors Whereabouts
Pastor Roger is in Newton this weekend. He will drive back to Topeka on Monday (7/24). He will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, August 2. Roger will be checking his email and text messages daily while he is in Topeka. So feel free to email, text or call (785-220-1968.)

Don’t forget to fill out the Faith Formation Survey!

Greetings from Faith Formation!

Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.

Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.

Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.

Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.

Week 3: Craft or games

Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)

The weekly schedule will follow the format below:

Following the service until 10:45 am

Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Bible Story/Activity

11:15 am – 11:30 am

Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal

Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.

Intergenerational Survey: https://forms.gle/upn5yizoKEUvqumZ7

Youth Release Form: https://forms.gle/AfyQ7fV5RXHUJZqp7

2023-24 Faith Formation Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFpdGhmb3JtYXRpb25jb21taXNzaW9uQGJldGhlbGNvbGxlZ2VtZW5ub25pdGVjaHVyY2gub3Jn

Thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Faith Formation Sunday School team

Jill Robb

Kathy Stucky

Rebecca TschetterDeb Gering

Mary Ellen Hodge

It’s time for the MCC School Kit Challenge! Help us meet our goal of gathering 10,000 school kits in the month of August. By donating items like notebooks and pencils, you can help kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Join this effort to share a tangible message of God’s love with children around the world. Learn more about this challenge and download a free activity resource at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.
Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale. How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make. We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited!

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has been noted, this contest is for anybody who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a child, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee

The Women’s & Girls Retreat will be Sept. 9 & 10 at Camp Mennoscah sponsored by Western District Women in Mission. Retreat theme is “Women Talking, Listening and Creating.” Come for a time of friendship, fellowship, and story-telling with Tammy Duvanel Unruh, Wendy Funk Schrag and others. Registration information and more details will be on the Western District Conference website, in the church bulletin, on the church bulletin board. Follow the Western District Women in Mission on Facebook.

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

Colorado Peaches are coming! The Palisade peaches on the Western Slope should be a good crop this year thanks to the moisture during the winter and spring. Email patsydirksen@mcc.org to place your peach order from July 24-Aug. 5. Two sizes are available: 10 lbs. for $30 and 18 lbs. for $41. Checks should be made payable to Beth-El Mennonite Church with “Peaches” in the memo line and payment (cash/check only) due by Aug. 5 to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30^th St.). Peaches will be available for pickup from the MCC Material Resources Center on Mon., Aug. 21. This is a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale held in Rocky Ford, Colorado Oct. 20-21.

Plowing with Horses—(Swiss Volhynian Mennonite Celebration Event)
The rains came Saturday evening July 15, and the field was turned to mud, so no plowing. But the Ag Committee decided to have Plowing with Horses and Vintage Tractors Saturday, July 29, just west of the Moundridge Museum, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Concessions by Gospel Mennonite. We tasted their homemade ice cream and that really makes a trip to Moundridge double worthwhile. Come and see. —Kathy Goering for 150th steering committee

The 2023 issue of the Bethel College journal Mennonite Life is now live at ml.bethelks.edu and includes a poem by Cheryl Denise and prose poems by Abigail Carl-Klassen; a sermon by Sheri Hostetler; Brad Gregory’s Menno Simons Lectures from 2022; articles by Johnny Wideman and Nathan Garber; and reviews by Ben Woodward-Breckbill, Hannah Neufeld, Willmar Harder, Brad Born, Josue Coy Dick, Daniel Shank Cruz, Rachel Waltner Goossen, Joe Smucker, Kimberly Schmidt and Melanie Springer Mock.

From the Newton Et Cetera Shop
Are you a thrifter? Are you interested in sharing your talents to make the Newton community, local area, and the world a better place for all?

Then join us Thursday, July 27th from 6:30-7:30 pm and find out how we can use you to make an impact on all those who donate, volunteer, and shop at the Newton Et Cetera Shop! All are welcome!!

For the Mennonite World Conference “Courier” press here
For the Mennonite World Conference “Info” press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service “On the Level” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network Urgent Prayer Request press here
For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

#BeTransformed

Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, dean of Lifelong Learning and co-director of the Doctor of Ministry in Leadership program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, shares about her transformative experience applying for a position through the Spirit-led nudging of a mentor. Read her story here: mennoniteusa.org/transformed-by-mentoring

The international fellow at Mennonite Central Committee’s National Peace and Justice Ministries, Anthony Khair, has lived next to a wall for a lot of his life. “Being from Palestine, I am often seen as being from ‘the other side of the wall,’” he writes. Read his Menno Snapshots blog, “Both sides of the wall: the good side and the bad side,” here: mennoniteusa.org/both-sides-of-the-wall

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, more than 260 people – including members of at least six local Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) congregations – gathered for a Gun Violence Awareness Day witness walk in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Read more here: m ennoniteusa.org/protest-gun-violence

In celebration of Bike to Work Day, Joel Miller, pastor of Columbus (Ohio) Mennonite Church, an MC USA congregation, wrote a poem about his experience riding his bike to work in the morning. Read the full poem here: mennoniteusa.org/bike-church-poem

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network rejoices with the Mennonite Church in Burkina Faso for the peacebuilding ministries of Calixte Bananzaro and Siaka Traoré, who helped negotiate an agreement through which Mennonites will provide care for internally displaced people and provide trauma healing, instead of paying war taxes. Pray for an end to violence.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray that children and their care-givers may grow in faith and joy as they attend summer Story Day activities at the WDC Resource Library on August 3.

Announcements for July 16-23, 2023

WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JULY 16, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM 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 STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/9NqMj78pBcQ?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 16, 2023

Prelude—Voluntary on Tallis’ Third Tune (David Lasky)
Praise to the Lord, The Almighty (arr. Jason Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Elizabeth Schmidt

*Hymn—We Are One in the Spirit—VT 387

Children’s Conversation—Nadine Peters and Carol Peters

Kin-dom Report— MCUSA Delegate Assembly—Steve and Jeanette Stucky, Tim and Mary Ellen Hodge

*Hymn—My Love Colors Outside the Lines–Suzy Burch and Lucy Burch

Scripture Reading—Matthew 25:34-40; Hebrews 13:1-3; Isaiah 43:18-19a—Lotti Boschmann, Erich Boschmann

Message—Our Extended Family—Al and Nadine Peters

*Hymn of Response— Amazing Grace—VT 163

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—In the Bulb There is a Flower—VT 670

*Benediction

Postlude—Psalm XIX (Marcello)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand

VT—Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— John Thiesen

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/9NqMj78pBcQ?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: July 16-23, 2023
Sun., July 16, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with reflections by Al and Nadine Peters on their work with Prison Fellowship, a prison ministries in Nebraska, and a report on the MCUSA Delegate Assembly from BCMC delegates Steve Stucky,
Jeanette Stucky, Tim Hodge, Mary Ellen Hodge
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/9NqMj78pBcQ?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Wed., July 19, 2023
6 p.m. Indigenous Task Group meeting in Room 14
Sun., July 23, 2023
9:30 a.m. Our worship will be getting more acquainted with Voices Together. If you have a favorite in VT that you would like to sing, please, contact Monica Lichti in the church office with your request. NOTE: Requests may not all be used because of time limits.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation July 12-21, 2023.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger is out of town for vacation through July 18. He will be checking text messages and email occasionally during this time. Roger will be back in the BCMC office on Wednesday, July 19.

BCMC Offering for July 9, 2023: General Fund $11,104.37; Living Stones $200; Kitchen Fund $11.

You did it again! June was a great month with a positive balance of about $3000.  That’s three in a row! Congratulations! If this trend continues we will wind up with a fantastic year.  Finance Committee

We offer sympathy to Lotti and Harald and Erich Boschmann and their extended family on the death of Lotti’s youngest sister Marlene Zenau. Marlene died in Germany on July 7, 2023.

“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.

BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed.  Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.

Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

MCC School Kits—Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale. How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make.   We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited!

Children and Youth of BCMC:  Read a book.  Earn a Book.  This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.  The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has been noted, this contest is for anybody who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a child, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter.   —The Library Committee

Newton Community Theatre and Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) will present The Sound of Music musical July 21-23. Join us for this beloved musical and support your community members, including Caleb Garber and Lucy Burch in the orchestra pit, Riley King is the music director, and Renee Reimer is one of the actors. Fri., July 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., July 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at https://newton-community-theatre.square.site/ You can also purchase tickets at the door or reserve in advance at the Newton Rec Center (starting July 1). All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

Greetings from Faith Formation!
Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.

Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.

Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.

Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.

Week 3: Craft or games

Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)

The weekly schedule will follow the format below:

Following the service until 10:45 am

Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Bible Story/Activity

11:15 am – 11:30 am

Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal

Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.

Intergenerational Survey: https://forms.gle/upn5yizoKEUvqumZ7

Youth Release Form: https://forms.gle/AfyQ7fV5RXHUJZqp7

2023-24 Faith Formation Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFpdGhmb3JtYXRpb25jb21taXNzaW9uQGJldGhlbGNvbGxlZ2VtZW5ub25pdGVjaHVyY2gub3Jn

Thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Faith Formation Sunday School team
Jill Robb, Kathy Stucky,Rebecca Tschetter, Deb Gering, Mary Ellen Hodge

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

BCMC needs delegates for the WDC Assembly. Delegates can also attend virtually. BCMC would be eligible to send 15 delegates to the Assembly. If you would like to be a delegate contact the BCMC office.

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond July 5 press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond July 12 press here

Prairie View, Inc. is hosting a FREE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING. Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders on July 26, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Prairie View Auditorium 1901 E. First St., Newton. See the church bulletin board for more details or call Prairie View at 316-284-6365. There is also a free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on July 17 at 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

“Conectados,” which translates to “Connected,” was the name given to the Iglesia Menonita Hispana (Hispanic Mennonite Church – IMH) Conference. The gathering took place on May 5-6, 2023, at Iglesia Sonido de Alabanza (Sound of Praise Church) in Cicero, Illinois. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/imh-conference

Menno Snapshots

In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 3, Krista Dutt, Mennonite Central Committee Chicago (Illinois) program coordinator, discusses her work in the areas of gun violence prevention and mass incarceration. Read more about her work here: mennoniteusa.org/creative-efforts-reduce-violence

#BeTransformed

Robert Brenneman, director of criminal justice and restorative justice and professor of sociology at Goshen (Indiana) College and a seminar leader at MennoCon23, shares about the impact Mennonite congregations have in urban Central America. Read his blog here: mennoniteusa.org/gang-violence-global-church

“Nonviolence is central to the story of Jesus and his teaching about loving enemies, and it is also visible in surprising ways in the secular world, when we have eyes to see it,” writes J. Denny Weaver, a member of Madison (Wisconsin) Mennonite Church, in his Menno Snapshots blog. Read it here: mennoniteusa.org/grain-of-the-universe

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Youth Venture teams that are spending two weeks in Benin and Indonesia. Pray for the seven participants at each location, their group leaders and their hosts. Pray that this experience will help build the global body of Christ.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations that are supporting refugees and asylum seekers, as they join God’s work of justice and care for all people.

Announcements for July 9-16, 2023

Worship Service for July 9, 2023 at Bethel College Mennonite Church

To livestream the worship service:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20, go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM 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 STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/eF2TItBTi8A?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
July 9, 2023
MennoCon Youth Sharing

Prelude— As the Wind Song (VT 373) – (Setting, Michael Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh
Maisie Brubacher and Emma Gering

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57

Children’s Conversation— Adah Hodge and Abram Wall

*Hymn Over My Head—VT 594

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 43:19-21; II Corinthians 5:17—Lucy Burch

BCMC Youth Reflections from MennoCon—Adah Hodge, Ani Koontz, Mara Oswald

*Hymn of Response—New Earth, Heavens New—VT 377

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—There’s a Wild Hope in the Wind—VT 828

*Benediction

Postlude

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Unruh
Audio visual— Ben Lichti

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/eF2TItBTi8A?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: July 9-16, 2023
Sun., July 9, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with Senior High Youth Group reflections on
MennoCon23 (Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/eF2TItBTi8A?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24) Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Tue., July 11, 2023
12 p.m. Mid Kansas Investment Club meets in Fellowship Hall
Thurs., July 13, 2023
7 p.m. Kansas Relief Sale Board of Directors meets in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m. Finance Committee meets in Room 14
Sun., July 16, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with reflections by Al and Nadine Peters on their work with prison ministries in Nebraska

Sunday, July 23 – Hymn Sing
Sunday, July 23, our worship will be getting more acquainted with Voices Together. If you have a favorite in VT that you would like to sing, please, contact Monica Lichti in the church office with your request. NOTE: Requests may not all be used because of time limits.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation July 12-21, 2023.

BCMC Offering for July 2, 2023: General Fund $2,785; Caring Fund $500; Library Reserve Fund $40; Living Stones $125; Kitchen Fund $6; Women’s Fellowship $50; Metta Lieb Memorial $125.

“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.

The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee

BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.

Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

Roger’s Whereabouts : On Thursday (7/6) Roger will attend MennoCon23 in Kansas City, then represent BCMC at the MC USA Delegate Sessions on Friday and Saturday. Roger will then be on vacation in Missouri until July 19, when he will be back in the BCMC office. Roger will be checking his email and text messages occasionally during this time.

New Book: Lois Barrett and Dorothy Nickel Friesen has co-edited PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS: MENNONITE WOMEN’S VOICES 1972 – 2006, published by the Institute of Mennonite Studies/AMBS. The book launch at MennoCon23 on July 6 and at Western District Conference Assembly on August 12 will introduce 13 authors including BCMC writers John Esau and Raylene Hinz Penner in addition to Dorothy. Faith and Life Bookstore plans a book-signing later in summer. A book for checkout is now in the BCMC Library and WDC Resource Library. If you would like to purchase a book, contact Dorothy (dorothynf@cox.net); cost is $29.

Greetings from Faith Formation!

Faith Formation is asking that ALL who are interested in being a part of building intergenerational relationships within the church fill out the attached survey.

Intergenerational Sunday school will follow this format from week to week. Teachers may decide to switch up the weeks to fit their needs.

Week 1: Introduction of the Bible story. Activity related to the Bible story.

Week 2: Reader’s Theatre or continuation of the Bible story.

Week 3: Craft or games

Week 4: Interview an adult who has joined us for the month (ask the week prior to interview)

The weekly schedule will follow the format below:

Following the service until 10:45 am

Arrival and snack (groups will be mixed ages at each table)
Questions of the day to discuss at table groups
Opening prayer and announcements

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Bible Story/Activity

11:15 am – 11:30 am

Clean up, Journal, or other activity with the teachers
Closing prayer and dismissal

Mark your calendar for the Sunday School Orientation/Safe Sanctuaries Date: August 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm. We will have a pizza lunch.

Intergenerational Survey: https://forms.gle/upn5yizoKEUvqumZ7

Youth Release Form: https://forms.gle/AfyQ7fV5RXHUJZqp7

2023-24 Faith Formation Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFpdGhmb3JtYXRpb25jb21taXNzaW9uQGJldGhlbGNvbGxlZ2VtZW5ub25pdGVjaHVyY2gub3Jn

Thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Faith Formation Sunday School team

Jill Robb, Kathy Stucky, Rebecca Tschetter, Deb Gering, Mary Ellen Hodge

Newton Community Theatre and Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts (BCAPA) will present The Sound of Music musical July 21-23. Join us for this beloved musical and support your community members, including Caleb Garber and Lucy Burch in the orchestra pit, Riley King is the director, and Renee Reimer is one of the actors. Friday, July 21 at 7:30p.m.; Saturday, July 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at https://newton-community-theatre.square.site/ You can also purchase tickets at the door or reserve in advance at the Newton Rec Center (starting July 1). All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

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

WDC Assembly 2023 Registration is now open below!

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Each April, the Mennonite Church USA Church Vitality office and Everence collaborate to update the Pastor Salary Guidelines. These guidelines aid pastors, congregations, pastoral search committees and conferences in negotiating fair compensation for pastors and conference ministers. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/pastor-salary-guidelines

Menno Snapshots

In celebration of Pentecost Sunday, May 28, Katerina Gea, pastor at Wild Church Fresno (California), an MC USA congregation, celebrates the ways that the Spirit moves and highlights the connection between the Spirit’s outpouring on all of creation. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/pentecost-and-spirits

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Andi Santoso, Mennonite Mission Network’s regional director for Asia and the Middle East, reflects on his experience as an Asian Mennonite Ministries representative at the Mennonite Church USA Constituency Leaders Council meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/together-on-lords-table

As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “I choose to be Mennonite because …” blog series, Roger Farmer, retired pastor of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, shares his experience of becoming a Mennonite through a life altering encounter with God and his calling to be a Conscientious Objector during the Vietnam war. Read his story here: mennoniteusa.org/god-knew-who-i-was Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Matthew and Toni Krabill’s ministry at the Paris (France) Mennonite Center. Pray for them as they work with others to launch a master’s degree program in conflict transformation that will be housed at Abidjan University of the Christian Missionary Alliance in Ivory Coast.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Gifts Discernment Committee as they seek nominees for elected roles in WDC, and give thanks for those who are called to leadership in our conference.

Announcements for July 2-9, 2023

Worship for July 2, 2023
Bethel College Mennonite Church

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Interdependence Sunday
July 2, 2023

Prelude— Folk Tune Sketches—Irish   •  Celestia •   Land of Rest (Dale Wood)—
Karen Schlabaugh
A Sacred Space (by Wendy Stevens)—Maisie Brubacher

Christ Candle Lighting

Land Acknowledgment—Lyn Krause

Welcome and Prayer—Adam Robb

*Hymn—Let Us Build a House—VT 36

Children’s Conversation—Carol Flickinger

Worship Music—Classic Sonatina (by Nancy Faber)—Miles Brubacher

Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 5:1, 6-8; Psalm 146:1-7; Luke 4:1-8—Mara Oswald

Sermon—Pledging Allegiances—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—This Is My Song— VT 710

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716

Benediction

Postlude—CWM Rhondda (Wilbur Held)—Karen Schlabaugh

*You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/D3DDkyZMbys?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: July 2-9, 2023
Sun, July 2, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/D3DDkyZMbys?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

Mon., July 3, 2023
10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
Tue., July 4, 2023—Independence Day Holiday—office will be closed; church will be locked
Thurs., July 6, 2023
11 a.m. Memorial Service for Rosie Horst at BCMC
7 pm.     Church Board meeting in Room 14
Sun., July 9, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with Senior High Youth Group reflections on
MennoCon23 (Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)

The memorial service for Rosie Horst will be Thursday, July 6, 11 a.m. at BCMC. The YouTube Link for the service is: https://youtube.com/live/oW9WQvNAt94?feature=share

Please pray for the nine youth and four sponsors of the Senior High Youth Group and the other delegates and attendees of MennoCon23, July 2-6(Mennonite Church USA Convention in Kansas City)

BCMC Offering for June 25, 2023: General Fund $9,485; Senior High Youth $600; Living Stones $40; Kitchen Fund $9; Women’s Fellowship $10; Metta Lieb Memorial $25.

“Growing Up in Gaza—Bringing Peace and Justice to Israel-Palestine” will be presented by Tareq Abuhalima, Sun., Aug. 6, 10:45-11:45 a.m. at BCMC. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space for education and dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Tareq, a graduate student with Bluffton University, will share his experiences growing up in Gaza, working for the Youth Vision Society, and his “Gaza Twinning” relationship with Manhattan Mennonite Church. The presentation and following dialogue will also address antisemitism and other issues that surround this intractable conflict.

We offer sympathy to Janet, Orvin, Jon, and Ian Voth and their extended family on the death of Janet’s brother, Joel Klaassen. Joel died June 29 in Georgia. A memorial service will be held in the fall of 2023.

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes while I was in the hospital and now at home with Home Health Care. God sent an angel, my new neighbor, who found me unconscious lying near the sedum patch at my home and he called 911. Also many thanks to the dear angels who spent a couple hours weeding my garden and beds. I am thankful to God and my caring church. — Louise Thieszen

The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.

BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed. Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.

Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be driving back to Topeka on Monday. This Thursday he will attend MennoCon23 in Kansas City, then represent BCMC at the MC USA Delegate Sessions on Friday and Saturday. Roger will then be on vacation in Missouri until July 19, when he will be back in the BCMC office. Roger will be checking his email and text messages occasionally during this time.

Mennonite Central Committee School Kits

Lincoln and Lawrence Kohlman have joined the MCC School Kit Challenge! Their goal is to pack and donate 100 school kits by the end of August. We estimate that they will need about $850 (plus 100 bags) to meet this goal, although we will use the money we raise to make as many kits as we can! We hope that we can do more with the money when school supplies go on sale.

How can you help? To donate, see Lincoln or Lawrence. To make bags for the school kits we want to pack, use the MCC website for directions and let us know how many you plan to make.

We will plan to host a time to pack school kits. Let us know if you want to be invited!

Megan Kohlman
she/her

The Bethel College Mennonite Church Library has added new books.

For the list of new books click here.

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter.
—The Library Committee

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Join us for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly! It’s for everybody on August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton. We’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference! BCMC needs to find delegates for the WDC Assembly. Delegates can also attend virtually. BCMC would be eligible to send 15 delegates to the Assembly. If you would like to be a delegate contact the BCMC office.
WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session – Agenda for delegates will include an introduction to the conference-wide Listening Process, report on the Anti-Racism Audit, recognition of the closing of Trinity Mennonite Church and the introduction of two new church plants, update on conference facilities and finances, approval of the 2024 budget, highlights from the work of WDC commissions, election of new board, commission and committee leaders, and more! Delegate materials will be posted here as they are available: https://mennowdc.org/2023-assembly-delegate-information/ —- Register at https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/ to join others from around the conference in our work together.
Visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/ for more info on this summer’s Assembly!

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Get ready for a celebration of a summer of faith formation and camp songs! The Camp Sing will be August 5 at Hope Mennonite Church in Wichita. This is a time to gather for an evening of singing and friends. All ages, campers and others–everyone is invited! Details will be forthcoming. Put it on your calendar so you don’t miss out.

Other events and happenings:

Camper pick-up is 10:30am to 11:30am on the last day of camp. Thursday is the last day of camp for PreJunior Camp. Friday is the last day of camp for Junior, Junior High, and Senior High camps. We want to make sure you are here to pick up your campers and hear the fun stories about the week.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
Click to register! We are halfway through the summer but there is still space at remaining camps. Registrations are being accepted. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Some scholarship funds are still available. These scholarship funds are to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Thank you for the outpouring of toilet paper rolls for summer youth camp crafts! We have enough for the rest of the summer. (If rolls are already on the way, no problem. We have other uses for them.) The toilet paper roll drive was so successful, we’re starting another one. Drop off your loose bills and spare change when you come to camp or send them in check form. They’ll be added to the Camp Life fund, which helps fund things for activities (sports equipment, replacing worn out items, etc.) and renovations. Let us do you the favor of keeping your pockets clutter-free!

From Camp Mennoscah

Thank You! Camp Mennoscah is happy to announce that money continues to come to Camp through the engagement of good people like yourselves with the M&M Project. Churches, small groups, families, and individuals are signing up to the “Fire Keepers” – $1000 givers – and as of last week, we have almost half of what we need to reach our goal of $100,000 in pledges. If you haven’t signed up, or if you don’t have the money right now – remember that the gift can be spread over several months or weeks – your choice. We know you will want to be in on this opportunity to continue our Mission at Camp. (And please let this be a reminder to those who have pledged to keep sending the checks to make sure you meet your commitment! We’re counting on you and we know your belief in the mission and ministry of Camp!)

Churches are invited to put together a fundraising event this year that would specifically benefit the M&M Project.Churches are planning events for the summer and the fall. If you would like camp representation at such an event at your church, we are more than happy to see what we can do! And we’ll advertise for you on our website and Facebook page. We know you have great ideas!

For more information, check out the Camp Mennoscah Website, or contact Tammy at the addresses below. Checks can be made to Camp with “M&M” in the memo, or you can give online.

Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472

Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67111
620-297-3290

Swiss Volhynian Celebration of 150 years since ancestors came to USA in 1874—150 Years since our ancestors came to the USA. 1874-2024. Let’s celebrate all year. To remember the old days with agriculture come see a “Plowing with Horses” event July 15. Glen Goering, Darrell Schrag, Nathan Graber, and the Ag Committee have invited horse and plow owners to demonstrate Sat., July 15, at a 22-acre field west of the Moundridge Museum, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Concessions will be available from Gospel Mennonite and a tent for shade. Bring a lawn chair. The Museum will also be open. There will be “Planting Turkey Red Wheat” in October. Possibly more events in 2023 with the main celebration on August 22-25, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge.

For MennoCon23 Newsletter press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

#MennoCon23

Mennonite Church USA has released the seminar lineup for MennoCon23, the denominational convention being held in Kansas City, Missouri, July 3-6. Alongside daily worship services, seminars make up the bulk of the convention’s faith formation programming, with three seminar timeslots scheduled each full day of the event — one in the mornings and two in the afternoons. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-seminar

Follow along with the day-to-day excitement of MennoCon23, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit and the Delegate Assembly by subscribing to MC USA’s daily email convention newsletter, the KC Sauce, here: mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce View the online version here: www.mennoniteusa.org/kcsauce/

In case you missed it, watch the recording of part I of the Delegate Assembly: Know Before You Go webinar series. Host and panelists review the agenda and discuss the best way for conferences, congregations and delegates to prepare as well as the role of delegates in the discernment process: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar1

In case you missed it, watch the recording of part II of the Delegate Assembly: Know Before You Go webinar series. Leaders from MC USA, Everence and MHS Association discuss the proposed organizational resolutions for the upcoming Delegate Assembly in Kansas City: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar2

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for all those traveling to MennoCon, the four-day MC USA convention in Kansas City, Missouri, that begins tomorrow. Pray for Mission Network staff and partners as they present youth service opportunities and talk about the church’s response to immigrants and displaced people, violence in South Africa, and global climate change.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for delegates and other adults, youth and children from WDC attending MennoCon23 in Kansas City this week, as they join in fellowship, learning and discernment together with others from Mennonite Church USA.

Announcements for June 25-July 2, 2023

Worship Service for June 25, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 25, 2023

Prelude—Praise Him! Praise Him! (arr. Labenske); I Sing the Mighty Power of God (arr. Labenske); Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us (arr. Rice)—Meghann Rogers

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—John Kliewer

*Hymn—Summoned by the God Who Made Us—VT 1

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

*Hymn—Rain Down—VT 703

Scripture Reading—Jeremiah. 20:7-13; Romans. 6:1b-11; Matthew. 10:24-28, 37-39—Hodges?

Sermon—Reoriented—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—Open, Lord, My Inward Ear—VT 548

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues—VT 829
People with June birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal.

*Benediction

Postlude– Amazing Grace (arr. Labenske)—Meghann Rogers

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Meghann Rogers
Audio visual—John Thiesen

Offertory at BCMC
As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, the ushers will bring up the offertory trays to the communion table during the Hymn of Response. Then, as we have already been doing, the worship leader will give thanks for the offering during the Prayers of God’s People.

This Week at BCMC: June 25—July 2, 2023

Sun, June 25, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/Pkq4wosFEUM?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22);
Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

3 p.m. Program in Fellowship Hall with John Stoesz. John Stoesz will talk about the “Repair Network Project” in Mountain Lake, MN

Mon., June 26, 2023
2 p.m.     Credence Report Task Group meeting in Room 14
Tue., June 27, 2023
11 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., June 28, 2023
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Sun., July 2, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Maisie Brubacher and Miles Brubacher

Congregational Care Coordinator Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation June 24-30.

We offer sympathy to Dale Horst and family on the death of Dale’s wife Rosie Horst. Rosie died Friday, June 16.   A date for the memorial service will be announced later.

BCMC Offering for June 18, 2023: General Fund $10,736.13; Caring Fund $1,500; Living Stones $108.33; Kitchen Fund $16.

Congratulations to BCMC, May was a great month financially! For the 2nd consecutive month we have had a positive monetary balance. With continued effort in June, we will enter the 2nd half of the year in a strong financial position. Finance Committee

Roger’s Whereabouts
Roger will be back at BCMC this Sunday, June 25, for worship and to attend the Casa Betania 15th Anniversary Celebration at First Mennonite Church. He will stay for the regular BCMC staff meeting on Monday, then drive back to Topeka Monday afternoon, June 26. He will be back in Newton on Thursday, June 29. Roger checks his email and phone messages regularly for messages, so feel free to contact him via email or text while he is in Topeka.

Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania invites local Mennonite congregations to a 15th anniversary service Sunday, June 25 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Mennonite Church, 429 E. 1st St., Newton, where Casa Betania worships. After the service there will be a time of fellowship with a meal. Casa Betania will provide main dishes and an anniversary cake. Guests do not need to bring food, but those who would like to bring something are welcome to share a salad or fruit.

The Search Committee has been meeting monthly to continue the process of searching for BCMC’s next pastor. There continue to be many congregations within the conference that are experiencing transitions. We ask for your continued prayers for the committee and the congregation, as God prepares the heart of the right candidate for BCMC. The committee remains open to accepting names of possible candidates as well.

BCMC Pride Month Activities
June is Pride month for LGBTQIA persons and our church plans to celebrate and raise awareness for those who identify as LGBTQIA in the following ways.
-Pride banners are hung outside our church building during the month of June. Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design!
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC represented the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrated joining SCN. SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests. Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.
-This month the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group sent a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons. To learn more about MCC’s lifestyle policy (HR 152) and our letter, please contact Karen Ediger, John Kliewer, Nathan Koontz, or Karen Penner of the Inclusion Task Group.
-The congregation is invited to join in various Wichita Pride activities throughout the month of June. Go to the wichitapride.org website for more details. Of special note is the Pride Parade on June 25 at 11 a.m. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse (510 N. Main Street, Wichita) and end at Century II.

Children and Youth of BCMC:  Read a book.  Earn a Book.  This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information.  The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter.   —The Library Committee

BCMC Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is an email-based prayer network comprised of Deacon Commission members and BCMC congregants. Participants make a one-year commitment to this prayer ministry which is coordinated by Pastors and the Office and Facilities Manager. Pastors respond to prayer requests and determine when and how these requests are distributed.  Specific prayer requests are shared only with the permission of the person(s) involved. If you would like to join the BCMC prayer network, please email your interest to office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. Thanks to all who serve BCMC in the Prayer Network.

Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

The Western District Conference Annual Assembly

Join us for the Western District Conference Annual Assembly! It’s for everybody on August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton. We’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference!

BCMC NEEDS YOU TO BE A DELEGATE!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A DELEGATE TO THE WDC ANNUAL ASSEMBLY PLEASE EMAIL THE CHURCH OFFICE – office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Your registration will be paid by BCMC. Transportation and lodging costs are not reimbursed, but should be minimal as the WDC Assembly is at Tabor Mennonite Church..

2023 WDC Annual Assembly – August 11-13

At Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail, Newton, KS 67114

WDC Annual Assembly Delegate Session – Agenda for delegates will include an introduction to the conference-wide Listening Process, report on the Anti-Racism Audit, recognition of the closing of Trinity Mennonite Church and the introduction of two new church plants, update on conference facilities and finances, approval of the 2024 budget, highlights from the work of WDC commissions, election of new board, commission and committee leaders, and more! Delegate materials will be posted here as they are available: https://mennowdc.org/2023-assembly-delegate-information/ —- Register at https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-assembly-registration/ to join others from around the conference in our work together.

Visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/ for more info on this summer’s Assembly!
WDC Assembly 2023 Registration is now open below!

Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/

A Gift for You–The Western District Conference Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-Aug. 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org
Instead of a traditional Summer Story Hour, the WDC Conference Resource Library will be hosting Story Days with a self-guided, come-and-go approach with activities for ages 3-8 and their caregiver(s) on July 20 and Aug. 3 from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Read alouds by library staff/volunteers on the hour from 9 a.m.-7p.m.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.

First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson invites you to a Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Movie Showing & Book Signing with Mark Charles Sat., July 8, 6:30 p.m. at the church. The film, The Custodians: A Story of Ancient Echoes, explores the work of local landowners, volunteers and municipal government of Herschel, Saskatchewan, in protecting and conserving the many signs of historic Indigenous presence in the region. The book,
Unsettling Truths, by author Mark Charles, is a prophetic blend of history, theology, and cultural commentary, that reveals the far-reaching, damaging effects of the “Doctrine of Discovery.” Stay after the film showing for a panel with Mark Charles and Jonathan Neufeld. FMC Hutchinson is located at 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson.

Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton will host it’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4. Arrival is welcome after 7:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin after sundown. It is recommended that you bring your own chairs or blankets for fireworks viewing. The free outdoor event will include family fun with games, giveaways and food for purchase, including Salted Creamery ice cream. Kidron Bethel is located at 3001 Ivy Dr., in North Newton. Parking for the event will be marked.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Thank you for the outpouring of toilet paper rolls for summer youth camp crafts! We have enough for the rest of the summer. (If rolls are already on the way, no problem. We have other uses for them.) The toilet paper roll drive was so successful, we’re starting another one. Drop off your loose bills and spare change when you come to camp or send them in check form. They’ll be added to the Camp Life fund, which helps fund things for activities (sports equipment, replacing worn out items, etc.) and renovations. Let us do you the favor of keeping your pockets clutter-free!

Other events and happenings:

Camper pick-up is 10:30am to 11:30am on the last day of camp. Friday is the last day of camp for Junior, Junior High, and Senior High camps. We had conflicting information that was sent out to parents/guardians and we want to make sure you are here to pick up your campers and hear the fun stories about the week.
Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
Click to register! We are almost halfway through the summer but there is still space at remaining camps. Registrations are being accepted. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Just want to let you know that things will look different! The landscaping around the Retreat Center will be removed in preparation for the replacement of the HVAC system at the Retreat Center and to meet code. There is not a firm timeline when this will start. New landscaping will be determined at a later time.
Some scholarship funds are still available. These scholarship funds are to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Greetings!
I’m writing to share about the summer 2023 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly, on the theme of “savings and loan groups.” It is available now on-line here. Compiled by Michael Adeola, this issue features learning from and analysis of MCC-supported savings and loan efforts in Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nepal, India, and Cambodia.
As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this or other issues of Intersections! Send any thoughts, affirmations, critiques, and counsel you might have to intersections@mcc.org. Thanks for being a loyal reader!

Warm regards,
Alain Epp Weaver

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
When Marc Smithers, one of three delegates selected from Sojourner’s Mennonite Fellowship to participate in “A Day of Fellowship and Discernment” for the New York Mennonite Conference, he felt apprehensive. But as the event unfolded, the intentionality of the event’s planning committee was evident. Read more of his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/called-to-community

#MennoCon23
“We live in a fragmented society. Most of us have grown accustomed to spending the vast majority of our time alone and apart, even if we are in the vicinity of other people,” writes Dianne Garcia, future MennoCon23 speaker. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/creating-kingdom-community

Menno Snapshots
“From the time I was very young, I wanted to write a children’s book. I spent many hours coming up with characters and interesting plotlines.” Chrissie Muecke, curriculum writer and editor for MennoMedia, a Mennonite Church USA agency, reflects on her experience editing “The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible” for children. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/preparing-peace-table

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jae Young Lee and Karen Spicher, and their four children, as they minister in South Korea. Pray for Jae, as he serves as the executive director of Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI) and Korea Peacebuilding Institute, and pray for Karen as she works as NARPI’s communications coordinator.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for churches grappling with changes in these post-pandemic times. May we find ways forward that are creative, that meet people and families where they are, and which leave behind anything holding us back. May we remember that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever – even as our world changes. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Announcements for June 18-25, 2023

June 18, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
June 18, 2023
Juneteenth Sunday

Prelude—Go Down, Moses (arr. Wilhelmi)
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (arr. Wilhelmi)
Precious Lord, Take My Hand (arr. Shackley)
Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Jim Juhnke

*Hymn—Praise with Joy the World’s Creator—VT 428

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz

Worship Music—Steal Away arr. H.T. burleigh)–Matt Schloneger

Land Acknowledgement—Valetta Seymour

Scripture Reading— Psalm 100; Exodus 19:2-6; Romans 5:1-8

Sermon—Lamentation and Celebration—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—O Healing River—VT 706

Prayers of God’s People

Commissioning of New Leaders—VT 965

*Hymn—Go, My Friends, in Grace—VT 810

*Benediction

Postlude–Adoration (Florence B. Prcie)

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Francis Toews

Offertory at BCMC
As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, the ushers will bring up the offertory trays to the communion table during the Hymn of Response. Then, as we have already been doing, the worship leader will give thanks for the offering during the Prayers of God’s People.

A Note about the prelude piece, Adoration: Florence B. Price (1887-1953) was an African American woman and a prolific composer of high quality keyboard, symphonic, and vocal music works that were only published long after her death, in the last 20 years.

YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/_8qMdqXAQZc?feature=share

Land Acknowledgement compiled by Florence Schloneger from words by Mark Charles and VT #878
As we do on a Sunday of each month,
  we acknowledge that we worship
  on the land of the Kanza, Osage, and Wichita.
We thank them for their care and respect for this land
  and acknowledge the injustice of their forced removal.
We ask the Spirit to heal our histories
  and find new paths of right relationships with them
  and all of creation.

There will be an orientation for new commission, board, and committee members Sunday, June 18, during the Sunday School hour, in the Fellowship Hall. Continuing members of groups need not attend this orientation, although all those interested are welcome.

This Week at BCMC: June 18-25, 2023
Sun, June 11, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/_8qMdqXAQZc?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Catacombs (Rm B5) ; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., June 19, 2023—Juneteenth is a holiday for the church staff; building will be locked and office will be closed
Tue., June 20, 2023
11 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., June 21, 2023
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Thurs., June 22, 2023
3:30 p.m. Bethel College Women’s Association Executive Group meets in Fellowship Hall
7 p.m.        Deacon Commission meets in Room 14
7 p.m.        Hospitality Commission meets in Fellowship Hall
Sun., June 25, 2023
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; June birthday recognition
3 p.m. Program in Fellowship Hall with John Stoesz. John Stoesz will talk about the “Repair Network Project” in Mountain Lake, MN

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation June 19-24.
Congregational Care Coordinator Elizabeth Schmidt will be on vacation June 24-30.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be returning to Topeka this afternoon, June 18. He will be back at BCMC next Sunday, June 25, for worship and to attend the Casa Betania 15th Anniversary Celebration at First Mennonite Church. He will stay for the regular BCMC staff meeting on Monday, then drive back to Topeka Monday afternoon, June 26. Roger checks his email and phone messages regularly for messages, so feel free to contact him via email or text while he is in Topeka.

Care Connections Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for BCMCers to medical appointments, including appointments in Wichita. If you’re available and can provide loving care for one another in this way at this time, please call Elizabeth at the church office, or send an email to elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

BCMC Pride Month Activities
June is Pride month for LGBTQIA persons and our church plans to celebrate and raise awareness for those who identify as LGBTQIA in the following ways.
-Pride banners are hung outside our church building during the month of June. Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design!
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC represented the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrated joining SCN. SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests. Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.
-This month the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group sent a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons. If you would like to learn more about MCC’s lifestyle policy (HR 152) and our letter, please contact Karen Ediger, John Kliewer, Nathan Koontz, or Karen Penner of the Inclusion Task Group.
-The congregation is invited to join in various Wichita Pride activities throughout the month of June. Go to the wichitapride.org website for more details. Of special note is the Pride Parade on June 25. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse and end at Century II.

THE premier handbell choir Rezound! out of Kansas City will be performing June 18, 7 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., Wichita.

Casa Betania’s 15th Anniversary

CASA BETANIA is inviting people from sister congregations to a 15^th anniversary service on Sunday, June 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the First Mennonite sanctuary where Casa Betania worships. After the service there will be a time of fellowship with a meal. Casa Betania will provide the main dishes and an anniversary cake. Guests do not need to bring food, but those who would like to bring something are welcome to share a salad or fruit.

Congratulations to BCMC, May was a great month financially! For the 2^nd consecutive month we have had a positive monetary balance. With continued effort in June, we will enter the 2^nd half of the year in a strong financial position. Finance Committee

BCMC Offering for June 4, 2023: General Fund $4,032.33; Living Stones $200.
June 11, 2023: General Fund $6,040; Caring Fund $250; Living Stones $250; Esther Thieszen Memorial $150; Kitchen Fund $17.

The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee

MCC School Kit Challenge: Notebooks and pencils are treasures for families around the world who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Without these items, many kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan can’t get the education they desperately need. Enter, the School Kit Challenge: 10,000 school kits to help 10,000 kids during the month of August. Plus, we’ve got a fun activity for Sunday School and VBS students! Download our free School Kit Challenge activity resource full of challenges for kids to learn how school supplies help children receive a tangible message of God’s love. To learn more about this challenge and to download this free guide, visit mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/

A Gift for You–The WDC Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-August 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org

You are invitied to the Harvey County Circle of Hope Graduation, Tue., June 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Main, Newton. Dinner is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the Graduation Ceremony is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare is available. Come see how your gift to Circle of Hope impacts lives throughout our community.

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? New Hope Shelter would happily welcome you. BCMC needs to send 2 volunteers every evening for a week every 9 weeks, and you would be asked if you could serve one of those evenings. But a commitment every 9 weeks is not required. There is a volunteer training June 15 at 7:30. Please contact Valetta Seymour if you are interested or have questions: seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536. There will be refresher volunteer training on June 22 at 7:30 for those who want to brush up on their volunteer knowledge.
Current donation needs for New Hope:
Lunch meat, sliced cheese, Miracle Whip, salad dressings, milk, pancake syrup, peanut butter and jelly. Paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, saran wrap, sandwich bags, masking tape.

To: WDC church members and friends:
Join us for the WDC Annual Assembly! It’s not just for church leaders! It’s for everybody! August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS, we’ll worship, work, eat great, local food, enjoy local music, connect with new and old friends, experience faith formation for all ages, and have many choices of great workshops. We hope you’ll agree Annual Assembly is a great place to learn about and grow in faith in Christ, care for the broader church, and worship our God of love and justice with God’s people in Western District Conference!

Assembly Theme: We will explore listening to God and to each other through our theme, “Holy (Wholly) Listening.” We will stretch ourselves to listen carefully to one another as siblings in Christ who understand scripture differently and can widen our cultural, racial, and identity perspectives as we focus on faith in Christ together. As we hear the concerns and joys of all of us in Western District Conference, we will explore what it means to respond to one another with God’s mercy and justice. Our scripture texts that will guide us are Isaiah 51:1-8 and Numbers 27:1-11.

Two Tracks: This year we’ll have two different “tracks” going on at the same time. The Delegate Track is for those who are sent to Assembly as church representatives to help make decisions on behalf of our conference. The Faith Formation Track is for everybody else (except kids 3 and under). MennoMedia representatives will lead adults, youth, and school aged kids in a fun, creative multigenerational faith formation experience. Yes, there will be games, art, drama, music, bible stories, conversation and more for all ages together! Don’t want to join an active game? Are you wiggly and want more action? There will be fun options and choices available as we learn about following Jesus together. We hope that this experience will encourage you to bring “multigenerational faith formation” home to your congregation as a model to explore.

In-Person Registration is all-inclusive (except for housing)! Your adult registration of $95 includes Saturday continental breakfast, lunch, BBQ supper and snacks, as well as access to workshops, worship and the delegate session or multigenerational faith formation. (If you are a credentialed minister or minister’s immediate family, it includes Friday Appreciation Banquet, too.) Children’s registration (ages 4 to 12) is $45 each. There are scholarships available for those with limited resources. Email wdc@mennowdc.org to request a scholarship.

Assembly Housing Options: Hotel Option: Use the link: https://www.choicehotels.com/groups and type in Group Code: GS27W7 to reserve a room in our reserved block at Comfort Inn and Suites, 1205 E 1st St, Newton, KS 67114, to get the Assembly discount. In-home option: If you would like to be paired with a local family for an in-home stay, please mark that on your registration. If you are willing to host people in your home, please mark that on your registration form. You are also welcome to make your own housing arrangements. If so, please mark that on your registration form.

Virtual Registration of $40 each gives you access to all worship services, virtual or hybrid workshops, and the delegate sessions with Spanish and English interpretation. If your congregation plans to host a “watch party” with everyone joining on one device, please consider sending a group donation (suggestion: $300/group). (virtual delegates must each have their own device). Thank you.

For more assembly information visit: https://mennowdc.org/2023-wdc-annual-assembly/

REGISTRATION is now OPEN! REGISTER HERE

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

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a quarter-time Fund Development Coordinator beginning July 2023 to cultivate donor relationships and congregational giving, promote planned giving, and generate creative fundraising initiatives. Qualifications include communication, fund-raising and development skills. Position description and application form at https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Please submit application and letter of interest to heidirk@mennowdc.org.
Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a half-time Business Manager beginning July 10, at WDC’s North Newton, KS, office (some remote work possible). Responsibilities include financial management, bookkeeping, reporting and payroll. Qualifications include organizational, computer and communication skills, bookkeeping or accounting experience, and willingness to support WDC’s mission and priorities. For position description and application form, see https://mennowdc.org/employment/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press hereFor another issue of Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Men “Engage” press here

For Mennonite Creation Care Network press here

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Newsletter “Connections” press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#BeTransformed
When Seattle Mennonite Church (SMC) purchased a house in what a member of the church property team described as “a pretty undesirable part of town” about 45 years ago, the Mennonite Church USA congregation never dreamed it would accrue a worth of $2 million. But that’s what happened – and they gave the house away, no strings attached. Read the story here: mennoniteusa.org/news/seattle-redistribution

Menno Snapshots
Melanie Springer Mock, author of “Finding Our Way Forward: When the Children We Love Become Adults,” reflects on her experience releasing her sons into adulthood in her recent Menno Snapshots blog. Her book is the CommonRead selection for April-June. CommonRead is an initiative of MennoMedia and Mennonite Church USA Executive Board. Read Springer Mock’s blog here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-way-forward

As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “I choose to be Mennonite because …” blog series, Nathan Perrin, an emerging writer and pastor of Christian formation, Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Church, shares about his experience reconciling his Quaker background and his Anabaptist theology here: mennoniteusa.org/friendly-mennonite

“Whether you call them actions, traditions or rituals, congregations, much like nuclear families, have ways of celebrating, mourning or remembering together that act as treasured ways of being family,” reflects Leslie James of Hope Mennonite Church. Read more about how Hope Mennonite Church honored their late pastor in her blog: mennoniteusa.org/beyond-words

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Robin Gingerich, who has served in administrative and academic capacities at LCC International University in Lithuania since 2001. Pray for her as she builds relationships with students, faculty and staff from around the world.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for pastoral candidates, and for pastoral search committees in WDC congregations, as they discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit for future ministerial leadership.

Announcements for June 4-11, 2023

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SUNDAY AT BCMC – JUNE 4, 2023

VBS met at BCMC this week from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. Our kids learned how they can be change makers as their hearts and lives are changed as they trust in the good news of Jesus.

TONIGHT, Friday June 2 –Please join us at 6 p.m., for a community concert being held at BCMC with a free will donation going towards Camp Mennoscah’s matching grant.

You’re invited to Selah’s Song, Friday, June 2 at 6:00 pm at Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton, KS. Presented by Theatre of the Beat from Toronto, and hosted by Newton Mennonite VBS. Admission by donation will support Camp Mennoscah.
About the show:

Written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy pro-war propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages! We hope to see you there.

SUNDAY JUNE 4 WORSHIP SERVICE AT BCMC

Due to possible inclement weather for Sunday morning, the Vacation Bible School service will be held in the sanctuary at Bethel College Mennonite Church at 10:00 am. We welcome all who would like to attend in person! Following the service, there will be a potluck outside on the lawn (weather permitting) or downstairs in the Fellowship Hall (if it is raining). Please bring a food item to share and table service. Drinks will be provided.

The service on Sunday will be streamed through BCMC on the following link: https://youtube.com/live/IfJd1W4L4po?feature=share

Roger Neufeld Smith’s Whereabouts
Roger will be in Newton until Monday afternoon, June 5.

Judy Friesen would like to invite church members to come share her space in the country with a potluck, today June 11, starting at 6 p.m. Sloppy joes, drink and table service provided. Space to roam and visit as well as eat. 2101 W Dutch Ave. North on Hwy 15 to Hesston Road (Dutch Av), and 3/4 mile west.

Save the Date! There will be an orientation for new commission, board, and committee members on June 18 during the Sunday School hour. Please place this event on your calendars and look for further details coming soon. Continuing members of groups need not attend this orientation, although all those interested are welcome.

We offer sympathy to Robert Carlson and family on the death of Robert’s wife, Phyllis, May 29, 2023 at Overland Park, Kansas. The memorial service for Phyllis will be Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. at Rainbow Mennonite Church, 1444 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103.
The service will be livestreamed:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aQzyYF0quBZBz1a-OJksg

We offer sympathy to Dianne Epp and family on the death of her sister-in-law Rebecca (Becky) Janice Epp Bartel on May 27 in Roeland Park, Kansas. The memorial service for Becky will be Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m. at Rainbow Mennonite Church.

For Becky’s obituary press here

BCMC Pride Month Activities
June is Pride month for LGBTQIA persons and our church plans to celebrate and raise awareness for those who identify as LGBTQIA in the following ways.
–Pride banners will be hung outside our church building during the month of June. Thanks to Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, for his design!
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC will represent the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrate joining SCN. SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests. Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.
-In early June, the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group will be sending a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons. If you would like to learn more about MCC’s lifestyle policy (HR 152) and our letter, please contact Karen Ediger, John Kliewer, Nathan Koontz, or Karen Penner of the Inclusion Task Group.
-The congregation is invited to join in various Wichita Pride activities throughout the month of June. Go to the wichitapride.org website for more details. Of special note is the Pride Parade on June 25. The route will begin at the Old Courthouse and end at Century II.

Kauffman Museum is offering an intergenerational Uncle Carl’s Camp called “Pottery Possibilities,” July 10-14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bethel campus. Campers will start with hand-building before throwing on potter’s wheels, and wrap up the week with glazing and an outdoor firing (weather permitting). Completed artwork may be picked up at a later date. No previous experience is required. To sign up or to explore other Uncle Carl’s Camp offerings, stop by Kauffman Museum (27th & North Main, North Newton) to pick up a brochure or visit https://kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp/

Mennonite Central Committee School Kit Challenge: Notebooks and pencils are treasures for families around the world who have been forced to flee their homes or struggle to afford basic school supplies. Without these items, many kids in places like Syria, Ukraine and South Sudan can’t get the education they desperately need. Enter, the School Kit Challenge: 10,000 school kits to help 10,000 kids during the month of August. Plus, we’ve got a fun activity for Sunday School and VBS students! Download our free School Kit Challenge activity resource full of challenges for kids to learn how school supplies help children receive a tangible message of God’s love. To learn more about this challenge and to download this free guide, visit mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

A nurse isneeded for First Camp, June 15-17. A nurse is a safety requirement for our summer youth camps. Do you know anyone who can help out? The camp runs from Thursday late afternoon to Saturday morning. As a nurse, your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN). Nurses receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

Other events and happenings:

Registration for the Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreats is open. The retreats are scheduled for Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. All retreat activities will happen at the Main Camp facilities with cropping and crafts in the dining hall and lodging in the bunkhouses. (The Retreat Center will be undergoing HVAC renovations.) Single rooms are not available. Contact us at 620-297-3290 with questions or issues. We’ll see you in the fall!
Click to register! Summer youth camps start June 4. Registrations are still being accepted. The summer theme is FruitFULL Faith. Get ready to learn and sing about the Fruit of the Spirit this summer–it’s not a coconut!
Just want to let you know that things will look different! The landscaping around the Retreat Center will be removed in preparation for the replacement of the HVAC system at the Retreat Center and to meet code. There is not a firm timeline when this will start. New landscaping will be determined at a later time.
Some scholarship funds are still available. These scholarship funds are to assist campers who might not otherwise be able to attend a week of camp. To request scholarship funds, complete the online form. Questions can be directed to olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.

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

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a half-time Business Manager beginning July 10, at WDC’s North Newton, KS, office (some remote work possible). Responsibilities include financial management, bookkeeping, reporting and payroll. Qualifications include organizational, computer and communication skills, bookkeeping or accounting experience, and willingness to support WDC’s mission and priorities. For position description and application form, see https://mennowdc.org/wdc-staff-position-opening/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

2023 WDC Annual Assembly – Let’s grow in faith together! Ever considered multigenerational faith formation in your congregation? Come experience faith formation for all ages. Nursery available for 3 and under. WDC Annual Assembly registration for your whole family or youth group opening soon!

A Gift for You–The WDC Resource Library summer reading program for all ages includes a gift for you. Stop by the library from May 30-August 10 to pick out a wrapped package and a response sheet or request one be mailed to you. The book/DVD/resource inside is yours to keep. Fill out a response sheet and return to the library for a ticket into the prize drawing (gift cards for teens/adults and a prize bag for kids). The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton. For questions and mailing requests, email crlib@mennowdc.org

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite World Conference press here

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Join us for “Delegate Assembly 2023: Know Before You Go, Part II,” an informational Zoom webinar on Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Leaders from MC USA, Everence and MHS Association will discuss the proposed organizational resolutions for the upcoming Delegate Assembly in Kansas City. Delegates and nondelegates are welcome to attend. Register and submit your questions here: mennoniteusa.org/da23-webinar

Mennonite Church USA strives to live into its Accessibility Resolution at MennoCon23 by removing barriers to make people of all abilities and needs feel welcome. MennoCon23, the denomination’s leading faith formation event, will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, July 3-6. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-accessible

#BeTransformed
“Pastoral transitions are a natural part of congregational life. At some point, your pastor will leave. They will leave for all sorts of reasons, and the majority of reasons have nothing to do with the congregation,” writes Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for ministerial leadership for Mennonite Church USA, in her helpful blog about next steps: mennoniteusa.org/pastoral-transition-beauty

#MennoCon23
Hugo Saucedo, a longtime MennoCon volunteer, attended his first convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1993. “I was 16 years old, when my youth group drove from Brownsville, Texas, to Philadelphia. In spite of the long drive, the memories I made have stayed with me to this day.” Read more about Hugo’s experience here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-mennonite-reunion

There is still time to register online for MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s leading faith formation event, in Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center, July 3-6, 2023. Registration is also still open for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, and the Delegate Assembly, July 7-8. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/registration

Prayer Request from Mennonite Mission Network: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayers for all participants in Mennonite Voluntary Service and Service Adventure, as they bring closure to their assignments in the coming weeks. Pray for these young adults as they discern God’s leadings and as they integrate what they have learned and experienced into the next seasons of their lives.

Prayer Request from Western District Conference: Give thanks for WDC congregations hosting vacation Bible school and other summer programs for children and youth in their communities.

Announcements for May 28-June 4, 2023

Worship Service for May 28, 2023

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
Pentecost Sunday
May 28, 2023

Prelude—Hymn Preludes by J. Harold Moyer—Karen Schlabaugh
                Be Thou My Vision
                 Beach Spring

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—Holy Spirit, Come with Power—VT 57

Children’s Conversation—Esther Eash

Kin-dom Report—Community Playschool—Jeanette Leary, Cliff Dick

Scripture Reading—Acts 2:1-4,14,22-24,36-47—Lucy Burch and Emma Gering

Sermon—Pentecost, Communion and Peace— Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Let the Hungry Come to Me—VT 459

Communion
Preparation for Communion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Pledge of Love VT 937
(congregational response “By the grace of God, I will”)
Words of Institution
Receiving the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Blessing

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—We Are People of God’s Peace—VT 797
People with May birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal.

Benediction

Postlude—Toccata in E Minor (Johann Pachelbel)—Karen Schlabaugh

You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—John Thiesen

YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/EwmlcD5jOJk?feature=share

Sunday, May 21, 2023, during the worship service, BCMC welcomed eight new members: Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen, Lauren Friesen, Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke, Miriam Nofsinger.

To read their faith statements press here.

This Week at BCMC: May 21-28, 2023

Sun, May 28, 2023—Pentecost Sunday
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:
https://youtube.com/live/EwmlcD5jOJk?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 a.m. Faith Formation—High School (Room 24)   Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) ; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., May 29, 2023—Memorial Day—Church Office will be closed
Tue., May 30, 2023—Vacation Bible School at BCMC
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
Wed., May 31, 2023
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
6 p.m.    Indigenous Justice Task Group meets in Room 14
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Thurs., June 1, 2023
10 a.m. Staff meeting in Room 14
4 p.m.    Staff Congregational Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
7 p.m.     Church Board meeting in Room 14
Fri., June 2, 2023
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. VBS in various classrooms and Fellowship Hall at BCMC
Come see a Play, Friday, June 2 at VBS! From 6-7:30 at BCMC! ALL are invited to a performance of Selah’s Song, a play about a young girl in Ukraine who inspires her community with a song of Peace. This play is suitable for all ages and we hope you can join! Presented by Theatre of the Beat, a touring company based in Toronto.

Sun., June 4, 2023—Vacation Bible School Sunday—Worship Service on the Bethel College Lawn All participating churches will come together for a joint VBS worship service. The children will showcase the songs they learned during VBS and take part in enjoyable activities. The service will be live streamed on the First Mennonite Church channel starting at 10 a.m. A potluck will follow the service. Please bring chairs, table service, and a food item to share. Drinks will be provided. Join in a gathering of love, faith, and community, creating cherished memories together.

The First Mennonite live-stream can be viewed at first mennonite newton.org, at the First Mennonite YouTube channel, YouTube.com/@firstmennonitechurchnewton7575, or at the First Mennonite Newton Facebook page. The stream starts 20 minutes before the service.

Newton Public Library will be hosting a screening and discussion of the film Women Talking this Saturday, May 27, at 2:00 pm in the Bessmer Room. The movie, released in 2022, is based on real life events and the 2018 book by Miriam Toews, in which the women of an isolated Mennonite colony reveal a shocking secret about the colony’s men. The brutal truth comes out and the women talk about their new situation as they grapple with their faith and decide whether to do nothing, stay and fight, or leave. Pastor Willmar Harder of Buhler Mennonite Church and his wife Hannah Neufeld will facilitate a discussion following the movie for those who would like to stay. With their firsthand knowledge from serving as co-coordinators of the Low German Mennonite Program of MCC Bolivia, we hope to shed some light on the fact and fiction between actual events, the film, and the book. May is Women’s Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, so we hope this event will help people process their thoughts and be a starting point for a healthy discussion. This movie is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content and runs 1 hour, 44 minutes.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation May 26-31.

Monica Lichti will be on vacation June 5-9. The church office will be open in the mornings of that week and closed in the afternoons.

Roger’s Whereabouts : Roger will be in Newton until May 29. He will be driving back to Topeka Monday night, but will return to Newton Thursday morning, June 1.

BCMC Offering for May 21, 2023: General Fund $4,890; Community Play School $500; Living Stones $415; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $100; Women’s Fellowship $240; Esther Thieszen Memorial $1,080.

Community Playschool, Inc. has recently completed our 56th school year! Twenty-two children of the Newton community participated in the program this year at a minimal cost to their families, thanks to five area sponsoring churches. We again want to thank BCMC for being one of those supporting churches through monetary donations, the use of the facilities, secretarial and custodial services and a welcoming attitude toward our program. It is nice to have a home here! We also are grateful for the matching grant that we received from this church through the Everence Sharing Fund. I want to acknowledge the service of Cliff Dick as BCMC’s representative on our board, also serving as treasurer. Barb Voran, Stahli Claassen, Vernabelle Stayrook, and Cynthia Linscheid, served respectively as teacher, helper, and substitutes this year. These volunteers help make it possible for us to continue to provide an affordable preschool experience to families who need it most. A big thanks to Monica Lichti for her extra duties related to our being housed here at BCMC! An organization such as ours relies heavily on volunteer workers to keep our costs to a minimum. As many of our volunteers have retired from our program and as we look ahead to the next school year, we know that we need more volunteer helpers to be able to provide the attentive relationships and safe environment that we have always sought to maintain for our children and families. As members of a sponsoring church, we hope that you might consider whether you could help us out and become a one or two day a week helper for the coming school year. These volunteer positions have not only helped the children we serve but have also proved to be a rewarding experience for many of our adult helpers. Please give your church representative or us a call if you would like to have more information about our program and the opportunities that we have for you! We solicit your prayers and continued support for the future of our organization. With gratitude, Co- Directors, Kasey Newell (316 772-3350) and Jeanette Leary (316 217-2548)

Children and Youth of BCMC: Read a book. Earn a Book. This summer, you can earn a book for the New Hope Shelter for each book checked out, read, and returned. Visit the table outside the door to the children’s room of the BCMC church library for more information. The challenge is to fill a whole shelf of books for homeless children and youth.
The Library Theme for June and July are Library Committee suggestions for Everybody/Junior books for the summer reading contest. As has already been noted, this contest is for any student who checks out a book from our library, reads it independently, reads it with someone or someone reads it to a student, and then returns it. We are excited to see how many books will be purchased for New Hope Shelter. —The Library Committee

BCMC Pride Month Activities
June is Pride month for LGBTQIA persons and our church plans to celebrate and raise awareness for those who identify as LGBTQIA in the following ways.
-Oscar Gonzalez, Graphic Design Coordinator at Bethel College, has created Pride banners that will be hung outside our church building during the month of June. Thanks Oscar!
-The congregation is invited to join in various Wichita Pride activities throughout the month of June. Go to the wichitapride.org website for more details. Of special note is the Unity March on June 25. It will begin around 10 at the Old Town Square and end at Hyde Park with a lunch in the park to follow.
-Nathan Koontz of BCMC will represent the local Supportive Communities Network (SCN) during worship at Faith Mennonite as they celebrate joining SCN. SCN is part of the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests. Local SCN congregations include BCMC, Shalom, New Creation, and Lorraine Avenue.
-In early June, the Bethel College Mennonite Church Inclusion Task Group will be sending a letter to the Mennonite Central Committee encouraging them to eliminate their discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA persons. If you would like to learn more about MCC’s lifestyle policy (HR 152) and our letter, please contact Karen Ediger, John Kliewer, Nathan Koontz, or Karen Penner of the Inclusion Task Group.

Rejoice Devotional Subscriptions
For those of you who are currently subscribed to the Rejoice Devotional Magazine, the last issue for this year (June-July-August) is in your mailboxes here at church. To renew for the coming year (or if you wish to join as a new subscriber) please drop a check in the offering plate for $34.11 (in the memo line put “Rejoice” subscription), or mail your check to the church at PO Box 364, North Newton, KS, 67117, or bring to the church office by May 31.

Judy Friesen would like to invite church members to come share her space in the country with a potluck Sunday, June 11, starting at 6:00 pm. Sloppy joes, drink and table service provided. Space to roam and visit as well as eat. 2101 W Dutch Ave. North on Hwy 15 to Hesston Road (Dutch Av), and 3/4 mile west.

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? New Hope Shelter would happily welcome you. BCMC needs to send 2 volunteers every evening for a week every 9 weeks, and you would be asked if you could serve one of those evenings. But a commitment every 9 weeks is not required. There is a volunteer training June 15 at 7:30. Please contact Valetta Seymour if you are interested or have questions: seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536. There will be refresher volunteer training on June 22 at 7:30 for those who want to brush up on their volunteer knowledge.

Current donation needs for New Hope:

Lunch meat, sliced cheese, Miracle Whip, salad dressings, milk, pancake syrup, peanut butter and jelly. Paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, saran wrap, sandwich bags, masking tape.

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

Instead of a traditional Summer Story Hour, the WDC Conference Resource Library will be hosting Story Days with a self-guided, come-and-go approach with activities for ages 3-8 and their caregiver(s) on June 15, July 20 & August 3 from 9:00am-7:30pm. Read alouds by library staff/volunteers on the hour from 9am-7pm. The WDC Resource Library is located at 2517 N Main in North Newton.

Staff position opening: Western District Conference seeks a half-time Business Manager beginning July 10, at WDC’s North Newton, KS, office (some remote work possible). Responsibilities include financial management, bookkeeping, reporting and payroll. Qualifications include organizational, computer and communication skills, bookkeeping or accounting experience, and willingness to support WDC’s mission and priorities. For position description and application form visit: https://mennowdc.org/wdc-staff-position-opening/. Interested applicants please submit application form and letter of interest to the Conference Minister at heidirk@mennowdc.org.

The Newton Et Cetera Shop is taking applications for our full-time Retail Manager position. Job descriptions and applications can be picked up at the shop, 619 Main Street, Newton KS, 67114; phone 316-283-9461.

(Sun., May 28) – Last day to visit the special exhibition at Kauffman Museum , “Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia.” Hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m., with a small admission charge for non-museum members.
Sat., June 3 – The public is invited to Walk Sand Creek Trail Day, part of National Trails Day®. Water will be available for people and leashed dogs at the trailhead at Memorial Grove on the Bethel College campus, dawn to dusk (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), courtesy of the Sand Creek Trail Committee, with members there to answer any questions about the trail and its history. This is the 25th anniversary of Sand Creek Trail as an organized and maintained trail.
Sat., June 3 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 7 a.m. start time in the museum parking lot at the corner of Main and 27th streets (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). Experienced birders lead a walk of 1-1.5 hours in Chisholm Park and on Sand Creek Trail (terrain is mostly wood-chip path and sometimes uneven/sloping).

Register now for the Restorative Kansas conference happening June 8-9 at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. The conference theme is Growing Restorative Communities: Cultivating Change by Tending our Roots. Hear Keynote Speaker Chief Justice Emeritus Robert Yazzie of Navajo Nation and participate in breakout sessions on indigenous peacemaking; RJ in schools; youth-led efforts; community-based efforts; law enforcement and judicial efforts; and circle process. Enjoy a commissioned street opera entitled “The Return” and lots more. MCC Central States is a sponsor for the 2023 conference. Please join us, find more information and register at www.restorativekansas.org

Everence will hold an informative Medicare webinar Tues., May 30, at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will also be time for your questions. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com. Attendance recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News from around the world press here

Greetings from Camp Mennoscah!
Attached is the Summer 2023 issue of the Ninnescah News. It’s a short issue with just a taste of some of what Camp Mennoscah embodies.
Included in this issue are:

an article on community found at a friends retreat
the 2023 Summer Staff
the Mission & Maintenance opportunity
a few tidbits to remind you about summer camps and camp merch
We pray that, whatever you do this summer, you are safe and happy. We’ll see you at Camp Mennoscah!

With peace, The Camp Mennoscah staff

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#MennoCon23
The MennoCon23 worship planning committee has released the names of the worship speakers for the July 3-6 Mennonite Church USA denominational convention, which will take place at the Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center. The convention’s overall theme is “#BeTransformed,” which is inspired by Isaiah 43:19-21 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-worship-speakers

There’s still time to register for MennoCon23, Mennonite Church USA’s leading faith formation event, in Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center, July 3-6, 2023. Registration is also open for the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, and the Delegate Assembly, July 7-8. Register here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-registration

The all-new Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, taking place on July 7, 2023, directly following Mennonite Church USA’s MennoCon23 convention, will be an opportunity to explore ways that youth and young adults ages 14-25 can put their faith to work to address this crisis during a day of worship, learning and collaboration. Watch an informational Zoom recording here: mennoniteusa.org/webinar-climatesummit

#BeTransformed
When Becky Degan told her husband and teenage son that the theme for MennoCon23 worship is “Transformed by the Spirit,” they broke out with the Transformers’ theme song, “More than meets the eye.” “Later, when I was asked what excites me about this year’s convention, that song went through my head, and I realized that’s what I’m excited about — catching glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work beyond what we can understand or imagine.” Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/worship-is-gods-playground

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Odesa Theological Seminary in Ukraine. Pray that courses on trauma healing will equip church leaders to respond with compassion and skill to the millions of people who have lost loved ones and homes due to Russia’s invasion.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Please pray for those who participated at our “Being the Church: Meeting Our Neighbors Where They Are” conference in Dallas on April 21-22. May their time together encourage them to prayerfully try new things, plant new churches, and take new steps of faith as we invite our neighbors to follow Jesus alongside us. -WDC Church Planting Commission