Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for May 21-28, 2023

Worship Service for May 21, 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/pOctfyytlwc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Prelude—Kum Ba Yah (arr. Behnke)—Chancel Bells; Verlene Garber, director
West Quoddy Sunrise (Bernadine Johnson)—Abby Koontz

Christ Candle Lighting—Adam Robb

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Here in This Place—VT 10

Children’s Conversation
Summer BCMC Library Program—Karen Neufeld
                      Presentation of Hymnals to High School Graduates—Jill Robb
    Alice Claassen, Kat Friesen, Simon Koontz, Ian Voth

Anthem—Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Linker & McFadden—Chancel Bells

Scripture Reading—John 16:33-17:1-11; Acts 1:6-14

Sermon—Why are you looking toward heaven?—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—Could It Be That God is Singing—VT 42

Reception of New Members—Elizabeth Schmidt
                                         Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen,
Lauren Friesen, Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke,
Miriam Nofsinger

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Go Now in Peace—VT 835

*Benediction

Postlude—Andante K315 (Mozart)—Lucy Burch

* You are invited to stand
^Bells and congregation sing in unison through once; congregation sings with bells twice in canon. The south side begins, the north side comes in 2nd, and the bells will do a 3rd entry
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Verlene Garber
Audio visual—Ken Lamp

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.

Congratulations to our BCMC High School Seniors — Alice Claassen, Kat Friesen, Simon Koontz, Ian Voth!

Welcome to new members at BCMC: Calvin Flickinger, Ron Flickinger, Janet Friesen, Lauren Friesen, Judy Harder, Keith Harder, Jim Juhnke, Miriam Nofsinger!

This Week at BCMC: May 21-28, 2023
Sun, May 21, 2023
9:30 a.m.   Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/pOctfyytlwc?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Faith Formation—High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic is “Highlights of the Museum—Oriental Institute” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
Mon., May 22, 2023
10 a.m.   Library Committee meeting in Room 14
11 a.m.   Staff meeting in Fellowship Hall
5:30 p.m. Faith Formation meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., May 24, 2023
7 p.m.   Senior High Youth Group
Thurs., May 25, 2023
4 p.m. Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
7 p.m. Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Fri., May 26, 2023
5 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Sat., May 27, 2023
3:30 p.m. Wedding of Danielle Wellborn and Silas Minkevitch in the
Sanctuary
Sun., May 28, 2023—Pentecost Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; communion will be served; May birthday recognition

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.

BCMC Offering for May 7, 2023:  General Fund $7,163.33; Rejoice $34.11; Church Retreat $1,000; Mennonite Camp Scholarship $181; Esther Thieszen Memorial $100.

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.

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out!

Come see a Play, Friday, June 2 at VBS! From 6-7:30 on June 2 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.

Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 24. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

Congratulations, the April finance numbers are quite favorable. The church raised $340 more in April than it spent in April. This comes as a result of extra effort and hard work on your part. Thank you very much and keep the ball rolling. Finance Committee

(Sun., May 21) – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program with Dr. Mary Dusenberry from the University of Kansas, “Of Wool & Silk: Textile Explorations in Central Asia,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium. In conjunction with the current special exhibit “Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia,” which closes May 28.

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.

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 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.

2023 Western District Conference (WDC) Annual Assembly, “Holy (Wholly) Listening,” August 11-13, 2023, Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. Listening to God and many voices. Why go? It’s a great chance to join others for creative resourcing, worship, great music and food, and participating in the work of the church. Watch for more information coming soon!

Faith Formation resources for you – The WDC Resource Commission has paid for a subscription for the Vibrant Faith 2023 Masterclass Season Pass of faith formation webinars! Vibrant Faith seeks to transform the way churches envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the 21st century. For more details about the webinars, go to: https://vibrantfaith.org/masterclasses/. To access these resources at no cost to you, email Michelle at wdc@mennowdc.org.

Register today for MennoCon23, MC USA’s leading faith formation event July 3-6, the Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit on July 7, and the Delegate Assembly July 7-8.
https://convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration/

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.

Greetings!
I’m writing to share about a new special issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly, available now on-line here. Compiled by Wade Snowdon and Alain Epp Weaver, this “emerging research” issue features articles by participants in MCC’s one-year YAMEN, IVEP, and SALT programs, with articles exploring MCC work in Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Nepal, and Uganda.
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

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

We need your toilet paper (rolls)! There is a crafts project this summer needing empty, clean toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls. Approximately 300 rolls are needed for the full summer. Send them with a camper or someone else coming to camp. We’ll collect them and use them for Junior 1 & 2, Junior High 1 & 2 and Senior High. (If you want to bring full ones, we’d take those, too. We’re not picky.)

Other events and happenings:

Preservation and then destruction! The next Work and Play Day is May 20. Tasks will include staining part of the playground structure in the cooler morning and then it’s time for (careful) destruction of the pipes of the old HVAC system in the Retreat Center.Eight or more people will make great progress possible. Bring a water bottle and meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Camp will provide lunch. If you let us know you are coming, we can be better prepared for lunch. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 (landline) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Custodial-housekeeping help is needed at Camp Mennoscah. This is a 10 hours per week position and is paid hourly. The work times are flexible, but must fit within the group and retreat scheduling, which varies from week to week. The position requires an application, references, and background check. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!
Nurse needed for a partial week, July 9-12, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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.
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.
Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost. We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.

Everence^® to hold May 30 Medicare webinar
Everence will hold an informative Medicare webinar on Tuesday, May 30, starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D in clear, understandable language plus budgeting for health care costs in retirement. There will also be time for your questions.
Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas.
To register contact Everence at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
Attendance recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.

Message from Bethel College
Bethel College Baccalaureate and Commencement are such special events that we like to share with you the following information.
The photos and recording of Baccalaureate/Commencement weekend have been posted on the commencement website at the following link. You are welcome to share this link with others.
www.bethelks.edu/graduation

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.

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to be a Junior Volunteer at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton or Schowalter Villa in Hesston June 1 through July 28. Junior Volunteers help facilitate activities with residents in health care and/or assisted living, including playing games, reading, going on walks and more. An application is required and must be submitted by May 10. Spaces are limited. Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination series required. For application, contact 620-327-4821 or shelleyl@bluestemks.org.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Annual Dinner and Meeting will be Thursday, May 25, 6:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, McPherson. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves at bj.reeves@live.com or call/text 620-543-6863 by May 21. Come celebrate the success of the MCC Sale!

Peace Connections is hosting Bridges out of Poverty, a free training to be a volunteer for Circle of Hope. The training is a three part workshop on May 5 (2-4 p.m.); June 2 (2-4 p.m.) and July 7 (2-4 p.m.) To RSVP for the workshop or for more information visit www.peaceconnections.org or call 316-284-0000. Harvey County Circle of Hope is a relationship-based initiative that seeks to improve the financial health and well-being of the community and our residents. Circle of Hope connects community volunteers with families ready and willing to begin their journey towards financial stability.

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Marisa Smucker assumed the responsibilities of interim executive director of Mennonite Mission Network in March. Pray for God’s wisdom and strength, as she leads the agency.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for members of boards, councils, deacons and other leadership teams in WDC congregations, as they offer vision and care for the church.

Announcements for May 7-14, 2023

Worship for May 7, 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/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
May 7, 2023

Prelude—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Anthem—Come Ye Disconsolate (Terre Johnson); Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Christ Candle Lighting

Welcome and Prayer—Jim Robb

Land Acknowledgement—Darlene Dick

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

Anthem—In This Still Room (Gwyneth Walker)—Chancel Choir

Children’s Conversation—Megan Kohlman

Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 43:16-21; Matthew 13:1-9,44-45,51-52—Ani Koontz and Megan Leary

Sermon—Our Entrepreneurial God—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—You Are Salt for the Earth—VT 297

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Be a Sower—VT 789—People with April birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—VT 1050 (congregational response “Jesus, now lead on”)

Choral Benediction—Amen (John Rutter)—Chancel Choir

Postlude—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual—Ben Lichti

YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share

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.

In This Still Room by Gwyneth Walker
“And so I find it well to come for deeper rest to this still room
For here the habit of the soul
Feels less the outer world’s control;
For strength of mutual purpose pleads more earnestly our common needs;
And from the silence multiplied
By these still forms on either side,
the world that time and sense have known
Falls off and leaves us God alone.”

The congregational meeting is Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 a.m., during the Sunday school hour, in the Sanctuary. The agenda can be found in the annual program booklet. (There are printed copies available on the ledge between the mailboxes in the Gathering Place.) For those who are tuning in remotely, votes can be texted to (620) 747-0185. The meeting will be live-streamed but will not be recorded.
Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff.

Congregational Meeting YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Tt1pRkGCfgk?feature=share

Click the link below for a pdf of the Annual Report Booklet.

Annual Report Booklet for June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023

BCMC Offering for April 30, 2023: General Fund $2,135; Living Stones $50.

This Week at BCMC: May 7-14, 2023
Sun, May 7 2023
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/8TGAlWAx6gk?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:45 am Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary (No adult Sunday schools this Sunday) YouTube Link:  https://youtube.com/live/Tt1pRkGCfgk?feature=share

7 pm          Bethel College Woven and Open Road Ensemble Groups Concert in the BCMC Sanctuary—All are welcome!

Mon., May 8, 2023
9 am    Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
11 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., May 10, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., May 11, 2023
4 pm     Creation Care Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun., May 14, 2023—Bethel College Baccalaureate
There will be no worship service at BCMC this Sunday; Bethel College
Baccalaureate will be in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall starting at 10 a.m.—All are invited!
Bethel College Commencement is at 4 p.m. in Thresher Stadium (if rain,
Memorial Hall)

There will be a recognition of BCMC graduating high school seniors and a
reception of new members of BCMC during the worship service on Sunday, May 21.

We offer sympathy to LuAnn Zook, Doug Siemens, Angus and Zoe Siemens and their extended family on the death of LuAnn’s father, Herbert Zook, May 4, 2023 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston.
Herb was a retired professor of Industrial Arts at Hesston College, McPherson College, and Fort Hays State University.
On a side note, Doug said that Herb was one of the pioneers who started the Automobile Restoration Program at McPherson. Saturday, May 6 is the Newton Car Show. “If you have an opportunity to attend please remember this great teacher who loved cars!”

The BCMC Retreat at Camp Mennoscah was last Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30. Two baptisms were celebrated during the worship service on Sunday. Abby Koontz and Ani Koontz were baptized in the Ninnescah River. Following are their faith statements.

Abby Koontz
I am excited to become a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church by choosing baptism and committing to my ongoing faith journey with God. I am grateful for all the support and love this church family has given to me growing up, and I am ready to follow Christ through the acts of love, gratitude, service, and community. Attending church as a child with my parents and grandparents, I have been raised with Mennonite values. Loving others, community, inclusion, servant leadership, and practicing non-violence are values that I have learned in our church and that I believe are important when following Jesus. I strive to incorporate these values into my everyday life and spiritual practices. BCMC has also given me Camp Mennoscah, one of the
places where I find my faith to be the strongest. It is here I feel connected with God through music, nature, and friendship, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be baptized here. Becoming a follower of Christ to me means that you serve your community, have compassion towards the people around you, and that you live your life through God. In times of hope, in times of gratitude, and in harder times when God gives us challenges, it is important to live life through God and turn to prayer as a regular practice. It brings me great joy to become a part of this congregation and continue my faith journey.
Abby is baptized – people in picture are Ani Koontz in background, Kevin Neufeld, and Pastor Nathan Koontz

Ani Koontz
Throughout my life I’ve attended different Mennonite churches and been a part of many different communities that seek to follow Jesus together. One of my earliest memories is crawling around in the pit next to Faith Mennonite Church. When I was six my dad got a job at First Mennonite in Hutchinson. The church became a solid community: one that I didn’t really interact with outside the building, but one that I still loved very much. I remember coming home after my first Sunday there and counting on my fingers how many friends I made: I lost count. I especially loved the kids in my Sunday school class.

Throughout my Hutch time, I wasn’t really able to participate in the Wednesday night activities because of how far away it was. Luckily, BCMC welcomed me with open arms into the choir and youth clubs. I loved my dual church experience, but I sometimes felt disconnected from both. First Mennonite in Hutch had a huge impact on me as a person, but the shift back to BCMC was comforting. I could interact with the BCMC community in ways more than just church on Sunday, and I didn’t have to wake up so early. I love the people around me and the familiar environment that I get to grow in.

Faith has always been an important part of my life and I look forward to following Jesus and working to do good within my community and the world.

Though I’ve been to many different churches, I am so happy to call BCMC my church, my congregation, and my community.
Ani preparing to be baptized. Kevin Neufeld and Pastor Nathan Koontz on either side of her.

Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will be in Newton until Monday afternoon (May 8). He will be back in Newton on Wednesday, May 24. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

April Birthdays are NOT forgotten! – We’ve just delayed the usual birthday blessing for April birthdays until this coming Sunday, May 7. We knew that a number of people would not be able to attend worship at Camp Mennoscah last Sunday. So the April Birthday Blessing will be at the end of the worship service this Sunday, May 7.

Please pray for Myron Voran who is recovering from gallbladder removal surgery at NMC Health.

Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets in Fellowship Hall Monday, May 8 at 9:00 a.m.

VBS Registration
It is time to register for Vacation Bible School. If you have children in Pre-K (4 years) through entering 5th grade this form is for you! Please invite grandchildren and friends to fill out the form so they can attend. We would love to have them! If you have any questions, please email or talk to Jill Robb (jill@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org) or Mary Ellen Hodge (hodge_mar@yahoo.com).

Here is the link to the Registration Form and the QR code.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepSN8cyMISPivc5JTk2H_FYfqnJJVXO-E_NlmLJwDApBsHTg/viewform

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out and be on the look out for a reading contest arriving in May!!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at BCMC, 7 p.m.
· Bethel College commencement weekend is Sat.-Sun., May 13-14. Events: Nurse Pinning Ceremony, 2 p.m., May 13, Krehbiel Auditorium;
Baccalaureate, 10 a.m., and Commencement, 4 p.m., May 14, both in
Memorial Hall.
· Thurs.-Sat., May 18-20 – Pop-up exhibit, “Mennonites in East Germany,” Kauffman Museum (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117); hours are 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekends. Sat., May 20 – Pastor Bernhard Thiessen from the University of Hamburg will speak on “Mennonite Peace Efforts Under Communist Observation,” 4 p.m. in the museum auditorium.

Youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to be a Junior Volunteer at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton or Schowalter Villa in Hesston June 1 through July 28. Junior Volunteers help facilitate activities with residents in health care and/or assisted living, including playing games, reading, going on walks and more. An application is required and must be submitted by May 10. Spaces are limited. Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination series required. For application, contact 620-327-4821 or shelleyl@bluestemks.org.

The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale Annual Dinner and Meeting will be Thursday, May 25, 6:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, McPherson. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves at bj.reeves@live.com or call/text 620-543-6863 by May 21. Come celebrate the success of the MCC Sale!

Peace Connections is hosting Bridges out of Poverty, a free training to be a volunteer for Circle of Hope. The training is a three part workshop on May 5 (2-4 p.m.); June 2 (2-4 p.m.) and July 7 (2-4 p.m.) To RSVP for the workshop or for more information visit www.peaceconnections.org or call 316-284-0000. Harvey County Circle of Hope is a relationship-based initiative that seeks to improve the financial health and well-being of the community and our residents. Circle of Hope connects community volunteers with families ready and willing to begin their journey towards financial stability.

Hesston College Announcements

May 12 – Music Recitals

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on May 12 at 2 and 4 p.m. The recitals will feature Luke Huyard, Sadie Oesch, Jesse Kanagy, Ginny Miller, and Abraham Cadillo Quispe. Join in person at the Black Box Theater or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 12 – Bel Canto Singers Concert

Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert over commencement weekend Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 13 – Nursing Pinning

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 baccalaureate degree nursing graduates. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/pinning-webcast.

May 13 – Theatre Showcase & Student Directed One-Act Play

Acting I and Acting II students will perform monologues and scenes from their work this semester. Immediately following, a short one act play, The Wall: A Pilgrimage, directed by Alexis Driscoll, will feature students from both classes. The show is about a family visiting the Vietnam War Memorial and the feelings each member faces when recalling the soldier they lost. Join in person at the Black Box Theater.

May 13 – Commencement

Riccardo Harris, executive director of Wichita GEAR UP at WSA, will present the commencement address. General seating in the sanctuary will begin at 3:30 p.m. with overflow general seating in the HMC Community Center. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/commencement.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
WDC Book Sale – The Western District Conference Resource Library in North Newton, KS will be hosting a Book Sale on Saturday, May 6 from 8:30am -12:30pm outside in front of the WDC building. There will be a large variety of donated books and books & DVDs removed from circulation. Donations will be accepted for your selections. Hope to see you there!

In Spring 2022, the WDC Executive Board appointed a team to do an anti-racism audit of WDC’s structure, program and policies, as we seek to fulfill WDC’s vision for the church and be faithful to the way of Jesus. The audit process was conducted between April and September 2022, and gathered information to address the questions: How is WDC acting or participating in racist ways? How is WDC supporting efforts to dismantle racism? How could WDC better support efforts to dismantle racism?… Please click below to view the full announcement, the full audit report (now available), and the summary report.

Announcement about Anti-Racism Audit Report – English & Español

WDC Anti-Racism Audit Report Summary – English & Español

WDC Anti-Racism Audit Full Report – English & Español

For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

For Mennonite Central Committee “In Touch” press hereFor Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here

For Newton EtCetera Shop Annual Report press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Custodial-housekeeping help is needed at Camp Mennoscah. This is a 10 hours per week position and is paid hourly. The work times are flexible, but must fit within the group and retreat scheduling, which varies from week to week. The position requires an application, references, and background check. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.

Other events and happenings:

The next Work and Play Day is May 20! Bring a water bottle and meet at the maintenance shed at 8:30am. Camp will provide lunch. If you let us know you are coming, we can be better prepared for lunch. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 (landline) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.
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.
Nurse needed for a partial week, July 9-12, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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.
Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost. We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Kauffman Museum Upcoming Events

• Upcoming events:
• May 9-14, All Ten Thousand Villages merchandise 20% off in the Museum Store; come pick up a gift for mom for Mother’s Day!
• May 18-20, Pop-up exhibit, “Mennonites in East Germany”
• May 20, 4:00, “Mennonite Peace Efforts under Communist Observation” presented by Pastor Bernhard Thiessen, Chairman, Peace Churches Office, Berlin, Germany
• May 21, 3:00, “Of Wool & Silk: Textile Explorations in Central Asia” presented by Dr. Mary M. Dusenbury, Affiliate Research Curator, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas
• May 28, last day to view the Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia exhibit
• June 3, 7:00, First Saturday Bird Walk
• Regular museum hours: Tues-Fri 9:30-4:30, Sat & Sun 1:30-4:30, closed Mondays and major holidays

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
On May 1, 2023, Mennonite Church USA will be changing its email address for email marketing communications to EBComm@Communications.MennoniteUSA.org. Read why this is important and get instructions on how to add the new address to your address book here: mennoniteusa.org/notice-new-email

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board met in Los Angeles on April 13-14, 2023, and voted to forward three proposed organizational resolutions to the Delegate Assembly, including one that recommends shifting the Delegate Assembly to a three-year, or triennial, cycle. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/executive-board-april-meeting. The Constituency Leaders Council provided feedback on the three proposed organizational resolutions at its meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in March. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/clc-looks

#MennoCon23
Online registration is open 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. Early bird pricing ends on May 14. Register here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/registration

Download a Power Point slide here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-powerpoint
Download a printer-friendly flyer here: mennoniteusa.org/mennocon23-flyer-print

Menno Snapshots
After attending Mennonite Church USA’s Hope for the Future Conference as a Mosaic Mennonite Conference board member, Kiron Mateti, experienced a refreshing sense of belonging within the Mennonite church. He was no longer the only person of color in the room. Read more about his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/finding-seat-at-mennonite-table

The Peace Table is the new Bible story for MennoMedia’s “Shine” elementary curriculum for 2023-26. Get a sneak peek of this exciting new resource during MennoMedia’s webinar on Monday, May 8, 7 p.m. ET. Learn how this book can help you guide children to love Jesus, grow in faith and become peacemakers that change the world by registering here: shinecurriculum.com/webinar

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Alfonsina and José Oyanguren, serving through Mennonite Mission Network, request prayer for the more than 40 people from 15 communities in Argentina’s Chaco region who are helping voice dub the Jesus Film in the Toba Qom language. Pray that those who participate will be led into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and his love for all people.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC’s Resource Library, and pray that children, youth, adults and ministry leaders would be enriched in faith and discipleship through library resources.

Announcements for April 30 to May 7, 2023

Worship for Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Camp Mennoscah

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is here! There will be no worship service in the church this Sunday. The worship service at the retreat at Camp Mennoscah will begin at 10 a.m. We will celebrate two baptisms at the retreat.

Please pray for Harold Thieszen, Barbara and John Thiesen and Andrew Thiesen and their extended family as they grieve the death of their wife, mother, and grandmother, Esther. Esther died Friday morning, April 28, 2023 at Kidron Bethel Village.

A date for the memorial service will be announced later.

Please remember in your prayers Diana and Charles Graber and their extended family on the death of Diana’s mother, Mary Kathryn (Yoder) Stucky. Mary Kathryn died April 23, 2023, at Pine Village, Moundridge. Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moundridge Funeral Home. The memorial will be Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. at First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge.
You can read the obituary at this link: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mcphersonsentinel/name/mary-stucky-obituary?id=51722499

Offering for April 23, 2023: General Fund $6,495; Caring Fund $175; Library Reserve Fund $5; Living Stones $140; Flower Fund $10; Kitchen Fund $16; Women’s Fellowship $458.

BCMC Congregational Meeting
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff.

Click the link below for a pdf of the Annual Report Booklet. There will be printed copies available in the Gathering Place on the ledge between the mailboxes.

Annual Report Booklet for June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023

A message from the Bethel College Relations Team of BCMC

Last year due to COVID the Bethel College Baccalaureate Sunday morning service was held at Memorial Hall at Bethel College, rather than at Bethel College Mennonite Church. That is the plan again for this year.

The BCMC ministerial team has decided to cancel the worship service in our sanctuary on May 14 and instead to encourage BCMC members to attend the Bethel College Baccalaureate service in Bethel College’s Memorial Hall at 10 a.m.

The Bethel College Mennonite Church Bethel College Relations Team wanted to inform you of this. Please consider attending the Bethel College Baccalaureate service on May 14 at 10 a.m. as a way of showing your support and encouragement for this year’s graduates and our friends at Bethel College.

Thank you. BCMC Bethel College Relations Team: Dick Koontz, Darlene Dick, Carol Flickinger, Ron Flickinger

To the BCMC congregation: Thank you for your generosity to replenish our caring fund over the Lenten season. We appreciate your continued support. – The Deacons Commission.

You are invited to contribute non-perishable food for the local Salvation Army food pantry. On the first Sunday of the month, bring items to BCMC and place them on the cart in the south entrance of the church. Salvation Army requires food boxes to be sealed but if you have unsealed boxes, with items still sealed in them, you can also contribute these items. Kathy Stucky will distribute the sealed boxes to the Salvation Army and opened boxes of food with items still sealed to the various food neighborhood pantries in Newton.

New Hope Shelter Announcement
Message from Brian Bisbee, director of New Hope Shelter:

We are transitioning as we head towards the new building. We only have $20,411 to raise to meet the Mabee Foundation challenge requirement. That will give us the $1 million we need to complete the fundraising for the new Shelter, furnishings and equipment. Of course we will be working on the support for the continuing operations.

An Announcement about Jon Voth
Jon Voth will be joining the Red Lake MN MDS Team April 30, 2023 for most of the summer. His temporary address will be 10200 MN-89, Red Lake MN 56671. It will be updated if it changes.
His Cell phone number is 316-284-1072

Book Sale – The Western District Conference Resource Library in North Newton, KS will be hosting a Book Sale on Saturday, May 6 from 8:30am -12:30pm outside in front of the WDC building. There will be a large variety of donated books and books & DVDs removed from circulation. Donations will be accepted for your selections. Hope to see you there!

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. This annual event is for all ages. Come for intergenerational fun faith formation, music, worship, work of the broader church, good food, time with old and new friends, and more! The topic is holy listening.

Western District Conference Prayer Request
Dear Lord, we draw near to the throne of your grace, to give you glory, honor, and praise. And to ask you to hear the prayer of your children crying out to you. My prayer request is that you guide us, in our meetings, that we feel your peace, in every decision. Revive your work amid the times in which we are living, and may the world know you, and may the church take the initiative to be light, to give light, to remain in light and in the midst of darkness to shine like a burning torch. Amen – WDC Church Planting Commission

Bethel College Announcements

(Sun., April 30) – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring mass choir, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall
Mon., May 1 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, directed by Brad Shores, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. The concert also features the community band Steel Paradise and the McPherson College Steel Drum Band, with hymn arrangements, pop, calypso and original compositions. This will be Brad Shores’ final concert before he moves to Florida. Free admission, with a freewill offering taken to support Bethel College music.
Tues., May 2 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel

Weds., May 3 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center in case of rain)

Sat., May 6 – 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).
Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at Bethel College, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
Last week to view the annual Student Art Exhibit in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, featuring the work of 61 Bethel students in a variety of media. Exhibit closes Fri., May 5. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.

Hesston College Announcements

May 12 – Music Recitals

May 12 – Bel Canto Singers Concert

Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert over commencement weekend Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

May 13 – Nursing Pinning

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 baccalaureate degree nursing graduates. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/pinning-webcast.

May 13 – Theatre Showcase & Student Directed One-Act Play

May 13 – Commencement

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah is looking for people to provide a “main course” for approx. 12 people during the week of May 29-June 2.Camp will provide the extras for the meal and staff do the meal prep as a team building exercise. If you would like to provide the full meal, wonderful! During this week, summer staff do training for Youth Development, the Staff Handbook, Reducing the Risk of Abuse, and more. This week prepares the staff to create great camp experiences for a summer of campers. Contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for details.

Other events and happenings:

Scholarship requests are due by May 1. (After May 1, some funds may still be available.) Camp Mennoscah has scholarship funds 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.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurse needed for July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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.
A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and 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.
Got any 5 gallon buckets with or without lids?Camp Mennoscah is looking for 5 gallon buckets with lids for compost. We’ll take lids or the lids and buckets. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290 to figure out pick up or bring them to camp when your church or camper comes.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY – Now May 6th – The original effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle with pheromone packets here at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp was impacted by snow and cold. Go figure, spring in Colorado. So please consider if the revised date fits into your schedule. Pheromone packets are disbursed and stapled on trees around camp to “communicate” to the beetles to go elsewhere. We need your help by signing up on the camp’s Volunteer page and selecting the “Signup for Maintenance“ button. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and Saturday will begin with a hearty camp breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Hope to have you join us!

VOLUNTEERS & SUMMER STAFF INVITATIONS – With summer camping season fast approaching, Rocky Mountain invites additional volunteers and summer staff to join in providing a fun and meaningful experience to all who come this summer. Volunteer opportunities and sign-up to help with foodservice, housekeeping, maintenance and van driving can be found under the “VOLUNTEER – VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SIGN-UP” link on camp’s web page (rmmc.org). Summer Staff opportunities and sign-up to join campers and facilitate their camp experience can be found under “ABOUT US – SUMMER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES“.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:
Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who serve as hosts at the Maria Skobtsova House in Calais, France, which offers temporary shelter to migrants from Africa and the Middle East. Pray for the Givens family as they work with many volunteers. May their presence encourage the sojourners they encounter.

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

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

Mennonite Church USA is seeking a Director of Archives and Records Management to oversee the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of permanent records for MC USA as well as collections of individuals or institutions closely associated with MC USA. Degree in history, archival studies, library science or related field and/or equivalent work experience preferred. View the job description here: mennoniteusa.org/archives-position

Menno SnapshotsA spiritual practice can be as simple as praying with beads. Shirley Yoder Brubaker, a retired pastor and educator, and member of Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia uses the concept of the Catholic rosary as a form of Anabaptist prayer beads. Read more of her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/praying-with-beads

Announcements for April 23-30, 2023

April 23, 2023 – Creation Care Sunday

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/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 23, 2023
Third Sunday of Easter
The Restoration of Creation

Prelude—Kol Nidrei (Bruch)—Caleb Garber, cello; Lisa Schmidt, accompanist

Christ Candle Lighting—Elizabeth Schmidt

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful—VT 177

Children’s Conversation—Kathy Stucky

Anthem—All Creatures, Worship God Most High—VT 81—verses 1-4, 7 –Chancel Choir, Riley King, director; Karen Schlabaugh, accompanist—Congregation join in unison on verse 7

Scripture Reading—Genesis 1:24-31; Romans 8:18-24a; Colossians 1:15-20—Jane Goering

Reflections—Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, Ani Koontz

*Hymn of Response—The Garden Needs Our Tending Now—VT 788

Prayers of God’s People

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

*Benediction

Postlude— Postlude on Fredericktown (Robert J. Powell)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share

The Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) performs, Sun., Apr. 23, 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton. The KMMC is a large, all-volunteer male choir. In recent seasons membership has topped 300. Their motto is “we sing that others may live.” Offerings taken at KMMC concerts are donated to the Mennonite Central Committee.

BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat
The Mennoscah Retreat is quickly approaching – and we have very few people signed up so far! To help us with food – and making sure we have enough accommodation space – please take a few moments to let us know you’re coming! You can use this link: https://forms.gle/ccavLqvMS1Ft2WBVA to indicate you are able to attend. We’d really like to know by Monday, April 24 so we can most accurately plan for food supplies for our three tasty meals!

This Week at BCMC: April 23—30, 2023
Today is Creation Care Sunday. Copies of our Creation Care Covenant, with suggestions for creation care practices, are available on the table in the Gathering Place.   Thank you to Dwight Platt, Lorna Harder, and Ani Koontz for sharing their reflections during the worship service today.
Sun, Apr. 23, 2023—Third Sunday of Easter
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/Sebiui99CFc?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic for Sunday: “Mennonite Contribution to the Dutch Golden Age, Part II” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)
3:30—5:30 p.m. Faith Exploration Class in Room 28
Mon., Apr. 24, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., Apr. 26, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 27, 2023
4 pm     Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
5-7:30 pm Community Playschool Book Night in Fellowship Hall/Classrooms
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm     Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
Sun., Apr. 30, 2023—Camp Mennoscah Retreat
There will be no worship service at BCMC this Sunday

BCMC Offering for April 16, 2023: General Fund $6,075.33; Columbarium Fund $1,000; Caring Fund $750; Living Stones $58.33; Kitchen Fund $23; Tamen Miller Memorial $1,000.

From the Board:
Congregational Meeting
The next congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, May 7, at 10:45 during the Sunday School hour. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items will include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff. Report booklets will be available soon.

BCMC will be hosting the community Vacation Bible School this year, held May 30-June 2 with a joint worship service on the Bethel College Lawn at 10 a.m., June 4. A QR code and link for Registration will be available starting April 30. We are looking for volunteers! If you feel called to volunteer for the week please fill out the bulletin insert (which was in the church bulletin last Sunday, but there are also forms on the ledge between the mailboxes in the Gathering Place) and put it in either Jill Robb or Mary Ellen Hodge’s box, or send either of us an email. Youth older than 5th grade who would like to volunteer will be paired with an adult. We would love to plug you in!

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be driving back to Topeka next Mon. afternoon (4/24). He will be back in North Newton on Thurs., May 4. Roger checks his phones messages and texts frequently when he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

Newton Et Cetera Shop’s board of directors will host a farewell reception for general manager Sara Dick on Sat., Apr. 29, 2-4 p.m. at the shop (619 North Main, Newton). You’re invited to stop by to celebrate seven years of Sara’s leadership and wish her well!

A Newton Et Cetera Shop Volunteer Event will be Tues., May 2, 6:30 p.m. at Shalom Mennonite Church, 800 E. 1st St., Newton. Current and former volunteers and anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the shop are invited. Come to learn more about our mission and opportunities to get involved. 30% of Mennonite Central Committee’s annual budget comes from thrift shops across the United States. Hope to see you there!

Newton Et Cetera Shop’s 2023 Local Giving Grant applications are due Mon., May 1. Information and a link for the application can be found at newtonetceterashop.com/local-giving-fund/.

Life Enrichment for April 27—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 a.m. “Crisis Communication Strategies Emerging from the #ChurchToo Movement” Christine Crouse-Dick, Ph.D., Bethel College professor of communication arts
10:35 a.m. “Don’t Let Your Buffalo Run Loose: Stories from Harvey County,” Kristine Schmucker, archivist/curator, and Catherine Graves, director, Harvey County Historical Museum and Archives, Newton
11:30 a.m. “Bethel College Steel Drum Ensemble,” Brad Shores, director

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Apr. 23 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Weds., Apr. 26 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Featuring works by Maslanka, Curiale, Holst, Chance, Ticheli and Sheldon. Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., Apr. 27 – Annual URICA Symposium at Bethel College, with student posters and presentations beginning at 12:30 p.m. in various campus locations. See https://www.bethelks.edu/academics/convocation-lectures/urica-symposium for a complete schedule.
· Thurs., Apr. 27 – Reception for the annual Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of Bethel College students in a variety of media, 6-8 p.m., Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. Exhibit remains through Fri., May 5.
· Sat., Apr. 29 – Friends of Kauffman Museum Sale (vintage and antique items and artwork), 9 a.m.-1 p.m., outside the front entrance and in the museum auditorium (2801 N. Main St., North Newton 67117). All proceeds benefit the museum. For a partial list of items, see https://kauffmanmuseum.org/event/friends-of-the-museum-vintage-antique-art-sale/
· Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring mass choir, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall
· Mon., May 1 – Bethel College Steel Drum Band concert, directed by Brad Shores, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Tues., May 2 – Bethel College Voice Studio recital, Soyoun Chun, instructor, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Weds., May 3 – Jazz on the Green at Bethel College, 7 p.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center in case of rain)
· Sun., May 7 – Woven and Open Road joint concert at BCMC, 7 p.m.

Hesston College Announcements

April 20 to 21 – Flora Kansas Spring Native Plant Days
Come find plants at affordable prices and enjoy supporting the mission of Dyck Arboretum. Hundreds of varieties of plants will be available, many locally grown. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. April 20 will be open to members only and the 21st will be open to everyone. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events/

April 27 to 30 – Theatre for Young Audiences: Tomato Plant Girl
Theatre lovers of all ages will love Tomato Plant Girl. It is a powerful exploration of friendship between Little Girl, Bossy Best Friend and the messy Tomato Plant Girl. This production will delight young audiences with its physical action and playful, high-energy conflict. Highlighting the issues of bullying and acceptance of others, this play challenges the character of Little Girl to bravely discover the power of making up her own rules and leading with kindness. Learn more at hesston.edu/theatre.

Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
Save the Date! Western District Conference Annual Assembly, August 11-13, 2023 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS. This annual event is for all ages. Come for intergenerational fun faith formation, music, worship, work of the broader church, good food, time with old and new friends, and more! The topic is holy listening.

Faith Formation resources for you – The WDC Resource Commission has paid for a subscription for the Vibrant Faith 2023 Masterclass Season Pass of faith formation webinars! Vibrant Faith seeks to transform the way churches envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the 21st century. For more details about the webinars, go to: https://vibrantfaith.org/masterclasses/. To access these resources at no cost to you, email Michelle at wdc@mennowdc.org.

The Western District Resource Commission is offering Mustard Seed Grants for up to $500 to WDC congregations who are seeking to share the good news of Jesus in their communities. This is seed money for creative ideas for connecting with neighbors, so relationships can be strengthened and the reconciling love of God can be shared. The hope is that these grants will empower congregations to examine ways to link good news and good works together in a way that is authentically Anabaptist. The grants are available through January 31, 2024.

Criteria for the Mustard Seed Grant include:

an identifiable connection to the surrounding community
a way to build relationships with fellow church members as well as the broader community
congregational buy-in to the program (matching fund/sweat equity)
applicants must be from a WDC congregation
if awarded grant, a short report about the impact this has made on your congregation and community will be shared with WDC

Go to https://mennowdc.org/wdc-mustard-seed-grant-application-2/ to apply.

Blessings as you ponder ways to embolden individuals to share the good news so that God’s healing and hope may flow through you and out into the world.Ordination Service: A celebration of ordination for Michael Unruh, Campus Pastor at Bethel College, will take place on Sunday, May 7 at 2 pm in the Administration Building Chapel at Bethel College, 300 E. 27th Street, North Newton, KS. Guests are welcome to join the college community and Michael’s congregation, Tabor Mennonite Church, for this special occasion.

All Western District Conference women are invited to join a virtual event sponsored by Western District Women in Mission Tues., Apr. 25. Jenny Gehman, spiritual director, retreat speaker, and writer, will present “Holy Host: the Hospitality of God.” Join in person or virtually. In-person gathering will be at First Mennonite Church, Newton, beginning with a salad potluck at 6 p.m., followed by Jenny joining virtually from Pennsylvania at 6:45 p.m. There is no cost to this event, but please register by April 23 by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com so you can receive a Zoom link if joining virtually. Please email your RSVP if attending in person and bring a salad to share. More information, contact Wendy Schrag at 316-841-5245.

Mennonite Church USA is seeking Menno Snapshots blogs on the topic, “I choose to be Mennonite because...” Bloggers are encouraged to reflect on how they came to Anabaptism, what attracted them to our Mennonite theology and practices, and how this has impacted their lives. This is an ideal opportunity for the recently baptized and/or those who may have joined from other faith traditions. Suggested word count is 500-900 words. Youth are also encouraged to participate (no word count requirements). Read the blog guidelines and submit your blog here by May 22: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/blog-guidelines/

For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Disaster Service On the Level press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “A Windmill becomes a windfall” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Anabaptism at 500 and the Anabaptist Community Bible
The five hundredth anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025 gives the church a unique opportunity to celebrate and dream. To celebrate all the ways God has been faithful, and to dream about how we can mend what’s been broken. Join this special event Saturday, April 29 at 7pm at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, KS. John D. Roth, project director, and Mitch Stutzman, director of development and partner engagement will talk about the Anabaptism at 500 project and share the vision behind the Anabaptist Community Bible. The event will include an update on the status of the project and a time for questions and conversation.
The Saturday, April 29 special event for Annabaptsit at 500 at 7pm will also be live streamed through the followingYoutube live link: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitestoneMennoniteChurch

Camp Mennoscah Announcements
Scholarship requests are due by May 1. Camp Mennoscah has scholarship funds 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.

Other events and happenings:

Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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). A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and 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.
If you are planning to come for the April 22 Work Day, please contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org, 620-297-3290 or text 316-293-7313. This will help us plan. Please leave a message, if staff do not answer. Thank you!
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the weeks of June 25-29, July 9-14, and July 16-21. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
#MennoCon23
Online registration is open 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. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/mennocon23-registration

Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Welcoming EveryBODY” initiative, Jon-Erik (J. E.) Misz, secretary of the Anabaptist Disability Network board of directors, shares about his awareness of the mental health crisis that continues to grow among youth and young adults. Read more of his thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/telling-whole-story

Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration
As part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join: Mass Incarceration” series, Conrad Moore, writes about his experience with the mass incarceration system as a mechanism to enforce the caste system of the U.S. Read more about his experience here: mennoniteusa.org/mass-incarceration-mechanism

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Bekah York, as she begins six weeks of North American ministry this month. Pray for inspiration, as she speaks in churches, encouraging others to join what God is doing in Colombia, as well as for rest and renewal, as she reconnects with family and friends.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for sponsors, mentors, teachers and pastors who minister with youth in WDC congregations.

Announcements for April 16-23, 2023

April 16, 2023 -Second Sunday of Easter

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

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/A1dF3DZGcgk?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 16, 2023
Second Sunday of Easter

Prelude—Crown Him with Many Crowns (arr. J. Westenkuehler)— Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—George Leary

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Now the Green Blade Rises—VT 353

Children’s Conversation—Tim Hodge

Anthem—Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sing—Chancel Bells—Verlene Garber, Director; Mike Claassen, Trumpet; Will Wiebe-Friesen, Piano

Kin-dom Report—Ada Schmidt-Tieszen

*Hymn—Be Not Afraid—VT 356

Scripture Reading—John 20:19-31—Miriam Nofsinger

Sermon—Life In Jesus’ Name—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn of Response—The Risen Christ—VT 345

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Know That My Redeemer Lives (v. 1-5)—VT 347

*Benediction

Postlude—Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land (Arnold)—Chancel Bells

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

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/A1dF3DZGcgk?feature=share

This Week at BCMC: April 16—23, 2023
Sun, Apr. 16, 2023—Second Sunday of Easter
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/A1dF3DZGcgk?feature=share

The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   High School – Room 24    Adult Classes: Agape Class meets in the nursery; Bible Study (Rm 14); Catacombs (Rm B5) Topic for Sunday: “Mennonite Contribution to the Dutch Golden Age” by Lauren Friesen; Fellowship (B7); Fine Arts (Rm 22); Issues and Christianity (Rm 23); Open Circle (Room 21) Seekers (Rm 28)

4:30—6:30 p.m. Faith Exploration Class in Room 28

Mon., Apr. 17, 2023
11 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
6 pm     Search Committee meeting in Room 14
Tue., Apr. 18, 2023
7 pm    Women’s Fellowship meeting in the Fellowship Hall
Wed., Apr. 19, 2023
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 20, 2023
4 pm     Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm     Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sun., Apr. 23, 2023—Creation Care Sunday
9:30 am   Worship with sermon by Elizabeth Schmidt; music by Chancel Choir
10:30 am Faith Formation

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, April 18, in Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. to enjoy a ‘piano duo’ followed by tea, sandwiches, scones, and shortbread. Use the south-east door.

BCMC Offering for April 9, 2023: General Fund $22,941.37; Wed. Supper $357; Caring Fund $2,034.06; Living Stones $200; Flower Fund $20; Kitchen Fund $22.

Roger Neufeld Smith will return to Newton Wednesday morning, Apr. 19. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

The church’s telephone issues have been resolved; 316-283-3667 is working.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation from April 18-22.

The Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC) performs today, Sun., Apr. 16, 7 p.m. at the Richert Auditorium, Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS. Their next performance will be Sun., Apr. 23, 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Bethel College, North Newton. The KMMC is a large, all-volunteer male choir. In recent seasons membership has topped 300. Their motto is “we sing that others may live.” Offerings taken at KMMC concerts are donated to the Mennonite Central Committee.

Many Thanks!
Thanks to the youth group and the Proutys for leading and hosting the Easter Sunrise Service last Sunday. It was a beautiful service to match the beautiful morning. Thanks to Judy Harder and the children and youth who made up Judy’s Company for wonderful reenactments of both the Palm Sunday Parade and the Easter morning meeting of disciples after the women’s visit to the tomb. Those reenactments help us realize what it must have been like for the disciples and what it could be like for us to follow Jesus today.
Thanks to all of the musicians who made our Easter Sunday service so gloriously joyful!

Offertory at BCMC
As a way of acknowledging our offertory during our Sunday morning worship, starting this second Sunday of Easter, 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. The offering trays are located in the back of the sanctuary on the tables near the ushers. You are invited to place your offering into the tray as you enter the sanctuary. If you happen to forget, offering trays will also be present at the end of the service in the same location. Thank you for your monetary contributions and all the many other ways that you contribute to the life and ministries of BCMC.

With 25% of the year gone, we have raised about 20% of the church’s budget. Our deficit for the year is about $18,000; March deficit was about $1700, so we are moving in the right direction. Our challenge for April is to break even or to have a surplus. Thank you for your effort! —Finance Committee

The next congregational meeting will be Sun., May 7, 10:45 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. Meeting will be in the sanctuary and made available live on YouTube only while the meeting is in progress; it will not be recorded. Votes from remote viewers can be texted to a number available in the May 7 bulletin and announced at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda items include approval of new commission, committee, and board members; updates from the Search Committee and Credence Report Task Group; and reports from several task groups and staff.

Prayer RequestPlease remember in prayer Bernice Esau. Bernice Esau is receiving care at Newton Medical Center after a fall.

Progress with Pastoral Search
At its April 6 meeting, the BCMC Board approved the Congregational Information Form completed by the Search Committee and the job description for the new pastoral position. The Search Committee is now sending these two documents to Western District Conference for official announcement and advertisement of our open pastoral position.
The job description is for a full-time Co-Pastor. The overview from the job description follows:

Primary areas of emphasis will be worship, facilitating the teamwork of pastors and staff, work with board and commissions/committees, and participating with other pastors and staff in the caregiving team. Within the context of a flexible pastoral and staff team, additional emphases can be determined by the pastoral team in conversation with the church board, Staff Congregation Relations Committee, and other groups as appropriate. Depending upon the gifts and interests of the candidate, the following areas of emphasis may be included: pastoral care or other caregiving within the congregation, youth ministry, spiritual and faith formation, and community work for social justice. This position is accountable to the BCMC Church Board. The Staff Congregation Relations Committee will provide support, counsel, and feedback.

The following offered input or feedback concerning the job description: the Staff Congregation Relations Committee, Search Committee, board, pastors, Kathy Neufeld Dunn (Western District Conference staff), and several experienced congregation members. Both Search Committee and Board appreciated the congregational input from the congregational priorities survey. Thanks to all who participated in this process; we ask for the congregation’s ongoing support.

Women’s Fellowship
BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets Tuesday, April 18, in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 pm to enjoy a ‘piano duo’ followed by tea, sandwiches, scones, and shortbread. Use the south-east door.

Vacation Bible School
BCMC will be hosting the community Vacation Bible School this year. VBS will be held May 30-June 2 with a joint worship service on the Bethel College Lawn at 10:00 am on June 4. A QR code and link for Registration will be available starting April 30. We are looking for volunteers! If you feel called to volunteer for the week please fill out the bulletin insert (which will be in the bulletin this coming Sunday) and put it in either Jill Robb or Mary Ellen Hodge’s box, or send either of us an email. Youth older than 5th grade who would like to volunteer will be paired with an adult. We would love to plug you in!

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is just around the corner! This year’s retreat will be the weekend of April 29 & 30, and will feature many of the favorites of retreats past! We will gather this year again with Halstead First Mennonite for a couple of days playing in the sand, worshipping, and in fellowship at Camp Mennoscah – located on the Ninnescah river near Murdock, KS. People can come out on Saturday (after 1), Sunday (anytime, but worship will likely be around 9:30 AM), or both – and meals will be served! We’ll have a hayrack ride, pop popcorn, and have some great experiences for all ages! If you’re interested in participating, please use the following link to sign up: https://forms.gle/m5wycZsfQ8fmWaqC9And if you have any questions about the retreat or schedule, please reach out to Adam Robb at adamandjillrobb@gmail.com or via phone at 620-747-0185. No worship will take place in the BCMC Sanctuary on Sunday, April 30, so we hope to see you there!

Life Enrichment for April 20—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 a.m. “Celebrating 25 Years of Sand Creek Trail at Bethel College,” Sand Creek Trail Committee members
10:50 a.m. “Substantive Subjects, Sports Surprises, and Silly Shenanigans:
The History and Traditions of Bethel College,” Dale Schrag, retired Bethel College director of church relations, North Newton

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., Apr. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Thirst for Justice, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Documentary looks at three citizen groups fighting for clean water, in the Navajo Nation, Flint, MI., and Standing Rock. Audience talkback follows the film. Free and open to the public, with freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Mon., Apr. 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, Salina, speaks on “Leading a Global Movement for Diverse Perennial Grain Futures,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Stroer will also speak in convocation at 11 a.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium) and at 2 p.m. in the Conservation Biology class (Krehbiel Science Center #121). Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association and supported by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment.
· Sun., Apr. 23 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Josie Epp, piano, 4 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Weds., Apr. 26 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall

Hesston College Announcements

April 20 – Music Department Recitals

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on April 20 at noon. This recital will feature vocal students Hadassa Friesen Pauls, Luke Huyard, Anna-Joy Jones, Jesse Kanagy, Daniel Miller and Desirae Rodriguez. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

April 20 to 21 – Flora Kansas Spring Native Plant Days

Come find plants at affordable prices and enjoy supporting the mission of Dyck Arboretum. Hundreds of varieties of plants will be available, many locally grown. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. April 20 will be open to members only and the 21st will be open to everyone. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events/

April 27 to 30 – Theatre for Young Audiences: Tomato Plant Girl

Theatre lovers of all ages will love Tomato Plant Girl. It is a powerful exploration of friendship between Little Girl, Bossy Best Friend and the messy Tomato Plant Girl. This production will delight young audiences with its physical action and playful, high-energy conflict. Highlighting the issues of bullying and acceptance of others, this play challenges the character of Little Girl to bravely discover the power of making up her own rules and leading with kindness. Learn more at hesston.edu/theatre.

Everence® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income workshop Thurs., Apr. 20, 6:30 p.m., an in-person workshop at the Everence office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton, about Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. Information will be presented by staff from the Everence offices in Central Kansas. To register contact Everence at central.kansas@everence.com or 316-283-3800, or 877-467-7294.

Bethel College senior Taylor Dashney has organized a donation drive to benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which works to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster (see irc.org for more information or to make a financial contribution). Taylor is looking for NEW kitchenware, bathroom items and other small necessities (socks, towels, laundry supplies). These can be dropped at Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center on the Bethel campus Mon.-Fri., Apr. 17-21, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or email Taylor taylorpdashney@bethelks.edu

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

Camp Mennoscah has been offered a gift of $100,000 dollars.. The money comes to Camp as a matching gift. We have been invited to raise money that will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.
In response to this generous gift, Camp Mennoscah has launched the M&M Project! M&M stands for Mission and Maintenance. We know you will want to be in on this opportunity to continue our Mission at Camp – to be a place where all can renew themselves, their relationships, and their connection with God through Jesus Christ. Here’s how that can happen!
We are planning two major ways for people to give to the M&M project. First, we would ask churches who are supporters of Camp Mennoscah to put together a fundraising event this year that would specifically benefit the M&M Project. And, the second way Camp Mennoscah would like to raise money for the M&M project is through monthly pledges. We would like to see 100 “giving units” give $1000 each by the end of 2023. A “giving unit” – we’ll call them “Fire Keepers” – could be any individual or group who would pledge money to make sure this generous gift is honored by matching the funds.
For more information, check out the Camp Mennoscah Website, or contact Tammy at the addresses below
Tammy Duvanel Unruh
Development Director, Camp Mennoscah
tammy.d.unruh@campmennoscah.org
316-207-3472 or
Camp Mennoscah
PO Box 65 Murdock, KS 67114620-297-3290

Camp Mennoscah is looking for counselors for the 2023 summer youth camps. Click here to fill out the informational survey! Counselors must be at least 17 years old and 5 years older than the campers. Weekly program directors will contact people, as needed. If you have questions, contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.

Other events and happenings:

Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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). A head cook(s) is needed for PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and 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.
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the weeks of June 25-29, July 9-14, and July 16-21. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Anabaptist Disabilities Network Opening Doors: Lessons Learned Blog press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Anabaptism at 500 and the Anabaptist Community Bible
The five hundredth anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025 gives the church a unique opportunity to celebrate and dream. To celebrate all the ways God has been faithful, and to dream about how we can mend what’s been broken. Join this special event Saturday, April 29 at 7pm at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, KS. John D. Roth, project director, and Mitch Stutzman, director of development and partner engagement will talk about the Anabaptism at 500 project and share the vision behind the Anabaptist Community Bible. The event will include an update on the status of the project and a time for questions and conversation.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and MC USA’s Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference signed an amicus brief in support of Apache Stronghold and the protection of Oak Flat, a sacred site of Native American religious exercise in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/oak-flat

#MennoCon23
Interested in volunteering at MennoCon23, Kansas City, Mo., July 3-6? Mennonite Church USA is seeking volunteers for special events, children’s and junior youth programming, and more! Fill out a form here: mennoniteusa.org/forms/mennocon-volunteer-interest

Menno SnapshotsWhen Sue Park-Hur, director of racial/ethnic engagement for Mennonite Church USA, was invited by MennoMedia’s Leader magazine to write about intercultural churches, she knew right away that this should be in a conversational format with other Mennonite leaders who are committed to living out the vision of the church becoming intercultural. Sue invited Iris de León-Hartshorn, associate executive director of operations for Mennonite Church USA, and Tina Schlabach, moderator of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference and co-pastor of Shalom Mennonite Fellowship in Tucson, Arizona, for a lively conversation. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/why-intercultural-church

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Martine Audéoud, who is currently teaching a 10-day seminar for doctoral students in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Pray for her and her students as they contextualize the biblical message to the African context and present their academic work to God as an act of worship.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations seeking faithful ways to care for God’s creation and practice environmental stewardship.

Announcements for April 9-16, 2023

April 9, 2023 – Easter Sunday – Fully Alive in Christ

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 9, 2023
EASTER SUNDAY
Prelude— Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain (arr. Fedak); Were You There? (arr. Bish)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today (arr. Payne)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Anthem—The Lord Is Risen Indeed! (Billings)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Easter Declaration and Response— Leader: Christ is risen!
People: Christ is risen indeed!

Christ Candle Lighting—Nathan Koontz

Anthem—Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—(VT 88) (Congregation sing in unison on verse 4)
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen Sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Easter Prayer—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—This Joyful Eastertide—VT 352

Easter Morning
Was It a Morning Like This? — Bethany Schrag
“Later that same day….”— Judy Harder and Company
Be Not Afraid (VT 356)
(Congregation join 3rdand 4th time through)

*Hymn—Thine is the Glory—(last verse in unison)—VT 355

Scripture Reading—Matthew 28:1-10—Abby, Naomi and Jennifer Koontz

Sermon—Where We Live—Roger Neufeld Smith

*Hymn—Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing—VT 359

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Christ the Lord is Risen Today—VT 346—(Congregation sing parts verses 1-3; unison verse 4)

*Benediction—VT 1052
Postlude— In Thee is Gladness (arr. Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Will Wiebe-Friesen
Audio visual— Ben Lichti
Was It a Morning Like This?—lyrics and music by Jim Croegaert

This Week at BCMC: April 9—16, 2023
Sun, Apr. 9, 2023—Easter Sunday—Fully Alive in Christ
10 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/p_vSN5lytUw?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School—There is no Sunday school this Easter Sunday
Mon., Apr. 10, 2023
9 am     Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
11 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
7:15 pm     Community Playschool Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Apr. 12, 2023
6 pm    Indigenous Justice Group meeting in Room 14
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 13, 2023
4 pm        Creation Care Committee meeting in Room 21
6:30 pm Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm        Finance Committee meeting in Room 14
Sun., Apr. 16, 2023
9:30 am   Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Chancel Bells

Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meets April 10 at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

The Deacon Commission invites you to donate to our Caring Fund budget, which has been depleted due to needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for you in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. – The Deacon Commission

BCMC Offering for April 2, 2023: General Fund $6,308.34; Wed. Supper $253; Caring Fund $730; Library Reserve Fund $10; Living Stones $183.34; Flower Fund $20.

Roger’s Whereabouts – Roger will be in Newton until Monday at noon (tomorrow). He will return to Newton on Wednesday morning, April 19. Roger checks his phone messages and texts daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him via phone or email.

The church is having telephone issues. The church’s main number—316-283-3667 will not send or receive calls. We are working to get this issue resolved. In the meantime, you can reach the church by phone by using the number316-283-3668. You can also email the church office.

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out and be on the look out for a reading contest arriving in May!!

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be Mon., Apr. 10, 7:15 p.m. in the BCMC Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Entrance to the building will be at the south side of the church and make your way to the lower level of the church by stairs or elevator.

The BCMC Camp Mennoscah Retreat is just around the corner! This year’s retreat will be the weekend of April 29 & 30, and will feature many of the favorites of retreats past! We will gather this year again with Halstead First Mennonite for a couple of days playing in the sand, worshipping, and in fellowship at Camp Mennoscah – located on the Ninnescah river near Murdock, KS. People can come out on Saturday (after 1), Sunday (anytime, but worship will likely be around 9:30 AM), or both – and meals will be served! We’ll have a hayrack ride, pop popcorn, and have some great experiences for all ages! If you’re interested in participating, please use the following link to sign up: https://forms.gle/m5wycZsfQ8fmWaqC9 And if you have any questions about the retreat or schedule, please reach out to Adam Robb at adamandjillrobb@gmail.com or via phone at 620-747-0185. No worship will take place in the BCMC Sanctuary on Sunday, April 30, so we hope to see you there!

Singers wanted: Bethel College’s annual Masterworks concert will be Sunday, April 30, with choir and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Henry Waters performing Beethoven “Choral Fantasy” and Mozart “Coronation Mass.” The community is invited to participate. Practices begin Tuesday, April 4, 6-8 p.m. in the choir room in Luyken Fine Arts Center on the Bethel campus, and take place the other Tuesdays in April (11, 18, 25), with a four-hour rehearsal Sat., April 29 (3-7 p.m.; dinner provided), and performance at 4 p.m. on Sunday, with a call time of 3 p.m. Scores and rehearsal tracks will be provided. Sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/rqjK4dgSpYieVTvP8 or come to the first rehearsal on April 4.

Life Enrichment for April 13—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “My Walk Through the Holy Land: Where Jesus Lived While on Earth, Father Andrew Bergkamp, pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Newton
10:50 “Connections Between Mennonites and the Stutthof Concentration Camp,” Mark Jantzen, Ph.D., Bethel College professor of history

Bethel College Announcements:
· Thurs., April 13 – Closing reception for Ian Huebert and “Printing the Plains,” 6-8 p.m., Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Exhibit closes Fri., April 14. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
· Sat., Apr. 15 – Joint junior recital by Bethel College students Angelika Donaldson, voice, and Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Ad Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Thirst for Justice, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Documentary looks at three citizen groups fighting for clean water, in the Navajo Nation, Flint, MI., and Standing Rock. Audience talkback follows the film. Free and open to the public, with freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Mon., Apr. 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, Salina, speaks on “Leading a Global Movement for Diverse Perennial Grain Futures,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Stroer will also speak in convocation at 11 a.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium) and at 2 p.m. in the Conservation Biology class (Krehbiel Science Center #121). Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association and supported by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment.
· Sun., April 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College, 4 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE), featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists, performing Mozart Krönungsmesse (“Coronation Mass”) and Beethoven Fantasia, Op. 80 (“Choral Fantasy”); Memorial Hall

All Western District Conference women are invited to join a virtual event sponsored by Western District Women in Mission Tues., Apr. 25. Jenny Gehman, spiritual director, retreat speaker, and writer, will present “Holy Host: the Hospitality of God.” Join us in person or virtually. Our in-person gathering will be at First Mennonite Church in Newton, beginning with a salad potluck at 6 p.m., followed by Jenny joining virtually from Pennsylvania at 6:45 p.m. There is no cost to this event, but please register by April 23 by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com so you can receive a Zoom link if joining virtually. Please email your RSVP if attending in person and bring a salad to share. Church groups can consider gathering together to watch the Zoom. For more information, contact Wendy Schrag at 316-841-5245.

Everence^® April workshop: Social Security and retirement income
Everence^® will hold an informative Social Security and retirement income workshop on Thursday, April 20, starting at 6:30 p.m. Specifics will include, Social Security strategies, including when to begin taking benefits, risks that can impact your retirement savings plus strategies to help your income last throughout retirement. There will also be plenty of time for questions. The in-person workshop will take place at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. 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.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee.
Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates.

An April Dialogue
For Roots of Justice Stolen Land Stolen People Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery press here

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
Creation Care Network – Oak Flat Decision press here
Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements and share them with your congregation!
For Mennonite Men press here
For Mennonite Education Agency A Journey of Many Steps press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Camp Mennoscah is preparing for summer heat with portable A/C units in the Retreat Center, since the HVAC system is not working. On April 22, beginning at 8:30am, volunteers are needed to help installing the A/C units. There are 26 units that need to be installed, so many hands are needed! Camp will provide lunch. Bring a water bottle and meet at the Retreat Center. If you let us know you are coming, we can be better prepared for lunch. Call or text 316-293-7313.

Other events and happenings:

Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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). Head cooks needed for PreJunior I, June 11-15, and PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and 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.
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the majority of camp weeks. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board addressed agenda items for the upcoming 2023 Delegate Assembly and affirmed several key relationships during its online Zoom meeting on Jan. 27 and 28, 2023. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/executive-board-prepares

Menno Snapshots
Is it time for a retreat? This is a question that Marlene Kropf, spiritual director and retreat leader, asks herself more often these days, especially in a post-COVID-19 world. Read more of her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/time-for-retreat

Shannon W. Dycus, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia, attended Mennonite Church USA’s Hope for the Future Conference for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) at the beginning of February. Read Shannon’s litany based on her experience: mennoniteusa.org/hope-is-a-practice

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Celebrate Easter by sharing the good news of Jesus’ victory over the grip of evil in our world. Join Mennonite Mission Network’s personnel and partners throughout the United States and in 49 countries around the world in proclaiming this message to those whom you encounter today and every day.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Give thanks for WDC congregations as they embody the good news of new life in Christ!

Announcements for April 2-9, 2023

Palm Sunday
April 2, 2023 – Lent 6: Called to Worship

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
April 2, 2023
Palm Sunday

Prelude—Andante Religioso (Thome); The Palms (Jean-Baptiste Faure)—Matt & Rebecca Schloneger

Land Acknowledgement and Reflection—Doug Penner

Christ Candle Lighting—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship
Leader: This is the day the Lord has made.
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Leader: Let us rejoice in all our Lord has done,
All: for it is marvelous in our eyes. Hosanna!
We bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—All Glory, Laud, and Honor—VT 315

Palm Sunday Parade with Judy Harder and Company— VT 314—Congregation sing refrain two times as directed

*Hymn—Christ, on the Night He Was Betrayed—VT 491

Scripture Reading (With intro) Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 21:1-11—Brad & Lincoln Kohlman

Meditation—Joy in the Mourning—Jill Robb

*Hymn—Glory to God in the Highest—VT 99
Congregation sings the refrain; Matt Schloneger sings the verses

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Hosanna, Loud Hosanna–VT 313

*Benediction
Leader: Love God, you who are God’s holy people,
All: for God’s love endures forever.
Leader: Praise God, and give thanks,
All: for God’s love endures forever.
Leader: Expect God, and welcome God’s grace,
All: for God’s love endures forever.

Postlude—Matt & Rebecca Schloneger
* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Verlene Garber
Audio visual— Ken Lamp

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/Nd8KwaJOwN0?feature=share

On Palm Sunday
We welcome Jill Robb for providing the meditation, and welcome Judy Harder and Company for the Palm Sunday parade and reenactment!

The Deacon Commission invites you to donate to our Caring Fund budget, which has been depleted due to needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for you in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. – The Deacon Commission

Maundy Thursday
The Maundy Thursday service will be next Thursday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Communion will be served.
The Maundy Thursday Communion Service will use bread and juice, and not the prepackaged elements.

There will be a Sunrise Service by the Senior High School Youth Group on Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. at the Prouty Home, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton. Please bring a dish to share for the breakfast potluck to follow.
The worship service on Easter Sunday, April 9, will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school.

Salina, Manhattan, Southern Hills, and Peace (Lawrence) Mennonite churches in Kansas will host a Good Friday worship service on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome to join us. Contact the Southern Hills office for the Zoom link: church@southernhillsmc.org .

Last Wednesday night supper of the season , 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Menu: Ham loaf, macaroni and cheese, peas, lemon dessert. Please bring your own table service. Not doing so adds significant effort for the cleanup crew. – Hospitality Commission Please sign up for the April 5 supper by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org, even if you have signed up for all suppers in advance, in order for the Wednesday night supper cooks to get an accurate number for how much to cook for this last supper of the season.

This Week at BCMC: April 2—9, 2023
Sun, Apr. 2, 2023—Lent 6: Called to Worship—Palm Sunday
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/Nd8KwaJOwN0?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   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)—”Process Theology” with Duane Friesen. All are welcome.
2:30 pm    Mennonite Men’s Chorus rehearsal in the sanctuary
Mon., Apr. 3, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
7 pm     Facilities Committee meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tue., Apr. 4, 2023
4 pm     VBS meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Apr. 5, 2023
6 pm    Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Apr. 6, 2023—Maundy Thursday
4 pm         Staff Congregation Relations Committee meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm   Maundy Thursday service in the Sanctuary
7:30 pm   Church Board meeting in Room 14
No Chancel Bell rehearsal this evening
Sun, Apr. 9, 2023—Easter Sunday—Fully Alive in Christ
7 am      Sunrise Service by the Senior High School Youth Group
10 am    (Note the change in time from 9:30 am to 10 am) Worship with sermon by Roger Neufeld Smith; music by Chancel Choir

The Library Theme till the end of May is Women’s History. The Committee has pulled a few of the books available from our collection and is displaying them in back of the library desk or against the south wall in the children’s section. Come check us out and be on the look out for a reading contest arriving in May!!

April 14 and 15, the dates of the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) are rapidly approaching. A new activity, assembling hygiene kits, will be in the Pride of Kansas Building April 14 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., (this is a corrected date from previous bulletin announcement) and supplies are needed for these kits. A kit contains one adult toothbrush in the package, one bar of soap in the package, one good quality nail clipper, a hand towel of bright color, medium weight (16×26), and one wide toothed comb. If you would like to donate any of these supplies, please bring them to the baked goods sign up table at the back of the church Mar. 19 or Mar. 26. We have sign up sheets for pies, zwieback, and other baked goods. Stop by and sign up! Thank you! – BCMC KMRS Team: Steven and Elaine Schurr, Bill and Esther Eash, Dale and Margo Schrag

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in Newton on Wed., Apr. 5. Roger checks his phone daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him by phone or email when he’s not in Newton.

The annual meeting of the Community Playschool Corporation will be held Mon., April 10, 7:15 p.m. in the Bethel College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall. Interested members of the congregations supporting Community Playschool are invited to attend. Entrance to the building will be at the south side of the church and make your way to the lower level of the church by stairs or elevator.

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

All Western District Conference women are invited to join a virtual event sponsored by Western District Women in Mission Tues., Apr. 25. Jenny Gehman, spiritual director, retreat speaker, and writer, will present “Holy Host: the Hospitality of God.” Join us in person or virtually. Our in-person gathering will be at First Mennonite Church in Newton, beginning with a salad potluck at 6 p.m., followed by Jenny joining virtually from Pennsylvania at 6:45 p.m. There is no cost to this event, but please register by April 23 by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com so you can receive a Zoom link if joining virtually. Please email your RSVP if attending in person and bring a salad to share. Church groups can consider gathering together to watch the Zoom. For more information, contact Wendy Schrag at 316-841-5245.

Life Enrichment for April 6—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “Starting Crust & Cumb Company Was a Slice of Humble Pie,” Sharon Entz, owner/operator of Crust & Crumb, Newton
10:35 “Art Influenced by Nature—Environmental Exposure,” Glen Ediger
11:30 “10,900 Miles of Coastline: A Newfoundland Sampler,” Weldon Schloneger, former teacher, retired pastor and avid photographer

Bethel College Announcements:
· Weds., Apr. 5 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., Apr. 6 – Junior recital by Isaac Tice, voice, 7 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sat., Apr. 15 – Joint junior recital by Bethel College students Angelika Donaldson, voice, and Eli Regier, saxophone, 7 p.m., Ad Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Thirst for Justice, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Documentary looks at three citizen groups fighting for clean water, in the Navajo Nation, Flint, MI., and Standing Rock. Audience talkback follows the film. Free and open to the public, with freewill offering taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Julianna Schrag, voice, 4 p.m., Administration Building Chapel
· Sun., Apr. 16 – Junior recital by Bethel College student Phillip Balzer, piano, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Mon., Apr. 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, Salina, speaks on “Leading a Global Movement for Diverse Perennial Grain Futures,” 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Stroer will also speak in convocation at 11 a.m. (Krehbiel Auditorium) and at 2 p.m. in the Conservation Biology class (Krehbiel Science Center #121). Sponsored by the Bethel College Women’s Association and supported by BCWA’s Carolyn Schultz Lecture Endowment.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Printing the Plains: Relief Prints by Ian Huebert,” through Fri., April 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Sun., Apr. 30 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College,
featuring the Bethel College Oratorio Chorus, orchestra and soloists

Hesston College Announcement

April 2 – Sunflower Performing Arts: pax duo

Join the Sunflower Performing Arts on Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. to hear pax duo. Exceptional percussionists Micah Detwiler and Tristan Swihart will bring a multi-media percussion concert integrating acoustic percussion and lighting design. The concert will be held at Hesston Mennonite Church. Find more information and purchase tickets at hesston.edu/sunflower-performing-arts.

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

The “Better” price discount for summer youth camps ends April 1! Campers registered for summer youth camps are eligible for the $10 discount until April 1. Registration and full payment must be received by April 1. Installment plans are not eligible for the discount. If you have any questions, please contact office@campmennoscah.org or give us a call at 620-297-3290. We would be happy to help!

Other events and happenings:

Men and Boys Retreat, March 31-April 2. Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. There will be a variety show on Saturday evening and a worship service on Sunday morning. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday. Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515 (Men and Boys Retreat only).
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. 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). Head cooks needed for PreJunior I, June 11-15, and PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks that keep campers energetic, smiling, and ready to enjoy the full camp days. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks and 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.
Kitchen helpers and volunteers are needed for the majority of camp weeks. You keep camp running by helping prepare meals in the kitchen and working on maintenance projects or custodial tasks. Your work creates an enjoyable environment for campers to have fun and learn about God. Contact Camp Mennoscah at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 to sign up!
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
You may have heard the HVAC in the Retreat Center is not working. Never fear! There will be portable A/C units this summer in the Retreat Center. These units will cool down rooms, but it is expected temperatures will be warmer than what a regular A/C system would maintain.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Announcements

SPRUCE BEETLE PACKET WORKDAY APRIL 22nd – Camp continues its effort to minimize the impact of the spruce beetle’s desire to make a home and reproduce in the mature Engelmann spruce trees here at RMMC. Pheromone packets disbursed around camp facilities are intended to trick the beetles into thinking the trees are already inhabited with beetles and that they should go somewhere elsewhere. Please signup to come help with this year’s distribution by clicking the “VOLUNTEER” link on the web page and select “VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND SIGN-UP“. Friday night accommodations are offered by request and meals provided include breakfast (8:00am), brunch (10:30am) and supper (5:30pm) as interested/able to join in.

SPRING MENNONITE QUILTERS RETREAT – Camp’s first quilter’s retreat for 2023 is coming April 20-23. These retreats are a great opportunity to get away and get those projects done that have been waiting. While there will be some short, fun breaks, the main focus of this weekend will be giving participants plenty of time to sew. Bring lots of projects, or that one big project you’ve been waiting to start. Sharing ideas, tips and techniques are part of the weekend along with bringing any show and tell items to share with the group. To register, please visit the camp website at www.rmmc.org.

The Newton Et Cetera Shop, Newton, KS is receiving applications for a full-time General Manager. Newton Et Cetera is a non-profit, retail thrift shop business dedicated to reselling donated items. This position requires experience in an active retail business environment, computer and public relations skills, directing staff, and maintaining and managing a large diverse group of volunteers. An application may be picked up at the shop located at 619 N. Main, Newton, KS during the hours of 10:00 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday or on the website at newtonetceterashop.com. Please submit your résumé, a cover letter and the application to Debbie Nightingale, Board Chair, at applyetcshop@gmail.com or leave at the Et Cetera Shop front desk. The application deadline is April 17, 2023 and the position is available beginning in May.

For Anabaptist Disabilities Network press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “Sent” Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

Spring 2023 Issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Pracitce Quarterly

Greetings! I’m writing with the news that the spring 2023 issue of Intersections: MCC Theory and Practice Quarterly is available now on-line here and here. Compiled by Emma Smith Cain, the issue features explorations from Bolivia, Rwanda, southern Africa, DR Congo, and Ukraine about how MCC’s decades-long commitment to working through local partnerships with churches and community-based organizations anticipated contemporary discussions around the “localization” of humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding work.

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
#MennoCon23
Mennonite Church USA is hosting a collaborative Youth & Young Adult Climate Summit, July 7, 2023, at the Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center. The event will bring together experts in climate change, spiritual activism and social justice to explore the ways that young people ages 14 to 25 can put their faith to work to address the spiritual and human crisis caused by climate change. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/climatesummit

Mennonite Church USA is seeking nominees for its 2023 #BringthePeace awards. The annual award is given to two honorees: a legacy peacemaker in recognition of their life’s work and a young peacemaker (age 16-25), who can help inspire other young leaders. Submit your recommendations for nominees by completing this form by April 14: mennoniteusa.org/btp-nomination

Menno Snapshots
Mennonite Church USA is proud to acknowledge John Stoner of Akron (Ohio) Mennonite Church for his peacebuilding work with the 2022 #BringthePeace Legacy Peacemaker award, sponsored by the denomination’s Church Peace Tax Fund. Read his interview here: mennoniteusa.org/john-stoner-2022-btp

Lent at Home
Talashia Keim Yoder, pastor at College Mennonite Church, in Goshen, Indiana, is the author of this year’s Lent at Home resource, sponsored by Mennonite Education Agency, which offers individuals and families flexible options for participating in Lent in their own home environments. Read her reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/created-us-to-be See the Lent at Home 2023 resources for Holy Week here: mennoniteusa.org/lentathome

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: With only a month left to apply for Mennonite Mission Network’s Youth Venture programs, pray for the young people in your community who might deepen their faith through participating in an encounter with Christians in Benin, West Africa; a trip to the Mexico-United States border; or a learning tour that brings insight into the realities of the struggle for civil rights.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for Trinity Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, KS, a WDC church that has discerned to end its time as a congregation with a closing service on Easter Sunday, April 9. Give thanks to God for Trinity’s faithful witness and ministry over many years.

Announcements for March 26-April 2, 2023

March 26, 2023 – Lent 5: Called to Life

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

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/5yMZyI-ZPyQ?feature=share

The memorial service for Grace Schroeder is Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. It will be live-streamed. Here is the link: https://youtube.com/live/drMJn-XT2hk?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 26, 2023
Lent 5: Called to the Life

Prelude—O Sacred Head, Now Wounded—Settings by Brahms, Buxtehude, Walther—
Karen Schlabaugh, organ

Christ Candle Lighting— Raylene Hinz-Penner

Call to Worship
Leader:   Out of the depths we cry to you.
People:   O Lord, hear our cry.
Leader:   If you kept a record of sin, who would stand a chance?
People:   O Lord, hear our cry.
Leader:   But with you there is forgiveness.
All:      We wait for you, O Lord. We hope in your word. Blessed be your name.

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing—VT 7

Children’s Conversation— Kathy Stucky

*Hymn— New Earth, Heavens New— VT 377

Scripture Reading—Ezekiel 37:1-10; John 11:1-6, 17, 20-27, 32-44

Sermon—The Resurrection and the Life—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn— Christ Has No Body Here but Ours— VT 568

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn— Blest Be the Tie That Binds— VT 831

People with March birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction
Leader:   Put your hope in the Lord.
People:   The Lord is unfailing love,
Leader:   and with God is full redemption.
People:   God will bring us up from our graves.
All:   God will redeem life into wholeness.

Postlude— In Thee Lord, Have I Put My Trust (J. C. Bach) Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Keyboard- Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual— Francis Toews

This Week at BCMC: March 19-26, 2023
Sun, Mar. 26, 2023—Lent 5: Called to Life
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/5yMZyI-ZPyQ?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   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., Mar. 27, 2023
10 am   Staff meeting in Room 14
Wed., Mar. 29, 2023
6 pm    Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Mar. 30, 2023
4 pm         Hospitality Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
Sun, Apr. 2, 2023—Lent 6: Called to Worship—Palm Sunday
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz; music by Matt and Rebecca Schloneger
2:30 pm    Mennonite Men’s Chorus rehearsal in the sanctuary

The worship service on Easter Sunday, April 9, will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. There will be a Sunrise Service by the Senior High School Youth Group on Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. at the Prouty Home, 332 N. Hoover Road, Newton.

The Deacon Commission invites you to donate to our Caring Fund budget, which has been depleted due to needs in our community. A fishbowl will be available for you in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued support. – The Deacon Commission

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will travel back to Topeka Monday at noon. He will be back in Newton on Wed., Apr. 5. Roger checks his phone daily while he is in Topeka, so feel free to contact him by phone or email when he’s not in Newton.

The financial figures at the end of February indicate that 2023 ranks 13th in the last 16 years in the percent of the budget collected. Collections have been $16,500 less than expenditures, which comes to 13% of the budget collected and 16.7% of the year spent. We have two major expenses on the horizon: the required update of the fire safety system and replacement of the HVAC unit in the nursery. – Finance Committee

BCMC Offering for March 19, 2023: General Fund $10,651.66; Wed. Supper $251.21; Living Stones $283; Flower Fund $100; Women’s Fellowship $50.

Wednesday night supper March 29 in Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. (Beef vegetable curry with rice, ice cream for dessert) Sign up on the bulletin board or by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org
Please bring your own table service. Not doing so adds significant effort for the cleanup crew. – Hospitality Commission

The Central Kansas Master Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Joel Garber, will give their final concert of the season, Sun., March 26, 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in McPherson. The chorale will feature Requiem for the Living by American composer Dan Forrest who composed the work as a tribute requiem for both the living and the past. The chorale dedicates this performance to victims and survivors of COVID 19, an experience which began three years ago this month. Audience members will be invited to name a COVID ribbon and tack it to the cross in Trinity’s sanctuary. In its second year, the Central Kansas Master Chorale is a collection of select vocalists from around the area committed to advancing the art of choral music by performing great works of the past and present, fostering music education, and enriching and inspiring the culture of our broad community. Even though all participants bring special talents and gifts, art is achieved only through continual dedication and hard work. Garber holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Bethel College, and an Associate of Arts degree from Hesston College. Admission is free to the event but donations will be accepted.

Lilies for Easter. You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on
Easter Sunday, April 9. The Worship Decoration Committee will purchase the lilies. The cost will be $10 per lily. Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place this Sunday, March 26, for you to sign up for a lily.

All Western District Conference women are invited to join a virtual event sponsored by Western District Women in Mission Tues., Apr. 25. Jenny Gehman, spiritual director, retreat speaker, and writer, will present “Holy Host: the Hospitality of God.” Join us in person or virtually. Our in-person gathering will be at First Mennonite Church in Newton, beginning with a salad potluck at 6 p.m., followed by Jenny joining virtually from Pennsylvania at 6:45 p.m. There is no cost to this event, but please register by April 23 by emailing westerndistrictwomen@gmail.com so you can receive a Zoom link if joining virtually. Please email your RSVP if attending in person and bring a salad to share. Church groups can consider gathering together to watch the Zoom. For more information, contact Wendy Schrag at 316-841-5245.

New Hope Shelter is in need of the following: Pinesol, Scotch Tape, Laundry Pods, Dishwasher Pods, Dishwashing Soap, 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper, 55+ gallon trash bags, Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Bread, Napkins, Mayonnaise, Granola bars, Pudding Cups. If you can provide some of these supplies, they can be taken to New Hope, 900 West Broadway, Bldg. #7.

Life Enrichment for March 30—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “Theatre as Restorative Justice,” Lauren Friesen, Ph.D., David M. French Professor Emeritus of Theater at the University of Michigan
10:50 “Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills,” Rex Buchanan, Lawrence

Bethel College Announcements:
From Henry S. Waters, DMA
Director of Choral Music and Associate Professor of Music
Bethel College Musical This Weekend
You do not want to miss seeing tick…tick…BOOM! this weekend!!
Show times:
Friday, March 24 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 26 at 2:00 PM
Performance run time is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Get tickets:
https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts
Before Rent, there was tick, tick… BOOM!. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices he made to achieve his big break in theater.
Cast: Hayden Honomichl (Jon), Emily Guldner (Susan), Tristan England (Michael), and Josué Coy Dick (multi-role)
Director: Katie Schmidt, Bethel College Class of 2015
Technical Director of Theater: Damon Klassen
Music Director: Dr. Henry Waters
Rehearsal accompanist and pit: Dr. Christina Liu

· Sun., March 26 and Mon., March 27 – Staley Lectures at Bethel College with Phuc Luu, theologian, philosopher and artist based in Houston, author of Jesus of the East. Sun.: 7 p.m., “Ida B. Wells, the sinned against, and Minjung theology: African-American and Asian voices in harmony,” Administration Building chapel; Mon.: 11 a.m., “‘Where does all the pain go?’: God’s broken body, trauma and the healing of han,” Krehbiel Auditorium
· Tues., March 28 – Bethel College Jazz concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., March 30 – “What’s happening in the statehouse?,” a forum on Kansas politics featuring journalists from The Kansas Reflector, moderated by Adam Strunk, managing editor of Harvey County Now, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Forum co-sponsors are the Bethel Department of Communication Arts and HCN. The Kansas Reflector is a nonprofit, online publication with Kansas’ largest statehouse bureau. The public is invited.
· Fri., March 31 – The public is invited to the final round of Bethel College’s C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, the annual competition takes place on North American Mennonite college campuses, with an overall winner chosen from among the campus winners. The original speeches deal with contemporary peace concerns.
· Fri., March 31 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Bryce Wilson, saxophone, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Sat., April 1 – Kauffman Museum bird walk, 8 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.
· Wed., April 5 – Bethel College Chamber Orchestra concert, directed by Kristopher Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium
· Thurs., April 6 – Junior recital by Isaac Tice, voice, 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Printing the Plains: Relief Prints by Ian Huebert,” through Fri., April 14. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· SAVE THE DATE: Mon., April 17 – Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute in Salina, will speak at Bethel College.

The Newton Et Cetera shop is looking for a new General Manager. In the next couple of weeks we will have a job description ready to go, but if you know anyone that is interested – let them know that more details and a full job description will be coming very soon. If you have questions you can contact Elaine Schurr, BCMC Et Cetera Board representative.

Bohne berrogie bake day for the Mennonite Central Committee Sale is April 8 at Moundridge High School. Volunteers wanting to help, can sign up on the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website.
Verenika making day is April 1 at the Parkview MB Church, 610 S. Main St., Hillsboro with shifts in the morning, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., and afternoon 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (will include cleanup after we make the target # of Verenika-if you are able and willing to stay and help) Volunteers, go to the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website to sign up.

Men and Boys Retreat, March 31-April 2. Come to Camp Mennoscah for this long-standing, guys-only retreat! Enjoy time fishing, canoeing, worshiping, sitting by the fire, or visiting with friends in fellowship. There will be a variety show on Saturday evening and a worship service on Sunday morning. The official beginning to the weekend is Saturday morning, but many arrive on Friday.
Meals can be purchased for Saturday night, Sunday morning and lunch. No pre-registration. Registration and payment will take place upon arrival. For more information contact Kevin Neufeld at 316-322-5515.

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

For Mennonite Mission Network News from Around the World press here

For Mennonite World Conference press here
For Mennonite Mission Network press here
For Mennonite Church USA MennoCon23 What To Expect press here

For KIPCOR Upcoming Events press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Please note that Youth Volunteer Weekend, March 24-25, has been cancelled due to the small number of campers. Everyone is invited to join the April 22 Work and Play Day. (Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Do you drink coffee that comes in a large tin can? Camp Mennoscah is looking for lids that fit on a #10 can for a sorting and storage project. We’ll take just the lids or the lids and cans. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or call 620-297-3290.
Nurses needed for the weeks of June 18-23, Junior I Camp, and July 9-14, Junior High II Camp. As a nurse, you are a vital part of camp life. Your work to keep everyone healthy and well means campers and staff are ready to play and learn during their time at camp. 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. Nurses must be a registered nurse (RN).
Head cooks needed for PreJunior I, June 11-15, and PreJunior II, June 25-29. The head cook is in charge of leading kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks. Camp Mennoscah can provide a menu, if wanted, and will order groceries and get kitchen staff. Head cooks receive either a stipend or a camper discount up to full camp fees. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290.
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
You may have heard the HVAC in the Retreat Center is not working. Never fear! There will be portable A/C units this summer in the Retreat Center.
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Hesston College Announcements

March 28 – Home on the Range: Breeding Biology of Prairie Chickens

Join the Dyck Arboretum on March 28 at 7 p.m. for Home on the Range. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas executive director, will discuss the biology of greater and lesser prairie chickens, species that she has studied for nearly 20 years. These charismatic birds perform impressive displays to gain mating opportunities. Come hear about the rolling prairie, the antics of prairie chickens, and the challenges of studying these declining species. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

March 30 – Music Department Recital

The Performing Arts department at Hesston College will present student recitals on March 30 at noon. This recital will feature vocal students Jesse Kanagy, Andrew Miller, Ginny Miller, Sadie Oesch, and Eli Stoll. Join in person at Hesston Mennonite Church or watch the live stream at hesston.edu/livestream.

April 2 – Sunflower Performing Arts

Mennonite Church USA Announcements

The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board welcomed Mosaic Mennonite Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter and Assistant Moderator Roy Williams to its online Zoom meeting on Jan. 28, 2023. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/eb-mosaic-moderators

Menno Snapshots

After a three-year hiatus, Mennonite educators from 14 different schools from across the United States and Albania gathered together in Leesburg, Virginia, Feb 2-4, for the Mennonite Educators Conference, which was hosted by Mennonite Education Agency, the education agency of Mennonite Church USA. Jenn Esbenshade, director of curriculum at Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Mennonite School, reflects on her time at the conference here: mennoniteusa.org/better-together-2

Hopedale (Illinois) Mennonite Church recently sponsored a two-day comforter blitz for Mennonite Central Committee, a ministry partner of Mennonite Church USA, on Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. On Sunday, Feb. 5, Hopedale Mennonite Church blessed the people who made the comforters and prayed for the recipients of the comforters. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/making-comforter

What are the anchors that hold you in both your work and your own personal wellness? Ingrid Friesen Moser, wellness coordinator with Mennonite Church USA’s The Corinthian Plan, the health plan for MC USA pastors and church workers, discusses what has anchored her over the years. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/my-well-being-anchor

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Naomi Tice. Naomi serves as the administrative assistant for volunteer placements with Christliche Dienste (German Mennonite Voluntary Service), an agency that sends German youth to participate in Mission Network service programs. Pray for Naomi as she lives in a Christian community and builds relationships with German Mennonites.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Like Paul in the book of Romans, we ask for your prayers for believers who share the good news of Jesus with their neighbors, for the volunteers and pastors who lead our congregations, and for the planters of the Gospel seed. -WDC Church Planting Commission

Announcements for March 19-26, 2023

March 19, 2023 – Lent 4–Called to the Light

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

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/SP91ZmpvBtw?feature=share

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 19, 2023
Lent 4: Called to the Light

Prelude–Passacaglia, from BWV 582 (J.S. Bach)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

Christ Candle Lighting—Elizabeth Schmidt

Call to Worship
Leader: The Lord is our shepherd.
People: We shall not want.
Leader: God makes us lie down in green pastures.
People: We shall not want.
Leader: God leads us beside quiet waters.
People: We shall not want.
All: Restore us through your Holy Spirit, the love of Jesus Christ,
and the comfort of your presence.

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Oh, for a Thousand Tongues—VT 764

Children’s Conversation—Dorothy Nickel Friesen, Harold Thieszen

Anthem—O God, Beyond All PraisingI (Gustav Holst/Richard Proulx)—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Will Wiebe-Friesen, accompanist

Scripture Reading—John 9: 1-41
Readers’ Theatre—Coralee Shenk, Richard Friesen, Aaron Tschetter, Kevin Neufeld

Sermon—Mud in your eyesI—Dorothy Nickel Friesen

*Hymn—Open My Eyes That I May See—VT 738

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Siyahamba (We Are Marching)—VT 793 (Sing twice: first time; Xhousa; second time English)

*Benediction
Leader: Go forth and shine, for the Light has come,
People: and the glory of the Lord rises upon us.
Leader: Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives, All: and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Postlude—Fanfare on “Mit Freuden zart” (Brenda Portman)—Will Wiebe-Friesen

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— Ben Lichti

We welcome Dorothy Nickel Friesen who will bring us the sermon on the 19th.

This Week at BCMC: March 19-26, 2023
Sun, Mar. 19, 2023—Lent 4: Called to the Light
9:30 am    Worship   YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/SP91ZmpvBtw?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   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)
Tue., Mar. 21, 2023
7 pm   Women’s Fellowship meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Mar. 22, 2023
6 pm    Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall-Menu is: Baked potato bar with all the fixings, dessert. Please bring your own table service.
7 pm    Senior High Youth Group
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Mar. 23, 2023
4 pm        Witness Commission meeting in Room 14
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm         Deacon Commission meeting in Room 14
7 pm         Bethel College Women’s Association meeting in Fellowship Hall
Sat., Mar. 25, 2023
11 am       Memorial service for Grace Schroeder in the Sanctuary
Sun, Mar. 26, 2023—Lent 5: Called to Life
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Nathan Koontz

April 14 and 15, the dates of the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale (KMRS) are rapidly approaching. A new activity, assembling hygiene kits, will be in the Pride of Kansas Building April 15 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., and supplies are needed for these kits. A kit contains one adult toothbrush in the package, one bar of soap in the package, one good quality nail clipper, a hand towel of bright color, medium weight (16×26), and one wide toothed comb. If you would like to donate any of these supplies, please bring them to the baked goods sign up table at the back of the church Mar. 19 or Mar. 26. We have sign up sheets for pies, zwieback, and other baked goods. Please stop by and sign up! Thank you! – BCMC KMRS Team: Steven and Elaine Schurr, Bill and Esther Eash, Dale and Margo Schrag

Lilies for Easter
You are invited to share an Easter lily for the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 9. The Worship Decoration Committee will purchase lilies. The cost will be $10.00 per lily, Make checks to BCMC designated “Flower Fund.” Contributors may pick up lilies to take home after the Easter worship service. You will be able to designate in honor of someone or in memory of someone with your Easter lily. There will be a table in the Gathering Place this Sunday, March 19, for you to sign up for a lily.

Pastor Roger Neufeld Smith will be back in Newton on Thursday, March 23 and remain in Newton until Monday noon, March 27. Roger checks his email, text and phone messages daily while he is in Topeka. So feel free to contact him when he’s not in Newton.

BCMC Women’s Fellowship meets March 21 in Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. to hear Raylene Heinz-Penner present how her book, East of Liberal, came to be. The book is available at Kauffman Museum and Faith and Life Bookstore. It isn’t necessary that you have read the book. Use the south-east door.

The financial figures at the end of February indicate that 2023 ranks 13th in the last 16 years in the percent of the budget collected. Collections have been $16,500 less than expenditures; that comes to 13% of the budget collected and 16.7% of the year spent. Please note that we have two major expenses on the horizon which are the required update of the fire safety system and replacing a heating/cooling unit.
– Finance Committee

BCMC Offering for March 12, 2023: General Fund $7,502; Bell Choir Fund $100; Wed. Supper $512; Sr Hi Youth $25; Caring Fund $459.65; Library Reserve Fund $25; Jr Hi Fund $65; Living Stones $325; Kitchen Fund $12.20; Mission Quilters $165.

Wednesday night suppers , 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Menus:
March 22: Baked potato bar with all the fixings, dessert
March 29: Beef vegetable curry with rice, ice cream
April 5: Ham loaf, macaroni and cheese, peas, lemon dessert
Please bring your own table service. Not doing so adds significant effort for the cleanup crew. – Hospitality Commission
Sign up for the March 22 supper on the bulletin board or by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

.Pray with Apache Stronghold on March 19th!
The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery invites our community to join in prayer for Indigenous land justice with the Apache Stronghold on March 19th. On March 21st, a federal appeals court will hear a pivotal case about Apache religious freedom that centers around a proposed copper mine, which would destroy the Western Apache sacred site of Oak Flat, Chi’chil Biłdagoteel. Mennonite Church USA and Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference signed onto an amicus brief (a letter to the court) in support of the Apache Stronghold, along with other religious groups. The Apache Stronghold are rallying all people of faith and conscience under the call of “One Drum, One Prayer, One Circle,” to seek unity in protection of Earth and in resistance to ongoing colonization. They will be dedicating March 19th to prayer before their court case and ask us to join them.
The BCMC Task Group for Indigenous Justice offers two opportunities to join in demonstrating solidarity for preserving the Oak Flat sacred site.
1. Sunday, March 19, immediately after the worship service ends. Exit the front entrance and gather outside in front of the Peace Garden for a brief prayer and photo to send in solidarity.
2. Monday evening, March 20, Sunset Prayer on the Eve of the Court Case to Save Oak Flat. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the pickleball court at the intersection of North Anderson and Lakewood Circle in North Newton. Bring a friend.

Dear Bethel College Mennonite ,I’m reaching out to ask for your prayers on March 19-21. The Apache Stronghold, an Indigenous partner of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery (DDoD), are taking their religious freedom case for Oak Flat to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, California, this month, where they will be joined in solidarity by people of all faith backgrounds. On March 21, they will argue that allowing the destruction of Oak Flat by a copper mining company is a violation of their right to religious freedom (see this short video for more info).Can you join us in prayer on Sunday, March 19, and/or on March 20 and 21, before their court hearing?With gratitude to be part of this movement of the Spirit with you,Daniela Lázaro-Manalo
Racial Equity Education and Advocacy Coordinator
MCC U.S. National Peace & Justice Ministries

Becoming a Member at BCMC. Last Sunday, March 12, 2023,  we welcomed Max Ediger of Pursat Province, Kingdom of Cambodia into wider fellowship membership at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Max transferred his membership from Turpin Mennonite Church in Turpin, Oklahoma. Below is a picture of Max with some students from the School of Peace. For Max’s Journey of Faith Statement click here.
For pictures of Max’s life in Cambodia, press here. Max’s address in Cambodia is:

PSAT-9225
Pursat Province
Kingdom of Cambodia 50606
phone: (855) 16668698
email: ediger.max@gmail.com

Interested in becoming a member or transferring membership to BCMC?  Please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator

Life Enrichment for March 23—Krehbiel Auditorium
9:30 “Celebrating 75 Years of the Newton Mexican-American Men’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament,” Paul Vega, Newton, and Raymond Olais, North Newton
10:35 “20,000 Geese and YOU!,” Libby Albers, assistant director, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Newton
11:30 “Life at Newton Grand Central Senior Center,” with songs by the Golden Notes Choir, Lynne Beth, director, Grand Central Senior Center

Bethel College Announcements:
· Mon., March 20 – Bethel College presents the 3rd annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium (regular convocation). Dr. Tonya Hansel, faculty at the Tulane University School of Social Work, will speak on “Climate Change and Severe Weather Events: Social Workers’ Present and Future Roles in Disaster Relief and Recovery.”
· Fri., Mar. 24, Sat., Mar. 25, Sun., Mar. 26 – Spring musical at Bethel College, tick, tick … BOOM! by Jonathan Larson; Krehbiel Auditorium. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop, or online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts – scroll to bottom of page).
· Sun., Mar. 26 and Mon., Mar. 27 – Staley Lectures at Bethel College with Phuc Luu, a theologian, philosopher and artist based in Houston, author of Jesus of the East. Sun. 7 p.m., “Ida B. Wells, the sinned against, and Minjung theology: African-American and Asian voices in harmony,” Administration Building chapel; Mon.: 11 a.m.,“‘Where does all the pain go?’: God’s broken body, trauma and the healing of han,” Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Tues., Mar. 28 – Bethel College Jazz concert, directed by Joel Boettger, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Thurs., Mar. 30 – “What’s happening in the statehouse?,” a forum on Kansas politics featuring journalists from the Kansas Reflector, moderated by Adam Strunk, managing editor of Harvey County Now, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Forum co-sponsors are the Bethel Department of Communication Arts and HCN. The Kansas Reflector is a nonprofit, online publication with Kansas’ largest statehouse bureau. The public is invited.
· Fri., Mar. 31 – Senior recital by Bethel College student Bryce Wilson, saxophone, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium.
· Fri., Mar. 31 – The public is invited to the final round of Bethel College’s C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, 7:30 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium. Sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, the annual competition takes place on North American Mennonite college campuses, with an overall winner chosen from among the campus winners. The original speeches deal with contemporary peace concerns.
· Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Printing on the Plains: Woodcuts by Ian Huebert,” through Fri., April 14 (artist reception April 13). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Bohne berrogie bake day for the Mennonite Central Committee Sale is April 8 at Moundridge High School. Volunteers wanting to help, can sign up on the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website.
Verenika making day is April 1 at the Parkview MB Church, 610 S. Main St., Hillsboro with shifts in the morning, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., and afternoon 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (will include cleanup after we make the target # of Verenika-if you are able and willing to stay and help) Volunteers, go to the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website to sign up.

Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton on Thurs., Mar. 23, 6:30 p.m. Topics are: when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

New Hope Shelter, Inc. will celebrate a groundbreaking on Friday, March 24 at 4 p.m. As a friend of the Shelter, New Hope invites you to join in this event. This will be the permanent home of the New Hope Shelter.

New Hope Shelter is in need of the following: Pinesol, Scotch Tape, Laundry Pods, Dishwasher Pods, Dishwashing Soap, 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper, 55+ gallon trash bags, Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Bread, Napkins, Mayonnaise, Granola bars, Pudding Cups. If you can provide some of these supplies, they can be taken to New Hope, 900 West Broadway, Bldg. #7.

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

For Mennonite Disaster Service Press here
For Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here
Mennonite Church USA Looking for Nominations for their Bring the Peace Award press here

Camp Mennoscah Announcements

Nurses and kitchen staff needed for summer youth camps from June 4 through July 21. Be part of an amazing, faith-filled camp experience! Most people come out for a camp week, but we will also schedule partial weeks, as needed. Nurses must be an RN and can receive either a stipend or a camper discount. Kitchen staff receive a camper discount for up to full camp fees and need to be able to follow directions with a willing spirit. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org

Other events and happenings:

The brush piles and tallgrass prairie have (mostly) been burned! Thank you to the crew of volunteers who helped–with extra thanks to Jon and Martha who provided lunch. Burning the tall grass is done for safety reasons and to help rejuvenate the prairie. Camp Mennoscah has not been able to get this done in the past few years due to weather and volunteer schedules. Camp looks significantly barbecued, but it feels great to have it done.
Some families have asked how this summer will look. Summer youth camps will be very similar to pre-2020 with cabin use. If we do not have enough counselors, as happened in 2022, we would likely use a tent to allow more campers to attend. A nurse is still working on some of the protocols, but quarantine or close contact groups will not be used. Based on the final protocol/guidelines, general illness may mean the camper would go home sooner than in past years. Camp Mennoscah does not expect to test for COVID. Parents/Guardians would be responsible for any testing.
Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
You may have heard the HVAC in the Retreat Center is not working. Never fear! There will be portable A/C units this summer in the Retreat Center.
Welcome, Summer Staff 2023! While we may be adding to the number of summer staff, here is the crew as of March 1: Peter Buller, Schyler Entz, Daniel Miller, Edel Miller, and Jacob Schrag. Additional staff are needed for lifeguarding and grounds. Apply here. We are excited to have them at camp this summer!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

Hesston College Announcements

March 22 to 24 Melva Kauffman Lecture Series

Hesston College will explore what restorative justice looks like and how it can be integrated into the world around us during the Melva Kauffman Lecture Series. Jonathan Swartz, director for Student Accountability & Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite University, will present. What does restorative justice truly mean? How can one apply it in their life? You can attend a part of the Melva Kauffman Lecture Series at Hesston Mennonite Church on March 24 at 11 am. The session is also available by live stream at hesston.edu/formation.

March 27 – Nature Book Club

Join the Dyck Arboretum on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. online for their Nature Book Club. They are reading Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy and Wild New World by Dan Flores. Learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA hired Warren Yoder as the director of constituent engagement. In this new position, Yoder will help the denomination connect more fully with its member churches, organizations and individuals. Read more about his work here: mennoniteusa.org/news/director-of-constituent-engagement

#MennoCon23

Interested in volunteering at MennoCon23, Kansas City, Mo., July 3-6? Mennonite Church USA is seeking volunteers for special events, children’s and junior youth programming, and more! Fill out a form here: mennoniteusa.org/forms/mennocon-volunteer-interest

Mennonite Church USA will host a webinar for more information about what to expect during MennoCon23 on March 30, 2023 at 7 pm ET/4 pm CT. Stay up to date on the latest convention news by subscribing to Peace Mail, the denomination’s only news source here: mennoniteusa.org/peacemail

Menno Snapshots

The word “home” is something that Christians talk about frequently. But what happens when someone is experiencing physical homelessness? Kyle Nye, author of “Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness,” the current CommonRead selection for the denomination, discusses topics around how Christians can respond to this call: mennoniteusa.org/grace-can-lead-us-home

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Elena and Freddy Satalaya and their toddler, Matías, as they transition, after five years of ministry in Peru, to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where they are serving with Bolivia Mennonite Church. Pray for them as they engage in discipleship training and leadership training.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for the WDC Church Planting Commission as it hosts a church planting summit in San Antonio this weekend with the theme Being the Church, Meeting Our Neighbors Where They Are.

Announcements for March 12-19, 2023

March 12, 2023 – Lent 2: Shaped Through Thirst

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 12. Set your clocks forward one hour.

Based on CDC Guidelines Harvey County is still in green status indicating
low risk for COVID. You are invited to choose whether you wear a mask or social distance. Both are optional.

BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
March 12, 2023
Lent 3: Shaped Through Thirst

Prelude—As the Deer Runs to the River (Uehlein)—Karen Unruh, organ

Gather Us In (Michael Helman)—Chancel Bells, Verlene Garber, director

Christ Candle Lighting—Darlene Dick

Call to Worship
Leader: Come, let us bow down in worship.
People: Let us kneel before the Lord our maker;
Leader: for the Lord is our God,
People: we are the people of God’s pasture,
All: we are the flock under God’s care.

Welcome and Prayer

*Hymn—Come Away from Rush and Hurry—VT 9

Children’s Conversation—Carol Flickinger

Anthem—O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (Hans Leo Hassler; arr. by Arnold B. Sherman)— Chancel Bells

Welcoming Max Ediger into Church Membership—Elizabeth Schmidt, Hugo Boschmann—VT 961

Scripture Reading—Exodus 17:1-7; John 4:5-42— Nadine & Al Peters

Sermon—Belonging—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn— Rain Down—VT 703

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say—VT 536

*Benediction
Leader: Like water poured out on a thirsty land,
People: may the Lord pour out the Holy Spirit on us.
Leader: May we blossom with new life.
All: May we bring refreshment and joy to others.

Postlude—I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Burkhardt)—Karen Unruh

* You are invited to stand
VT = Voices Together
Audio visual— John Thiesen

YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/QKY3CCrZGZ4?feature=share

The Women’s Fellowship Executive Board will meet Monday, Mar. 13, 9 a.m., in Fellowship Hall.

This Week at BCMC: March 12-19, 2023

Sun, Mar. 12, 2023—Lent 3: Shaped through thirst
9:30 am    Worship
YouTube Link for this Sunday is:  https://youtube.com/live/QKY3CCrZGZ4?feature=share
The church nursery is staffed during worship and Sunday School
10:30 am Faith Formation—Intergenerational class meets in Fellowship Hall;   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) [They are doing an “Ecclesiastes study” presented by Weldon Schloneger]
Mon., Mar. 13, 2023
9 am         Women’s Fellowship Executive Board meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wed., Mar. 15, 2023—Youth Group will not meet tonight due to Spring Break
5 pm    Repair Task Group meeting in Room 14
6 pm    Wednesday night meal in Fellowship Hall-Menu is: Chicken Enchilada casserole, salad, cinnamon dessert. Please bring your own table service.
7:30 pm   Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Thurs., Mar. 16, 2023
6:30 pm   Chancel Bell rehearsal in Room B7
7 pm        Bethel College Women’s Association meets in Fellowship Hall
Sun, Mar. 19, 2023—Lent 4: Called to the Light
9:30 am    Worship with sermon by Dorothy Nickel Friesen; music by Chancel Choir

Watch next week for an announcement about purchasing lillies for Easter.

BCMC Offering for March 5, 2023: General Fund $15,719.33; Wed. Night Supper $635; Living Stones $325; Kitchen Fund $9; Vel Teichroew Memorial $50.

Roger Neufeld Smith returned to Newton Friday, March 10, and will remain in Newton until Tuesday, March 14.

Pastor Nathan Koontz will be on vacation March 13-17. If something arises that needs immediate attention, contact the church office, Roger Neufeld Smith, or Elizabeth Schmidt.

Wednesday night suppers , 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Menus:
March 15: Chicken Enchilada casserole, salad, cinnamon dessert
March 22: Baked potato bar with all the fixings, dessert
March 29: Beef vegetable curry with rice, ice cream
April 5: Ham loaf, macaroni and cheese, peas, lemon dessert
Please bring your own table service. Not doing so adds significant effort for the cleanup crew. – Hospitality Commission
Sign up for the March 15 supper on the bulletin board or by emailing office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Becoming a Member at BCMC.
We welcome Max Ediger of Pursat Province, Kingdom of Cambodia into wider fellowship membership at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Max is transferring his membership from Turpin Mennonite Church in Turpin, Oklahoma. To help us get better acquainted at a distance, Max has shared photos from his current life in Cambodia and recent School of Peace events, which may be viewed in the Gathering Place.
Interested in becoming a member or transferring membership to BCMC? Please contact Elizabeth Schmidt, Congregational Care Coordinator

BCMC Care Connections – we are starting some new ways of care connections at BCMC! Please let Elizabeth know if you are interested in any of the following ways of showing care for BCMC’ers: in-person visits, phone call visits, email connections, post-mail cards/letters, making care packages, delivering care packages. Yes, you may reply as an individual, or a couple, or a household, or a family, or any/all of the above! Additional ideas are also welcome.
Email your interest and ideas to: elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org

Bethel College Mennonite Church has recently installed a new system to aid persons with hearing loss. The new system includes a small receiver with a “hearing loop” which amplifies the sound in the church and transfers it directly to hearing aids without distortion or delay. Most hearing aids are equipped with “t-coil” software which receives the amplified signal. Users can check with their hearing professional to ensure that the software is installed on their hearing aid. Usually, a software upgrade, if needed, is provided at no charge.
Instructions for using the system can be found at the rear of the sanctuary. Contact Bill Swartley or an usher for additional information.

Update and request from the Funeral Committee. Thanks for understanding as we flexed during COVID, doing meals in varied ways, and thanks to those who have already volunteered to bake cookies for meals and receptions. Now, with COVID waning and Breadbasket able to deliver most food items, we can offer either a faspa or sandwich buffet lunch, but may need help at large events. To be an on-call volunteer, please contact the church office: office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. (Committee members are Dennis and Kathy Campbell, Tom Jackson, Kathryn Simmons, Dave Linscheid, and Doris Whillock.) Thank you.

Join the BCMC Creation Care Task Group!
God calls the church to participate in the redemption of individuals, all of humanity and creation. Therefore ministries of environmental stewardship and environmental justice are important here at BCMC. The Creation Care Task Group has been on hiatus for a few years and is now beginning again. Areas of focus to promote creation care for this task group include worship, education, lifestyle practices, and community, national, and global environmental activities. If you are interested in participating with this group, please contact the church office at office@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org. You can also contact Duane Friesen from the Witness Commission if you have questions regarding the work of this group.

Life Enrichment for March 16—Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center, Bethel College
9:30 “Russia, Ukraine, and Our World of Competing Visions: Can Civil Society counter Oligarchic Capitalism?,” Janine Wedel, professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Washington, DC
10:50 “Can We Sing the Darkness to Light?,“ Henry S. Waters, DMA, director of choral music/associate professor music, with the Bethel College Chamber Singers, Open Road, and Woven

Bethel College Announcements:
· Sun., March 12 – Sunday-Afternoon-at-the-Museum program, 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum. Nationally recognized local artist Phil Epp will present “Images of Art and Design in Central Asia,” a program related to the museum’s current special exhibit, “Reeds & Wool: Patterned Screens of Central Asia.”
· Mon., March 20 – Bethel College presents the 3rd annual Ada Schmidt-Tieszen Lecture, 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center (regular convocation). Dr. Tonya Hansel, faculty at the Tulane University School of Social Work, will speak on “Climate Change and Severe Weather Events: Social Workers’ Present and Future Roles in Disaster Relief and Recovery.”
· SAVE THE DATE: March 24-26, spring musical at Bethel College: tick, tick … BOOM! by Jonathan Larson
· Sun., March 26 and Mon., March 27 – Staley Lecture at Bethel College with Phuc Luu, a theologian, philosopher and artist based in Houston, author of Jesus of the East. Sunday: 7 p.m., Administration Building chapel; Monday: 11 a.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center.

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

Dismantling racism in WDC: The WDC Executive Board is working on next steps following an anti-racism audit of WDC’s organizational culture and leadership structure https://mennowdc.org/wdc-anti-racism-report-announcement-summary/. If you – or another WDC member you know of – has interest, training or gifts to share in dismantling racism and nurturing intercultural competency, and would like to participate in WDC’s ongoing work in this area, the Board invites you to contact WDC at 316-283-6300 or wdc@mennowdc.org. The Board will consider these suggestions as it discerns leadership and specific ways to implement the commitment stated in the WDC Constitution: WDC “seeks to foster a biblical, multicultural vision of the missional church by being inclusive of, walking with and learning from many cultural and racial/ethnic groups. Desiring to follow the way of Jesus, we seek to dismantle racism and prejudice in our congregations, conference, institutions and communities.”

The WDC Gifts Discernment Committee is at work again seeking to identify leaders for the conference. While we always welcome any nominations or suggestions of people who might have leadership gifts to share, this year we are specifically asking for help in discerning nominees for the role of Moderator-elect. Please prayerfully consider if there is someone in your community (or yourself) who might be called to this important leadership role in the conference. Suggestions or nominations can be shared here or emailed to wdc@mennowdc.org!

The WDC Resource Library is looking for wrapping paper donations to be used in the summer reading program. Any holiday, any style–we’d be happy to use up some “vintage” odds and ends from your house. 🙂 Email Jennie at crlib@mennowdc.org if you have some to donate.

The January 12, 1888, blizzard will be the focus for Lois Preheim, author and educator, who will be the speaker at the annual meeting of the Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. Her book, “Trailing the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard” chronicles experiences of families living in ten locations along the storm’s route extending from Canada down through the United States. Dr. Preheim has degrees from Freeman Junior College, the University of Nebraska and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She is a retired kindergarten-twelve principal having taught pre-school through college age students. Currently she resides in Newton. The annual meeting will be March 12, 2:30 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge.

Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its office, 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton on Thurs., Mar. 23, 6:30 p.m. Topics are: when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.

New Hope Shelter, Inc. will celebrate a groundbreaking on Friday, March 24 at 4 p.m. As a friend of the Shelter, New Hope invites you to join in this event. This will be the permanent home of the New Hope Shelter.

New Hope Shelter is in need of the following: Pinesol, Scotch Tape, Laundry Pods, Dishwasher Pods, Dishwashing Soap, 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper, 55+ gallon trash bags, Coffee, Creamer, Sugar, Bread, Napkins, Mayonnaise, Granola bars, Pudding Cups. If you can provide some of these supplies, they can be taken to New Hope, 900 West Broadway, Bldg. #7.

Pray with Apache Stronghold on March 19th!
The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery invites our community to join in prayer for Indigenous land justice with the Apache Stronghold on March 19th. On March 21st, a federal appeals court will hear a pivotal case about Apache religious freedom that centers around a proposed copper mine, which would destroy the Western Apache sacred site of Oak Flat, Chi’chil Biłdagoteel. Mennonite Church USA and Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference signed onto an amicus brief (a letter to the court) in support of the Apache Stronghold, along with other religious groups. The Apache Stronghold are rallying all people of faith and conscience under the call of “One Drum, One Prayer, One Circle,” to seek unity in protection of Earth and in resistance to ongoing colonization. They will be dedicating March 19th to prayer before their court case and ask us to join them.

Every year, more than 150 volunteers make more than 20,000 verenika before the relief sale. We have jobs for all physical abilities from light weight to heavy weight. Come be a part of the annual history of the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.

To sign up, pick which shift (morning or afternoon), select an open slot for the party size you are signing up, select the signup button for the desired shift(s), and then click the SUBMIT AND SIGN UP button at the bottom of the page. The goal is 100 people per shift.

—LOCATION: Parkview MB Church, 610 S Main St., Hillsboro, KS 67063|
—DATE: Saturday, April 1, 2023
—SHIFTS: Morning 8:00-12:00 Afternoon 12:00-4:00 (will include cleanup after we make the target # of Verenika-if you are able and willing to stay and help)
—CHECK-IN: East side of church, close to the gymnasium/activity center
–Long hair should be tied back. Bring a hat to wear.
–Children are welcome to help with parental supervision
–Jobs will be assigned upon arrival. Jobs vary in physical demand – some very light and others much heavier. Most jobs include mostly standing/walking.
Please come help make the annual MCC Sale a huge success with your gift of time.
If you have any questions, please email karenhiebert@gmail.com.
Thank you!! The Verenika Making Committee
Sign up Here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B44ADA62EA2F94-verenika2

Bohne berrogie bake day for the Mennonite Central Committee Sale is April 8 at Moundridge High School. Volunteers wanting to help, can sign up on the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale website.

For Mennonite Central Committee In Touch press here
For Mennonite Creation Care Network press hereFor Mennonite Mission Network News and Beyond press here

From Camp Mennoscah

The dam will be put back in on March 12 at approx. 2:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join in or to watch. Gather at the shelter. (The actual putting in of the boards is not for young ages.) The event will go forward, whatever the weather, unless deemed unsafe. Call Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, if uncertain.

Other events and happenings:

Scholarship funds for campers are needed. If Camp Mennoscah gives the same amount in scholarships as last year, the account will be depleted. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are most welcome. Gifts can be made online or sent to Camp Mennoscah, PO Box 65, Murdock, KS, 67111 with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Share the gift of faith formation and friends with others!
You may have heard the HVAC in the Retreat Center is not working. Never fear! There will be portable A/C or window A/C units this summer in the Retreat Center.
Welcome, Summer Staff 2023! While we may be adding to the number of summer staff, here is the crew as of March 1: Peter Buller, Schyler Entz, Daniel Miller, Edel Miller, and Jacob Schrag. Additional staff are needed for lifeguarding and grounds. Apply here. We are excited to have them at camp this summer!
Kitchen staff and nurses needed for summer youth camps from June 4 through July 28. Most people come out for a camp week, but we will also schedule partial weeks, as needed. Kitchen staff receive a camper discount for up to full camp fees and need to be able to follow directions with a willing spirit. Nurses must be an RN and can receive either a stipend or a camper discount. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org!
Click to register! Summer youth camp registration is open and Camp Mennoscah is receiving registrations. 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!

From Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp
See The RMMC News & Stories From January & February
Take a look at the latest/greatest happenings here at RMMC. This information can be viewed on:

RMMC Web Page – News & Stories (under “About Us”)
RMMC Facebook Page
RMMC Instagram Page

Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Mennonite Church USA has hired a climate justice intern, Sarah Werner, as part of an effort to provide a continual emphasis on creation care. This internship is funded by a Schowalter Foundation charitable funding distribution awarded to MC USA in late 2021. Read more about her work here: mennoniteusa.org/news/climate-justice-intern

“What time is it in the Mennonite Church?” Keynote speaker Frank Scoffield Sánchez posed this question at Mennonite Church USA’s 10th Hope for the Future conference on Feb. 3-5. More than 70 Black, Indigenous and people of color gathered for “Such a Time as This,” which was the weekend’s theme. Read more about the conference here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hope-for-the-future Read more about the honorees here: mennoniteusa.org/news/hope-for-the-future-honorees

Menno Snapshots

Mennonite Church USA is proud to acknowledge Clara Weybright’s peacebuilding work with the 2022 #BringthePeace Young Peacemaker award, sponsored by the denomination’s Church Peace Tax Fund. Clara is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she studied environmental science. She is currently a Juris Doctor candidate at Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. See her interview here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/clara-weybright

As one of the two keynote speakers for the Pastors and Leaders Conference: Reimagining Ministry, that took place on Feb. 13-16, 2023, April Yamasaki is imagining a way forward for ministry in the church. Her congregation was challenged by the many adaptations of living during a pandemic, and she reflects on what she learned through their unimagined time of change. Read more of her thoughts here: mennoniteusa.org/reimagining-ministry

#BeTransformed

In March 2022, members from Central District Conference visited Americus Mennonite Fellowship, as part of the Sacred Listening Project, and the story of Nashua “Nash” Chantal stood out as epitomizing the Mennonite imperative to live a life that works to bring love and justice to a hurting world. Learn more about The Sacred Listening Project and “Nash’s” story here: mennoniteusa.org/want-to-make-difference

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: From her home in Burkina Faso, Anicka Fast serves with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite World Conference. One of her ministries is to amplify the voices of African Christian historians. Pray for her as she helps facilitate a history-writing workshop for Congolese Mennonites in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, this month.

Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for interim and transitional pastors in WDC, as they accompany congregations navigating change and discerning future pastoral leadership.