East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 68 Sunday April 6, 2025 No. 14
Christ Among Us – The New Covenant – Lent 5
Prelude/Accompanist/song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Kristen & Daryl Cressman Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Mission Partners
Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth Message: Pastor Mike
Prelude
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
“King of Kings”
“Amazing Love”
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship – based on Jeremiah 31:31–34; John 12:20–33
Opening prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
“Goodness of God”
“Marvelous Grace” (HWB #151)
Offering: Mission Partners
Offertory – “Lord I Need You”
Time with the Children – Jeanette Bender
Prayer of Confession
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Message – Pastor Mike
Song of Response
“Oceans”
Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray
Sending Song
“Sanctuary”
Benediction
Today
8:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Classes in the MYF room, breakfast provided.
Coffeetime in the basement immediately following worship. Everyone is welcome. We would ask that everyone provides their own mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will provide mugs for those who forget theirs or who come as guests on a Sunday morning.
11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages.
This Coming Week
Wednesday April 9th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting
Thursday April 10th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 7 p.m. Gift Discernment Committee
Friday April 11th
- 7 p.m. MYF – Talent Show Night
Next Sunday – April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Susan Schmitz
Greeter: Dawn Bender Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: MCEC & MC Canada
Coffee Hosts: Carol & Owen Cook Message: Pastor Ray
Easter Weekend Services
Good Friday Service – April 18, 2025 @ 10 a.m.
Prelude/Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi Song Leader: Caleb Leis
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler Offering: TBA
Easter Sunday – April 20, 2025
8:30 a.m. – A light Easter breakfast will be served.
9:15-9:45 Children ages JK-grade 8 can meet in the Assembly Room for Easter Story Lab & Activities. Younger children can gather with their parent by the climber where a table with colouring & activity sheets will be available.
Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.
Christ Among Us
Prelude/Accompanist: Gather25 Band Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Greeters: Marilyn & Bob Zehr Worship Leader:
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Leadership
Please note that coffee will be served at breakfast, and not after the worship service. We will not be having Sunday School classes.
EZMC Announcements
March 2025 Donations Received Summary
Offering Schedule – $38, 039.80
JCET needs teachers & helpers!!!
A note to Volunteers – Our Safe Church Policy states that all volunteers who work with children, youth or vulnerable persons need to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check every 5 years and a Volunteer Commitment Form each year. If you volunteered and these are not in place you will receive an email from the church office with a reminder, or forms in your church mailbox. You may also contact Lisa anytime at office@ezmennonite.ca to check if your volunteer file is up to date. THANK YOU for volunteering your time and energy to support the children, youth, and vulnerable persons connected to our church family! We appreciate your willingness to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check & a Volunteer Commitment Form as we work together to create a safe and healthy environment where relationships can flourish, and faith can grow!
The Gift Discernment Committee is aware that not everyone has had the chance to review your job descriptions. Please take a moment to do this when it is convenient and highlight all changes and send the updated job description to Kim kdleis@yahoo.com. The goal is to have updated versions to give to people accepting new roles- so thank you for taking a moment to do this!
The 2025 Camp Subsidy Form is now available, and you can complete and return to Becky Bender either by email (treasurer@ezmennonite.ca) or put in her church mailbox. Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Caleb Leis.
Beyond our Church Community
Federal Election 2025 – Every Action Counts
Considering the Federal election called for April 28, MCC is inviting you to take a pledge to listen, speak and act for the good of our neighbours and to think about every action as a vote for the kind of world they want to live in. The campaign includes a landing page where you can sign the pledge and receive a series of emails offering further resources and reflection on listening, speaking and acting. The emails will also include some high-level questions you can ask your candidate. Check out this link for more information. https://mcc.org/resources/every-action-counts
Tri-County Mennonite Homes is looking for church members to serve on the Board of Directors. If you or someone you know would be interested, please contact Bruce Bechtel 519-801-0470 for more information.
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to join them at their upcoming events. Visit rockway.ca/events for more information:
- April 15, 7 pm: Grade 7-12 Information Night. If your family is looking for a new school environment, join us to learn more about what Rockway has to offer.
- April 15, 7 pm: Grade 7-12 Art Exhibition. Enjoy an evening of student art and delicious treats in the Visual Arts Café.
- The Early Bird registration deadline for Rockway’s 30th Annual Golf Classic, presented by Strassburger Windows & Doors, is March 28. Be sure to sign up and get your name in a draw for a $250 gift pack! Whether you golf and fundraise or sign up to be a sponsor, your efforts directly support students as all golf proceeds go to Tuition Assistance.
Monday April 14th – Seniors Retreat at Hidden Acres – Seniors are invited to Hidden Acres for Exploring Beginnings: The New Testament and the Anabaptist Bible with guest speakers Alicia Batten and Mollee Moua. Cost is $55 and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/seniors-retreat
Thursday April 24th 12 p.m. High Noon Seniors Lunch will be held at Grace United. Our guest speaker is pharmacist Hilary Bald, the co-owner and manager of Tavistock IDA. Hilary will be speaking to us about senior care and the expanded roles of pharmacists. Hope to see you there.
Friday April 25th 6 – 9 p.m. Wilmot Family Resource Centre (WFRC) presents Passion to Action: Women’s Wellness Event on. Join us for an exhilarating evening to celebrate women in our community. Workshops, vendors, food, a fashion show and lots more! Tickets are $25/person. To register or for more information, please contact the Wilmot Family Resource Centre at (519) 662-2731 or info@wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.ca.
Looking for a FUN and IMPACTFUL summer job? Hidden Acres Camp provides opportunities for you to impact the lives of young people, serve God and others in a safe and fun environment, grow in your ability to be a great leader and have fun through it all! For available positions and more information or to apply, go to www.hiddenacres.ca or contact Josh Penfold at 519-625-8602 or josh@hiddenacres.ca
Come to Hidden Acres Summer Camp!
Are you looking for a fun, safe summer camp experience? Hidden Acres’ camp provides great opportunities to connect with God, each other and nature. Campers get to enjoy swimming, canoeing, archery, nature exploration, rock climbing, low ropes, camp-outs, sports, group games and more, all in the company of peers and our fun and supportive staff team. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for our dates & rates. Contact our Program Director, Josh Penfold at josh@hiddenacres.ca for more information. See you for summer 2025!
MCC Virtual Peace Table – MCC is sponsoring a virtual gathering where individuals, denominations, churches and other organizations can come together to develop a virtual “peace table”. We envisage a space where we can discuss and respond to current world events from a place of nonviolence and peace. An initial conversation will be held this spring. We’re interested in hearing what conversations are happening in your networks and areas of influence. If you’re interested in joining others who are considering approaches to living out their faith using nonviolence in today’s turbulent times, please reach out to Rod Friesen at rodfriesen@mcco.ca.
Saturday May 3rd 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Shalom’s Annual Spring Brunch is fast approaching. We hope you can join us for a morning of connection, inspiration, and learning at Golf’s Steak House and Seafood (Ballroom 598 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener, ON)
Guest Panel includes Jennifer Hutton – CEO, Women’s Crisis Services, Member of the Intimate Partner Violence Unit, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Grace Ibrahima – Author and Speaker. Event Theme is Voices for Change; Healing in Community – Responding to Gender-Based Violence
Cost: $50 (Receipts provided for $20 of ticket price). Please RSVP by Monday, April 28, 2025, to ensure your spot. You can purchase tickets by Phone: 519-886-9690 or Online: www.shalomcounselling.org/brunch (Note: Limited seating available)
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
- Calling All Musicians and Singers!
Are you interested in sharing your musical talents at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale? We’re looking for performers to create a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Whether you’d like to move around the fairgrounds entertaining attendees or set up in one spot, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re interested in performing, please contact Sheryl Bruggeling at sherylbruggeling@mcco.ca or call 519-745-8458 ext 265.
- New Hamburg Mennonite Sale Promotion Dinner
Monday April 28th 6 p.m.at Calvary United Church, 48 Hawkesville Rd., St. Jacobs
Join us for a delightful evening out featuring a delicious buffet dinner catered by Gracie’s Country Oven! Enjoy great food, connect with community, and learn about MCC’s work. This fundraising dinner helps offset the costs of the relief sale so more funds from our May event can support MCC’s global relief, development, and peace work. While the admission covers dinner expenses, donations are gratefully received. Tickets are $25 per adult, children 10 and under are free! Order tickets online at mcc.org/nhmrs-dinner or call Justin to reserve your seats in advance 519-745-8458 ext 262
- Youth and Young Adults: Join the NHMRS Committee!
Do you want to bring energy and fresh ideas to a meaningful cause? We’re seeking enthusiastic youth and young adults to join the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale committee—a great opportunity to help plan an event that makes a real impact in our community and beyond. Join our dynamic team, learn new skills, and support MCC’s global relief, development, and peace work. Whether you’re interested in event planning, outreach, or simply serving, we’d love to have you. Interested? Please email John Reimer at johnreimer@nhmrs.com or text 519-498-3620.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We’re truly grateful and look forward to an inspiring sale ahead.
Friday June 6th 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Embracing Aging as Culmination – Annual Spirituality and Aging Seminar |. Guest speaker Dr. Carol Orsborn, author of seven books that embrace spiritual aging as life’s culmination. For seminar details and pricing, visit uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/embracing-aging-culmination
MDS invites volunteers to help rebuild a flooded home in Constance Bay (near Ottawa, ON). Sign up for a week, beginning in March, to help rebuild a house along the Ottawa River. Contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 1 (866) 261-1274 for more information and to sign up.
MCEC is excited to host MC Canada Gathering 2025. Volunteer Coordinators, Ashley Drudge and Gladys Bender are seeking volunteers of all ages, interested in welcoming and offering hospitality to MC Canada Gathering participants from across Canada. A variety of positions and time slots are available. For more information, please contact gathering@mennonitechurch.ca.
Registration is now open for Gathering 2025 – Mennonite Church Canada taking place from July 2-5, 2025 in Kitchener/Waterloo. Don’t miss this incredible experience of our nationwide faith community together in worship, building relationships, discerning our next steps and taking care of business. This Gathering is shaping up to be an incredible experience with three unique avenues for engagement:
1.Congregational Gathering
2.Youth Gathering
3.U30 Young Adult Gathering
Early bird registration from March 5 to May 15.