East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 66 Sunday December 10, 2023 No. 50
Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.
Advent 2 – How will we know…what now?
What shall we do while we wait?
Prelude: Glorify Accompanist: Glorify
Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi Song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp Offering: MCEC & MC Canada
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler Message: Pastor Mike
Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby
Prelude
“Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)”
“We Have a Saviour”
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”/”King of Heaven”
Words of Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Prayer
Songs of Gathering and Praise
“Great are you Lord”
“High King of Heaven”
Offering – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada
Offertory Song VT #241 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
Time with the Children Pastor Mike
Drama
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8
Message The Witness of Two Johns Pastor Mike
“King of Kings”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray
Sending Song
Advent Candle lighting/Benediction
Postlude
During the Advent Season this year, East Zorra Mennonite will be collecting a special offering of socks. Tavistock Assistance Program (T.A.P.) has identified a need for new pairs of socks for both adults and children. The offering will run until December 24. Socks can be placed in the basket or manger by the tree at the entrance to the sanctuary.
Today
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. Junior Sunday School children will meet in their classrooms.
Adult Sunday school follows coffee time in the basement. We will welcome Michelle Brenneman, Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, who will be sharing with us about the work of MCC.
12 p.m. Private Party
This Coming Week
Wednesday December 13th
- 7 p.m. E Z Play Group set-up
Thursday December 14th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 12 p.m. High Noon Seniors Lunch at Grace United Church. A hot lunch will be served followed by Guest artist Dr. Alicia Cundall, local physician and professional harpist. In addition to sharing her musical talents, Dr. Cundall will also inform us about EM Global Connections, an organization for which she advocates. EM Global Connections provides emergency physicians in low resource environments, greater access to hands-on, skilled basic training.
Friday December 15th
- 7 p.m. MYF – Christmas Baking and Gift Exchange at church.
Saturday December 16th
- Private Party
Next Sunday – December 10, 2023
Advent 2
How will we know…what now?
Prelude: Bethany Zehr Accompanist: Bethany Zehr
Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Greeters: Ashley & Jon Witzel Offering: Leadership
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf Message: Pastor Ray
Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman
EZMC Announcements
Financial Information as of December 6, 2023
Estimated funds needed to meet our 2023 commitments
Offering Schedule Designations – approximately $115,000
2023 Refugee Fund Commitment – $24,750
We are grateful for your generosity and we prayerfully ask for your continued financial support as you are able. We trust that God will provide so we can fully meet our commitments for 2023.
Donations can be placed in the offering each Sunday (ushers have blank offering envelopes available), mailed to the church or Dawn Zehr or placed in one of two mailboxes at her house. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.
Please also submit any 2023 expenses you may have as soon as you can.
The Church Ministry Council Minutes from their November meeting is attached to the Friday December 8th email. If you would prefer a paper copy, they are available under the church mailboxes. Please take one if you wish.
Upcoming Christmas Services at EZMC
Sunday December 24th – 10 a.m.
Junior Sunday School will present their Christmas Program during our morning worship service.
Sunday December 24th – 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Help build a future of peace in Mindanao: Malipayon Peace Hub
On Friday November 24 our weekly email included an attachment of the monthly newsletter from Dann and Joji Pantoja, witness workers in the Philippines who we support. This newsletter highlights the Malipayon Peace Hub Project which we heard about last month when our guests from the Philippians were here. Mennonite Church Canada is supporting this project and has a fundraising goal of $230,000. They hope to reach this goal March 2024. If you would like to donate to this project please use the link provided below or send a cheque to Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4. Your support for this project will be a blessing.
Donation Link: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/philippines-transition
Wilmot Family Resource Centre is preparing for their Holiday Hamper Program. You can support this program in various ways: donate funds, sponsor a family, help prepare or deliver hampers. See poster on the bulletin board for more information.
JCET is looking for some volunteers to make cupcakes for the Children’s Christmas Service on Sunday December 24. If you are interested in helping in this way please speak to Jess, Sue, Holly or Erin.
JCET is still in need of Volunteers.
January to June sign up sheets are up on the bulletin board, downstairs across from the desk. Whether you sign up once or weekly your time spent volunteering is greatly appreciated.
Mark your calendars for VBS 2024 – July 8-12 at EZMC. We can’t wait to see you there!
We are excited to once again host our EZ Women’s IF Gathering. Mark your calendars for April 12th and 13th right here at East Zorra. Spread the word and tell your friends and family to save the date. More details to come!
Beyond Our Church Community
Sunday December 10th 3 p.m. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office. www.centreinthesquare.com
Becoming Good Relatives Retreat – January 26/27, 2024, Jericho House, 10845 Rathfon Rd, Port Colborne. In this one-and-a-half-day retreat, author and speaker Patty Krawec will use Anishinaabe teachings to help participants reflect on their social and individual histories in order to improve their capacity to have difficult conversations with others about Canadian history and current impacts on Indigenous people. To learn more and to register, go to mcc.org/events.
Shop Niska for Christmas
This Christmas, give fairly-traded one of a kind gifts that support Indigenous Artisans in First Nations and communities living in Northeastern Ontario. Choose from a variety of items, including moccasins, mittens, jewellery and more. Niska products are made with traditional techniques, quality materials, and dedication. Head to niskaartisans.ca to shop today!
Christmas gifts that change lives
This Christmas, we invite you to explore all the ways that you can share gifts of comfort and joy for the world. Delight your loved ones with wells, goats, emergency food and more. Go to mcc.org/christmas to discover all of the options!
Raw Carrot soup is available at your local thrift shop
The Raw Carrot is excited to announce that our soup is available for sale at your local thrift shop! As an MCC Ontario program, The Raw Carrot provides a compassionate workplace to people on long term disability. Our healthy soups are handcrafted in small batches, packed with tasty veggies and free of added preservatives. Fresh ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. Our staff are “stirring up” change with their delicious, handcrafted gourmet soup!” Get your soup today at your local thrift shop.
NHMRS Food Convener
The New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale committee is looking for a new food convener. If this is something you’re interested in, contact John Reimer at johnreimer@nhmrs.com for more information.
Mennonite Central Committee Ontario – Current Openings
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others? If so, we’d love to have you join our team. We have an opening for an Ontario Program Administrative Assistant in the Kitchener office, as well as a Volunteer Coordinator and Associate – Home Pick Up at Thrift on Kent. Learn more about these positions at www.mcc.org/careers