A reminder that tomorrow night, Saturday January 31st at 6:30 p.m., Congregational Life Committee invites you to a game’s night. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Bring your favorite games. All are welcome!
East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday February 1, 2026 No. 5
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Susan Schmitz
Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp Worship Leader: Kim Leis
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Larry Kropf Coffee: Gloria & Tom Roth
Prelude
Word of Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise VT #40 “In Thy Holy Place We Bow”
VT #98 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Offering Leadership
Time with the Children
Scripture Reading Ephesians 3:1-13
ReaderMegan MacDonald
Message – Revealing a Mystery Pastor Mike
Song of Response VT #537 “Lord, You Sometimes Speak”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray
Sending Song VT #137 “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Benediction
Postlude
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. Sunday School classes for all ages.
This Coming Week
Monday February 2nd
- 7:30 p.m. Voices Together – A monthly gathering for those who enjoy singing both familiar and new songs, for the fun and pure joy of it! Come and check it out, or speak to Connie for more info.
Tuesday February 3rd
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sewing Circle – Everyone is welcome to join us to knot comforters or quilt.
- 7:30 p.m. Holy Movement
Wednesday February 4th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- Glorify Rehearsal
Thursday February 5th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 7:30 p.m. Men’s Bible Study meets in the MYF room. All men are welcome!
Friday February 6th
- 7 p.m. MYF Outdoor Games in the Green Space.
Next Sunday – February 8, 2026
Ephesians 4:1-16
Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify Song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Lisa & Jay Zehr Worship Leader:
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Mission Partners
Coffee: Shirley & Phil Ruby Message: Pastor Ray
EZMC Announcements
Church Ministry Council committed to bringing a recommendation for upgrading our building to the congregation in January. Firstly, we’d like to thank the building visioning committee for all the good work they put in, thinking of how to address our needs and grow into our calling at East Zorra. Secondly, council thanks everyone for both the formal survey feedback and formal Sunday School discussion input, as well as the informal conversations many of you had with us. Your input guided this decision.
After much discussion, prayer, and discernment, Church Ministry Council recommends renovating the kitchen in its current location, without adding to the footprint of the building.
Church Ministry Council feels that a renovation in the current space addresses the needs of adding a dishwasher, updating the cabinets, and refreshing the layout, while staying within a smaller budget. We recognize that renovating in this space has some limitations, however we believe it represents the most appropriate solution for East Zorra at this time.
At the annual meeting, there will be opportunity for discussion and questions, followed by a vote to seek approval for the recommendation.
Thank you for your prayerful support as we seek to steward and utilize our church building for the work of God’s kingdom.
Tuesday February 17 Pancake Supper – 5 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free pancakes will be available.
Anabaptist Community Bible Order
Did you miss out on ordering the Anabaptist Community Bible and now wish you had one? We will be placing another order. This study Bible celebrates 500 years of Anabaptism and features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and margin notes from nearly 600 study groups by Anabaptists around the globe. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation. There are 3 editions available, Hardcover ($79.99), Soft Touch ($99.99) and Genuine Leather ($179.99). Prices listed are before shipping which will be determined once we know how many bibles we will order. If you would like to order a bible, please put your name on the sheet posted on the main bulletin board or email Lisa at office@emennonite.ca. Please specify which edition of bible you would like.
The 2025 EZMC Annual Meeting date will be on Sunday March 1, 2026.
- The meeting will be held in person and available virtually on Zoom.
- Please submit your Annual Reports, to Lisa asap. Email to office@ezmennonite.ca or place in her church mailbox.
- The Annual Report will be sent by email but if you would prefer a paper copy, let Lisa know by Tuesday February 3rd. Please note that paper copies of the report will be delivered to those who receive a printed copy of our Sunday bulletin each Friday.
Holy Movement would benefit from a donation of light weights! Do you have light hand weights at home you are no longer using (3-12 lbs)? If so and you’d be interested in donating to the church for our Holy Movement classes, please contact Tracey Kropf (226-338-3968). Thanks!
Beyond Our Church Community
Volunteers wanted at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre
Do you or someone you know have a heart for service and a few hours to spare? The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking to fill some volunteer roles such as Retail Floor Support, Cashier, Clothing Sorters, Houseware Sorters, Hardware Sorters or Receivers. Training is provided for each area of interest. To learn more, please get in touch with Laura Pethick, Volunteer Engagement Manager by email (laurapethick@mcco.ca) or by phone 519-662-2867.
Lean in and Listen: Loving Indigenous Neighbours
Saturday February 7th 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Westside Church Burlington
Many churches long to walk in reconciliation with Indigenous people but are not sure where to begin. You’re invited to join MCC and guest speakers over coffee and a complimentary lunch for a morning of listening, asking questions and learning with others on the same path. You’ll hear from three panelists who will share their own questions and stories about how they began to engage with First Peoples in their communities. Register at mcc.org/loving-neighbours.
Did you go to Rockway? Did you play on one of the girls’ volleyball teams or always wished that you had? You’re invited to Rockway on Sunday, February 8 from 2 – 4 pm to reconnect with peers during a friendly afternoon of volleyball. All skill levels are welcome. RSVP at rockway.ca/events.
Sunday February 8th 3 p.m. – Join choristers and instrumentalists for a (re-scheduled) Mid-Winter Hymn Sing at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, hosted by Menno Singers and the Menno Youth Ensemble. A variety of selections from the Voices Together hymnal and ample room for requests will be sure to warm your mid-winter spirits as we raise our voices in song. Admission is by donation.
Thursday February 12th 7 p.m., CommonWord and Canadian Mennonite Bite-Sized Book Club: Blessed is the Body by Tatum Tricarico,. “Lent…is a time to pause and to finally say what we’ve been trying to hide all year: I am human. I can’t do it all…” Register for this one-hour online conversation with author and activist Tatum Tricarico on Lent, rest, theology, Disability justice and allyship. Attendees will be sent content from the book in advance.
Register for the Zoom link at commonword.ca/go/4389.
Sunday February 15th 2-4 p.m. – Hearts of Freedom Book Launch at First Hmong Mennonite Church, Kitchener.The harrowing stories of 145 former refugees who fled South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos between 1975 and 1997 are now captured in the new book “Hearts of Freedom.” You’re invited to celebrate its launch, hear the story behind the book and listen to readings from co-authors Michael J. Molloy and Peter Duchinsky. Register at mcc.org/hearts-book.
Monday February 16th Hidden Acres is hosting a Free Family Day Open House
Join us between 10-3:30 for a self guided day of snowshoeing, sledding, treasure hunts, crafts, pretzel making, games, puzzles and more. Bring a bagged lunch or pay $6 for a hot lunch. Visit hiddenacres.ca to register.
Friday February 20th Join us at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate for our “new” event, Winter Warmup: February Feast & Alumni Sports Challenge. Proceeds from the February Feast (formerly Soup Supper) go towards May Trips Week. Stay tuned to rockway.ca/events for more information.
Saturday February 21st 7-9 p.m. Shantz Mennonite Church is hosting a special free screening of Cannes World Film Festival Walking Through the Fire. This visually stunning and transformative music documentary brings the magic of collaboration to the screen with the Sultans of String and award-winning First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists to create something extraordinary. It includes opening remarks with filmmaker/Sultans of String producer Chris McKhool and a Q&A after the film, with Chris and Indigenous artist Shannon Thunderbird. Prepare to be absorbed by the captivating synergy and power of Walking Through the Fire as it takes you on a journey where cultures collide, boundaries dissolve, and the universal language of music unites us all.
RESERVE Tickets at https://walkingshantz.eventbrite.ca
Donations gratefully accepted at the door.
Watch the Trailer here: https://youtu.be/wWSZUduo5Kk
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to their two upcoming drama performances. Our grade 7&8 students are preparing for their fairytale mystery performance of, Humpty Dumpty is Missing! on March 5 & 6 while our high school students are preparing for a one night only performance of The Day the Internet Died on March 10. To learn more and buy tickets, visit rockway.ca/events.
Friday March 6th – Sunday March 8th Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Sewing Bee: Silver Lake is looking for people skilled in sewing to help with a major project. If you have a sewing machine, experience with upholstery fabric, and moderate to excellent sewing skills, please contact Karen Buschert at hr@slmc.ca about using those skills in a community effort and fun weekend away at camp! There is no cost to the weekend for you and food will be provided. Limited spaces available
Saturday March 28th 7:30 p.m. – Menno Singers, conduced by Artistic Director Brandon Leis, presents Mozart’s Requiem along with members of the K-W Symphony and soloists Bethany Horst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo), Brandon Leis (tenor) and Daniel Lichti (bass). We also will feature the premiere performance of EXEQUIEN, a newly commissioned companion piece by composer Stephanie Martin (daughter of Menno Singers founder Abner Martin). $40 adults. $5 children/students. Tickets available at www.mennosingers.com or at the door.
Saturday April 25th MCEC Annual Church Gathering at Steinmann Mennonite Church, Baden, ON. A one-day ACG designed to energize congregations in worship, discipleship and mission. Explore practical workshops, engage in meaningful conversations and discern God’s guidance together for our shared future. Mark your calendars.
Sunday April 26th 7-9 p.m., MCEC Intercultural Worship Gathering,
(First Mennonite/Shalom Worship & Healing Center 800 King St. E., Kitchener, ON).
All are welcome to this time of worship, unity and celebration as various congregations come together to honour our diversity in Christ. Mark your calendars.
Monday April 27th Mark your calendars for an evening to remember! Skip the dishes with a delicious, fully catered meal and an inspiring musical show at this year’s promotion dinner in support of the 60th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Plan to join us on at Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs. Tickets go on sale in February.
Hidden Acres Updates and Events
The following are some things that are happening at Hidden Acres
Staff applications are open! Are you or someone you know looking for a fun and meaningful summer job? Visit hiddenacres.ca and find the staff application link on the main page.
Summer Camp Registration opens on January 28th @ 7am for all camps. Visit hiddenacres.ca to register.