East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday February 15, 2026 No. 7
Prelude/Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Greeters: Fern & Galen Leis Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf Coffee: Janet & Marv Yantzi
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise VT #10 “Here in this place”
VT #76 “Holy, Holy, Holy!”
Offering Relief/MCC
Time with the Children
Scripture Reading Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Message Pastor Mike
Song of Response VT #558 “Lord, I want to be a Christian”
Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray
Sending Song VT #705 “For the Healing of the Nations”
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.
Please note that we are not having Sunday School classes today.
This Coming Week
Monday February 16th
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Private Party
Tuesday February 17th
- 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry at Jean MacDonald’s.
- 5 – 7 p.m. Pancake Supper – Care Team along with the Congregational Life Committee are hosting a pancake supper at church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free pancakes will be available.
Wednesday February 18th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7:30 p.m. Ladies Bible Study meets in the MYF room
Thursday February 19th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
Friday February 20th
- 7 p.m. MYF – Commercial Making Night at church.
Next Sunday – February 22, 2026
1st Sunday of Lent
Ephesians 5:3-20
Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler Song Leader: Caleb Leis
Greeters: Nicole & Duane Swartzentruber Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Leadership
Coffee: Michelle & Brad Brenneman Message: Pastor Ray
Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church Eastern Canada invite your prayers for B.C. and Myanmar.
- Tumbler Ridge, BC, has suffered the devastating impact of violence as an individual took the lives of 9 individuals and injured 25. We grieve the lives lost. We pray for God’s healing presence to surround all who have been traumatized. And we bear witness to our hope—that God’s light still breaks into the deepest shadows of our world, a world in which such violence should never be possible. May Christ’s peace hold us as we lament, pray and seek a more life-giving way forward together.
- Tlangkhua, Myanmar – Mennonite Church Canada released an initial $5,000 in emergency support for victims of the recent bombing in the village of Tlangkhua, Myanmar. Mennonite Church Canada serves as a global companion to the Bible Missionary Church in Myanmar, a MWC congregation. Our partners there have shared an urgent need for financial assistance to cover medical costs and immediate needs. If you would like to help, donate here (designate Myanmar in the note section of the form). We invite you to stand with our global church family during this time of deep loss. Remember our Chin congregations across MC Canada: Chin Christian Church (Kitchener), Kitchener Emmanuel Church and Living Hope Christian Fellowship (Surrey, BC).
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
EZMC Announcements
The EZMC Annual Report booklet was emailed on Friday February 13th. Those who requested a paper copy will find it in their church mailbox. There will be extra copies available on the bottom row of mailboxes.
Lenten Prayer Services at East Zorra
This year during Lent we invite you to gather at the front of the sanctuary for a time of prayer each Tuesday evening beginning February 24. The prayer service will begin at 6:30 PM for 30 or 40 minutes. We will use a prayer from the letters of Paul or the life of Jesus to guide our time together.
Ecumenical Lenten Services at Grace United Church in Tavistock.
This year the ministerial has changed the format of these Thursday Lent services. This year we will meet for worship at 10:30 AM on five Thursday mornings beginning February 26 and continuing weekly until March 26. Following the 10:30 service we will gather in the fellowship hall for coffee and refreshments. On March 26, the last service before Holy Week, a noon meal will be served following the service.
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.
Beyond Our Church Community
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 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 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.
Sprucedale Public School is hosting an all you can eat spaghetti dinner for 7-year-old Carter Kuchma who is currently fighting cancer. The dinner will be held at Shakespeare Optimist Hall on February 19th from 4:30-6:30. Tickets sold in advance. Contact Amy Yantzi (519-301-9707) or purchase at Sprucedale Public School. All money raised will support the Kuchma family medical and travel costs
It’s cold and snowy! Why not come to Rockway Mennonite Collegiate’s Winter Warmup: February Feast & Alumni Sports Challenge. Join us on Friday, February 20 as we bring a Hawaiian-esque vibe to our festivities. Check out the menu and ticket prices at rockway.ca/events.
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.
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.
Monday March 16th Grandparent & Grandchild Day at Hidden Acres
Are you a grandparent looking for ways to make meaningful memories with your grandkids Grades 1-6 during March Break? Grandparent & Grandchild Day is a great opportunity to spend time together playing, singing, creating, laughing, eating and worshipping together!
Join us to experience majestic and exotic birds from around the world with Wings Over The Rainforest. Cost is $30/person and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/grandparent-child-days
Saturday March 28th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Grebel and University of Waterloo March Open House. Planning to study at the University of Waterloo? Tour the university and see what it would be like to live on campus in a small, Christian residence at Conrad Grebel University College while studying at Waterloo. Meet current students, learn about academic programs, and explore the residence. Free parking. Visit grebel.ca/events for more information.
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.
Monday April 20th Seniors Retreat at Hidden Acres
Seniors (55+) are invited to spend the day at Hidden Acres. Our theme is Consider the Birds: Practicing Hope In A Worrisome World. Cost is $55 and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/seniors-retreat
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.
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.
Are you newly retired and looking for what comes next? Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo offers a two-year Master of Theological Studies degree for people from a range of academic backgrounds, including those entering a new chapter after retirement. Study the Bible, explore pastoral and congregational life, and grow skills to support your church and community. Full-time Canadian/permanent residents are eligible for full tuition scholarships. Learn more at uwaterloo.ca/theological-studies
It’s time to register for Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC) | August 10-22, 2025. OMMC is a place where youth develop and enrich relationships, faith, musicality, and leadership in a fun and supportive summer camp environment. Register at grebel.ca/ommc