East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday February 22, 2026 No. 8
Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler Song Leader: Caleb Leis
Greeters: Nicole & Duane Swartzentruber Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler Coffee: Michelle & Brad Brenneman
Prelude
Words of Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise VT #398 “Thy Word Is a Lamp”
VT #437 “The Lord Is My Light”
Offering Leadership
Time with the Children
Scripture Reading Ephesians 5:1-20
Message “Live as children of light!” Pastor Ray
Song of Response VT #813 “Heart with Loving Heart United”
Confessing Our Faith VT #923 “Apostles’ Creed”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Pastor Mike
Sending Song VT #827 “Move in Our Midst”
Benediction
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 23rd
- 7 p.m. Walking Club – meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock.
Tuesday February 24th
- 6:30 p.m. EZMC Lenten Prayer Service. This year during Lent we invite you to gather at the front of the sanctuary for a time of prayer. The prayer service will be 30 or 40 minutes. We will use a prayer from the letters of Paul or the life of Jesus to guide our time together.
Wednesday February 25th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7 p.m. Finance and Facility Meeting
- 7:30 p.m. Men’s Bible Study meets in the MYF room
Thursday February 26th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 10:30 a.m. Lenten Worship Service at Grace United Church. The Last Week – Cleansing the Temple, led by Tavistock Mennonite. This year the ministerial has changed the format of these Thursday Lent services. We will meet for worship at 10:30 AM on five Thursday mornings. Following the 10:30 service we will gather in the fellowship hall for coffee and refreshments. Donations for refreshments will be graciously accepted.
On March 26, the last service before Holy Week, a noon meal will be served following the service.
- 6 p.m. Big Read
- 7:30 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting
Next Sunday – March 1, 2026
EZMC Annual Meeting
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
In person and available on Zoom
Prelude/Accompanist: Brandy Sell Song Leader: Myron Ruby
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler Offering: Mission Partners
Although there is no formal Sunday school scheduled for March 1st, there will be activities for the children in grades JK-8.
The CENT team is looking for several adults to help the MYF supervise during this time.
This will allow for our Jr. SS teachers and leaders to participate in the meeting.
If you are able to help please let Caleb Leis or Dawn Bender know. Thank you.
EZMC Announcements
Shrove Tuesday saw the church basement filled with a large crowd. There was much conversation as everyone appeared content from the fluffy pancakes, (complimentary from P & H Milling), BBQed sausage (Krugs) and the sweetness of (Roth) maple syrup. Thanks to all who helped organize, from set up, lending griddles, flipping pancakes, turning sausages, clean up and for donations that will support the Compassion Fund (total after expenses just over $600). A Fun Evening was had by all.
The Care Team and Congregational Life Committee
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 are extra copies available on the bottom row of mailboxes.
Anabaptist Community Bible Order
The order will be placed soon. 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@ezmennonite.ca. If you ordered via email and didn’t receive a reply from Lisa please check in with her to confirm your order was received.
VBS July 6 – 10, 2026
We are looking forward to VBS this summer where we will immerse ourselves in Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God!
Registration opens on April 1st. We are excited to see you all there and we need your help! Please prayerfully consider volunteering. You can expect a week full of faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures as we explore God’s creation and Word!
If you have any questions please reach out to Ashley Witzel (ashleywitzel@gmail.com) or Chelsea Sider (chelseasider12@gmail.com).
Beyond Our Church Community
The February edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In this edition, you’ll read about the upcoming project in Denare Beach, Sask. “When MDS offered to help, it was a no brainer,” said councillor Karen Thomson of the village, which was hit by a wildfire last summer. “There are lots of people with no insurance or under-insured. All they want is to be back home.” You’ll also find a touching story of Jim Herr’s experience with MDS and how it changed his life. Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/4qEn2f7
Excitement is building for our upcoming Canadian projects. Stay tuned for more information and announcements to come in the following weeks.
Grade 7&8 students of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invite you to their upcoming performance Humpty Dumpty is Missing! on March 5th & 6th. Full of fairytale characters, this comical mystery is fun for the whole family! 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 7th 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Churches Caring for Creation at 800 King St. E., Kitchener (Shalom and First Mennonite). Do you hunger and thirst for faithful responses to the degradation of this planet? Join MCEC and A Rocha for a morning of learning and inter-denominational dialogue. Register here.
Grade 9-12 students of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invite you to their performance of The Day the Internet Died. Can you live without your computer? Your tablet? Your PHONE!? Join us on Tuesday March 10th as this hilarious show explores how inept we are at everyday activities and basic human interactions when we don’t have a screen to look at. To learn more and buy tickets, visit rockway.ca/events.
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