East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday January 25, 2026 No. 4
Prelude/Accompanist: Worship Band Song Leader: Connie Yantzi
Greeters: Hannah & Dylan Yantzi Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler Coffee: Nicole & Duane Swartzentruber
Prelude “Hosanna” (Praise is Rising)
VT #29 “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship”
Word of Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise VT #420 “God of the Bible”
VT #393 “Build Your Kingdom Here”
Offering Local Ministries
Offertory VT #387 “We Are One in the Spirit”
Time with the Children Dawn Bender
Scripture Reading Isaiah 49:5-6; Ephesians 2:11-22
Reader Lauren Witmer-Hohl
Message Pastor Ray
Song of Response VT #1“Summoned by the God Who Made Us”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Pastor Mike
Sending Song VT #395“The Church of Christ, in Every Age”
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.
1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Private Party
This Coming Week
Monday January 26th
- 7 p.m. Walking Club – Come experience the ‘light’ of connection & exercise during the winter darkness! Meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock. Assume cancelled in icy or stormy conditions.
Wednesday January 28th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7:30 p.m. Ladies Bible Study in the MYF room
Thursday January 29th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 6 p.m. Great Big Read
Friday January 30th
- 6:30 – 8:30. p.m. JWalkers (Junior Youth, Gr 6-8) – Sledding at Shakespeare Hall. We will have timbits and hot chocolate. Dress warm.
Saturday January 31st
- 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!
Next Sunday – February 1, 2026
Ephesians 3
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Susan Schmitz
Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp Worship Leader: Kim Leis
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Larry Kropf Offering: Leadership
Coffee: Gloria & Tom Roth Message: Pastor Mike
EZMC Announcements
Last Sunday stickers were given to the children as part of the Children’s Story Time. Most of these stickers had messages like “Jesus loves you” on them, but, unknown to me (Brendan), about 8 of the 100 stickers the children picked from had inappropriate messages and words. If your child picked one of those stickers, I would like to give my sincere apologies. I was horrified to find out some of the stickers had bad messages and would never have let those be handed out if I’d seen them. Brendan
Voices Together… a monthly gathering for anyone who loves to get together with others to sing for the fun and pure joy of it! An opportunity to sing familiar songs and to learn some new songs! Come out on Monday, February 2 to check it out. More details to come or speak to Connie Yantzi.
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.
SAVE THE DATES – Vacation Bible School at EZMC will be held July 6-10, 2026! More details and registration information to follow.
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 by Tuesday January 27th. 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
The January edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In this edition, you’ll read about the home dedication that took place in Libau, Manitoba last week. “When bad things happen, good people show up and get you back on your feet.” That’s what Sylvia Starr, 70, said on behalf of herself, her husband Jeff, 67, and their two adult sons at the dedication. Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/45pxxex
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.
Sunday January 25th 7 p.m. – Join choristers and instrumentalists for a 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.
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Feature Quilt Reveal
Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., MCC, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Each year, a talented individual or team creates the feature quilt for the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Feature quilts have depicted historical churches, the play of colour and light across fabric, a journey through Africa, among other innovative designs. On January 27, the curtain will be removed and the 2026 feature quilt will be revealed. Join us in the lower atrium at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener or on the NHMRS Facebook page. Learn more at mcc.org/events.
Lean in and Listen: Loving Indigenous Neighbours
Saturday, February 7 from 10am to 12pm, 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.
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to their Founders’ Day Chapel, Thursday, February 12 at 9:15 am. For more information and to RSVP, please visit rockway.ca/events.
CommonWord and Canadian Mennonite Bite-Sized Book Club: Blessed is the Body by Tatum Tricarico, Thursday, February 12, 7:00 PM. “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.
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.
Free Family Day Open House – Join us on Feb 16th 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.
Join us at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate on Friday, February 20 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
Tickets are on sale for Rockway Mennonite Collegiate’s grade 7&8 production of Humpty-Dumpty is missing! Visit rockway.ca/events for a show synopsis and to buy your tickets for this comedy whodunit. Show dates: March 5 & 6, 2026.
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.
Job Posting: Tavistock Mennonite Church is looking for an Administrative Assistant to fill a Long Term Occasional position (LTO) at our church. This job is a part time position and consists of 15-20 hours per week with the possibility of benefits. If you would like further information, a copy of a job description or to apply please contact Jayne Whetstone; tjwhetstone_5@hotmail.com or Mark Brenneman; markbrenneman@netflash.net. We will be accepting resumes until Fri Jan 30/26.
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 Monday April 27th at Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs. Tickets go on sale in February.
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.
Join the Mennonite Central Committee team!
We are excited to announce new opportunities to join our team and make a meaningful impact in communities across Ontario. If you are passionate about community engagement, collaboration and fostering belonging, we invite you to apply.
- Material Resources Cannery Associate – New Hamburg (Full-time)
- MCC Picks Up – Associate (Part-time)
For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve