East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday June 21, 2026 No. 25
Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify Song Leader: Glorify
Worship Leader: Pastor Ray Greeters: Marilyn & Bob Zehr
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Kristen Cressman Coffeetime: Shirley & Phil Ruby
Prelude
“Revival Generation”
“10,000 Reasons”
“The Blessing”
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Praise
“Battle Belongs”
“Oceans”
Offering – Relief/Mennonite Central Committee
Offertory “Gratitude”
Prayer of the Church – Alexis Leis
Time with the Children – Pastor Mike
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:9-11; Galatians 3:26-29
Meditation – Pastor Mike
Celebration of Baptism
Violet Bender, Rowan Dibben, Daniel Hovius, Bella Matthews, Alyssa Matthews, Claire Rempel, Erma Repei, Justine Repei, Levi Wiegand, Colton Yantzi, Darcy Zehr
Sharing of Faith Stories
Affirmation of Baptismal Vows
Congregational Prayer for those being Baptized
Prayer for those being Baptized (adapted from VT #933)
Leader: Faithful God, we give thanks for these who have committed their lives to you. We ask for your guidance as they journey in faith. We pray that they may be a blessing in our community and in our world. We join our hearts and voices in praise:
People: For your unending grace,
for your gift of salvation,
for your example and sacrifice,
for your sustaining presence,
and for the gift of these youth and adults being baptized today,
We give you thanks, faithful God!
Song – “The River”
(During this song those being baptized will move outside. Following the song, we invite the congregation to move outside to the Baptism tank.)
Act of Baptism
Prayer of Blessing
Benediction Song – “Praise God from Whom”
Today
Coffeetime in the basement immediately following the worship service. 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.
This Coming Week
Tuesday June 23rd
- 7 p.m. Strawberry Socialwith guest speaker Beth Hovius who will share her experience in Uganda on an MCC Learning Tour.
Wednesday June 24th
- Play Group setup
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Community Campfire in our greenspace. Please see announcement on page 4 for more details.
Thursday June 25th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 7:30pm – 8:30pm – Holy Movement – note date change from our typical Tuesday gathering. New participants welcome!
Next Sunday – June 28, 2026
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Worship Leader: Dawn Bender Greeters: Dawn & Greg Zehr
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Local Ministries
Coffeetime: Gloria & Tom Roth Message: Pastor Ray
We will be welcoming Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite for worship at East Zorra as we meet for the first of our shared Worship services on holidays weekend this summer.
EZMC Announcements
Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite
6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on June 24, July 22, August 5 & 19, September 2.
Everyone of all ages is invited to bring a lawn chair, a snack, and a refreshment to drink and join us this Summer in our Green Space around the campfire for a time of fellowship, conversation, and fun. There will be no set agenda and children will be free to use the equipment and play. Alexis will plan to provide a few organized events for the children for about 30 minutes.
We look forward to enjoying each other’s company.
Many of you give generously of your time to support the life and ministry of our Church. As the Gift Discernment Committee looks ahead to the 2026–27 year, we want to share the list of positions that will need to be filled. We invite you to prayerfully consider whether you might be interested in, or feel called to serve in one of these roles. If you’re unsure what a particular position involves, job descriptions are available and can help you learn more. If you feel drawn to explore a role—or would simply like to have a conversation—please speak with a member of the committee by June 21, as we prepare to begin the recruitment process.
The roles we are looking to fill are – JCET (Jr. Christian Education Team), JWalker Sponsors (Jr Youth), MYF Sponsors, Youth Ministry Team, Car Parker, Food Committee, Gift Discernment Committee, Staff Congregation Relation Committee, Health Ministry Team, Mission Committee, Usher, Worship Visual Committee, AV Operators
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Thank you!
Your Gift Discernment Committee,
Kristen Cressman, Jon Witzel, Kim Leis and Pastor Ray
Holy Movement & Walking Club summer series! Summer comes with vacation time for many & lots of opportunities to be active. This is all good, keep moving! For those interested in Holy Movement and Walking Club over the summer, details and dates are provided below. Mark it in your calendar and join when you can! New participants always welcome!
Holy Movement – 7:30-8:30 – Thurs June 25; Tues July 14 & 28; Tues Aug 4 & 18
Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – June 15, 29; July 13 & 27; Aug 10 & 24
Upcoming Summer Services:
Sunday July 5 EZMC Worship Service in Queen’s Park.
Sunday August 2 Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.
Sunday August 9 Tavistock & Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park.
Sunday Sept 6 Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.
Calling all young adults! For anyone graduated from high school and under 30 we would love to get together for a time of fellowship and studying God’s word. We will meet on July 12th from 11-noon for an interest meeting in the MYF room following the service to talk about what we want to study and fellowship ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Alexis Leis, Rick Roes or Rowan Dibben. We would love to see you there!
Upcoming Adult Fellowship Event – Save the Date
Tuesday August 27th Gunn’s Hill Cheese tour and lunch at Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh Ben Thah in Woodstock (more details to follow in July).
Student Aid Applications:
Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary). East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30th for the 2026/2027 school year (Sept 2026 – Aug 2027). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, you will find the Student Aid policy and application under the church mailboxes or contact Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca who can email the application to you. You can direct the completed applications and any questions to Finance and Facility Chair Brendan Leis at b_leis@hotmail.com.
As VBS is approaching, we are looking for some grade 6-8 volunteers that will be at VBS who are willing to come up to the front and lead the actions during our worship time. Their role will be to learn the actions to the songs and look happy and engaged while leading at the front of the church. We are planning to have one practice sometime mid June and you will get access to the videos beforehand. The videos with actions will be playing during the worship time so they will not need to be memorized, you will just need to be familiar with them. If you are interested or have any questions please contact Alexis Leis at 226-581-5661 or alexisezmennonite@gmail.com
If anyone has a white twin-sized bed sheet that they don’t need anymore and are willing to donate, (it will be cut up and used for a demonstration in one of the main sessions), talk to Alexis.
VBS Rainforest Falls 2026
Calling all Grandparents!
We need your help at VBS July 6 -10. Bring your lawn chair and sit under a tree in our green space. Kids may come visit you to take a rest in the shade on a blanket, to take a break from the busyness and fun activities, when they need a friend to sit quietly with, or maybe they need a Band-Aid.
This was a favourite spot for many and gives a glimpse into our fun activities at VBS! Come for one day or all five, whatever suits your schedule. If you think you might be interested in helping in this role, please contact Ashley Witzel or Chelsea Sider.
Beyond Our Church Community
On the Level (June edition) is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service
In this edition, you’ll read stories about homeowners, volunteers, and community members of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan. One homeowner and local firefighter, Steven, reflected on the volunteers who came to help. “I stayed because it was my job,” he said. “But the volunteers are freely giving their time to come and help people they don’t even know. They are true heroes to me.” Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/4eseKmp
Volunteers Needed at MCC Thrift
Impact your community, support MCC and join a fun team as a volunteer at MCC Thrift, where every purchase is a gift to the world. The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre has an urgent need for volunteers. Join a community rooted in service and love. Visit here to get in touch with us and find a role that suits your abilities and interests!
Join the MCC 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.
Indigenous Neighbours Engagement Associate (Full time, contract) – Kitchener
For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve.
Join us Friday, September 25 for Rockway’s BIG Night Out at the Tapestry Hall in Cambridge. For more information and to get your tickets, visit rockway.ca/events.
Tuesday June 23rd 12 – 1 p.m., Lunch and Listen: MCC in Asia @ 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener. Bring your own lunch and hear about MCC’s work in Southeastern and Northeastern Asia. We’ll hear about MCC’s work of relief, development and peace in this region of the world, with a special update on MCC’s work in Myanmar. Special guests Arthur and Phyllis Mann are MCC Area Directors for Southeast and Northeast Asia and are based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Attend in person at the MCC office or live on our Facebook page. Learn more here.
Tuesday June 23rd 7 p.m. Project Ploughshares 50th Anniversary exhibit launch at Grebel Gallery. Meet some of the people and archival materials behind Project Ploughshares’ peace and disarmament efforts over the last 50 years. Light refreshments provided. uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery
The Art of Lied & Mélodie – Free Admission to Masterclasses and Concerts (St Andrews Presbyterian, Kitchener). This Festival/Workshop, organized by Bass-Baritone Daniel Lichti, brings together pianists and singers to explore the best of Lied. Afternoon Masterclasses (July 23,24,27,28,30, 2-5pm) and Evening Concerts (July 25, July 31, Aug 1, 7pm). Attendees are invited to contribute to the Douglas Hass Music Ministry Enhancement Endowment Fund. https://theartoflied.com/
Bucket of Thanks – Save the Date
Saturday August 29th 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the MCC Hub in New Hamburg.
From the MCC Hub, thousands of kits and cans of meat are shipped worldwide to people in need. At Bucket of Thanks, it’s your turn to roll up your sleeves and pack a kit that will be shipped overseas. In addition, you can sample and purchase canned meat and enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting and a bouncy castle. Gather some friends and participate in a competitive Soap Structure Contest. Learn more here.
Save the Date – Saturday November 7th Peace Conference: Nourishing Peace Together at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener. Registration opens August 1st.
If you’re hungry for connection, meaning and practical ways to resist despair in a world that feels overwhelming, plan to be at this year’s Peace Conference. MCC Ontario is hosting an in‑person event for people who don’t have everything figured out but who want to build peace. Attendees will:
- Learn how to practice peace in everyday life
- Hear from courageous people pursuing justice, reconciliation and care in hard places
- Share food, stories and space
- Take action, like knotting comforters and sending advocacy letters, to remind us we’re not powerless