East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday June 28, 2026 No. 26
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Worship Leader: Dawn Bender Greeters: Dawn & Greg Zehr
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf Coffeetime: Gloria & Tom Roth
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship
L: We come together as the family of faith
P: We assemble to honour the living God
L: Through Christ we become God’s holy household
P: In Christ we are bonded together to be God’s people
L: Our worship is united into oneness by the Holy Spirit
P: In communion with the Holy Spirit,
let us celebrate our unity
by Arlene M. Mark in Worship Resources(Worship Series) ed.by Arlene M. Mark (MPH,1982), 31
Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT #84 “To God Be the Glory”
VT #88 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
Offering – Local Ministries
Time with the Children Dawn Bender
Scripture Reading: Esther 4:1-17
Message Pastor Ray
Song of Response
VT #716 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Heidi Wagler
Faith Community Nurse
Sending Song
VT #827 “Move in Our Midst”
Benediction
This morning, we welcome Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite as we gather for the first of our shared Worship services on holiday weekends this summer.
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.
Please note that Sunday School classes for all ages will resume in the Fall.
This Coming Week
Monday June 29th
- 7 p.m. Walking Club – meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock
Tuesday June 30th
- 7:30 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting
Next Sunday – July 5, 2026
10:30 a.m.
EZMC Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park Pavilion Tavistock.
Please note that we are not having a Zoom service at the park.
Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler Song Leader: Susan Schmitz Worship Leader: Caleb Leis Offering: Mission Partners
Audio: Dathan Bender Sharing by: Jan Ropp
Again this summer in our message time we will hear from various congregational members who will share about their life with God. We pray that the stories and experiences shared this summer will be an encouragement, and a reminder to each of us that God is with us.
Potluck immediately following worship. Please bring your own dishes and cutlery, lawn chairs, (and of course delicious food to share!). Drinks will be provided.
The Sunday July 5 bulletin will be sent by email on Friday July 3rd as usual but not printed for the service. Those who regularly have bulletin deliveries will receive a paper copy.
Extending God’s Love
Please join us in praying this week for the families that are participating in VBS.
Heavenly Father, let the changes in kids’ hearts this week be an inspiration to their families. Let parents and caretakers pursue a deeper relationship with you. Let family connections grow stronger, deeper, and focused on you. Give kids strength to stand firmly rooted in their faith and relationship with you. Amen.
EZMC Announcements
Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite
6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on July 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 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.
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 – Tues July 14 & 28; Tues Aug 4 & 18
Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – June 29; July 13 & 27; Aug 10 & 24
Upcoming Summer Services:
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
Thursday 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
Want to learn more about volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service? Join our Zoom call on August 24 at 7:30pm EST. This Zoom meeting provides an opportunity for prospective volunteers to learn about MDS and the many available volunteer opportunities! Register by August 19 at https://mds.org/event/ways-to-get-involved-with-mds-2/.
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.
- Thrift Team Member – Receiving Focus (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.
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/
Timmins Learning Tour – August 17-21, 2026, Timmins, OntarioWe’re excited to invite you to a unique experiential learning tour, where the focus is on building strong connections and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This is more than just a trip – it’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, connect, learn, and contribute to building bridges between communities. Learn more here.
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