East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 66 Sunday June 4, 2023 No. 23
Worship Service – Sunday June 4, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Story of God, Story of Us: The Writing on the Wall
Prelude: Katie Wagler Accompanist: Katie Wagler
Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf Song Leader: Myron Ruby
Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby Message: Pastor Ray
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Leadership
Greeters: Janet & Marv Yantzi
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class
Prelude
Welcome & Opening Greeting
Announcements
Call to Worship and Opening prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT # 62 “God Is Here among Us”
VT #182 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Offering – Leadership
Time with the Children
Scripture Readings: Daniel 5:17-28; 7:13-14
Message: Pastor Ray
Song of Response
VT #411 “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
Prayer of the Church: Pastor Mike
Sending Song
VT #841 “As You Go Out from Here”
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.
Sunday School classes
Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.
Junior Youth class (Grades 6 to 8) meets upstairs in Room #9
Youth class meets upstairs in the MYF room (Room #11)
Adult Sunday School – God’s Story, Our Story: Reading the Bible Together
Following the service and a time of fellowship, you are invited to the basement for a time of discussion as we reflect on the Bible story for the week. Using the questions from the reading schedule to guide us, we will try and figure out what each story means to us today as God’s people. We will plan to keep the Zoom link open and will have a leader to guide discussion for Zoom participants.
This Coming Week
Wednesday June 7th (please note change of date from Tuesday)
9 a.m. Sewing Circle – Everyone is welcome to join us to knot comforters or
quilt. Come for the day or part of the day. Lunch will be provided.
8 p.m. VBS Staff Training Meeting. See VBS announcement for more details.
Thursday June 8th
9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
Friday June 9th – Saturday June 10th
MYF Retreat in Exeter
Next Sunday – June 11, 2023
Story of God, Story of Us: Rebuilding The Walls
Prelude: Bethany Klein Accompanist: Bethany Klein
Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman Message: Pastor Mike
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: MCEC & MC Canada
Greeters: Marlow & Janice Gingerich
CENT Volunteer Appreciation, Grade 12 Graduate Recognition, and
Membership Sunday – Carol and Owen Cook will share with us and we will officially welcome them as members of East Zorra.
EZMC Announcements
May 2023 Donations Received Summary
Offering Schedule Designations – $35,357
Green Space – $700
Reminder of available donation methods:
– cash or cheque in offering collection each Sunday (blank envelopes available from ushers)
– e-transfer to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca
– monthly PAD (request for info to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca)
– weekly automatic transfer from a Kindred account (request for info to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca)
– cheques dropped off/mailed to Dawn or to church
The 2023 Camp Subsidy Form deadline is quickly approaching. Please complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (657173 15th line, R.R.#1 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0) by June 15th. Forms are available by the bulletin board outside the Nursery or by contacting Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca .
If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.
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 12th for the 2023/2024 school year (Sept 2023 – Aug 2024). 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.
We have started scheduling greeters for Sunday morning worship time, but it is not too late to add your name. As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year? The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board, or email or call Lisa Suderman, our office administrator, if you are willing to help with this ministry.
Calling All Men! You are invited to BBQ at Trevor Kropf’s on Saturday June 17 beginning at 11:30am. This is a great way to build community and enjoy the beginning of summer with a group of guys at East Zorra. Old and New faces are welcome!
Bring your own beverage and join us for some meat, good company and conversation (and maybe some corn hole). Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other men at East Zorra, space is limited so sign-up today!
Contact Pastor Mike if you are interested at mike@ezmennonite.ca or use the sign-up sheet.
Save the Date – Sunday June 25thEast Zorra is planning to hold a special service of Baptism followed by a celebration of the good things that God has done for us this year. More details will follow in the weeks to come.
If you are interested in Baptism, please speak with Pastor Ray or Pastor Mike.
Adult Fellowship, Thursday, June 29th. 7:00 pm.
Come enjoy our annual strawberry social. There will be special music and Jan Ropp will share her story of the challenges living life with Lupus.
There will be an opportunity to make an donation to Lupus Ontario. Envelopes will be provided. This event will also be available via Zoom, with the link being sent closer to the date.
Adult Fellowship,
St Jacobs Country Playhouse has 50 tickets on hold for adult fellowship to see the Musical Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Saturday, August 5th at 2:00 pm. ASAP sign your name on the sheet on bulletin board in the lobby or talk to a committee member if you plan to go. We plan to meet by 12:45 pm at church to carpool to St. Jacobs. Following the musical we will return to the church for a catered supper by D&D cuisine. The total cost for Musical and supper is $70 per person. Payment is due by June 25th and may be given to Jim & Carol, Ray & Laurel or Philip & Shirley
Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14
Registration for VBS this summer is now officially open. We sent out a link to a google form for registration to all the families that pre-registered with us. If you did not receive it, please let us know or check the EZMC website where you can also find it! Our registration deadline is June 5 so please register before then. Thank you to everyone that has volunteered so far. We still need 2 people for registration Monday morning, 3-4 Tribe leaders and 2-3 people for the marketplace (crafts) each day. We are planning a Staff Training meeting at the church on June 7th in the evening for about 1 hour. Last year this was a great time of sharing ideas, plans and excitement for the week.
Can’t help during the week of VBS but still want to help somehow? We are going to have a work bee on June 21 in the evening to help prep materials, decorations, and crafts. All are welcome. Times for both June 7 and June 21 TBD.
Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com
Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com
Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14
All adults wishing to volunteer at VBS must a Vulnerable Sector Check on file in the church office as well as a completed Volunteer Commitment form for the current year. Please contact Lisa in the church office at office@ezmennonite.ca for more information on how to get this process started.
Beyond Our Church Community
Sunday June 4th 3 p.m. The Jubilation Male Chorus Spring Benefit Concert at Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church (George Street in Kitchener). Freewill offering in support of House of Friendship. Envelopes will be provided.
Sunday June 4th 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at 183 Mill St., New Hamburg. Love Your Neighbour Communities Community Launch. Hear from community leaders Karen Redman, Region of Waterloo Chair; Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot Township; Police Chief Mark Crowell and Scott Piatkowski, Community Housing Transformation Centre. See the historic mill and view plans for the future build of attainable housing. Enjoy light refreshments.
Monday June 5th 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers Spring Concert (postponed from May) is at St Jacobs Mennonite Church (1310 King St. N, St Jacobs). ‘a light exists in spring’ will include music for spring, seasonal congregational hymns, door prizes and refreshments to follow. $25 Adults. $5 Children/Students. Previous physical tickets honoured, or purchase new tickets online or at the door (cash or credit) www.mennosingers.com
Tuesday June 13th 5 – 7 p.m. Hidden Acres is hosting their 56th Annual Chicken BBQ & 15th Annual Pie Auction Fundraiser. Come and enjoy our delicious chicken dinner that thousands of people have come to know and love. Along with the chicken, your meal includes potato salad, coleslaw, veggies, pickles, a fresh roll, chips and an apple or fresh baked donut.
$18 Small meal (1 piece of chicken) / $22 Regular meal (2 pieces of chicken).
Please visit hiddenacres.ca for more details and to order your tickets. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.
Wednesday June 14th 7 p.m. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario annual meeting with Len Friesen, Wednesday, at Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church. “Questions Asked & Answered: On Writing the History of Mennonites in Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union.” Details at mhso.org.
National Indigenous History Month (June) & National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) are a time for all Canadians to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of Indigenous peoples and to reflect on the ongoing impact of colonialism on these communities. Visit mcco.ca/indigenous-history-month to explore resources and events to help celebrate and appreciate diverse cultures found in Indigenous communities.
Sunday June 25th 2:30 to 4 p.m. All are invited to the Detweiler Meetinghouse at 3445 Roseville Road to enjoy the music, songs and stories by the Mac Talla Road Duo. Admission is by donation. For information or questions about Detweiler Meetinghouse, see Detweilermeetinghouse.ca, Facebook or Marion Roes at mlroes@sympatico.ca .
Friday June 30th – Sunday July 2nd Hidden Acres is hosting our annual Family Camping Weekend! Bring your family to enjoy the outdoors, go swimming, canoeing and climbing on our outdoor climbing tower. Contact the camp to reserve a cabin space at info@hiddenacres.ca. First come, first served for camping spots. More information can be found on our website at www.hiddenacres.ca
See you there!
Interfaith Counseling Centre (ICC) Board of Directors, New Hamburg, is searching to fill two Board of Director positions:
- Secretary is responsible for a timely and accurate record of the Board’s activities, particularly in terms of publishing agendas and minutes. Other clerical tasks include periodic review of various documentation for ICC. The Secretary is a full, voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.
- Treasurer is responsible for oversight of the financial matters of ICC, is a full voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.
- Member at large is a full voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.
The mission of Interfaith Counseling Centre is to ‘strengthen the fabric of our community by empowering individuals, couples, and families to realize their emotional wellness and triumph over life’s challenges.’ We invite you to join our strong, forty year history of providing such service and care in support of the citizens of Wilmot Township. Find more information about these volunteer opportunities at https://interfaithcounselling.ca/about-job-vacancies.php. Also, if you are interested in volunteering or might nominate someone who is, email Valerie Troy, Board HR, for more information: vtroy2005@gmail.com
Join our team! Do you want to make a difference in your community and around the world? At MCC we are committed to making a difference by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. We have three new openings. Check them out at mcco.ca/serve and apply today.
The New Hamburg Thrift Centre is hiring! New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking for a new Associate Logistics, supporting the logistical operation of the thrift centre. Go to mcco.ca/serve to see the job posting and to apply today!