East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday March 1, 2026 No. 9
Prelude/Offertory: Brandy Sell & Rebecca Williamson Accompanist: Brandy Sell
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler Song Leader: Myron Ruby
Greeter: Jean MacDonald
Worship Service and 2025 Annual Meeting
Prelude
Words of Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Song of Praise VT #84 “To God be the Glory”
Offering Mission Partners
Scripture Reading: John 17:20-26 Pastor Mike
Remembering our East Zorra Purpose Statement
Time with Children Sheryl Leis
Sharing by Lindsay Zehr (Lay Minister of Worship)
Dylan Yantzi, (Lay Minister of Mission)
Dawn Bender & Caleb Leis (Lay Ministers of Christian Education)
Linda Schumm (Care Team) & Heidi Wagler (Faith Community Nurse)
Congregational Song VT #4 “Christ is our Cornerstone”
Time of remembering led by Care Team
We will remember the lives of our congregational members who died in 2025
Linda Schumm to remember Shirley Roth and Helen Kropf
Merv Ropp to remember Steve Locke and Wayne Yantzi
Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray
Congregational Song VT #812 “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing”
East Zorra Community Slideshow: Celebration of many programs & volunteers
Children dismissed to Activities (JK to Grade 8 meet in the Assembly Room. Please note there are no classes for the Nursery/Preschool children today)
Sunday School Hour – Review of business operations of our church
- Review of the 2024 Annual Meeting minutes
- Agenda Review
- Treasurer’s Report
- Review and auditor approval of 2025
- Review and approval of 2025 commitments and offering schedule
- Conversation about Giving
- Kitchen Renovation Proposal
- Summer Internship Proposal
- Trustee Report
- Opportunity for Questions
- Departing to Serve – Closing prayer
This Coming Week
Monday March 2nd
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Voices Together – Come out for a night of singing together… your favourites along with a few new songs. All are welcome!
Tuesday March 3rd
- 9 am – 12 p.m. Sewing Circle
- 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.
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement
Wednesday March 4th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 6:30 pm SCRC Meeting
- Glorify Rehearsal
Thursday March 5th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 10:30 a.m. Lenten Worship Service at Grace United Church.
The Last Week – Anointing at Bethany, led by East Zorra Mennonite.
This year the ministerial has changed the format of these Thursday Lent services. We will meet for worship at 10:30 am and then following the 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.
Friday March 6th
- JWalkers (Jr Youth Gr 6-8) Gym Night
- MYF – Electives
Next Sunday – March 8, 2026
3rd Sunday of Lent
Ephesians 5:21 – 6:9
Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify Song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Student Aid
Coffee: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm Message: Pastor Mike
EZMC Announcements
Anabaptist Community Bible Order
The order will be placed soon. 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.
We are excited to share that we will be hosting a Women’s IF:Gathering on Friday, April 10th at the church. We’re looking forward to a powerful time of worship, encouragement, and growing together in Christ. Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
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
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.
Wednesday March 11th Face2Face at CMU: Being Peacemakers for a World of Surging Polarization. You are invited at 7 p.m. to Marpeck Commons or via livestream for an opportunity to explore how faith-driven empathy can bridge deep cultural divides with Dr. Chris Rice and faculty from CMU. Visit cmu.ca/face2face for more information and the livestream.
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.
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp
Singing the World Whole Music Retreat (April 10 – 12, 2026): From songs of solidarity and protest through the ages, to the favourites that see us through hard times, come enjoy a restorative camp weekend of making music in community. This retreat is for participants aged 15 and up. Register at slmc.ca/retreats
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.
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
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
Tri-County Mennonite Homes is looking for members of our 15 supporting congregations to serve on our Board of Directors commencing at our annual meeting in June. If you are interested or have someone to recommend, please contact Bruce Bechtel for more information. 519-801-0470 BBechtel@tcmhomes.com.
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.
- Social Enterpirse Pilot Lead (Full time contract) – Kitchener
- Facilities Assistant (Full time) – New Hamburg
- Thrift Team Member – Retail Focus (Full time contract) – New Hamburg
For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve.