East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday March 22, 2026 No. 12
Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler Song Leader: Caleb Leis
Greeters: Naomi & Dustin Mogk Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf Coffee: Brett Zehr & Ryan Wagler
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Song of Gathering & Praise
VT #162 “The Love of God”
VT #563 “Come Thou Fount”
Offering Leadership
Time with the Children Dana Hyde
Scripture Reading Mark 11:12-26
Message Pastor Mike
Song of Response
VT #717 “Renew Your Church”
Confessing our Faith Pastor Ray
Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray
Sending Song
VT #638 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Benediction
Postlude
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.
This Coming Week
Monday March 23
- Walking Club – meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock.
Tuesday March 24th
- 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.
Wednesday March 25th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- Play Group setup
Thursday March 26th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 10:30 a.m. Lenten Worship Service at Grace United Church.
The Last Week – Jesus in the garden led by Trinity Lutheran.
We will meet for worship at 10:30 a.m. and then following the service we will gather in the fellowship hall for a noon meal.
- 6 p.m. Big Read
Friday March 27th
- MYF – Indoor Mini golfing at Bingemans.
Saturday March 28th
- 12 – 6:30 p.m. Private Party
Next Sunday – March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday
Prelude/Accompanist: Worship Band Song Leader: Connie Yantzi
Greeters: Donna & Jim Witzel Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler Offering: Maintenance
Coffee: Nicole & Duane Swartzentruber Message: Pastor Ray
EZMC will provide the afternoon worship services at peopleCare and The Maples.
EZMC Announcements
Building Renovation Motion – Annual Meeting
Thank you for your participation, questions, and voting during the building renovation discussion at the annual meeting. The motion to renovate the kitchen in its current location received 92% support. With this strong support, we will move onto the next step of assembling a group to lead the practical process of overseeing the renovation. If you have any questions, please reach out to Brendan (519 505 5016 or b_leis@hotmail.com) or any member of church ministry council.
Again this year, Youth Unlimited YFC Wilmot is hosting their annual fundraiser banquet. It will be held on Saturday March 28th at Bethal EMC Church in New Dundee at 5:30 PM. This banquet supports the ministry of Jason Erb and Natalie Otterbein at Waterloo Oxford High School. EZMC has sponsored a table and we need 8 people to fill the table. If you would like to attend and hear more about the ministry at Water-Oxford please reach out to Pastor Ray.
You, the very young to mature are invited to participate in Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare on March 29! It’s a two hour commitment at the very most. The half hour service involves reading scripture, a poem or short story, and singing followed by saying hello to the residents. The first service begins at 1:30 p.m. and all is done by 3:30 p.m. at the latest. Please reach out to Laurie Yantzi or Susan Schmitz if you would like to participate.
Easter Weekend Services
Maundy Thursday Service, April 2nd, at 7 p.m. will include Communion and Foot/Hand Washing.
Easter Sunday – April 5th
8:30 a.m. – A light Easter breakfast will be served. A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board.
9:20-9:50 Children ages JK-Grade 8 can meet in the Assembly Room for Easter Story Lab & Activities.
10 a.m. Easter Worship Service
Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 42nd Annual Bowlathon is happening again this year on April 11th! This is one of the camp’s main annual fundraising events with last year’s Bowlathon raising over $31,000! For any cash or cheque donations, please send them to Caleb Leis. If you are wanting to donate online, please use the following link at hiddenacres.ca/donate and select “Annual Bowlathon” from the list. Thank you!”
It is soon time for new Coffee Hosts and Greeters schedules
Coffee Time Hosts – A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.
Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the Nursery and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 am or shortly after when you serve in this role.
If you are interested in being added to the Coffee Time Host or Greeter list please contact Lisa, our Office Administrator, by Tuesday April 7th. If you are presently a Coffee Host of Greeter you will be included on the next schedule. If you would like to be removed from either list please let Lisa know.
Faith Formation Classes
Are you considering baptism, or are you simply curious about the foundations of the Christian faith? We invite you to join our upcoming Faith Formation classes. This is a welcoming space to ask big questions, explore belief, and discover what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.
- When: Sunday mornings, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM in the MYF Room
- Start Date: Sunday, April 12
- Who: Anyone seeking baptism, new believers, or the spiritually curious.
Whether you are ready to take the next step in your faith or are just looking for a place to start the conversation, there is a seat for you at the table.
Skating Party – Saturday April 18 4 – 6 pm! The Congregational Life Committee invites you to a skating party at the Tavistock Recreation Centre. We have the ice and upper hall rented. This event is for all! Whether you like to skate or prefer to watch while playing games and visiting in the upper hall, everyone is welcome! Bring your families, friends, and neighbours, and a finger-food snack to share. Drinks will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Summer 2026 Pastoral Intern Opportunity
East Zorra Mennonite Church invites applicants for the 2026 Summer Pastoral Internship.
This position is designed as a mentorship opportunity for an individual to explore a calling to ministry while gaining practical, hands-on experience in church leadership.
Responsibilities in 2026 include: facilitating a regular young adults group; assisting with Vacation Bible School (July 6-10); and Sunday morning worship. Additional activities may include visiting; planning children’s, youth, young adult or seniors’ activities; completing assigned Theological reading; etc.
The Ideal Candidate meets the following Qualification Requirements:
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a postsecondary theological or ministry training program.
- Baptized and a member of East Zorra Mennonite Church.
- Collaborative attitude to work effectively with staff and other church members/volunteers.
- Alignment with the values and mission of the church and a willingness to support its ministry.
- Agree to abide by the teachings of the Mennonite Church Canada Confession of Faith for the duration of the internship.
- A Vulnerable Sector Background Check.
This Pastoral Intern position will be from May 4, 2026, to August 21, 2026, working an average of 20 hours per week. Compensation for Summer 2026 is $22-$23/hr.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter describing why you are interested in the position to Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca by Monday March 30 at 11 pm.
Authored by the Word: A 5-Week Journey into the Heart of the Bible & Faithfulness
Do you ever feel like the Bible is treated more like a dry rulebook than a living encounter with God? Join us for a transformative five-week course exploring the Bible and some of the pressing issues of our day. The course will move beyond “winning arguments” to learning how the Bible “authors” us into a community of radical love, holiness, and hope.
Together, we will tackle some of the most pressing questions of our time:
- How do we hear God’s voice in a noisy world?
- What does “Cross-shaped” morality look like in the face of suffering?
- How should the church respond to the issues of our day?
- How is truth “proven” by the church’s witness in the world?
When: Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6
What to bring: An open heart and a curious mind.
If you would like to participate in this learning group, please contact Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca to register.
IF: One Night Event
When: April 10 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Where: East Zorra Church
Join us for an evening of fellowship, worship, prayer, and biblical teaching as we gather with women around the world for IF’s One Night event. We’ll watch engaging speakers online and spend time encouraging one another in faith.
Who: Women of all ages. Invite a friend and sign up on the bulletin board in the church foyer. Please sign up by Sunday April 5th.
A light supper will be served at 6:00 PM. Cash donations are appreciated.
Theme: For Such a Time
This season feels urgent—in the best way. Not rushed, but appointed.
God is moving in our world, and He’s inviting us to wake up to what He’s doing. To remember we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. To gather, pause, and step forward with purpose.
Romans 13:11–12 (NLT)
“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So, remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”
Please contact Erin, Ashley, Heidi or Jess with any questions.
Thursday April 30th from 4-8 p.m. East Zorra is scheduled to prepare and serve a meal to approximately 225 people experiencing poverty and homelessness in downtown Kitchener at Ray of Hope. The missions committee is looking for 10-12 volunteers. If you’re willing to volunteer or have any questions please speak to Dylan Yantzi or another member of the missions committee.
Beyond Our Church Community
SING in SOLIDARITY
Come and learn sons of Love, Resistance and Hope in support of our neighbours near and far.
Sunday, March 22, 4 – 5 pm
Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo
Link to Website: https://trilliumwaterloo.ca/event/sing-in-solidarity/
“Who Keeps Us Safe? Christian Politics of Care.” 2026 Bechtel Lecture presented by Isaac Villegas | March 26, 7:30 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College, Chapel. Register at grebel.ca/Bechtel
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.
This March the Irish Real Life Festival is hosting an exhibit inspired by Celtic knotwork and themes of community: ‘Shared Threads‘. March 1-30 at the Grebel Gallery, top floor of Conrad Grebel University College at 140 Westmount Rd North.
The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement is looking to hire a paid, summer intern to co-ordinate Peace Week 2026 as part of MCC’s Summerbridge program. Interested? Contact Teresa (cpacoordinator@uwaterloo.ca) by March 20.
Do you have a child in grades 6 – 11? Are you looking for a new school experience? Join us on Tuesday April 14th at 7 pm and discover why Rockway Mennonite Collegiate may be the right fit for your family. Register today at rockway.ca/events.
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.