East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday March 29, 2026 No. 13
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
Prelude VT #86 “You are Exalted”
VT #365 “Lord, I lift your Name on High”
VT #314 “Holy Lord”
Welcome & Announcements
Opening Prayer
Song of Gathering & Praise “Praise is Rising” (Hosanna)
VT #411 “All Hail the Power”
Offering – Maintenance
Offertory VT #314 “Holy Lord”
Time with the Children Hannah Yantzi
“Hosanna”
Scripture Reading: Mark 14:1-11
Message – “A Beautiful Thing” Pastor Ray
Song of Response VT #755 “To my Precious Lord”
Confessing Our Faith
Prayer of the Church Pastor Mike
Sending Song “There is a Redeemer”
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.
11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages.
EZMC will provide the afternoon worship services at peopleCare and The Maples
This Coming Week
Tuesday March 31st
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement
Wednesday April 1st
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- Play Group setup
- 7 p.m. Glorify Rehearsal
- 7:30 p.m. Ladies Bible Study in the MYF room.
Thursday April 2nd
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service
Maundy Thursday Service
April 2, 2026
7 p.m.
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Worship Leaders: Pastors Ray & Mike Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/
Next Sunday – April 5, 2026
Easter Sunday – 10 a.m. Worship Service
Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify Song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Ashley & Jon Witzel Worship Leader: Pastor Mike
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/ Offering: Mission Partners
Message: Pastor Ray
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 a.m. – Children ages JK-Grade 8 can meet in the Assembly Room for Easter Story Lab & Activities.
EZMC Announcements
You, the very young to mature are invited to participate in Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare today, 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.
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.
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!
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.
Mid-term Review for Pastor Mike
Given Pastor Mike is now 3.5 years into his ministry at East Zorra, SCRC plans to facilitate a mid-term review. As part of that, we welcome congregational input for those interested. Questions for your reflection will be distributed via email the week after Easter (hardcopies will also be available at church), and we invite your response via 1) focus group discussion during Sunday School on Sunday April 26 and/or 2) written response to SCRC.
The review questions will focus on Mike’s strengths, gifts and significant contributions to our ministry at East Zorra, as well as areas of growth and how the congregation can support Pastor Mike in his development.
Feedback is a gift! It is SCRC’s hope that this review will motivate and inspire Mike to continue to use his strengths and gifts to grow in his ministry and further strengthen the relationship between Mike and the congregation as together we seek to carry out our vision and mission. SCRC would encourage you to spend time in reflecting on Pastor Mike’s ministry to date and to bless him with the gift of feedback via participation at the end of April in the process / questions noted above. Questions on the review process in the meantime can be directed to any member of SCRC – Tracey Kropf, Megan McDonald, Bevin Witmer, Tyler Yantzi.
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, Sheryl, or Jess with any questions.
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.
CPR course – The Health Ministry team is offering CPR certification (including AED training) with Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
When: May 2nd (morning or afternoon class)
Where: EZMC basement
Cost: $50 cash or e-transfer (email for course leader will be provided day of)
Please reach out to Jill Rempel or Heidi Wagler if you are interested by April 20th
Beyond Our Church Community
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 6 p.m. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Fundraising Dinner
at Calvary United Church (48 Hawkesville Rd, St. Jacobs N0B 2N0)
More than just a meal, the NHMRS fundraising dinner is your chance to connect with the community and support the relief sale and MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner catered by Gracie’s Country Oven and hear an update from MCC. Tickets are $30 each and children aged 3-10 are only $10! Donations will be gratefully accepted at the event in support of the relief sale. Purchase your ticket here.
Calling all musicians!
Saturday May 30th – New Hamburg Fairgrounds
If you have the gift of music and would like to share it with others for a good cause, we want to hear from you! The New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale is seeking musicians to enhance the ambience of the sale as patrons take in the atmosphere at this popular event. This opportunity is for 30-minute time slots between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. Please contact Lorieyantzi@outlook.com if you’re interested in this volunteer opportunity.