East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 66 Sunday May 14, 2023 No. 20
Worship Service – Sunday May 14, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Story of God, Story of Us: Jonah & A Mercy Too Wide?
Prelude: Mary Jane Yantzi Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish
Worship Leader: Dylan/Hannah Yantzi Song Leader: Myron Ruby
Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Merv Ropp Message: Pastor Mike
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: MCEC & MC Canada
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship and Opening prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT #28 “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”
VT #1 “Summoned by the God Who Made Us”
Offering – Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada
Time with the Children: Pastor Mike
Scripture Reading: Jonah 4
Message: Pastor Mike
Song of Response
VT #544 “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”
Prayer of the Church
Sending Song
VT#839 “Go Ye Now In Peace”
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.
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
Tuesday May 16th
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry at Jean MacDonald’s
Thursday May 18th
9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
Next Sunday – May 21, 2023
Prelude: Heidi Wagler Accompanist: Heidi Wagler
Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi Song Leader: Caleb Leis
Coffee Hosts: Gwen & Dan Matthews Message: Pastor Ray
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler Offering: Leadership
Please note that we are not having a Faith Exploration Class before worship,
or Sunday School classes afterwards, on this day.
Extending God’s Love
We extend God’s love as we share with each other both our joys and our struggles.
EZMC Announcements
MYF is taking orders for T shirts, Golf shirts and Hoodies, complete with the EZ Logo. Samples are available in the church basement for you to look at and make your selection. Prices are as shown on the order sheets. These shirts are being sold as a fundraiser. Deadline to order is today, Sunday May 14th!
The Health Ministry Team thanks all who participated in the Advance Care Planning Workshop. It was recorded on Zoom and can be watched from the Church Website for those who missed it. Dr Hook wanted to say he “enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces.” He is willing to present to clubs and organizations within the local area if anyone has connections, please let Heidi know and for details on how to contact him. Feel free to connect with The Health Ministry Team or Parish Nurse if you have questions regarding Advance Care Conversations. There are resources by the Health Ministry Bulletin Board.
We are hoping to begin scheduling greeters for Sunday morning worship time. As a greeter (individual, couple or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parents 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? Please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, or email or call Lisa Suderman, our office administrator, if you are willing to help with this ministry.
“With spring in the air”, one can’t help but long for the day we can all gather again on the Green Space. Final plans are underway and in a few weeks they can begin with your help. As reported in the annual report – there continues to be a need for funds to complete projects in the amount of 3,670.00. Dawn Zehr can receive your donations by cheque in the offering, dropped at her home or by e-transfer – designated for the Green Space. Thank you for your support.”
There are still ways you can help with the donut project for the Mennonite Relief Sale on May 27!
– we are collecting 500 ml plastic tubs and lids – we will reuse then recycle – put in marked box in mailbox entry
– large bowls to borrow for mixing are needed for May 25-27; can be left in kitchen at church; please label
If you have questions please contact Greg and Dawn at gdzehr@gmail.com
Donut Sales
One or two volunteers to help for donut sales would be a great help. Please contact Diane Gerber.
Donut Project Set Up
Volunteers are needed for loading supplies on Thursday evening (about 2 hours), May 25 and setting up on Friday morning (a few hours), May 26. Anyone interested should contact Bill Roth at kilbride@rogers.com.
Open house. Please join us in celebrating the 85th & 90th birthdays of Mary & Bruce Brenneman along with their 63rd wedding anniversary on May 28, 2023, 2- 4 pm at East Zorra Mennonite Church. Best wishes only please.
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,
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
We are working on our pre-registration list for kids that want to attend VBS this summer and explore Babylon with us! It’s not too early to let us know you are planning on joining us. Adults of the church, we need your help! We already have over 70 children wanting to come to VBS this summer, so we need leaders to make this happen. This curriculum is relevant and meaningful and we as adults have lots to learn from it too. Each role that needs to be filled for the week comes with a very well laid out manual, so you don’t need to plan out lessons, just read ahead to be prepared to share what you have read with the children. Please check out our bulletin board for “job descriptions” or speak with Naomi or Ashley if you want to help out but don’t know where you might fit in best. Help for the full week or just a few days is welcomed. Thank you for considering this important ministry opportunity.
Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com
Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com
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 completed.
If you volunteered with Junior Sunday School this program year (9/1/22 – 8/31/23) and do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) on file, you will find a Volunteer packet in your church mailbox. This process is now done online and is usually quick and easy. Please submit your VSC to the church office as soon as possible. You will also need to complete a Volunteer Commitment Form. See packet for more info. Thanks so much.
Beyond Our Church Community
Wednesday May 17th 7:30 pm, online Climate Action for Peace – Launch Event
Climate change is making difficult situations even worse, creating resource scarcity and heightening tensions in areas suffering from the negative impacts of climate change. Join us to learn about how people around the world, with the help of MCC’s partners, are taking action to respond to the impacts of climate change and how you can get involved. Go to mcco.ca/events to register.
May 19th – 21st Calling all Hidden Acres Alumni! HAC Alumni Weekend. Join us for the whole weekend overnight or just the day, to connect, be encouraged and get involved! For more details visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or email alumni@hiddenacres.ca
Friday May 26th & Saturday May 27th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
More than just delicious food and a quilt auction, the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale is a chance to connect with community and support MCC. Join the fun at the 57th annual New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. For more information, go to nhmrs.com.
Saturday May 27th 8 am The Run for Relief is back in person! New Hamburg Fairgrounds & Arena. Before you join the lines for spring rolls and doughnuts at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, get an early morning 2 km or 5 km fun run in at the Run for Relief. Not a runner? Walkers are also welcome! All participants are invited to gather at the New Hamburg Fairgrounds at 8:00 am. For more info, go to nhmrs.com/run-for-relief.
Friday June 2nd 6 – 8:30 p.m Community Swap Till You Drop at Tavistock Mennonite Church. Earn your invitation by dropping off donations the week prior (at designated times) and then shop for free Friday night. Leftover items will be sold at the Community Garage Sale the next day (Saturday June 3rd) with proceeds benefiting refugee sponsorship. See event poster located on the main bulletin board or by contacting Alea F at office@tavistockmennonitechurch.ca or Peggy J at 519-655-2242.
Sunday June 3rd 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.
Menno Singers has a new date for our postponed Spring Concert: Monday, June 5 at 7:30 pm 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 pm. 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.
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!
The New Hamburg Thrift Centre is hiring!
New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking for a new Associate Logisitcs, supporting the logistical operation of the thrift centre. Go to mcco.ca/serve to see the job posting and to apply today!