East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 66 Sunday May 21, 2023 No. 21
Worship Service – Sunday May 21, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Story of God, Story of Us: The Exile and the Faithful Love of God
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 today, or Sunday School classes afterwards.
Prelude
Welcome
Announcements
Call to Worship and Opening prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT #419 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
VT # 31 “Come, We That Love”
Offering – Leadership
Time with the Children
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 36:11-23; Jeremiah 7:23-26; Lamentations 3:19-26
Message: Pastor Ray
Songs of Response HWB #163 “Obey my Voice”
“The Steadfast Love”
Prayer of the Church
Sending Song VT #570 “When We Walk with the Lord”
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.
This Coming Week
Thursday May 25th
9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
6 p.m. SCRC Meeting
Friday May 26th
MYF will be going to the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale and then returning to church for a campfire
Friday May 26th and Saturday May 27th
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Please see the announcements for more information.
Next Sunday – May 28, 2023
Prelude: Worship Band Accompanist: Heidi Wagler
Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis Song Leader: Connie Yantzi
Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth Message: Pastor Mike
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Local Ministries
Extending God’s Love
We extend God’s love as we share with each other both our joys and our struggles.
The board of directors of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Brenneman as executive director, commencing June 1, 2023. Michelle is the current director of human resources at MCC Ontario and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Michelle started her work with MCC Ontario 16 years ago in the Restorative Justice program (2007-2012). She then moved into the role of human resources coordinator (2012-2018), followed by her transition to the director of human resources role (2018 to present). Michelle’s strong leadership experience combined with her deep passion for the work and mission of MCC make her an excellent choice to lead MCC Ontario forward.
As a congregation with extend our words of blessing to Michelle as she begins this new role. We invite your prayers for Michelle & Brad, and their family, as Michelle enters into her new role in a few weeks.
EZMC Announcements
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 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 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? 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.”
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.
Sunday May 28th 2- 4 pm Open house. Please join us in celebrating the 85th & 90th birthdays of Mary & Bruce Brenneman along with their 63rd wedding anniversary at East Zorra Mennonite Church. Best wishes only please.
Wednesday June 7th (please note date change 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. Masks are available.
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
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.
If you volunteered with children or vulnerable persons this program year (9/1/22 – 8/31/23) and do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) on file, please contact Lisa in the church office for more information. 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 if you haven’t already done so. See your Volunteer packet for instructions and more info. Thanks so much.
Beyond Our Church Community
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 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 pm. 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.
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!
ICC’s Annual Silent Auction (fundraiser) is now online and ready for your bids! Take a look at some awesome donations made by local businesses and individuals.
https://www.32auctions.com/ICC2023silentauction. ICC would very much appreciate your support and there are some great items to bid on! Thank you in advance for your support.
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!
The May edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: learn about the need for volunteers in Cape Breton and read the hope-filled stories of disaster survivors in that area; plus, we share some of the joys and challenges of cooking for an MDS crew.
Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/3Mbek64
