East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday September 27, 2026 No. 39
Sunday September 27, 2026 – Join Sunday Worship Zoom at 10 a.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83137404938?pwd=hcotNxuDaoj9icACblTui3Jcsx9aOK.1
Meeting ID: 831 3740 4938 Passcode: 415319
Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler Song Leader: Caleb Leis
Greeter: Holly & Luke Barron Worship Leader: Megan MacDonald
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf Coffeetime: Shirley & Phil Ruby
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT #98 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
VT #667 “Shall We Gather at the River”
Offering – Local Ministries
Children’s Story – Children’s Blessing Pastor Mike
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9
Message Pastor Mike
Song of Response
VT #545 “Here I Am, Lord”
Sunday School Blessing Dawn Bender, Caleb Leis
CENT Lay Ministers
Prayer of the Church Pastor Mike
Sending Song
VT #831 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
Benediction
Postlude
Today
Children’s Blessing: Back to School & Play
During the Children’s story – Kids are invited to bring something that represents a hobby, sport, or activity they enjoy. It could be a jersey, or glove, or dance shoes. Kids will be invited to share about some of the exciting things they do before having a special blessing for the year.
Pastor Ray is speaking at Tavistock Mennonite Church this morning
Coffeetime immediately following the worship service. 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
11 a.m. Attention Parents: During Coffeetime, please take advantage of the opportunity to fill out registration/waiver forms for your children in the basement. Our Safe Church Policy requires that parents complete a separate form for each child involved in Sunday School, Junior Youth, and MYF who are under the age of 18.
Volunteers: Please take a few moments to complete a Volunteer Commitment Form. This is required by our Safe Church Policy before you volunteer with children, youth, seniors and other vulnerable persons for this program year (Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027). Copies of the form will be available at the same table as the waiver forms. The EZMC Safe Church Policy and Social Media Policy will be there if you need to read them before signing. Thanks so much.
12 – 3 p.m. Jwalkers Fall Kickoff Event: All junior youth in grades 6-8 are invited to join us for our kickoff event! A pizza lunch will be provided right after church. We will have some games and activities in the green space after lunch. Please speak to Tyler and Jess Yantzi, Megan McDonald, Erin Schlegel or Erin Yantzi with any questions.
12 – 6 p.m. Private Party
This Coming Week
Tuesday September 29th
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement – Come join this community of friends as we strengthen our bodies and worship our God! Bring a water bottle, fitness mat, and light weights. New participants welcome!
Wednesday September 30th
- 10”30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
- Play Group setup
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Listening to Scripture 1 Peter Living as Exiles.
Please see announcement for further details and to RSVP.
Thursday October 1st
- 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. E Z Play Group
Friday October 2nd
- 7 p.m. MYF – Pizza and Popcorn at Brian and Heidi Wagler’s
Next Sunday – October 4, 2026
Communion Sunday
Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr Song Leader: Connie Yantzi
Greeter: Bethany & Trevor Kropf Worship Leader: Dawn Bender
Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Kristen Cressman Offering: Mission Partners
Coffeetime: Michelle & Brad Brenneman Message: Pastor Ray
EZMC Announcements
Children’s time volunteers wanted! If you are looking for an opportunity to be more involved with our services here at East Zorra, we are looking for volunteers to lead our children’s time. If interested, please email Lauren Witmer-Hohl at laurenwitmer96@gmail.com
Wednesday Morning Coffee & Bible Study
Join us for a cup of coffee and join us for fellowship and Scripture!
Starting Wednesday, September 29, we’ll gather each week from 10:30–11:30 AM for conversation, connection, and a look into God’s Word together.
All are welcome. Newcomers are welcome.
We’d love to see you there!
Monday Night October 5th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Health Ministry Team is Hosting our next Big Cook Event. We will be Filling the Freezer with Meals ready to share within our Congregation. See the sign-up sheet on the Health Ministry Bulletin Board. On the menu will be Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potatoes with Mixed Vegetables. We anticipate needing approximately 8 volunteers. Varied jobs will range from Chopping and Shredding, Stove Top duties, Assembling and Packaging Meals. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Connect with Heidi if you have any questions.
Fall Walk & Connect
Do you desire more community connections and time outside this fall?
Do the shorter days of fall leave you feeling tired and with less energy to do the things you enjoy?
If so, embrace this season and join a ‘Fall Walk & Connect’! Come when you can, walk at your pace, and enjoy wonderful connection with others! Open to all youth and adults, your neighbours and friends!
The program will run bi-weekly on Monday evenings from Oct 5 to Dec 14 under streetlights in Tavistock or New Hamburg (in areas that are well-lit). If there is interest, we may add an occasional daytime and/or weekend walk. No pressure to attend all, come when you can!
For our initial gathering on Oct 5, meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock. Following a walk of 45 – 60 minutes, for those interested, we’ll grab a beverage or snack (e.g. ice cream!?) at a local establishment and continue great connection!
Time spent walking outside with others can boost your mood, reduce your stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Hope to connect with you there!
If you have questions, or ideas for theme walks, please contact Tracey Kropf.
Listening to Scripture: 1 Peter – Living as Exiles
Do you ever feel like a stranger in your own culture — like your convictions put you out of step with the world around you? If so, you’re in good company.
This fall, we are listening 1 Peter, a letter written to those facing hostility for their faith as Peter reminds them not to fight back or to disappear but reminds them who they are: adopted into God’s family, citizens of a kingdom that doesn’t waver, and people whose suffering can become a refining fire rather than a defeat.
Together we’ll explore what it means to:
- Live as “exiles and wanderers” whose true home is with God
- Meet hostility with love, honor, and generosity instead of retaliation
- Root our hope not in circumstances, but in the resurrection of Jesus and His promised return
Whether you’re wrestling with cultural pressure, personal hardship, or just want to grow deeper in the Word, this study offers real encouragement for real life.
Space is limited. Contact Pastor Mike to register.
📅 Wednesdays – September 29, October 14, 28, November 11, 25, December 9
🕐 6:30 -7:30 PM
📍 Church Basement
Women’s Bible Study – Wednesday October 7th 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Whether you’re new to Bible study or have been studying Scripture for years, we’d love to welcome you. Our Women’s Bible Study is a relaxed and encouraging place where women can grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and explore God’s Word together.
Most studies are held upstairs at East Zorra Mennonite Church. From time to time, some of the ladies enjoy hosting the study in their homes. Any location changes will be shared through our Events Calendar, weekly bulletin, and church email updates.
What to Bring – Your Bible. a notebook or notepad and a pen
Tea is always provided, and while bringing a snack to share is completely optional, it is always appreciated.
Each evening includes fellowship & conversation, prayer, worship, scripture reading, video teaching & discussion, personal reflection, group sharing, closing prayer.
Our desire is to create a welcoming space where women can grow together in Christ, encourage one another, and deepen their understanding of God’s Word.
This fall we will be completing The Book of Romans: Part 1 by J.D. Greear, focusing on Romans Chapters 1-7.
Once this study concludes in October, we’ll begin a new series—and everyone’s suggestions are warmly welcomed!
If you miss a study, don’t worry. You can easily catch up through RightNow Media.
For more information or any questions, please contact Jess Yantzi by email.
Come as you are—we look forward to studying God’s Word together with you!
Thursday October 8th 12 p.m. High Noon Seniors Lunch at Grace United Church in Tavistock. A homestyle lunch (Cost: Freewill offering) will be served followed by a presentation by Richard & Joan Hryniw, “The Story of the Little Boxes. Please bring used greeting cards. Mark your calendars for these upcoming High Noon dates:
Thursday November 12 – Jean Atcheson fromStratford Mission Depot
Thursday December 10 – Music by No Discernable Key
Sunday October 18th 7 p.m. Concert / Sing-a-Long at East Zorra Mennonite Church
Featuring East Zorra Praise Band, Myron & his Mighty Men, and Grassroots.
Free will offering for TAP. Hope to see you there and bring your friends!
Wednesday October 21st from 4-8PM 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 please sign up on the bulletin board or have any questions please speak to Dylan Yantzi.
Beyond Our Church Community
Saturday October 3rd Theatre of the Beat is celebrating its 15th anniversary from 4-7pm at Danforth Mennonite Church – live performances, anniversary quilt activity, BBQ and Childcare will be provided. RSVP at theatreofthebeat.ca, and contactjohnny@theatreofthebeat.ca for carpooling options.
Monday October 5th – Seniors Retreat at Hidden Acres
Seniors (55+) are invited to spend the day at Hidden Acres. Our theme is The Gifts and Challenges of Aging: Releasing and Embracing. Cost is $55 and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/seniors-retreat
CONNECTIONS HOMECOMING NIGHT
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to its annual Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser followed by the Alumni Sports Challenge. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 16 and join us for some family-friendly fun in our NEWLY RENOVATED Athletics Facility! Visitwww.rockway.ca/events for details, tickets or to learn how to play on the Alumni teams!
Saturday October 31st 7-8:30 p.m. With Grateful Hearts – Mennonite Disaster Service is hosting a special evening to celebrate God’s work through MDS at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Join us for food, fellowship, music, and to hear stories from Kevin King (retiring MDS U.S. Executive Director). Find more details on our events page: https://mds.org/event/ .
Saturday October 3rd 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.,100-Year Vision: Multigenerational Organizing for Repair with Indigenous Communities atShantz Mennonite Church.Join MCC, Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Executive Director Sarah Augustine (virtually) and Associate Director Jonathan Neufeld (in person) as they lay out the Coalition’s 100-year vision for multigenerational repair. It took people generations to create the reality Indigenous people live with today, and it will take generations of people to climb the mountain of (re)conciliation. Attend in person or via livestream. Lunch and light snacks provided. Register here.
Kits, Cans and Comforters: Tours of the MCC Hub
1st Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. and 3rd Thursday of the month at 10 a.m.
65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg
You don’t have to wait for a special event to explore the MCC Hub. Invite a friend and join one of two monthly tours open to the public. Learn what’s involved in packing and preparing kits and comforters for international shipment, and tour MCC’s new meat canning facility, which sends thousands of pounds of nutrient-rich meat to countries facing food shortages. No RSVP required.
Save the Date – Saturday November 7th Peace Conference: Nourishing Peace Together at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener.Registration opens August 1st. If you’re hungry for connection, meaning and practical ways to resist despair in a world that feels overwhelming, plan to be at this year’s Peace Conference. MCC Ontario is hosting an in‑person event for people who don’t have everything figured out but who want to build peace. Attendees will:
- Learn how to practice peace in everyday life
- Hear from courageous people pursuing justice, reconciliation and care in hard places
- Share food, stories and space
- Take action, like knotting comforters and sending advocacy letters, to remind us we’re not powerless