Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68              Sunday November 16, 2025                      No. 46

Prelude/Offertory: Brandy Sell/Rebekah Williamson Accompanist: Brandy Sell

Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr                                        Greeters: Brendan & Sheryl Leis

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Larry Kropf                           Message: Pastor Mike

Coffee: Gloria & Tom Roth                   

Prelude                             

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise       VT #75 “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven!”

HWB #288 “Rejoice, the Lord is King”

Offering – Leadership

Children’s Story    

Scripture Readings                     Jeremiah 32:6-15, Philippians 4:1-8                 

Message                                     Pastor Mike                      

Song of Response                       VT #563 “Come, Thou Fount”               

Service of Commissioning          Dawn Bender, Lay Minister of Christian Education

Congregation: Dawn, we promise our support and encouragement as you serve as a Lay Minister of Christian Education. We urge you to consider your assignment as God’s occasion to work through you. May Christ express himself through you in word and deed. May our prayers uphold you and God’s love surround you.

Prayer of the Church                 Pastor Ray   

Sending Song                              VT #169 “Mercy, Mercy, Lord”

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.

Today is the last day that the draft Church Directory will be available in the basement. Please check your household listing and make any edits that are needed. There is still time to send photos to the church office atoffice@ezmennonite.ca. If you are unable to be at church today, please email any phone/address/email updates to Lisa this week. Thanks so much.

11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages.

12 p.m. Private Party (in the basement)

This Coming Week

Monday November 17^th

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – Finding the dark evenings difficult? Come walk with friends under the street lights in Tavistock! Meet at the Memorial Hall.

Tuesday November 18^th  

• 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl at Jean MacDonald’s (182 Rudy Ave, Tavistock).

Wednesday November 19^th     

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
• E Z Play Group setup

Thursday November 20^th   

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday November 21^st

• 7 – 9 p.m. Jr Youth – Games Night at church with Pastor Mike
• 7 – 9 p.m. MYF – Pickleball at the Tavistock Memorial Hall. If you have any paddles, please bring them with you.

Saturday November 22^nd

• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Private Party

Next Sunday – November 23, 2025

Service of Remembering

Prelude/Accompanist: Worship Band               Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Marilyn & Bob Zehr                          Worship Leader: Caleb Leis

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler     Offering: Local Ministries

Coffee: Nicole & Duane Swartzentruber Message: Pastor Ray

2 – 4 p.m. Please join us in celebrating Lorne Metzger’s 85^th birthday at the East Zorra Mennonite Church. It is drop in with best wishes only please. Everyone is welcome to come share some memories and refreshments.

EZMC Announcements

October 2025 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule – $38,175.45

Please consider joining our Christmas Choir this year! We will be taking part in the Christmas Eve service and possibly Sun, Dec 28 morning worship. All ages welcome! Please sign up on the lobby bulletin board so we know how many pieces of sheet music we will need. Thanks for sharing your voices!

Practice Dates will be:

Sunday, Nov 30  from 4-5 pm

Sunday, Dec 14  from 4-5 pm

Monday evenings, Dec 1 – 22 from 7-8 pm

Service of Remembering

During our worship service on November 23, we will take time to remember those who have died this past year by naming their names and lighting a candle in memory of them.

As we name each person we would like to project a picture of them. As in previous years we plan to name our congregational members, along with other close family members (siblings, parents, children) of our congregational members. If you have experienced another significant loss through death this year and wish to have that person named in our service, please contact Marv Yantzi, or Pastor Ray and please forward a picture that we could use.

Thursday November 27^th 6 p.m. Adult Fellowship Christmas Banquet
Cost $40.00 per person
Christmas concert to follow by Julie Gerber.
Tickets will be available from committee members.
Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Final numbers are needed by Tuesday November 18^th so please purchase your tickets before then. 

Beyond Our Church Community

Sunday November 16^th 3 p.m. Come out with your voice and your score to join Menno Singers in a Singalong Messiah with orchestra and soloists at St Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton St, Kitchener). The audience is the choir! Entrance by donation. www.mennosingers.com

Wednesday November 19^th 7:30 p.m. Sawatsky Lecture and Gospel Music Workshop with Rev. Dr. Braxton Shelley Attend a lecture exploring “The Gospel Imagination” and/or a Gospel Music workshop on Thursday November 20^th 7:30 p.m. presented by minister, musician, and musicologist Rev. Dr. Braxton Shelley. Both events are free, hosted at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo. Please register in advance. More information at grebel.ca/sawatsky

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate will hold their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday November 19^th at 7:30 pm on ZOOM. All are welcome to attend. The link will not be published on our website so please email AGM@rockway.ca to get the link today.  

Saturday November 22^nd Make A Difference Holiday Market 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

This festive event brings together local vendors and artisans for a joyful day of community, shopping, and giving back at Conrad Grebel University College (Atrium). Proceeds support The Working Centre.

More information at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events

Thursday November 27^th – Saturday November 29^th Ten Thousand Villages and Friends are holding a Christmas Market at MCC Ontario, Kitchener. Your purchase of these unique, fairly traded and handcrafted products supports employment and skill development. Come check it out. Please see the poster on the main bulletin board for more details.

Friday November 28 – Saturday November 29^th Men Listening, Men Talking: A Men’s Retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre.
Just a few spots remain for this men’s retreat that will focus on building healthy relationships of peace in your daily roles as fathers, sons, husbands and neighbours. We’ll learn lessons from guest speaker Arthur Boers, teacher, author and pastor, as he reflects on the impact and healing of generational trauma in his childhood. Learn more here.

Saturday November 29^th 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 7 p.m. Journey to the Stable at Grace United Church in Tavistock. A shepherd will lead an outdoor 20 minute retelling of the journey of the shepherds with live animals and actors. There will be refreshments and fellowship inside. All donations will go to the ministry of youth at Grace United.

Sunday November 30^th 7 p.m. Three Choirs at Christmas. Ring in the Advent season with choral favourites, readings and carols, sung by Menno Singers, Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir and Menno Youth Ensemble. Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St, Waterloo). Adults $30, Students $5. Tickets at the door or online at www.mennosingers.com

Sunday December 7^th 2 p.m.  An A Cappella Christmas with the Twin City Harmonizers  at Tavistock Mennonite Churchin support of TMC Refugee Sponsorship Fund.All your favourite Christmas songs sung in 4-part harmony.  Special Guests “The Loo Wops”.  For tickets call Tavistock church office (519-655-2581) or email office@tavistockmennonitechurch.ca,  visit twincityharmonizers.com or go to Eventbrite. Adults $20, Youth & Students $15, under 12 free.

Sunday December 14^th A LYNC Christmas 2 – 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Come join us for an amazing multimedia, light, and music extravaganza as we celebrate Christmas with our community. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas with Juneyt an award winning, world renowned musician and flamenco and Nuevo-flamenco guitarist, Anat Hector one of KW’s finest singer/pianist, Lisa Hagen and the Local Vocals, Derek Goupil and the Hillview Band present “let it be Christmas, A multimedia musical presentation of the Christmas story with the music of the Beatles. The event is free but guests are encouraged to make a donation in support of LYNC’s Millblock Community Development. Tickets are free through Eventbrite.  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-lync-christmas-tickets-1720500044949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Interfaith Counselling Centre Calendar Fundraiser – Help Us Bring Hope and Healing to Our Community. This October, we’re inviting you to support the Interfaith Counselling Centre through our Calendar Fundraiser—a beautiful way to give back while celebrating the seasons of life and wellness. Each calendar features inspiring artwork and messages that reflect the heart of our mission: to provide accessible, compassionate counselling to those in need. Your purchase directly supports our programs and helps ensure that no one in our community is left without support during difficult times.

Calendars are available at our office and select community locations. You can also order online at interfaithcounselling.ca or by calling (519) 662-3092.

Turn Time into Meals: Group Canning at MCC Material Resources
MCC Material Resources (65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg) is inviting workplace, church, and community groups to can nutritious food for communities in need. Groups are asked to contribute $6.50 per can to cover costs and keep this vital work going. Flexible scheduling is available. A typical daily output can range from 350–1,200 cans. Learn more or book a canning date today! Contact Reid Kennel at reidkennel@mcco.ca or by calling 226-338-4956.

Join the Mennonite Central Committee team!
We are excited to announce new opportunities to join our team and make a meaningful impact in communities across Ontario. If you are passionate about community engagement, collaboration and fostering belonging, we invite you to apply.

• Thrift Marketing and Communications Manager (Full time)
• Volunteer Engagement Manager – Elmira (Full time)

For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve

Give gifts of comfort and joy this Christmas
This Christmas season, choose a gift that will honour your loved ones and change lives across the globe. MCC’s Christmas Giving Guide lets you celebrate what you hold dear about your loved ones, from the art lover to the gardener. By helping people build skills, grow food or meet basic needs, the impact of your generosity is a cause for celebration long after the lights and tree are taken down. Pick up a gift catalogue at church (on the table in the sanctuary foyer), a local MCC Thrift Shop or give online at mcc.org/Christmas.  

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68              Sunday November 9, 2025                      No. 45

Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify                        Song Leader: Glorify

Greeter: Dawn Bender                                    Worship Leader: Pastor Mike

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler         Offering: Local Ministries

Coffee: Kristen & Daryl Cressman                    Message: Pastor Ray

Prelude                           

“The Power of Your Love”

“Who You Say I am”

“Goodness of God”

VT # 398 “Thy Word Is a Lamp”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise      

“How Deep the Fathers Love for us”

“Refiners Fire”

Offering – Local Ministries

          Offertory                “Everyday”

Parent-Child Dedications

Lauren Witmer-Hohl & Tristen Hohl – Kennedy

Alaina & Alex Vink – Bennett & Beau

Chelsea & Brett Sider – Jack

Congregation sings: “Hosanna, Jesus loves, Kennedy/Bennet/Beau/Jack yes he does…”

Congregational Response: You have offered Kennedy, Bennet, Beau and Jack to the strong and tender care of God. We rejoice with you and give thanks for the gift of your children. With God as our guide, we will share in your children’s nurture and well-being. We will support, by our example and words, your efforts to provide a loving and caring home, where trust in God grows and Christ may be known. Our prayers will be with you and for you.  May our shared life and witness help you grow as a family in faithfulness and joy. (from Voices Together #970)

Time with the Children              Pastor Mike

Scripture Readings           Psalm 103:8-18; Ephesians 1:1-8

Message                           Pastor Ray

Song of Response             “Good Good Father”

Prayer of the Church       Pastor Ray

**A mic for sharing will not be passed this week. Please share with one of the pastors prior to the service if you have a request for prayer time.

Sending Song                              “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

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.

12 p.m. Private Party (in the basement)

12 – 4 p.m. MYF Pizza Lunch (in MYF room) with Nursing Home Worship Services to follow

This Coming Week

Tuesday November 11^th

• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement – Bring an exercise mat, water bottle, and light weights. New participants welcome! 

Wednesday November 12^th     

• 10:30 – 11:30 Coffee and Bible Study
• E Z Play Group setup
• 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting
• 7:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study in the MYF room

Thursday November 13^th   

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
• 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 Amanda Hunter, the Worm Wrangler.

• 7 p.m. Health Ministry Team Meeting

Next Sunday – November 16, 2025

Prelude/Offertory: Brandy Sell/Rebekah Williamson Accompanist: Brandy Sell

Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr                                        Greeters: Brendan & Sheryl Leis

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Larry Kropf                           Message: Pastor Mike

Coffee: Gloria & Tom Roth                   

12 p.m. Private Party

EZMC Announcements

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory later this year. If you would like to submit updated home address/phone/email information or a photo (preferably in jpeg format) please send to Lisa asap at office@ezmennonite.ca. There is still time to make additions. A draft of the directory is available for edits today and Sunday November 16^th. Please check your household listing and note any changes that are needed.

Please consider joining our Christmas Choir this year! We will be taking part in the Christmas Eve service and possibly Sunday, Dec 28 morning worship. More details about practices will be coming next week. All ages welcome! Sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the lobby.

Service of Remembering

During our worship service on November 23, we will take time to remember those who have died this past year by naming their names and lighting a candle in memory of them.

As we name each person we would like to project a picture of them. As in previous years we plan to name our congregational members, along with other close family members (siblings, parents, children) of our congregational members. If you have experienced another significant loss through death this year and wish to have that person named in our service, please contact Marv Yantzi, or Pastor Ray and please forward a picture that we could use.

Thursday November 27^th 6 p.m. Adult Fellowship Christmas Banquet
Cost $40.00 per person
Christmas concert to follow by Julie Gerber.
Tickets will be available from committee members.
Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Beyond Our Church Community

Ten Thousand Villages and Friends are holding two Christmas Markets this November. Your purchase of these unique, fairly traded and handcrafted product supports employment and skill development. Come check it out at WK United Mennonite Church, Waterloo (Nov 13-15) and MCC Ontario, Kitchener (Nov 27-29). Please see the poster on the main bulletin board for more details.

Saturday November 15^th 9 am to 2 pm. The 11^th Annual Makers Market will be held at Steinmann Mennonite Church (1316 Snyder’s Rd. W. Baden). You are warmly invited to attend and peruse 35+ local vendors’ homemade items as well as, the popular, Ten Thousand Villages and Raw Carrot. (A great opportunity to support local artisans and find that perfect gift). Soup lunch will be served at 11 am. Proceeds will be given to Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre. For more information, see the poster on the main bulletin board. Hope to see you there!

Saturday November 15^th An Evening With Wendel Clark – Join us for an unforgettable evening with Toronto Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark at the award-winning Puddicombe House, in downtown New Hamburg. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, while supporting Building a New Nithview, Tri County Mennonite Home’s long-term care expansion that will provide enhanced care for seniors in our community. The evening will feature personal stories from Wendel’s celebrated hockey career, as well as the opportunity for photographs and one autograph per guest prior to dinner. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and Wendel’s remarks will follow the meal. Tickets are $250 per guest and include a $175 charitable tax receipt. All tickets must be purchased online in advance, as no tickets will be available at the door. Please note that all sales are final and non-refundable. Your attendance supports a vital community project while offering an exceptional evening of dining, conversation, and inspiration.

Sunday November 16^th 3 p.m. Come out with your voice and your score to join Menno Singers in a Singalong Messiah with orchestra and soloists at St Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton St, Kitchener). The audience is the choir! Entrance by donation. www.mennosingers.com

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate will hold their Annual General Meeting Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 pm on ZOOM. All are welcome to attend. To see if you’re eligible to vote or to RSVP for the Zoom link, visit our AGM webpage. Membership applications are due Monday, November 10. 

Friday November 28 – Saturday November 29^th Men Listening, Men Talking: A Men’s Retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre.
Just a few spots remain for this men’s retreat that will focus on building healthy relationships of peace in your daily roles as fathers, sons, husbands and neighbours. We’ll learn lessons from guest speaker Arthur Boers, teacher, author and pastor, as he reflects on the impact and healing of generational trauma in his childhood. Learn more here.

Saturday November 30^th 7 p.m. Three Choirs at Christmas. Ring in the Advent season with choral favourites, readings and carols, sung by Menno Singers, Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir and Menno Youth Ensemble. Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St, Waterloo). Adults $30, Students $5. Tickets at the door or online at www.mennosingers.com

Sunday December 14^th A LYNC Christmas 2 – 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Come join us for an amazing multimedia, light, and music extravaganza as we celebrate Christmas with our community. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas with Juneyt an award winning, world renowned musician and flamenco and Nuevo-flamenco guitarist, Anat Hector one of KW’s finest singer/pianist, Lisa Hagen and the Local Vocals, Derek Goupil and the Hillview Band present “let it be Christmas, A multimedia musical presentation of the Christmas story with the music of the Beatles.

The event is free but guests are encouraged to make a donation in support of LYNC’s Millblock Community Development. Tickets are free through Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-lync-christmas-tickets-1720500044949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Turn Time into Meals: Group Canning at MCC Material Resources
MCC Material Resources (65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg) is inviting workplace, church, and community groups to can nutritious food for communities in need. Groups are asked to contribute $6.50 per can to cover costs and keep this vital work going. Flexible scheduling is available. A typical daily output can range from 350–1,200 cans. Learn more or book a canning date today! Contact Reid Kennel at reidkennel@mcco.ca or by calling 226-338-4956.

Interfaith Counselling Centre Calendar Fundraiser – Help Us Bring Hope and Healing to Our Community. This October, we’re inviting you to support the Interfaith Counselling Centre through our Calendar Fundraiser—a beautiful way to give back while celebrating the seasons of life and wellness.

Each calendar features inspiring artwork and messages that reflect the heart of our mission: to provide accessible, compassionate counselling to those in need. Your purchase directly supports our programs and helps ensure that no one in our community is left without support during difficult times.

Calendars are available at our office and select community locations. You can also order online at interfaithcounselling.ca or by calling (519) 662-3092.

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.

Join the Mennonite Central Committee team!
We are excited to announce new opportunities to join our team and make a meaningful impact in communities across Ontario. If you are passionate about community engagement, collaboration and fostering belonging, we invite you to apply.

• Volunteer Engagement Manager – New Hamburg (Full time)
• Thrift Team Member: Processing – Fashion Focus – New Hamburg (Full time)

For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve

Sign up to sing with the Mennonite Mass Choir as we join Menno Singers to perform Johannes Brahm’s Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) and Karl Jenken’s The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Centre in the Square with soloists and members of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, conducted by Brandon Leis. Rehearsals begin on Monday nights on February 23, 2026. www.mennosingers.com

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68              Sunday November 2, 2025                      No. 44

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler                Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Gwen & Dan Matthews           Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf        Offering: Mission Partners

Coffee: Brett Zehr & Ryan Wagler                   Message: Michelle Brenneman

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #122 “Sing to the God of Harvest”

VT #179 “At the Dawn of Your Creation”

Offering – Mission Partners

Time with the Children   

Scripture Readings: John 4: 1-42; Galatians 5:13-25

Message       Michelle Brenneman,

Executive Director at Mennonite Central Committee Ontario

Song of Response:

Prayer of the Church   

Sending Song: VT#809 “Sing a New World into Being”

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 November 3^rd

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – A great way to spend a fall evening! Meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock.  

Tuesday November 4^th

• 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sewing Circle. Everyone is welcome to join us to knot comforters or quilt. 
• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement – use the fall transition to establish or reinforce your workout routine! Bring an exercise mat, water bottle, and light weights. New participants welcome! 

Wednesday November 5^th     

• 10:30 – 11:30 Coffee and Bible Study
• E Z Play Group setup
• 6 p.m. Staff Congregational Relations Committee Meeting
• Glorify Rehearsal

Thursday November 6^th   

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Next Sunday – November 9, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify                        Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Dawn Bender                         Worship Leader: Pastor Mike

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler         Offering: Local Ministries

Coffee: Kristen & Daryl Cressman                    Message: Pastor Ray

10 a.m. Parent/Child Dedication will take place during worship

12 p.m. Private Party (in the basement)

12 – 4 p.m. MYF Pizza Lunch (in MYF room) with Nursing Home Worship Services to follow

EZMC Announcements

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory later this year. If you would like to submit updated home address/phone/email information or a photo (preferably in jpeg format) please send to Lisa asap at office@ezmennonite.ca. A draft of the directory will be available for edits on Sunday November 9^th and 16^th. Please check your household listing and make any changes that are needed.

Service of Remembering

During our worship service on November 23, we will take time to remember those who have died this past year by naming their names and lighting a candle in memory of them. As in previous years we plan to name our congregational members, along with other close family members (siblings, parents, children) of our congregational members.

If you have experienced another significant loss through death this year and wish to have that person named in our service, please contact Marv Yantzi, or Pastor Ray.

Thursday November 13^th 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 Amanda Hunter, the Worm Wrangler.

Thursday November 27^th 6 p.m. Adult Fellowship Christmas Banquet
Cost $40.00 per person
Christmas concert to follow by Julie Gerber.
Tickets will be available from committee members.
Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Interfaith Counselling Center (ICC) is excited to host a two-day Hold Me Tight couple’s workshop on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 6:30pm – 10pm and Saturday, November 8, from 9am – 6pm. The workshop will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2210 Line 29, Tavistock (Sebastopol). The Hold Me Tight workshop is designed to support couples of all ages and stages of their relationship, who are wanting to enhance their relationship and strengthen their bond with one another.

If you are interested in hearing more about this workshop, please speak to Pastor Ray this weekend or by early next week.

Beyond Our Church Community

Join the Mennonite Central Committee team!
We are excited to announce new opportunities to join our team and make a meaningful impact in communities across Ontario. If you are passionate about community engagement, collaboration and fostering belonging, we invite you to apply.

• Volunteer Engagement Manager – New Hamburg (Full time)
• Thrift Team Member: Processing – Fashion Focus – New Hamburg (Full time)

For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve

Tuesday November 4^th 12 – 1 p.m. Lunch and Listen: An MCC Journey Through Rwanda and Burundi at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener or Livestream on the MCC Ontario Facebook page. Bring your lunch to an engaging session with Dr. Mulanda “Jimmy” Juma, who serves as the MCC representative for Rwanda and Burundi. Mulanda will share about the importance of MCC’s work in two countries that have faced genocide and civil war a generation ago. Attend in person (no registration required) or livestream on Facebook: facebook.com/MCCOntario/. Learn more here.

Thursday November 6^th  7 – 9 pm Calling all families interested in learning more about Rockway Mennonite Collegiate for their child. We invite you to attend our Discover Rockway information night. For more information and to register for this event, visit our Discover Rockway webpage. 

Saturday November 8^th – Challenge for the Church: Islamophobia at
Waterloo North Mennonite Church. How has the Church been complicit in Islamophobia—through silence, theology or action? How can we respond differently today? This workshop invites honest reflection and courageous conversation as we examine Mennonite history, thought, and practice through the lens of anti-Islamophobia. Join a day of learning, confession and renewed commitment to peace and justice in our interfaith world. This event builds on our previous workshop on Antisemitism and continues the vital work of confronting prejudice within the Church. To learn more, visit here. An MCEC event in partnership with MCC.

Saturday November 15^th 9 am to 2 pm. The 11^th Annual Makers Market will be held at Steinmann Mennonite Church (1316 Snyder’s Rd. W. Baden). You are warmly invited to attend and peruse 35+ local vendors’ homemade items as well as, the popular, Ten Thousand Villages and Raw Carrot. (A great opportunity to support local artisans and find that perfect gift). Soup lunch will be served at 11 am. Proceeds will be given to Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre. For more information, see the poster on the main bulletin board. Hope to see you there!

Saturday November 15^th An Evening With Wendel Clark – Join us for an unforgettable evening with Toronto Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark at the award-winning Puddicombe House, in downtown New Hamburg. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, while supporting Building a New Nithview, Tri County Mennonite Home’s long-term care expansion that will provide enhanced care for seniors in our community. The evening will feature personal stories from Wendel’s celebrated hockey career, as well as the opportunity for photographs and one autograph per guest prior to dinner. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and Wendel’s remarks will follow the meal. Tickets are $250 per guest and include a $175 charitable tax receipt. All tickets must be purchased online in advance, as no tickets will be available at the door. Please note that all sales are final and non-refundable. Your attendance supports a vital community project while offering an exceptional evening of dining, conversation, and inspiration.

Ten Thousand Villages and Friends are holding two Christmas Markets this November. Your purchase of these unique, fairly traded and handcrafted product supports employment and skill development. Come check it out at WK United Mennonite Church, Waterloo (Nov 13-15) and MCC Ontario, Kitchener (Nov 27-29). Please see the poster on the main bulletin board for more details.

Sunday November 16^th 3 p.m. Come out with your voice and your score to join Menno Singers in a Singalong Messiah with orchestra and soloists at St Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton St, Kitchener). The audience is the choir! Entrance by donation. www.mennosingers.com

Friday November 28 – Saturday November 29^th Men Listening, Men Talking: A Men’s Retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre.
Just a few spots remain for this men’s retreat that will focus on building healthy relationships of peace in your daily roles as fathers, sons, husbands and neighbours. We’ll learn lessons from guest speaker Arthur Boers, teacher, author and pastor, as he reflects on the impact and healing of generational trauma in his childhood. Learn more here.

Sunday December 14^th A LYNC Christmas 2 – 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Come join us for an amazing multimedia, light, and music extravaganza as we celebrate Christmas with our community. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas with Juneyt an award winning, world renowned musician and flamenco and Nuevo-flamenco guitarist, Anat Hector one of KW’s finest singer/pianist, Lisa Hagen and the Local Vocals, Derek Goupil and the Hillview Band present “let it be Christmas, A multimedia musical presentation of the Christmas story with the music of the Beatles.

The event is free but guests are encouraged to make a donation in support of LYNC’s Millblock Community Development. Tickets are free through Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-lync-christmas-tickets-1720500044949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Turn Time into Meals: Group Canning at MCC Material Resources
MCC Material Resources (65 Heritage Dr., New Hamburg) is inviting workplace, church, and community groups to can nutritious food for communities in need. Groups are asked to contribute $6.50 per can to cover costs and keep this vital work going. Flexible scheduling is available. A typical daily output can range from 350–1,200 cans. Learn more or book a canning date today! Contact Reid Kennel at reidkennel@mcco.ca or by calling 226-338-4956.

Interfaith Counselling Centre Calendar Fundraiser – Help Us Bring Hope and Healing to Our Community. This October, we’re inviting you to support the Interfaith Counselling Centre through our Calendar Fundraiser—a beautiful way to give back while celebrating the seasons of life and wellness.

Each calendar features inspiring artwork and messages that reflect the heart of our mission: to provide accessible, compassionate counselling to those in need. Your purchase directly supports our programs and helps ensure that no one in our community is left without support during difficult times.

Calendars are available at our office and select community locations. You can also order online at interfaithcounselling.ca or by calling (519) 662-3092.

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.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68          Sunday October 26, 2025                      No. 43

Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr                         Song Leader: Susan Schmitz

Greeters: Donna & Jim Witzel                                   Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brendan Leis               Offering: Where needed most

Coffee: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm                 Message: Pastor Ray

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise      

VT #28 “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”

VT #528 “God, Bless the Work Your People Do”

Offering – Where needed most

Time with the Children              Hannah Yantzi        

Scripture Reading                      Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Luke 13:10-17

Message                                     Pastor Ray                       

Song of Response                       VT #287 “Jesus Christ is Waiting”

Prayer of the Church                 Pastor Ray  

Sending Song                              VT #844 “May the Face of God Shine on You”

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

Wednesday October 29^th     

• 10:30 – 11:30 Coffee and Bible Study
• E Z Play Group setup
• 6:30 p.m. Creation Celebration Set up.
• 7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting

Thursday October 30^th   

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday October 31^st 

• 6 – 7:30 p.m. Creation Celebration. Come join the fun! The Volunteer sign-up sheet is now ready and more volunteers are needed. Donations of cash and candy will be happily accepted. As allergies are an on-going concern, we are asking for NUT FREE treats only – please carefully check the package ingredient list (contains or may contain peanuts or tree nuts – we are unable to put these treats into the bags). Candy can be placed in the bin under the mailboxes, cash can be given to Joe Wagler, or both can be dropped off at Creation Celebration.
• If you are able to make a pie for Creation Celebration on October 31 at church, please connect with Greg or Staci Leis, Russ Schumm or Megan MacDonald before October 29.

Saturday November 1^st

• 2 – 4 p.m. Jwalkers (Junior Youth Gr. 6-8) Rake and Run in Tavistock. Come with a rake, and meet at the leaf drop site by the water tower in Tavistock

Next Sunday – November 2, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler                Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Kristen & Daryl Cressman                Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf        Offering: Mission Partners

Coffee: Brett Zehr & Ryan Wagler                   Message: Michelle Brenneman

Michelle Brenneman, Executive Director at Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, will be sharing with us during worship and Sunday School.

EZMC Announcements

October is Pastors Month. Please consider how you might show your support and appreciation to Mike and Ray at some point throughout the month. Thank you on behalf of the Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC)

Building Visioning Update – Church Ministry Council

A few years ago, (2022) we assembled a building visioning committee to discern together how we use our building to further the kingdom of God right here in our community. After discussion and church visits, some options were put forward that addressed what was considered our most obvious need at the time, which included an update to the kitchen including a commercial style dishwasher, and an updated eating/gathering space.

1. Preliminary plans for a renovation in the current space, and a larger fellowship hall addition were drawn up to give an idea of what each of those options may look like. These plans were presented at a meeting on November 20, 2022.
2. Cost estimates were added to each.
3. Sunday School Discussion held on April 7, 2024
4. First Survey conducted to gauge support for the building expansion or renovation discussion. (May 2024)
5. The survey highlighted the need to upgrade kitchen and secure more pricing costs.
6. We added another option of a kitchen expansion to the north side on the lower level.
7. A second survey was conducted to narrow in on financial commitments and current support for 4 options. (May 2025)
8. The congregational response does not show consensus on any one option.
9. Two options, of renovating the kitchen in the space it is currently, or adding a kitchen and storage space addition on the north side of the church, received mixed support, with about 51% of the congregation supporting a renovation in the current space, and about 57% of the congregation supporting an expansion on the basement level on the north side. Many respondents supported more than one option.
10. Based on low level of support for a larger fellowship hall addition or a completely new building, we feel these options should be set aside for now.
11. Among the leaders that form Church Ministry Council, we could not reach a consensus in our discussions. No clear direction was discerned. Currently, we feel unable to make a recommendation on a direction to pursue but are continuing our work.

Please approach any member of Church Ministry Council with your comments, feelings, and hopes for our building. We want to trust God to use our building for His purposes, as we seek to bring the love, peace, and grace of Jesus to our community. We ask for your prayerful support as we continue to discern. We will plan to bring a recommendation to the congregation in January 2026 for discussion at our Annual Meeting in February 2026.

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory later this year. If you would like to submit updated home address/phone/email information or a photo (preferably in jpeg format) please send to Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca, by Tuesday October 28^th. A draft of the directory will be available for edits in a few weeks so you can check your household listing and make any changes that are needed.

Holy Movement October Schedule – please note there will be no Holy Movement class on Oct 14 or 28. In lieu, there will be classes held on Oct 7 and Nov 4. To summarize, classes for the next 7 weeks will be as follows: Sept 30, Oct 7, Nov 4, Nov 11, and then bi-weekly from there. Mark it in your calendar!  Walking club will be on its normal bi-weekly schedule. Watch the bulletin for location details.   

Thursday November 27^th 6 p.m. Adult Fellowship Christmas Banquet
Cost $40.00 per person
Christmas concert to follow by Julie Gerber.
Tickets will be available from committee members.
Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Beyond Our Church Community

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.

Wednesday October 29^th 7 p.m. Parents interested in understanding the roots of anxiety and how that information can be used to support their child are invited to join us at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Join registered Social Worker, Margaret Andres, to hear Margaret vs the goose! What can one angry goose teach us about anxiety? Learn more and RSVP at: rockway.ca/events

MCC Peace Conference: Learn the Art of Everyday Peace
Saturday November 1^st 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener; Watch-parties in Stouffville, Leamington, Markham and St. Catharines
Register today for the 2025 MCC Peace Conference. The conference will teach you insights and skills drawn from MCC’s collaborative peacebuilding efforts with partners around the world. Gain practical knowledge from these shared experiences and be equipped to contribute meaningfully to peace in your own context. Each location will have the same activities, talks and opportunities to engage with speakers. Learn more and register at mcc.org/Peace-Conference.

Saturday November 1^st  7:30 p.m. (St Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King St N, St Jacobs): To kick off our 70^th Anniversary Season, Menno Singers and Artistic Director Brandon Leis present ‘From Then to Now – Celebrating a 70-year choral legacy.’  Tickets $30, Child/Student $5 at the door, from choir members or at www.mennosingers.com

Thursday November 6^th  7 – 9 pm Calling all families interested in learning more about Rockway Mennonite Collegiate for their child. We invite you to attend our Discover Rockway information night. For more information and to register for this event, visit our Discover Rockway webpage. 

Saturday November 8^th – Challenge for the Church: Islamophobia at
Waterloo North Mennonite Church. How has the Church been Islamophobic in the past? How can the Church resist Islamophobia today? And other uncomfortable questions… Join us for a day that calls us to a deeper examination of Mennonite thought and action. Brought to you by the MCEC Palestine Israel Network Working Group. Save the date. Registration will open soon                                                                       

Ten Thousand Villages and Friends are holding two Christmas Markets this November. Your purchase of these unique, fairly traded and handcrafted product supports employment and skill development. Come check it out at WK United Mennonite Church, Waterloo (Nov 13-15) and MCC Ontario, Kitchener (Nov 27-29). Please see the poster on the main bulletin board for more details.

Sunday November 16^th 3 p.m. Come out with your voice and your score to join Menno Singers in a Singalong Messiah with orchestra and soloists at St Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton St, Kitchener). The audience is the choir! Entrance by donation. www.mennosingers.com

Saturday November 15^th An Evening With Wendel Clark

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Toronto Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark at the award-winning Puddicombe House, in downtown New Hamburg. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, while supporting Building a New Nithview, Tri County Mennonite Home’s long-term care expansion that will provide enhanced care for seniors in our community.

The evening will feature personal stories from Wendel’s celebrated hockey career, as well as the opportunity for photographs and one autograph per guest prior to dinner. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., and Wendel’s remarks will follow the meal. Tickets are $250 per guest and include a $175 charitable tax receipt. All tickets must be purchased online in advance, as no tickets will be available at the door. Please note that all sales are final and non-refundable. Your attendance supports a vital community project while offering an exceptional evening of dining, conversation, and inspiration.

Sunday December 14^th A LYNC Christmas 2 – 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Come join us for an amazing multimedia, light, and music extravaganza as we celebrate Christmas with our community. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas with Juneyt an award winning, world renowned musician and flamenco and Nuevo-flamenco guitarist, Anat Hector one of KW’s finest singer/pianist, Lisa Hagen and the Local Vocals, Derek Goupil and the Hillview Band present “let it be Christmas, A multimedia musical presentation of the Christmas story with the music of the Beatles.

The event is free but guests are encouraged to make a donation in support of LYNC’s Millblock Community Development. Tickets are free through Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-lync-christmas-tickets-1720500044949?aff=oddtdtcreator

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68          Sunday October 12, 2025                      No. 41

Thanksgiving Sunday

A Gracious and Merciful God

Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeter: Jean MacDonald                                Worship Leader: Kim Leis

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler         Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

Coffee: Janet & Marv Yantzi                            Message: Pastor Ray

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #436 “How Great Thou Art”

VT #124 “For the Fruit of All Creation” 

Offering – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada

Congregational Song  VT #747 “We Plow the Fields and Scatter”

Time with the Children   

Scripture Reading  Jonah 3:9 – 4:3; Jeremiah 18:7-10; Luke 6:32-36

      Reader    Katie Wagler

Message                 Pastor Ray

Song of Response   VT #170 “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”

Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray

Sending Song                    VT #419 “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

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.

Please note that there are no Sunday School classes today.

This Coming Week

Wednesday October 15^th   

• 10:30 – 11:30 Coffee and Bible Study
• E Z Play Group setup
• 7:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study meeting in the MYF room

Thursday October 16^th 

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday October 17^th

• 7 – 9:30 p.m. MYF – Open Mic night with Pastor Mike

Saturday October 18^th 

• 12 p.m. Private Party

Next Sunday – October 19, 2025

The Widening of God’s Mercy – Besides Those Already Gathered

Prelude/Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi               Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Janet & Marv Yantzi              Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler              Offering: Leadership

Coffee: Gloria & Merv Ropp                             Message: Pastor Mike

Bibles will be presented to Grade 1 and Grade 9 students during the worship service

12 p.m. U30 Young Adult Pizza Party hosted by Care Team at “Punkeydoodle Pizza-Hut”. Please see announcement on page 4 for more details.

EZMC Announcements

September 2025 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule – $35,444.60

Coffee and Bible Study is Back! The weekly coffee and Bible study returns every Wednesday morning from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Join us in the church basement for hot coffee or tea, conversation and working through scripture together. This Fall, we will be looking at passages that speak about mercy and grace. Anyone is welcome to attend.

October is Pastors Month. Please consider how you might show your support and appreciation to Mike and Ray at some point throughout the month. Thank you on behalf of the Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC)

Sunday October 19^th Noon – 3 pm. The East Zorra Mennonite Church, Care Team invites all Young Adults who are Under 30 years of age (U-30) to “A Fun Pizza Party Gathering” We will meet at “The Punkeydoodle Pizza-Hut” at the property of Brian and Heidi Wagler (3880 Perth Road 101 New Hamburg). We would love to have you join us! Please RSVP by Friday Oct 17, 2025 to Heidi Wagler (Faith Community Nurse) at Heidi@ezmennonite.ca or Lisa, (Office Administrator) at Office@ezmennonite.ca

**Please let us know of any Diet Accommodations. If you are not U-30 but have a young adult (child, grandchild, niece, nephew…) 18-30 years of age please share this with them. We would love if they could join us! Thanks for helping us get the word out!

Friday October 31^st  6 p.m.  CREATION CELEBRATION. Come join the fun! The Volunteer sign-up sheet is now ready. Donations of cash and candy will be happily accepted. As allergies are an on-going concern, we are asking for NUT FREE treats only – please carefully check the package ingredient list (contains or may contain peanuts or tree nuts – we are unable to put these treats into the bags). Candy can be placed in the bin under the mailboxes, cash can be given to Joe Wagler, or both can be dropped off at Creation Celebration.

Holy Movement October Schedule – please note there will be no Holy Movement class on Oct 14 or 28. In lieu, there will be classes held on Oct 7 and Nov 4. To summarize, classes for the next 7 weeks will be as follows: Sept 30, Oct 7, Nov 4, Nov 11, and then bi-weekly from there. Mark it in your calendar!  Walking club will be on its normal bi-weekly schedule. Watch the bulletin for location details.   

Monday November 3rd East Zorra is scheduled to serve an evening meal to approximately 225 people experiencing poverty and homelessness in downtown Kitchener at Ray of Hope. The missions committee is still looking for a few more volunteers to assist in preparing and serving this meal. If you’re willing to volunteer or have any questions please speak to Dylan Yantzi or another member of the missions committee.

Greeters and Coffeetime Hosts – You will find the new schedules in your church mailbox.

If you haven’t had a chance to complete a waiver form for your child(ren) you will find a reminder and blank waiver forms in your church mailbox this morning. Please return these to the church office or Lisa’s mailbox. Blank waiver forms are also available on the bottom row of the mailbox for friends that may want to attend events. Thanks so much.

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to work with children, youth and other vulnerable persons at EZMC. If you haven’t completed a volunteer commitment form you will find on in your church mailbox. Blank forms are also available on the bottom row of church mailboxes. We ask for these forms once each program year. Please return to the church office or Lisa’s mailbox. 

A reminder to committees (except Care Team and SCRC)that all meeting minutes are to be sent to the church office for filing.

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory later this year.   

• If you moved or have a new phone number since the printing of the Church Directory in November 2023 and have not given your updated information to the church office, please do so. If you were not in the last directory but would like to be included, please contact the church office.
• We would love to see updated photos! Please send to Lisa, preferably in digital form (jpeg) by email at office@ezmennonite.ca. If you have a photo you would like her to scan, make arrangements to drop it off and she will return it to you. These photos can be casual. If you are submitting a photo please remember that professional photos are subject to copyright so permission would be needed from the photographer to include.
• Please note that we encourage every person or family unit to submit a photo. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is October 28, 2025.

Beyond Our Church Community

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.

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to its annual Spaghetti Supper School Fundraiser followed by the Alumni Sports Challenge. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 17 and join us for some family-friendly fun! Visit www.rockway.ca/events for more information, to buy your spaghetti tickets or to learn how to play on the Alumni team! 

Saturday October 18^th  5 p.m. & 7 p.m. Empty Bowls for Haiti at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Plan to be at this year’s Empty Bowls for Haiti event at Steinmann Mennonite Church in Baden. Local potters donate hand-crafted bowls and local restaurants provide a wide variety of delicious soups. Funds raised strengthen communities in Haiti through the work of MCC. Tickets are $35 each. Go to mcc.org/events to buy your tickets today!

Wednesday October 29^th Rockway Mennonite Collegiate is hosting an evening for parents called “Understanding Anxiety”. Join Rockway’s Mental Health & Wellbeing lead, Margaret Andres (RSW), as she guides us through a conversation about anxiety. Learn more and RSVP at: rockway.ca/events 

MCC Peace Conference: Learn the Art of Everyday Peace
November 1, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener; Watch-parties in Stouffville, Leamington, Markham and St. Catharines
Register today for the 2025 MCC Peace Conference. The conference will teach you insights and skills drawn from MCC’s collaborative peacebuilding efforts with partners around the world. Gain practical knowledge from these shared experiences and be equipped to contribute meaningfully to peace in your own context. Each location will have the same activities, talks and opportunities to engage with speakers. Learn more and register at mcc.org/Peace-Conference.

Saturday November 1^st  7:30 p.m. (St Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King St N, St Jacobs): To kick off our 70^th Anniversary Season, Menno Singers and Artistic Director Brandon Leis present ‘From Then to Now – Celebrating a 70-year choral legacy.’ This concert will feature favourite repertoire from each of our last 7 decades and a newly commissioned work by composer Jeff Enns. Tickets $30, Child/Student $5 at the door, from choir members or at www.mennosingers.com

Calling all families interested in learning more about Rockway Mennonite Collegiate for their child. We invite you to attend our Discover Rockway information night on

Thursday, November 6 from 7 – 9 pm. For more information and to register for this event, visit our Discover Rockway webpage. 

Saturday, November 8, 2025 – Challenge for the Church: Islamophobia at
Waterloo North Mennonite Church. How has the Church been Islamophobic in the past? How can the Church resist Islamophobia today? And other uncomfortable questions… Join us for a day that calls us to a deeper examination of Mennonite thought and action. Brought to you by the MCEC Palestine Israel Network Working Group. Save the date. Registration will open soon                                                                       

Wednesday November 19: Join a five week peer support group where we will create a sacred space to explore our mental health journey where scripture is used to ground us. The location and time may change depending on interest of people. Email melodysteinman@gmail.com for details.