East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 68 Sunday June 15, 2025 No. 24
Sunday June 15, 2025
Join Sunday Worship Zoom at 10 a.m.
Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr Song Leader: Susan Schmitz
Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Leadership
Coffee: Gloria & Tom Roth Message: Pastor Mike
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship – based on Isaiah 43 and Psalm 29
Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT #34 “We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer”
VT #43 “God, Be the Love”
Offering – Leadership
Children’s Story – Brandy Sell
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7, Romans 8:28-30
Message “Your True Name (Baptism Change)” Pastor Mike
Song of Response
VT #518 “Like a Mother Hen Who Has Bourne Us”
Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray
Sending Song
VT #759 “Take My Life, and Let it Be”
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.
A reminder that there are no Sunday School classes today. They will resume in the Fall.
This Coming Week
Monday June 16th
- 7 p.m. Walking Club – our final week of the 8-week trial! Let Tracey know if you’d like to see this continue. Meet at the church, from there we’ll again walk the back lane between Laird & Lois’ and Jim & Carol’s farms. This will facilitate those also needing to attend the VBS volunteer meeting at 8pm. Decision to cancel due to inclement weather will be made on location.
- 8 p.m. VBS Volunteer Orientation and Training
Tuesday June 17th
- 7 p.m. Finance and Facility Meeting
Wednesday June 18th
- E Z Play Group setup
- 6 p.m. SCRC Meeting
Thursday June 19th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 6 p.m. Big Church Read Supper Club
Next Sunday – June 22, 2025
Baptism Sunday
Prelude/Accompanist: Worship Band Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Greeters: Hannah & Dylan Yantzi Worship Leader: Pastors Ray & Mike
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Relief/MCC
Coffee: Kristen & Daryl Cressman
We invite your prayers for those being baptized next Sunday:
Fayth Bender, Katelynn Cressman, Avery Brenneman, Kyra Kropf, Logan Rempel
Leah Ruby, Kaelynn Schlegel, Michelle Shartun, and Troy Wagler
12:30 p.m. Private Party in the greenspace
EZMC Announcements
May 2025 Donations Received Summary
Offering Schedule – $37,506.80
Wednesday June 25th 7 pm. Adult Fellowship Strawberry Social. Bill and Susan Schmitz will be sharing about their trip to Greece.
Nathan and Amy Yantzi invite you to their dairy barn open house on July 5th from 10 am – 4 pm. Join us for a fun day on the farm, kids activities, robotic dairy barn tour, and lunch provided at 12:00 pm. Located at 2144 Line 29, Tavistock.
VBS 2025
All VBS volunteers, please join us in the Sanctuary, Monday, June 16 @8:00 for a brief orientation meeting. If you are coming from walking club please join us as soon as you are able.
Please join us in praying this week for the families that are participating in VBS.
Heavenly Father, let the changes in kids’ hearts this week be an inspiration to their families. Let parents and caretakers pursue a deeper relationship with you. Let family connections grow stronger, deeper, and focused on you. Give kids strength to stand firmly rooted in their faith and relationship with you. Amen.
Grandparent Gang
Calling all grandparents!
We need your help at VBS July 7-11.
Bring your lawn chair and sit under the shade of a tree in our green space. Kids may come visit you to take a rest in the shade on a blanket, to take a break from the busyness and fun activities, when they need a friend to sit quietly with, or maybe they need a Band-Aid.
This was a favourite spot for many and gives a glimpse into our fun activities at VBS!
Come for one day or all five, whatever suits your schedule. If you think you might be interested in helping in this role, please contact Ashley Witzel or Naomi Witzel as soon as possible for more details.
naomiwitzel8@gmail.com or ashleywitzel@gmail.com
The Visual & Decorating Committee is looking for help from the congregation with our True North VBS decorations this year. We’re in need of 20 undecorated Christmas trees and one small 1-2 person tent. Please sign the sheet hanging on the bulletin board to let us know how you can help. We’d appreciate if you could bring your Christmas tree(s)/small tent to church on Thursday July 3 between 7-9 pm.
We’re also hoping some people can help us set up the Christmas tree(s) that night too (even if it’s just your own).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Judy Mogk , Marianne Witzel or Kristi Marriott. Thank you in advance!
Rejoice Magazine – Nurture your soul through this quarterly devotional magazine from Menno Media. Each day’s entry features a Bible reading, a short inspirational message, and a prayer of response. We will be updating our subscription list soon. If you are not on the list but would like to start receiving Rejoice OR if you are currently receiving this magazine and would like to be removed from the list please contact Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca by Tuesday June 17th. Subscriptions are paid by EZMC so there is no cost to you.
Please note that the 2025 Camp Subsidy Form deadline is June 15th and needs to be returned to our treasurer, Becky Bender by that date. This can be done either by email (treasurer@ezmennonite.ca) or put in her church mailbox. Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or you may email office@ezmennonite.ca to get one. If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Caleb Leis.
Upcoming Summer Services:
Sunday June 29
We will be welcoming Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite at East Zorra as we meet for the first of our shared Worship services on holidays weekend this summer.
Sunday July 6
EZMC Outdoor Service and Potluck at Queen’s Park Pavillion. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
Sunday August 3
Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.
Sunday August 10
Tavistock and Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park.
Sunday August 31
Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.
Beyond our Church Community
Remember the thousands across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta that have been forced to flee their homes and communities, not knowing when or what they will return to. MDS volunteers have been welcoming wildfire evacuees to Winnipeg at a Canadian Red Cross reception centre, round-the-clock since late May. We’re on the ground because of the compassion of volunteers and donors like you — offering beds, food and essential hygiene items to wildfire evacuees.
If you would like to give a gift to the MDS General Fund or Manitoba Wildfires Response please see the giving options at mds.org/donate-canada/ or make a credit card donation by telephone at 1 (866) 261-1274. Your compassion makes a world of difference, and we are grateful to partner with caring people like you!
Tuesday June 17th 6 – 8 p.m., Tri-County Mennonite Homes is having its Annual General Meeting in the Nithview Community Auditorium (New Hamburg). For more information, please contact Bruce Bechtel (bbechtel@tcmhomes.com; 519-801-0470) or Emily Shannon (eshannon@tcmhomes.com; 519-662-2718).
Friday June 20th 12 – 1 p.m. Online Lunch Hour with the MCEC Executive Minister. Join us on Zoom for a midday conversation with Anthony Siegrist! Take a pause in your day to connect, reflect, and be encouraged. This is a space to bring your questions, share your voice, and energize one another for the work of God’s reconciling ministry. This session, we’ll be joined by Lori Guenther Reesor to talk about churches and money, generosity and discipleship. More information and to register.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is an international day chosen by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and honours the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. Celebrate World Refugee Day with MCC in Kitchener-Waterloo on Friday June 20th from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener. This year’s global theme, set by UNHCR, is “Solidarity with Refugees.” It is a powerful reminder to stand with those who have been forced to flee their homes—and to celebrate their strength, resilience and contributions within our communities. This free, public event is open to all. Come together with fellow community members for an evening of reflection, storytelling and connection.
Registration now for Gathering 2025 – Mennonite Church Canada taking place from July 2-5, 2025 in Kitchener/Waterloo. Don’t miss this incredible experience of our nationwide faith community together in worship, building relationships, discerning our next steps and taking care of business. This Gathering is shaping up to be an incredible experience with three unique avenues for engagement – Congregational Gathering, Youth Gathering, U30 Young Adult Gathering.
Thursday July 3rd 1 pm – 2:30 p.m., A Compassionate Response in the Middle East and Ukraine in the Community Room at 50 Kent, Kitchener and Online
Hear powerful stories of how MCC and its local partners are responding to the needs of communities in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel and other regions affected by conflict. You’ll also hear heartfelt stories of individuals whose families have been assisted by MCC’s work, along with a quick update on local Ontario programs. Join in person or online at facebook.com/MCCOntario/. Visit here to learn more.
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp (slmc.ca)
Summer Camp: Registration is ongoing for overnight camps and day camps! Visit slmc.ca/summer-camp to have a look at the 2025 schedule and program descriptions. Please spread the word and help us fill Sports Camp, CILT 1B and the Bronze Cross/Medallion Lifesaving Course!
Men’s Retreat (Sep 12-14): Registration is open for the fall Men’s Retreat. Join us for a time of rest, amazing food and connection. David Lobe is returning as chef/sommelier and Mike Schmidt will lead some thought-provoking reflections. Special discount for those under 30 or underemployed. Click here for more details… slmc.ca/retreats
Hiring this Fall: SLMC is seeking our next 2 Assistant Directors to support all seasons of camp life (outdoor ed, retreats, summer camp). Find the job description at slmc.ca/staff for these FT Sept-Aug positions. Share widely with gifted, responsible, passionate individuals, who can apply by July 15.
