Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68          Sunday July 27, 2025                      No. 30

Sunday July 27, 2025

Join Sunday Worship Zoom at 10 a.m.

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler               Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Tracey & Larry Kropf                       Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler        Coffee: Gloria & Merv Ropp               

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Praise           VT #10 “Here in this Place”

VT #43 “God, be the Love”

Offering – Relief/Mennonite Central Committee

Time with the Children                     

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-21

Sharing by Megan MacDonald

Megan will share reflections from her involvement at Mennonite Church Canada Gathering as an East Zorra Representative.

Song of Response       VT #409 “For We Are Strangers No More”

Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray     

Sending Song              VT #841 “As You Go Out From Here”              

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.

2-4 p.m. The family of Jim and Carol Schumm invite you to an open houseat East Zorra Mennonite Church in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. Best wishes only please.

This Coming Week

Monday July 28^th

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – nature walk at the Hickson trail. This is mostly a flat, grass covered trail through woodland at the Hickson access point. It’s an out and back trail so come walk as far as you’d like! Meet at Hickson Park located at 99 Lovey’s Street. Decisions to cancel due to inclement weather will be made on location. 

Wednesday July 30^th

• 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Summer Campfire with Ice Cream treats provided by Congregational Life Committee. Please see announcement for more info.

Next Sunday – August 3, 2025

10 a.m. Shared Worship Service with EZMC, Cassel and Tavistock, will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church (131 Wettlaufer Street, Tavistock). A livestream will be available on TMC’s website. EZMC Offering Designation is Mission Partners.

EZMC Announcements

The Tavistock and Area Ministerial is excited about our Ecumenical Service in the Park being planned for Sunday August 10 at 10:30 AM. We are looking for a team of musicians and singers to help lead music at this service. If you would be willing to join this team please speak to Pastor Ray this week. Thanks so much!

Upcoming Summer Services (not at EZMC)

Sunday August 10 – 10:30 a.m. Tavistock and Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park. Please note that the offering collected at this service will be going to Tavistock Assistance Program. EZMC’s designated offering for Leadership will not be collected at the park. For those who usually give by cash or cheque you are encouraged to bring it on Sunday July 27^th or Sunday August 17^th.

Sunday August 31 – 10 a.m. Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on July 30, August 13 and 27

Everyone of all ages is invited to bring a lawn chair, a snack, and a refreshment to drink and join us this Summer in our Green Space around the campfire for a time of fellowship, conversation, and fun. There will be no set agenda and children will be free to use the equipment and play. Alexis will plan to provide a few organized events for the children for about 30 minutes. We look forward to enjoying each other’s company.

Just a reminder that on Wednesday July 30, ice cream will be available during the campfire time. We will have ice cream sandwiches, dairy free ice cream and a gluten free option.”  

We thank God for our youth and look forward to continuing to provide fun and faith formative youth group experiences. To make this happen we need your prayers and your support. We are looking for a group of adults who are willing to serve as youth sponsors for approximately 2 events a month. We also need adults who are willing to support youth ministry by occasionally hosting an event or joining the youth and their sponsors at an event. 

Please prayerfully consider how God may be nudging you to share in this important ministry. If you would be willing to serve in some way please reach out to one of our Gift Discernment Committee members: Kim Leis, Jon Witzel or Kristen Cressman.

Adult Fellowship Grand River Boat Cruise in Caledonia on Wednesday September 3 2025. We will meet at the church @ 8:30 am to carpool. Cost is $80.00 per person, dinner and show included. See bulletin board for your food choice and indicate any food intolerances. Also indicate a w/c or walker for seating. Please sign up by Sunday August 17. Payment can be made to committee members; Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Beyond our Church Community

Fall volunteer opportunity with MDS in Barrington, Nova Scotia! MDS is building a house for a wildfire survivor in this community. If you are interested and available to serve in September or October, contact the MDS Canada office at mdscanada@mds.org or 1(866) 261-1274 for more information.

Hidden Acres is hiring. We are looking to fill a part-time, year round housekeeping role as soon as possible. For more information visit www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the camp at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

July 2 – September 30, 2025: Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Todayuses photography and poetry to reflect on the interconnection between humans and the natural world, with works by Leah Reesor-Keller and Ndagire Brendah. All are invited to the exhibit at the Grebel Gallery, Conrad Grebel University College.  

uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery

80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Rockway invites everyone to join in the fun this September 13 & 14! Whether you buy tickets for our Food Market Fundraiser, or join in on one of the other FREE events (including a Hymn Sing!), go to rockway.ca/events to learn more about how we’re celebrating 80 years of Rockway.

10,000 Steps for Mental Health

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo)
Registration at 9:00 am | Walk begins at 9:30 am

Join us for our 10th annual walk in support of accessible mental health care in Waterloo Region. The route travels from Shalom to the Iron Horse Trail and back, followed by a community barbecue to celebrate a decade of steps toward healing.

Whether your goal is 10,000 steps or 1,000, raising $10,000 or $100—every step and every dollar counts.

Sign up or donate at: shalomcounselling.org/steps

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68          Sunday July 20, 2025                      No. 29

Sunday July 20, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr              Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp                         Worship Leader: Kim Leis

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler    Coffee: Janet & Marv Yantzi   

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Praise           VT #31 “Come, We That Love” (We’re Marching to Zion)

VT #76  “Holy, Holy, Holy”

Offering – Leadership

Time with the Children                     

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-2; Daniel 6:10; Daniel 6:25-27

Message – Alexis Leis

Song of Response       VT #759 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”

Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray     

Sending Song              VT #832 “The Lord Lift You Up”                      

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

Tuesday July 22^nd

• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement & Stretch – bring an exercise mat / towel, water bottle, and light weights if you desire to incorporate. New participants always welcome!

Next Sunday – July 27, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler               Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Tracey & Larry Kropf                       Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler        Offering: Relief/MCC

Coffee: Gloria & Merv Ropp               Sharing by Megan MacDonald

EZMC Announcements

The family of Jim and Carol Schumm invite you to an open house on Sunday, July 27th 2-4 pm at East Zorra Mennonite Church in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. Best wishes only please.

Upcoming Summer Services (not at EZMC)

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.

The Tavistock and Area Ministerial is excited about our Ecumenical Service in the Park being planned for Sunday August 10 at 10:30 AM.

We are looking for a team of musicians and singers to help lead music at this service. If you would be willing to join this team please speak to Pastor Ray in the next few weeks. Thanks so much!

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on July 30, August 13 and 27

Everyone of all ages is invited to bring a lawn chair, a snack, and a refreshment to drink and join us this Summer in our Green Space around the campfire for a time of fellowship, conversation, and fun. There will be no set agenda and children will be free to use the equipment and play. Alexis will plan to provide a few organized events for the children for about 30 minutes. 

On July 30 the Congregational Life group is planning to provide ice cream! 

We look forward to enjoying each other’s company.

We thank God for our youth and look forward to continuing to provide fun and faith formative youth group experiences. To make this happen we need your prayers and your support. We are looking for a group of adults who are willing to serve as youth sponsors for approximately 2 events a month. We also need adults who are willing to support youth ministry by occasionally hosting an event or joining the youth and their sponsors at an event. 

Please prayerfully consider how God may be nudging you to share in this important ministry. If you would be willing to serve in some way please reach out to one of our Gift Discernment Committee members: Kim Leis, Jon Witzel or Kristen Cressman.

Adult Fellowship Grand River Boat Cruise in Caledonia on Wednesday September 3 2025. We will meet at the church @ 8:30 am to carpool. Cost is $80.00 per person, dinner and show included. See bulletin board for your food choice and indicate any food intolerances. Also indicate a w/c or walker for seating. Please sign up by Sunday August 17. Payment can be made to committee members; Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Beyond our Church Community

The July edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. 

In this edition, you’ll read about Florence and Sheryl, longtime friends who cook together at MDS responses, and a couple in Constance Bay, who were affected by three floods in seven years. Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/3TIJaad

Fall volunteer opportunity with MDS in Barrington, Nova Scotia! MDS is building a house for a wildfire survivor in this community. If you are interested and available to serve in September or October, contact the MDS Canada office at mdscanada@mds.org or 1(866) 261-1274 for more information.

Hidden Acres is hiring. We are looking to fill a part-time, year round housekeeping role as soon as possible. For more information visit www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the camp at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Grebel is hiring! Come work at Conrad Grebel University College. Affiliated with the University of Waterloo, Grebel offers programs in Peace and Conflict Studies, Music, Theology, and more, along with a residence community. Positions are available in a variety of departments: 

• Director of Development – Review of applications begin July 14
• Peace and Conflict Studies Administrative and Graduate Coordinator – Apply by July 21
• Custodial team (two positions) – Apply by July 20

Learn more about each position and application details at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/contact-us/careers

July 2 – September 30, 2025: Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Todayuses photography and poetry to reflect on the interconnection between humans and the natural world, with works by Leah Reesor-Keller and Ndagire Brendah. All are invited to the exhibit at the Grebel Gallery, Conrad Grebel University College.  

uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery

80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Rockway invites everyone to join in the fun this September 13 & 14! Whether you buy tickets for our Food Market Fundraiser, or join in on one of the other FREE events (including a Hymn Sing!), go to rockway.ca/events to learn more about how we’re celebrating 80 years of Rockway.

10,000 Steps for Mental Health

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo)
Registration at 9:00 am | Walk begins at 9:30 am

Join us for our 10th annual walk in support of accessible mental health care in Waterloo Region. The route travels from Shalom to the Iron Horse Trail and back, followed by a community barbecue to celebrate a decade of steps toward healing.

Whether your goal is 10,000 steps or 1,000, raising $10,000 or $100—every step and every dollar counts.

Sign up or donate at: shalomcounselling.org/steps

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68          Sunday July 13, 2025                      No. 28

Sunday July 13, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler               Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Lisa & Jay Zehr                               Worship Leader: Dawn Bender

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler    Coffee: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Praise          

VT #7 “Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing”

VT #133 “My Jesus, I Love Thee” 

Offering – Mennonite Church Canada & Mennonite Church Eastern Canada

Time with the Children – Pastor Mike                    

Scripture Reading: John 15:1-4

Sharing by Amy Yantzi

Song of Response      

VT #111 “10,000 Reasons/Bless the Lord”

Prayer of the Church – Dawn Bender          

Sending Song             

VT #716 “God of Grace and God of Glory”                      

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

Monday July 14^th  

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – meet at the Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve, 28 Smith Creek’s Drive New Hamburg. This is a beautiful 1.6km raised boardwalk trail that spans multiple wetland ponds. You can walk the loop as often as you want! Parking lot available off Smith Creek’s drive. More info here => Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve – Wilmot Township. Decisions to cancel due to inclement weather will be made on location.  

Wednesday July 16^th

• 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Summer Campfire. Please see announcement for more info.

Saturday July 19^th

• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Private Party in the green space

Next Sunday – July 20, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr              Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp                         Worship Leader: Kim Leis

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Offering: Leadership

Coffee: Janet & Marv Yantzi   

Again this summer in our message time we will hear from various congregational members who will share about their life with God. We pray that the stories and experiences shared this summer will be an encouragement, and a reminder to each of us that God is with us.  

EZMC Announcements

The family of Jim and Carol Schumm invite you to an open house on Sunday, July 27th 2-4 pm at East Zorra Mennonite Church in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. Best wishes only please.

VBS 2025. True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World

Wow! What a week! We welcomed 180 kids (and more who wanted to come last minute) who joined us for a week of wild adventures as we explored God’s northern landscape. With only one rain day, the majority of our week was outside:

Playing games on our greenspace at Glacier Games; 

Diving into the book of Matthew at Sticky Scripture. Here each child received their own Gospel of Matthew, where they could mark off their special Bible verses for each day and learn more about what Jesus says to each of us; 

At Imagination Station kids saw science experiments that highlighted God‘s creativeness and innovation in the world around us;

And at Wild Bible Adventures they brought the Bible Stories to life as they experienced God’s word through tangible activities.

Our Assemblies were filled with visits from Scout and Alexis, enthusiastic worship songs, object lessons, interactive discussions, bible stories and learning our Bible Points.

Preparing Snack for 180 kids plus volunteers was not an easy feat, but our capable and hardworking crew kept everyone well nourished. A fan favorite snack was s’mores on a stick! 

We are so thankful for each person who participated in VBS, through prayer, or as a child or volunteer! We know that God is planting seeds for His Kingdom and it’s an honor for us to participate in His special work. 

We encourage you to chat with people involved at VBS and see what they thought about the week. We’re certain they have many stories to share. And we’re also certain you will want to be involved next year! 

Upcoming Summer Services (not at EZMC)

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.

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on July 16, July 30, August 13 and 27

Everyone of all ages is invited to bring a lawn chair, a snack, and a refreshment to drink and join us this Summer in our Green Space around the campfire for a time of fellowship, conversation, and fun. There will be no set agenda and children will be free to use the equipment and play. Alexis will plan to provide a few organized events for the children for about 30 minutes. 

On July 30 the Congregational Life group is planning to provide ice cream! 

We look forward to enjoying each other’s company.

We thank God for our youth and look forward to continuing to provide fun and faith formative youth group experiences. To make this happen we need you prayers and your support. We are looking for a group of adults who are willing to serve as youth sponsors for approximately 2 events a month. We also need adults who are willing to support youth ministry by occasionally hosting an event or joining the youth and their sponsors at an event. 

Please prayerfully consider how God may be nudging you to share in this important ministry. If you would be willing to serve in some way please reach out to one of our Gift Discernment Committee members: Kim Leis, Jon Witzel or Kristen Cressman.

Adult Fellowship Grand River Boat Cruise in Caledonia on Wednesday September 3 2025. We will meet at the church @ 8:30 am to carpool. Cost is $80.00 per person, dinner and show included. See bulletin board for your food choice and indicate any food intolerances. Also indicate a w/c or walker for seating. Please sign up by Sunday August 17. Payment can be made to committee members; Ray and Laurel Zehr, Owen and Carol Cook, Mike and Karen Wirth.

Beyond our Church Community

Saturday July 12^th 8:30 – 10 a.m. Please join us for the Cassel Community Tractor Breakfast. Bring your tractor or car, visit with your neighbours and enjoy breakfast.  Donations will be sent to Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Hidden Acres is hiring. We are looking to fill a part-time, year round housekeeping role as soon as possible. For more information visit www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the camp at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Grebel is hiring! Come work at Conrad Grebel University College. Affiliated with the University of Waterloo, Grebel offers programs in Peace and Conflict Studies, Music, Theology, and more, along with a residence community. Positions are available in a variety of departments: 

• Director of Development – Review of applications begin July 14
• Peace and Conflict Studies Administrative and Graduate Coordinator – Apply by July 21
• Custodial team (two positions) – Apply by July 20

Learn more about each position and application details at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/contact-us/careers

July 2 – September 30, 2025: Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Todayuses photography and poetry to reflect on the interconnection between humans and the natural world, with works by Leah Reesor-Keller and Ndagire Brendah. All are invited to the exhibit at the Grebel Gallery, Conrad Grebel University College.  

uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery

80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Rockway invites everyone to join in the fun this September 13 & 14! Whether you buy tickets for our Food Market Fundraiser, or join in on one of the other FREE events (including a Hymn Sing!), go to rockway.ca/events to learn more about how we’re celebrating 80 years of Rockway.

10,000 Steps for Mental Health

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo)
Registration at 9:00 am | Walk begins at 9:30 am

Join us for our 10th annual walk in support of accessible mental health care in Waterloo Region. The route travels from Shalom to the Iron Horse Trail and back, followed by a community barbecue to celebrate a decade of steps toward healing.

Whether your goal is 10,000 steps or 1,000, raising $10,000 or $100—every step and every dollar counts.

Sign up or donate at: shalomcounselling.org/steps

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68              Sunday July 6, 2025                      No. 27

Sunday July 6, 2025

10:30 a.m.

Song Leader: Connie Yantzi                  Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi

Audio: Greg Pye                                    Offering: Mission Partners

Our guest speakers are Lakan Pantoja and Benedikt Isert Bender

Potluck immediately following worship. Please bring your own dishes and cutlery, lawn chairs, (and of course delicious food to share!). Drinks will be provided.

This Coming Week

Monday July 7^th – Friday July 11^th 

• 9 – 11:45 a.m. Vacation Bible School

Thursday July 10^th

• 6:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School Program

Next Sunday – July 13, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Lisa & Jay Zehr                               Worship Leader: Dawn Bender

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

Coffee: Michelle & Brad Brenneman                Sharing by Amy Yantzi

Again this summer in our message time we will hear from various congregational members who will share about their life with God. We pray that the stories and experiences shared this summer will be an encouragement, and a reminder to each of us that God is with us.  

EZMC Announcements

June 2025 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule – $37,732.00

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. 

I am looking for some voices to join me in helping to lead our singing at the outdoor service in the Pavillion on Sunday, July 6. All voice parts welcome, no practice required! Songs will be familiar. For more info speak to Connie Yantzi, or message me at mcyantzi@gmail.com or 519-503-4969. Thanks!

VBS 2025

Please join us this week in praying for our church community:

God let our church be a great influence in our community through our VBS. We want your perfect love to be at the foundation of our community, and we pray that we spread your love. Let our doors be open and our hearts welcoming to all kids and their families. Let your goodness shine through us. 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

Upcoming Summer Services (not at EZMC)

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

Saturday July 12^th 8:30 – 10 a.m. Please join us for the Cassel Community Tractor Breakfast.  Bring your tractor or car, visit with your neighbours and enjoy breakfast.  Donations will be sent to Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Hidden Acres is hiring. We are looking to fill a part-time, year round housekeeping role as soon as possible. For more information visit www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the camp at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario is hiring a Director of Development to lead fundraising and alumni relations in alignment with its mission and values. The successful candidate will bring fundraising experience, relationship-building skills, and an appreciation for Grebel’s Anabaptist/Mennonite identity. Applications will be reviewed beginning July 14, 2025, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Read the full description: uwaterloo.ca/grebel/careers

July 2 – September 30, 2025: Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Today uses photography and poetry to reflect on the interconnection between humans and the natural world, with works by Leah Reesor-Keller and Ndagire Brendah. All are invited to the exhibit launch: Wednesday July 9, 7:30 PM at the Grebel Gallery, Conrad Grebel University College.   uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 68          Sunday June 29, 2025                      No. 26

Sunday June 29, 2025

Prelude/Accompanist: Brandy Sell                    Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeter: Jan Ropp                                            Worship Leader: Alexis Leis

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf             Coffee: Shirley & Phil Ruby                       

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #10 “Here in This Place”

VT #297 “You Are Salt for the Earth”       

Offering – Local Ministries

Children’s Story         Alexis Leis     

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:20-25, Matthew 5:13-16

Message “So What? Now What?”– Harold Schlegel

Song of Response      

VT #581 “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song”

Prayer of the Church

Sending Song             

VT #793 “We Are Marching”           

Benediction

Postlude

Today

Coffeetime in the basement immediately following worship. Everyone is welcome.

12 p.m. Private Party in the greenspace.

This Coming Week

Faith Community Nurse, Heidi Wagler, is on holidays and returns Saturday July 5^th.

Monday June 30^th

• 7:00pm – Walking Club – meet in front of the Memorial Hall in Tavistock. We’ll walk over to the path at the Optimist Club park, with options to make longer or shorter. Come walk at your pace! Decisions to cancel due to inclement weather will be made on location.

Next Sunday – July 6, 2025

10:30 a.m.

EZMC Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park Pavilion Tavistock.

Song Leader: Connie Yantzi                            Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi

Audio: Greg Pye                                              Offering: Mission Partners

Message: Lakan Pantoja

Please note that we are not having a Zoom service at the park.

Potluck immediately following worship. Please bring your own dishes and cutlery, lawn chairs, (and of course delicious food to share!). Drinks will be provided.

EZMC Announcements

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. 

I am looking for some voices to join me in helping to lead our singing at the outdoor service in the Pavillion on Sunday, July 6. All voice parts welcome, no practice required! Songs will be familiar. For more info speak to Connie Yantzi, or message me at mcyantzi@gmail.com or 519-503-4969. Thanks!

Holy Movement & Walking Club Summer Series!

Holy Movement 

• 4 classes will be offered on the following dates, re-using the classes from the spring session – June 24, July 22, Aug 5, Aug 19. All 7:30 – 8:30pm.

Walking Club

• Bi-weekly starting June 30 7pm. Will keep with Monday evenings at 7pm for now. Watch bulletin for location details. 

In September, we are anticipating we’ll continue with a bi-weekly schedule of both Holy Movement & Walking Club, on alternate weeks. 

Thank you for your interest, participation and encouragement! Contact Tracey (tracey.kropf@gmail.com) if you have feedback and/or questions. 

VBS 2025

Please join us this week in praying for our church community:

God let our church be a great influence in our community through our VBS. We want your perfect love to be at the foundation of our community, and we pray that we spread your love. Let our doors be open and our hearts welcoming to all kids and their families. Let your goodness shine through us. 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 519-503-6234, Marianne Witzel 519-508-1345 or Kristi Marriott 519-575-6077. Thank you in advance!

 Upcoming Summer Services (not at EZMC)

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

Thursday July 3^rd 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.

Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon are world-renowned Palestinian and Israeli peace-builders. After Aziz lost his brother to the IDF and Maoz lost his parents on October 7th, both channelled their pain into bringing a just and lasting peace for all people in Palestine-Israel. They’ve given a viral TED Talk, they’ve met two Popes, and now they’re coming to Kitchener-Waterloo! Hosted by Mennonite Action, join us at Rockway Mennonite Church July 11-13 for the Hope is an Action peace-building retreat with Aziz and Maoz. 

If you can’t join us for the whole weekend, join us for their public talk Friday, July 11th (also at Rockway MC). Doors open at 7:00pm, event begins at 7:30.

Register at HopeIsAnAction.weebly.com

If you have questions or wish to volunteer please email laura@lauramorlock.com

If you’re able, please consider helping us cover the costs of flying and hosting them here: HopeIsAnAction.weebly.com/donate 

Saturday July 12^th 8:30 – 10 a.m. Please join us for the Cassel Community Tractor Breakfast.  Bring your tractor or car, visit with your neighbours and enjoy breakfast.  Donations will be sent to Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Hidden Acres is hiring. We are looking to fill a part-time, year round housekeeping role as soon as possible. For more information visit www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the camp at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

The June edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service Canada. In this edition, you’ll read about MDS’ response to the Manitoba wildfires — plus more! Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/3ZBWSzb

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp  (slmc.ca)

Summer Camp: It’s not too late to consider overnight or day camp for your child! There are still spots in a variety of great 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 Mini Camp, Camps 1&3, Sports/Specialty Camps, 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.