East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 68 Sunday April 20, 2025 No. 15
Sunday April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday
Christ Among Us!
8:30 a.m. – A light Easter breakfast will be served.
9:15-9:45 Children ages JK-grade 8 can meet in the Assembly Room for Easter Story Lab & Activities. Younger children can gather with their parent by the climber where a table with colouring & activity sheets will be available.
Prelude/Accompanist: Gather25 Band Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Greeters: Marilyn & Bob Zehr Worship Leader: Pastor Ray
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Leadership
Prelude VT #346 “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
“Mighty to Save”
“Living Hope”
“At the Cross”
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise “In Christ Alone”
“O Praise The Name”
Offering: Leadership
Offertory “Jesus Paid It All”
Time with the Children – Sheryl Leis
Scripture Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Mark 16:1-8; John 20:19-23
Message – Pastor Mike
Song of Response VT #333 “Low in the Grave He Lay”
Easter Dance: “The Cross”
Dancers – Alexis, Leah, Kyra, Alyssa, Julia
Flag wavers – Rowan, Garner, Lake, Hannah, Ben, Max, Bauer, Evelyn, Madison, Ryan
Emmett, Hudson, Violet
Special thanks to Fiona Hyde for bringing the choreography to life.
Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray
Sending Song VT #361 “Christ Who Left His Home in Glory”
Benediction
Postlude
Today
Please note that coffee will be served at breakfast, and not after the worship service. We will not be having Sunday School classes.
12 p.m. Private Party
This Coming Week
Tuesday April 22nd
- 1 p.m. Care Team Meeting
Wednesday April 23rd
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting
Thursday April 24th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 12 p.m. High Noon Seniors Lunch at Grace United. Our guest speaker is pharmacist Hilary Bald, the co-owner and manager of Tavistock IDA. Hilary will be speaking to us about senior care and the expanded roles of pharmacists. Hope to see you there.
- 6 p.m. 2025 Big Church Read Supper Book Club
Friday April 25th
- Junior Youth – Girls Night/Guys Night
- MYF
Next Sunday – April 27, 2025
We will begin a worship series on The Lord’s Prayer
Prelude/Accompanist: Brandy Sell Song Leader: Myron Ruby
Greeters: Carol & Owen Cook Worship Leader:
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Relief/MCC
Coffee: Shirley & Phil Ruby Message: Pastor Ray
EZMC Announcements
JCET needs teachers & helpers!!!
VBS 2025 – July 7-11 – True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World
Registration is open! Parents please register your children and share the registration link found on our church website with friends and neighbours. High school students can be “registered”/express interest to help through the same link.
Volunteers: please let us know your availability and what area you would like to help in.
naomiwitzel8@gmail.com or ashleywitzel@gmail.com
A note to Volunteers – Our Safe Church Policy states that all volunteers who work with children, youth or vulnerable persons need to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check every 5 years and a Volunteer Commitment Form each year. Please check in with Office Administrator Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca before you volunteer to make sure this is in place. A reminder to those who recently applied for their VSC that the link from the police service is only active for a matter of days. Please send it to the church office as soon as you receive it. Thanks so much.
Grace Lao Mennonite Church Egg Roll Sale – Please place your order on the sign-up sheet on the main bulletin board or by emailing Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca. Price is $20 for a box of 10 egg rolls. Vegetarian rolls are also available. Please indicate on your order if you want meat or vegetarian rolls. Orders are due by Sunday April 27th and will be available for pickup at church on Saturday May 10th. Payment is due at the time of pickup.
The 2025 Camp Subsidy Form is now available, and you can complete and return to Becky Bender 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 by contacting Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Caleb Leis.
Do your physical fitness routines need some spring renewal?
Health Ministry Team, in partnership with Tracey Kropf, is pleased to offer you 2 body movement initiatives this spring for 8 weeks (April 29 – June 16)! These 2 initiatives will run bi-weekly, and will enable physical fitness, spiritual wellness, and deepen relationships through regular connections!
Initiative 1 – Holy Movement Stretch & Strength – biweekly Tues 7:30 – 8:30 pm starting April 29
- Stretch and body weight strengthening exercises focusing on core, upper and lower body (will incorporate light weights for those interested).
- Christ centred focus through devotion and Praise & Worship music
- Open to women and men (older youth also welcome) of all fitness levels who have been cleared for physical activity
- Bring an exercise mat, water bottle, and light weights (optional)
- Led by Tracey as a non-certified, volunteer instructor. No fee or registration required, however Agreement of Release & Liability, and Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire forms will need to be completed for all participants.
Initiative 2 – Walking Club – biweekly Mon 7:00 – 8:00 pm starting May 5
- Jesus and His disciples set an example for us to be active, they walked / hiked everywhere to serve others!
- Brisk walk, 45 – 60 minutes in length, to elevate our heartrates
- Come walk with those at your fitness level!
- Will walk locally in Tavistock or New Hamburg (in town and at local hiking trails)
We are excited to offer these spring movement initiatives and can’t wait to see where God might take these seeds of an idea!
If you have feedback or questions in the meantime, please reach out to Tracey (tracey.kropf@gmail.com, 226-338-3968).
Donut Project
The relief sale is on Saturday, May 31 and that means volunteer opportunities! Consider supporting the donut project in one of the following ways:
– making mashed potatoes – details and sign up sheet on bulletin board
– mixing or kneading in the donut tent – sign up sheet on bulletin board
– post-sale clean up at church – sign up sheet on bulletin
– set up at the donut tent (Friday morning) and/or tear down at the donut tent (Saturday afternoon) – contact Bill Roth kilbride@rogers.com
Any questions contact Greg and Dawn gdzehr@gmail.com
Want to have the “sweetest job” at the Relief Sale on May 31, 2025? We are looking for volunteers to ice donuts. If you are interested in volunteering please connect with Kristen Cressman in person or at 519-949-0067.
Beyond our Church Community
Myanmar earthquake response
In the wake of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, MCC will be responding with local partners to provide cash assistance to pay for immediate medical needs, food and water. The situation is made even more challenging by ongoing conflict and civil war. The healthcare system has collapsed, roads are impassable, and electricity services are scarce. Go to MCC’s website to donate today to provide relief to families in need.
Federal Election 2025 – Every Action Counts
Considering the Federal election called for April 28, MCC is inviting you to take a pledge to listen, speak and act for the good of our neighbours and to think about every action as a vote for the kind of world they want to live in. The campaign includes a landing page where you can sign the pledge and receive a series of emails offering further resources and reflection on listening, speaking and acting. The emails will also include some high-level questions you can ask your candidate. Check out this link for more information. https://mcc.org/resources/every-action-counts
Friday April 25th 6 – 9 p.m. Wilmot Family Resource Centre (WFRC) presents Passion to Action: Women’s Wellness Event on. Join us for an exhilarating evening to celebrate women in our community. Workshops, vendors, food, a fashion show and lots more! Tickets are $25/person. To register or for more information, please contact the Wilmot Family Resource Centre at (519) 662-2731 or info@wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.ca.
Saturday May 3rd 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Shalom’s Annual Spring Brunch is fast approaching. We hope you can join us for a morning of connection, inspiration, and learning at Golf’s Steak House and Seafood (Ballroom 598 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener, ON). Guest Panel includes Jennifer Hutton – CEO, Women’s Crisis Services, Member of the Intimate Partner Violence Unit, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Grace Ibrahima – Author and Speaker. Event Theme is Voices for Change; Healing in Community – Responding to Gender-Based Violence. Cost: $50 (Receipts provided for $20 of ticket price). Please RSVP by Monday, April 28, 2025, to ensure your spot. You can purchase tickets by Phone: 519-886-9690 or Online: www.shalomcounselling.org/brunch
Interfaith Counselling Centre 37th Annual Online Silent Auction
Be part of our longest running fundraiser. Our Annual Silent Auction featuring local products, gift cards, sporting events and much much more.
Donations still being accepted. Call 519 662-3092 to arrange pick up/drop off.
New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
- Calling All Musicians and Singers!
Are you interested in sharing your musical talents at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale? We’re looking for performers to create a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Whether you’d like to move around the fairgrounds entertaining attendees or set up in one spot, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re interested in performing, please contact Sheryl Bruggeling at sherylbruggeling@mcco.ca or call 519-745-8458 ext 265.
- New Hamburg Mennonite Sale Promotion Dinner
Monday April 28th 6 p.m.at Calvary United Church, 48 Hawkesville Rd., St. Jacobs
Join us for a delightful evening out featuring a delicious buffet dinner catered by Gracie’s Country Oven! Enjoy great food, connect with community, and learn about MCC’s work. This fundraising dinner helps offset the costs of the relief sale so more funds from our May event can support MCC’s global relief, development, and peace work. While the admission covers dinner expenses, donations are gratefully received. Tickets are $25 per adult, children 10 and under are free! Order tickets online at mcc.org/nhmrs-dinner or call Justin to reserve your seats in advance 519-745-8458 ext 262
- Youth and Young Adults: Join the NHMRS Committee!
Do you want to bring energy and fresh ideas to a meaningful cause? We’re seeking enthusiastic youth and young adults to join the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale committee—a great opportunity to help plan an event that makes a real impact in our community and beyond. Join our dynamic team, learn new skills, and support MCC’s global relief, development, and peace work. Whether you’re interested in event planning, outreach, or simply serving, we’d love to have you. Interested? Please email John Reimer at johnreimer@nhmrs.com or text 519-498-3620.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We’re truly grateful and look forward to an inspiring sale ahead.
Wednesday June 4th Interfaith Counselling Centre 2025 Spring Gala Fundraiser
Join us for a formal night of wonderful food and live music by Waterloo Oxford Jazz Band and Stage Band. Tickets on sale online (click image above) or call the office 519 662-3092. Sponsorship opportunities still available. Call ICC office to discuss. 519 662-3092 x 101
Friday June 6th 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Embracing Aging as Culmination – Annual Spirituality and Aging Seminar |. Guest speaker Dr. Carol Orsborn, author of seven books that embrace spiritual aging as life’s culmination. For seminar details and pricing, visit uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/embracing-aging-culmination
MCEC is excited to host MC Canada Gathering 2025. Volunteer Coordinators, Ashley Drudge and Gladys Bender are seeking volunteers of all ages, interested in welcoming and offering hospitality to MC Canada Gathering participants from across Canada. A variety of positions and time slots are available. For more information, please contact gathering@mennonitechurch.ca.
Registration is now open 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:
1.Congregational Gathering
2.Youth Gathering
3.U30 Young Adult Gathering
Early bird registration from March 5 to May 15.
