Weekly Bulletins

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 69          Sunday August 9, 2026                      No. 32

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 to the EZMC service on Sunday August 16^th. )

TAP’s Annual Fundraising Lunch will follow the service.

This Coming Week

Monday August 10^th 

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – meet at Memorial Hall Tavistock. We’ll walk over to the path at the Optimist Club park, with options to make longer or shorter. All walkers welcome! Bring a friend and come walk at your pace! 

Wednesday August 12^th 

• 7 p.m. Worship Committee

Next Sunday – August 16, 2026

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler                          Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeter: Gwen & Dan Matthews                                Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Kristen Cressman         Offering: Local Ministries

Coffeetime: Gloria & Merv Ropp                                Message: Alexis Leis

EZMC Announcements

For our first Young Adult Bible study we will be taking a closer look at the creation story. For those of you who would like to prep ahead of time, please read through Genesis 1 & 2 a few times. Take note and look for the differences in the creation order between the two chapters. More details on the event will come shortly. 

Holy Movement & Walking Club summer series! Summer comes with vacation time for many & lots of opportunities to be active. This is all good, keep moving! For those interested in Holy Movement and Walking Club over the summer, details and dates are provided below. Mark it in your calendar and join when you can! New participants always welcome!

Holy Movement – 7:30-8:30 – Tues Aug 18 

Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – Aug 24  

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Tour – Thursday August 27^th, all adults are invited to participate in the cheese tour and lunch. Meet at Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese for 11:15 a.m.Learn how Gunn’s artisan cheese is made! The tour is an hour plus long and is doable with a walker. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to sample 3 types of cheese. Cheeses and other local artisan products are for sale. (Bring an insulated bag or small cooler if you want to purchase some cheese!) The tour is $15 per person. (Please pay Susan Schmitz for the cost of the tour.)  Following the tour we’ll head to Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh restaurant to have fellowship over Canadian or authentic Vietnamese cuisine! Excellent accessibility and there is lots of parking at both locations. Please sign up on the sheet in the lower foyer as we need a fairly accurate head count for the cheese tour and reservation at the restaurant.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese address: 445172 Gunn’s Hill Road, Woodstock

Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh address: 882 Dundas St.Woodstock

Where taste meets impact – For nearly 80 years, MCC has been canning meat and shipping it to countries facing food insecurity and hunger crises. Now you can cook up recipes with a can (or case) of your very own. From now until September 1, place an order for a can of delicious chicken breast, fully cooked in its own juices with just a pinch of salt. Every can purchase directly supports future shipments of meat to neighbours in Ontario and around the world. Visit any of the six Ontario Thrift shops today to place an order or download the form (see July 10 EZMC bulletin email) and send it directly to dylanyantzi@mcco.ca. Paper copies are also available on the main bulletin board.

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on Aug 19 & Sept 2. 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.

Tavistock Fall Fair Parade

On September 12th at 11am, East Zorra Mennonite Church will be participating in the Tavistock Fall Fair Parade again this year! Theme is: Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Please. 

If you are interested in helping to decorate the float, have ideas for it or think you could help out in any way, please reach out to Amy Yantzi 

There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for those who would like to attend the day of the parade float on September 12th at 11am. 

Please refer to the Sunday July 19^th bulletin for the Beyond our Church Community announcements as we are sending a condensed bulletin this week. 

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 69          Sunday August 2, 2026                      No. 31

9:45 a.m. Shared Worship Service with Cassel and Tavistock (please note time change) will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church (131 Wettlaufer Street, Tavistock). 

A livestream will be available on TMC’s website. No Worship Service at EZMC.

This Coming Week

Tuesday August 4^th

• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement Summer Series – Come join this wonderful community that’s been gathering to move and strengthen our bodies!  

Wednesday August 5^th    

• 6:30 – 8:30 pm Community Campfire in the Green Space.

Next Sunday – August 9, 2026

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 August 16^th. TAP’s Annual Fundraising Lunch will follow the service.

Extending God’s Love

Thank you for your contribution to help those affected by the wildfires. During one Sunday we raised $1400. This money went directly too purchase 120 cans of chicken from MCC, and to further their work. These cans have already been distributed throughout Thunder-bay and beyond on July 22 along with many other items such as clothing, food, household and baby items. Thank-you for helping to meet this need. 

EZMC Announcements

For our first Young Adult Bible study we will be taking a closer look at the creation story. For those of you who would like to prep ahead of time, please read through Genesis 1 & 2 a few times. Take note and look for the differences in the creation order between the two chapters. More details on the event will come shortly. 

Holy Movement & Walking Club summer series! Summer comes with vacation time for many & lots of opportunities to be active. This is all good, keep moving! For those interested in Holy Movement and Walking Club over the summer, details and dates are provided below. Mark it in your calendar and join when you can! New participants always welcome!

Holy Movement – 7:30-8:30 – Tues Aug 4 & 18 

Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – Aug 10 & 24  

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Tour – Thursday August 27^th, all adults are invited to participate in the cheese tour and lunch. Meet at Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese for 11:15 a.m.Learn how Gunn’s artisan cheese is made! The tour is an hour plus long and is doable with a walker. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to sample 3 types of cheese. Cheeses and other local artisan products are for sale. (Bring an insulated bag or small cooler if you want to purchase some cheese!) The tour is $15 per person. (Please pay Susan Schmitz for the cost of the tour.)  Following the tour we’ll head to Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh restaurant to have fellowship over Canadian or authentic Vietnamese cuisine! Excellent accessibility and there is lots of parking at both locations. Please sign up on the sheet in the lower foyer as we need a fairly accurate head count for the cheese tour and reservation at the restaurant.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese address: 445172 Gunn’s Hill Road, Woodstock

Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh address: 882 Dundas St.Woodstock

Where taste meets impact

For nearly 80 years, MCC has been canning meat and shipping it to countries facing food insecurity and hunger crises. Now you can cook up recipes with a can (or case) of your very own. From now until September 1, place an order for a can of delicious chicken breast, fully cooked in its own juices with just a pinch of salt. Every can purchase directly supports future shipments of meat to neighbours in Ontario and around the world. Visit any of thesix Ontario Thrift shops today to place an order or download the form attached to this email and send it directly to dylanyantzi@mcco.ca. Paper copies are also available on the main bulletin board.

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2. 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.

Tavistock Fall Fair Parade

On September 12th at 11am, East Zorra Mennonite Church will be participating in the Tavistock Fall Fair Parade again this year! Theme is: Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Please. 

If you are interested in helping to decorate the float, have ideas for it or think you could help out in any way, please reach out to Amy

There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for those who would like to attend the day of the parade float on September 12th at 11am. 

Please refer to the Sunday July 19^th bulletin for the Beyond our Church Community announcements as we are sending a condensed bulletin this week.

We will email but not print a Sun Aug 9^thbulletin.  

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 69          Sunday July 12, 2026                      No. 28

Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr               Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr         

Greeters: Carol & Owen Cook                         Worship Leader: Rick Roes                    

A/V: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf                         Coffee: Michelle & Brad Brenneman            

Prelude       

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship

Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise                

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

VT #111 “10,000 Reasons”

Offering – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada

Time with the Children              Hannah Yantzi                                                          

Scripture Reading: John 13:1-14

Sharing by: Sarah Ropp

Song of Response                      

VT #456 “Oceans”

Sharing & Prayer of the Church  Pastor Ray             

Sending Song                                       

VT #558 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”

Benediction

Today

Coffeetime in the basement immediately following the worship service. Everyone is welcome. We would ask that everyone provides their own mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will provide mugs for those who forget theirs or who come as guests on a Sunday morning.

This Coming Week

Monday July 13^th  

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – – meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock, we’ll walk the rail trail and loop back around to the hall

Tuesday July 14^th     

• 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Holy Movement Summer Series – new participants always welcome! 

Saturday July 18^th

• Private Party

Next Sunday – July 19, 2026

Prelude/Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi               Song Leader: Connie Yantzi                   

Greeter: Galen Leis                                        Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich

A/V: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler                            Offering: Leadership

Coffee: Janet & Marv Yantzi                            Sharing by: Madilynn Cressman

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.  

Extending God’s Love

Mennonite World Conference Calls Us to Prayer

Lord, comfort the people of Venezuela. Console the bereaved. Heal the wounded. Rescue the trapped. Minister peace to those who are anxious and suffering. Equip your people with resilience to help their neighbours and guide governments to respond with wisdom, fairness and compassion.

At this time, we call on our global communion to pray with our siblings in DR Congo and beyond amid an Ebola outbreak. We pray for the spread of hygiene information to shut down the spread of the virus. We pray for the provision of soap and gloves and other tools to protect the carers from paying a cost for their compassion. We pray for governments to be wise and judicious in their implementation of preventive measures. We pray for a stop to local and regional violence that would interfere with medical aid reaching those who need it.

Prayers for Cuba. Pray that much needed supplies will reach the island nation quickly. Pray that amid the stress of shortages added to rebuilding after November’s hurricane and more severe weather, people would take care of each other, sharing resources like the boy with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:19) so that everyone has enough.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.

EZMC Announcements

June 2026 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule – $40,608.00

The Missions Committee would like to thank the congregation for its generous support of the meat canning day at the MCC Cannery in New Hamburg on June 10. A total of 22 volunteers participated, helping to produce 1,029 cans of chicken, each weighing 1.5 pounds. These cans will be sent to an MCC partner school in Chad, where they will help meet the vital nutritional needs of approximately 1,300 children.

Where taste meets impact

For nearly 80 years, MCC has been canning meat and shipping it to countries facing food insecurity and hunger crises. Now you can cook up recipes with a can (or case) of your very own.

From now until September 1, place an order for a can of delicious chicken breast, fully cooked in its own juices with just a pinch of salt. Every can purchase directly supports future shipments of meat to neighbours in Ontario and around the world.

Visit any of the six Ontario Thrift shops today to place an order or download the form attached to this email and send it directly to dylanyantzi@mcco.ca. Paper copies are also available on the main bulletin board.

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on July 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2.

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.

Holy Movement & Walking Club summer series! Summer comes with vacation time for many & lots of opportunities to be active. This is all good, keep moving! For those interested in Holy Movement and Walking Club over the summer, details and dates are provided below. Mark it in your calendar and join when you can! New participants always welcome!

Holy Movement – 7:30-8:30 – Tues July 14 & 28; Tues Aug 4 & 18 

Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – June 29; July 13 & 27; Aug 10 & 24  

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday August 2     Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 9     Tavistock & Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park.

Sunday Sept 6        Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Calling all young adults! For anyone graduated from high school and under 30 we would love to get together for a time of fellowship and studying God’s word. We will meet on July 12th from 11-noon for an interest meeting in the MYF room following the service to talk about what we want to study and fellowship ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Alexis Leis, Rick Roes or Rowan Dibben. We would love to see you there!

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Tour – Thursday August 27^th, all adults are invited to participate in the cheese tour and lunch. Meet at Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese for 11:15 a.m. Learn how Gunn’s artisan cheese is made! The tour is an hour plus long and is doable with a walker. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to sample 3 types of cheese. Cheeses and other local artisan products are for sale. (Bring an insulated bag or small cooler if you want to purchase some cheese!) The tour is $15 per person.  (Please pay Susan Schmitz for the cost of the tour.)  Following the tour we’ll head to Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh restaurant to have fellowship over Canadian or authentic Vietnamese cuisine! Excellent accessibility and there is lots of parking at both locations. Please sign up on the sheet in the lower foyer as we need a fairly accurate head count for the cheese tour and reservation at the restaurant.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese address: 445172 Gunn’s Hill Road, Woodstock

Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh address: 882 Dundas St. Woodstock

Beyond Our Church Community

Want to learn more about volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service? Join our Zoom call on August 24 at 7:30pm EST. This Zoom meeting provides an opportunity for prospective volunteers to learn about MDS and the many available volunteer opportunities! Register by August 19 at https://mds.org/event/ways-to-get-involved-with-mds-2/.

Volunteers Needed at MCC Thrift
Impact your community, support MCC and join a fun team as a volunteer at MCC Thrift, where every purchase is a gift to the world. The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre has an urgent need for volunteers. Join a community rooted in service and love. Visit here to get in touch with us and find a role that suits your abilities and interests!

Join the MCC 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 Team Member – Receiving Focus (Full time, contract) – Kitchener

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

Join us Friday, September 25 for Rockway’s BIG Night Out at the Tapestry Hall in Cambridge. For more information and to get your tickets, visit rockway.ca/events. 

The Art of Lied & Mélodie – Free Admission to Masterclasses and Concerts (St Andrews Presbyterian, Kitchener). This Festival/Workshop, organized by Bass-Baritone Daniel Lichti, brings together pianists and singers to explore the best of Lied. Afternoon Masterclasses (July 23,24,27,28,30, 2-5pm) and Evening Concerts (July 25, July 31, Aug 1, 7pm). Attendees are invited to contribute to the Douglas Hass Music Ministry Enhancement Endowment Fund.  https://theartoflied.com/

Timmins Learning Tour – August 17-21, 2026, Timmins, OntarioWe’re excited to invite you to a unique experiential learning tour, where the focus is on building strong connections and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This is more than just a trip – it’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, connect, learn, and contribute to building bridges between communities. Learn more here.

Bucket of Thanks – Save the Date
Saturday August 29^th 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the MCC Hub in New Hamburg.
From the MCC Hub, thousands of kits and cans of meat are shipped worldwide to people in need. At Bucket of Thanks, it’s your turn to roll up your sleeves and pack a kit that will be shipped overseas. In addition, you can sample and purchase canned meat and enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting and a bouncy castle. Gather some friends and participate in a competitive Soap Structure Contest. Learn more here.

Save the Date – Saturday November 7^th Peace Conference: ​​​​Nourishing Peace Together at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener. Registration opens August 1st. If you’re hungry for connection, meaning and practical ways to resist despair in a world that feels overwhelming, plan to be at this year’s Peace Conference. MCC Ontario is hosting an in‑person event for people who don’t have everything figured out but who want to build peace. Attendees will:

• Learn how to practice peace in everyday life
• Hear from courageous people pursuing justice, reconciliation and care in hard places
• Share food, stories and space
• Take action, like knotting comforters and sending advocacy letters, to remind us we’re not powerless

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 69              Sunday July 5, 2026                      No. 27

EZMC Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park Pavilion Tavistock.

10:30 a.m.

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler                Song Leader: Susan Schmitz

Worship Leader: Caleb Leis                            Audio: Dathan Bender      

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

Prelude       

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship

Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise                

HWB # 59 “Sing praise to God who reigns”

HWB # 86 “Now thank we all our God”

Offering – Mission Partners

Time with the Children                                  Leah Ruby              

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-13                       

Sharing by: Jan Ropp

Song of Response                      

HWB # 340 “’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”

Sharing & Prayer of the Church                      Pastor Mike            

Sending Song                                       

HWB #327 “Great is thy faithfulness”

Benediction

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 6^th to Friday July 10^th 

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

Thursday July 9^th     

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

Next Sunday – July 12, 2026

Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr               Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr                   

Greeters: Carol & Owen Cook                         Worship Leader: Rick Roes                    

A/V: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf                         Offering: MCEC & MC Canda

Coffee: Michelle & Brad Brenneman                Sharing by: Sarah Ropp

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 Missions Committee would like to thank the congregation for its generous support of the meat canning day at the MCC Cannery in New Hamburg on June 10. A total of 22 volunteers participated, helping to produce 1,029 cans of chicken, each weighing 1.5 pounds. These cans will be sent to an MCC partner school, where they will help meet the vital nutritional needs of approximately 1,300 children.

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on July 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2.

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.

Holy Movement & Walking Club summer series! Summer comes with vacation time for many & lots of opportunities to be active. This is all good, keep moving! For those interested in Holy Movement and Walking Club over the summer, details and dates are provided below. Mark it in your calendar and join when you can! New participants always welcome!

Holy Movement – 7:30-8:30 – Tues July 14 & 28; Tues Aug 4 & 18 

Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – June 29; July 13 & 27; Aug 10 & 24  

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday August 2     Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 9     Tavistock & Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park.

Sunday Sept 6        Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Calling all young adults! For anyone graduated from high school and under 30 we would love to get together for a time of fellowship and studying God’s word. We will meet on July 12th from 11-noon for an interest meeting in the MYF room following the service to talk about what we want to study and fellowship ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Alexis Leis, Rick Roes or Rowan Dibben. We would love to see you there!

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Tour – Thursday August 27^th, all adults are invited to participate in the cheese tour and lunch. Meet at Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese for 11:15 a.m. Learn how Gunn’s artisan cheese is made! The tour is an hour plus long and is doable with a walker. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to sample 3 types of cheese. Cheeses and other local artisan products are for sale. (Bring an insulated bag or small cooler if you want to purchase some cheese!) The tour is $15 per person.  (Please pay Susan Schmitz for the cost of the tour.)  Following the tour we’ll head to Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh restaurant to have fellowship over Canadian or authentic Vietnamese cuisine! Excellent accessibility and there is lots of parking at both locations. Please sign up on the sheet in the lower foyer as we need a fairly accurate head count for the cheese tour and reservation at the restaurant.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese address: 445172 Gunn’s Hill Road, Woodstock

Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh address: 882 Dundas St. Woodstock

This summer, we may email/print condensed bulletins. Please refer to last Sunday’s bulletin for all the Beyond our Church Community announcements.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 69              Sunday June 28, 2026                      No. 26

Prelude/Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                          Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Worship Leader: Dawn Bender                                  Greeters: Dawn & Greg Zehr  

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf                 Coffeetime: Gloria & Tom Roth

Prelude       

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship

L: We come together as the family of faith

P: We assemble to honour the living God

L: Through Christ we become God’s holy household

P: In Christ we are bonded together to be God’s people

L: Our worship is united into oneness by the Holy Spirit

P: In communion with the Holy Spirit,

let us celebrate our unity

by Arlene M. Mark in Worship Resources(Worship Series) ed.by Arlene M. Mark (MPH,1982), 31

Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise                

VT #84 “To God Be the Glory”

VT #88 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”      

Offering – Local Ministries

Time with the Children                                  Dawn Bender                                       

Scripture Reading: Esther 4:1-17                    

Message                                                         Pastor Ray

Song of Response                      

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

Sharing & Prayer of the Church                      Heidi Wagler

                                                                      Faith Community Nurse

Sending Song                                       

VT #827 “Move in Our Midst”                            

Benediction

This morning, we welcome Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite as we gather for the first of our shared Worship services on holiday weekends this summer.

Today

Coffeetime in the basement immediately following the worship service. Everyone is welcome. We would ask that everyone provides their own mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will provide mugs for those who forget theirs or who come as guests on a Sunday morning.

Please note that Sunday School classes for all ages will resume in the Fall.

This Coming Week

Monday June 29^th

• 7 p.m. Walking Club – meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock 

Tuesday June 30^th    

• 7:30 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting

Next Sunday – July 5, 2026

10:30 a.m.

EZMC Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park Pavilion Tavistock.

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

Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler                Song Leader: Susan Schmitz                    Worship Leader: Caleb Leis                            Offering: Mission Partners

Audio: Dathan Bender                                     Sharing by: Jan Ropp

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.  

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

The Sunday July 5 bulletin will be sent by email on Friday July 3^rd as usual but not printed for the service. Those who regularly have bulletin deliveries will receive a paper copy.

Extending God’s Love

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.

EZMC Announcements

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Green Space on  July 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sept 2.

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.

Holy Movement & Walking Club summer series! Summer comes with vacation time for many & lots of opportunities to be active. This is all good, keep moving!  For those interested in Holy Movement and Walking Club over the summer, details and dates are provided below.  Mark it in your calendar and join when you can! New participants always welcome!

Holy Movement – 7:30-8:30 – Tues July 14 & 28; Tues Aug 4 & 18 

Walking Club – meet at 7pm – will continue on our bi-weekly Monday schedule – June 29; July 13 & 27; Aug 10 & 24  

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday August 2     Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 9     Tavistock & Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park.

Sunday Sept 6        Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Calling all young adults! For anyone graduated from high school and under 30 we would love to get together for a time of fellowship and studying God’s word. We will meet on July 12th from 11-noon for an interest meeting in the MYF room following the service to talk about what we want to study and fellowship ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Alexis Leis, Rick Roes or Rowan Dibben. We would love to see you there!

Upcoming Adult Fellowship Event – Save the Date

Thursday August 27^th Gunn’s Hill Cheese tour and lunch at Sunrise Pho Binh Thanh Ben Thah in Woodstock (more details to follow in July).

Student Aid Applications:

Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary). East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30^th for the 2026/2027 school year (Sept 2026 – Aug 2027). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, you will find the Student Aid policy and application under the church mailboxes or contact Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca who can email the application to you. You can direct the completed applications and any questions to Finance and Facility Chair Brendan Leis at b_leis@hotmail.com.

As VBS is approaching, we are looking for some grade 6-8 volunteers that will be at VBS who are willing to come up to the front and lead the actions during our worship time. Their role will be to learn the actions to the songs and look happy and engaged while leading at the front of the church. We are planning to have one practice sometime mid June and you will get access to the videos beforehand. The videos with actions will be playing during the worship time so they will not need to be memorized, you will just need to be familiar with them. If you are interested or have any questions please contact Alexis Leis at 226-581-5661 or alexisezmennonite@gmail.com

If anyone has a white twin-sized bed sheet that they don’t need anymore and are willing to donate, (it will be cut up and used for a demonstration in one of the main sessions),  talk to Alexis.

VBS Rainforest Falls 2026 

Calling all Grandparents! 
We need your help at VBS July 6 -10. Bring your lawn chair and sit under 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 Chelsea Sider. 

Beyond Our Church Community

On the Level (June edition) is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service

In this edition, you’ll read stories about homeowners, volunteers, and community members of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan. One homeowner and local firefighter, Steven, reflected on the volunteers who came to help. “I stayed because it was my job,” he said. “But the volunteers are freely giving their time to come and help people they don’t even know. They are true heroes to me.”

Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/4eseKmp

Want to learn more about volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service? Join our Zoom call on August 24 at 7:30pm EST. This Zoom meeting provides an opportunity for prospective volunteers to learn about MDS and the many available volunteer opportunities! Register by August 19 at https://mds.org/event/ways-to-get-involved-with-mds-2/.

Volunteers Needed at MCC Thrift
Impact your community, support MCC and join a fun team as a volunteer at MCC Thrift, where every purchase is a gift to the world. The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre has an urgent need for volunteers. Join a community rooted in service and love. Visit here to get in touch with us and find a role that suits your abilities and interests!

Join the MCC 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 Team Member – Receiving Focus (Full time, contract) – Kitchener

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

Join us Friday, September 25 for Rockway’s BIG Night Out at the Tapestry Hall in Cambridge. For more information and to get your tickets, visit rockway.ca/events. 

The Art of Lied & Mélodie – Free Admission to Masterclasses and Concerts (St Andrews Presbyterian, Kitchener). This Festival/Workshop, organized by Bass-Baritone Daniel Lichti, brings together pianists and singers to explore the best of Lied. Afternoon Masterclasses (July 23,24,27,28,30, 2-5pm) and Evening Concerts (July 25, July 31, Aug 1, 7pm). Attendees are invited to contribute to the Douglas Hass Music Ministry Enhancement Endowment Fund.  https://theartoflied.com/

Timmins Learning Tour – August 17-21, 2026, Timmins, OntarioWe’re excited to invite you to a unique experiential learning tour, where the focus is on building strong connections and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This is more than just a trip – it’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, connect, learn, and contribute to building bridges between communities. Learn more here.

Bucket of Thanks – Save the Date
Saturday August 29^th 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the MCC Hub in New Hamburg.
From the MCC Hub, thousands of kits and cans of meat are shipped worldwide to people in need. At Bucket of Thanks, it’s your turn to roll up your sleeves and pack a kit that will be shipped overseas. In addition, you can sample and purchase canned meat and enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting and a bouncy castle. Gather some friends and participate in a competitive Soap Structure Contest. Learn more here.

Save the Date – Saturday November 7^th Peace Conference: ​​​​Nourishing Peace Together at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener. Registration opens August 1st. If you’re hungry for connection, meaning and practical ways to resist despair in a world that feels overwhelming, plan to be at this year’s Peace Conference. MCC Ontario is hosting an in‑person event for people who don’t have everything figured out but who want to build peace. Attendees will:

• Learn how to practice peace in everyday life
• Hear from courageous people pursuing justice, reconciliation and care in hard places
• Share food, stories and space
• Take action, like knotting comforters and sending advocacy letters, to remind us we’re not powerless