Weekly Announcements

Palm Sunday

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday March 24, 2024                      No. 12

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Palm Sunday

Prelude: Brandy Sell                                       Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf            Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Susan & Bill Schmitz                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler    Message: Pastor Mike 

Coffee Hosts: Carol & Owen Cook

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #313 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

VT #315 “All Glory, Laud, and Honour”

Offering – Leadership

Time with the Children       

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11          

Message: Pastor Mike

Prayer of Confession & Assurance             

Song of Response      

VT #316 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty

Lay Minister Nominations: Pastor Ray 

Prayer of the Church   Pastor Ray                    

Sending Song 

VT #436 How Great Thou Art     

Benediction

Postlude

Today

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

11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages

12:30 – 6 p.m. Private Party

EZMC leads afternoon worship services at 2:15 pm peopleCare & 3:15 pm Maples

This Coming Week

Wednesday March 27^th      

• 7 p.m. Play Group set up

Thursday March 28^th               

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Maundy Thursday Service

7 p.m.

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Pastors Ray & Pastor Mike    Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Message: Pastor Ray   

This service will include hand washing and communion.

Saturday March 30^th

• 1 – 7 p.m. Private Party

Birthdays

Sunday March 24: Colton Yantzi

Monday March 25: Lindsay Zehr, Mary Ann Zehr

Thursday March 28: Jean MacDonald, Victoria Green

Saturday March 30: Selena Lupton

Easter Sunday – March 31, 2024

8:30 a.m. – A light Easter breakfast will be served. Please sign the sheet on the bulletin board today, March 24^th, if you plan to attend.

9:15-9:50 a.m. Easter Children’s Gathering in the Assembly Room for Grades 1-8. Create your own Easter Story Snack Mix and participate in an act of KINDNESS and LOVE like the Disciples did with Jesus. Children in Nursery to SK can gather with their parent by the climber where a table with colouring & activity sheets will be available & each child will be given an Easter Story Snack Mix. 

10 a.m. Worship Service

Prelude: Heidi/Lydia/Hannah                         Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                            Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Ashley & Jon Witzel                        Offering: Maintenance

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler        Message: Pastor Mike 

Please note that coffee will be served at breakfast, and we will not be having coffeetime after the worship service.

EZMC Announcements

All items for the Easter Sunday bulletin (March 31^st), are due to the church office by 9 a.m. on Thursday March 28^th. Thanks so much.

The 2023 Annual Meeting minutes were sent by email on Friday March 22^nd. Paper copies are available on the bottom row of the church mailboxes. Please take a copy if you would like one.

Nominations for Lay Ministers

Jared Yantzi will be completing his term as one of our two Lay Ministers of Christian Education and Nurture and Marv Leis will be completing his term as a Care Team member. We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to each of them for their dedication and commitment to their role.

To assist the Gift Discernment Committee in the discerning process you will be invited on Sunday, March 24, to submit nominations for these two positions. Please prayerfully consider who you feel could serve in these roles.

Your nomination for the Care Team member should be a male with daytime flexibility. If you are unable to be at church on March 24 please submit your nominations to Wayne Yantzi by email, wdyantzi@gmail.com by Sunday March 31.

The MYF and the Adult Fellowship group will be enjoying an evening of friendly crokinole games and finger foods on Friday April 5th at 7 pm at the church.

Please bring your crokinole board and finger foods to share.

Plastic containers needed!

Please save 500 ml/2 cup size plastic containers (eg sour cream, margarine) to be reused for this year’s relief sale donut project. They can be placed in the marked box under the mailboxes in the lobby. Thank you!

Mark your calendars for this year’s EZ Women’s IF Gathering here at the church,

April 12th and 13th. What is an IF Gathering? “If Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women.” The theme this year is- A Reason to Celebrate, A Moment to Risk Again. Come join us as we thank God for all he has done in our past and discuss how are we going to live differently for Him going forward. The cost for registration is $30 and this includes lunch on Saturday from Raja Thai and Indian Cuisine. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board in the front lobby. Spread the word and invite your friends to join us! If you have any questions you can ask one of the planning team members, Erin Yantzi, Ashley Witzel, Sheryl Leis, Heidi Wagler or Jess Yantzi. Stay tuned for more details to come!

The 2024 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (EZMC P.O. Box 997 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

It has been 10 years since EZ installed a Hearing Loop, a device meant to assist anyone with hearing aids struggling to hear during services in the auditorium.

The loop can discreetly assist anyone who wears hearing aids regardless of their age to hear sound directly from the microphone without the added distraction of background noise. In short, the sound travels through a wire that is installed around the sanctuary and connected to the sound system. In turn the hearing aid is set to wirelessly pick up that sound.

Should you be interested in more info please contact either Marilyn Zehr, 519-462-2320 or Ashley Witzel, 519-577-4888.

Help build a future of peace in Mindanao: Malipayon Peace Hub

On Friday November 24 our weekly email included an attachment of the monthly newsletter from Dann and Joji Pantoja, witness workers in the Philippines who we support. This newsletter highlights the Malipayon Peace Hub Project which we heard about last month when our guests from the Philippians were here. Mennonite Church Canada is supporting this project and has a fundraising goal of $230,000. They hope to reach this goal March 2024. If you would like to donate to this project please use the link provided below or send a cheque to Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4.Your support for this project will be a blessing. Donation Link:  https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/philippines-transition

On behalf of Benedikt Isert Bender, MCEC has invited members of East Zorra to support Benedikt through prayer, encouragement, and financial gifts. Benedikt was here March 10 and shared about his one-year service assignment as a Social Enterprise Trainee at Coffee for Peace, learning the value chain of the coffee industry framed in social justice and peacebuilding as well as additional responsibilities! Donations to support Benedikt can be made to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, designated “STIM – Bender” and mailed to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada 201 – 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1.

Beyond our Church Community

Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships

Two members of our group will be presenting on Thursday March 28, 2024 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. to the Active Living Centre at the Wilmot Recreation Complex at 1291 Nafziger Road, Baden.  All those 55+ are invited.  Registration is not required.

Celebrate the launch of On Mennonite/s Writing, a collection of essays by literary scholar Dr. Hildi Froese Tiessen, edited by Rob Zacharias. This book gathers eighteen essays that reflect a half-century of critical engagement.  April 4, 7:30 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College (Chapel). Reception to follow.  grebel.ca/events

Saturday April 6^th Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 40th Annual Bowlathon.

This is one of the camp’s main annual fundraising events with last year’s Bowlathon raising almost $30,000! You can show your support by making a donation at hiddenacres.ca/donate, and select “Annual Bowlathon” from the list. If you have any questions please contact us at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602. Thank you!

Conrad Grebel University College is accepting student residence applications for the 2024/25 academic year. Grebel is an enthusiastic residence community that houses University of Waterloo students on the UWaterloo campus. Students in any year of study are welcome. Learn about rooms, spaces, food, fees, and important dates at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/apply.

Monday April 29^th  6 p.m. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner

at Calvary United Church (48 Hawkesville Rd, St. Jacobs).

More than just a meal, the NHMRS promotion dinner is your chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and acapella music by Surrendered. MCC will share an update on their work in Ethiopia. Funds raised will offset costs of running the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Skip the line and order your tickets online today! Tickets can also be reserved in advance by contacting Justin Armitage at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

Interfaith Counselling Centre – 40^th Anniversary Celebration
Come join us in celebrating 40 years of instilling hope in our community.  With multiple services, including support for those dealing with anxiety, depression, anger management, stress reduction, trauma, bullying, addiction recovery, separation, and divorce and so much more — we could not have done it without the support of our amazing caring community.
In celebration we are hosting a phenomenal unforgettable event — formal attire, delicious food and live musical entertainment, featuring local talent Daniel Lichti, Angelica Appelman, and Mike and Diana Erb.
GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!!!  Celebrate the great work of the past and be a part of supporting mental health work into the future.
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 6:00pm (dinner starts at 6:30pm)
Location: Puddicombe Banquet Hall (145 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON)
Attire: Formal
Ticket price: $140 / person ($80 receiptable)

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday March 17, 2024                      No. 11

Sunday March 17, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – The Transfiguration of Jesus

Prelude: Heidi/Lydia                                       Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi                         Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp                     Offering: Local Ministries

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

Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #57 “Holy Spirit, Come with Power”

VT #570 “When We Walk with the Lord”                         

Offering – Local Ministries

Time with the Children  Pastor Mike          

Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-13          

Message: Pastor Mike

Prayer of Confession & Assurance             

Song of Response       VT #301 “Jesus on the Mountain Peak”

Prayer of the Church                       

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

Benediction

Postlude

Today

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

11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages

This Coming Week

Tuesday March 19^th

• 1:30 – 3:30 Prayer Shawl at Jean MacDonald’s. New knitters are always welcome.

Wednesday March 20^th      

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
• 7 p.m. Play Group set up

Thursday March 21^st              

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
• 12 p.m. Lenten Luncheon at Grace United Church at Grace United Church (Elevator and Hearing Assistance). Each Thursday during Lent beginning at noon with meditation and music in the Sanctuary followed by Soup and Sandwich Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Suggested contribution is $5-$10 for lunch. Theme is “Spiritual Practises for a Climate Crisis”  Each week we will focus on an emotion that describes our relationship with creation. Week 6: Awe 
• 7 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting
• 7 – 9 pm The Congregational Life Committee invites you to an Intergenerational Games night at the church. Everyone is welcome. Bring your favourite games. Feel free to invite a friend or neighbour. 

Friday March 22^nd

• 7 p.m. MYF – Comforter Knotting

Sunday March 24, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Palm Sunday

Prelude: Brandy Sell                                       Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf            Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Susan & Bill Schmitz                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler    Message: Pastor Mike 

Coffee Hosts: Carol & Owen Cook

12:30 – 6 p.m. Private Party

EZMC leads afternoon worship services at:

2:15 pm peopleCare

3:15 pm Maples

EZMC Announcements

Cash offerings – Reminder from Treasurer

If you are using the blank offering envelopes with cash, please include your name on the envelope if you would like the cash counted for a tax receipt at the end of the year.

Sunday Services at The Maples and peopleCare March 24.

You are invited to participate in Sunday afternoon services on March 24 and/or June 9. Very young to mature are welcome! It’s an hour and a half commitment at the very most. It involves saying hello to the seniors, participating in singing or playing a musical instrument, and/or reading a poem, short story, or scripture. Please speak to Pastor Ray or Susan Schmitz.

Maundy Thursday Service (March 28) 7 p.m. will include Hand Washing and Communion

Easter Sunday (March 31^st)

8:30 a.m. – A light Easter breakfast will be served. Please sign the sheet on the bulletin board by Sunday March 24^th if you plan to attend.

9:15-9:50 a.m. Easter Children’s Gathering in the Assembly Room for Grades 1-8. Create your own Easter Story Snack Mix and participate in an act of KINDNESS and LOVE like the Disciples did with Jesus. Children in Nursery to SK can gather with their parent by the climber where a table with colouring & activity sheets will be available & each child will be given an Easter Story Snack Mix. 

10 a.m. Easter Worship Service 

Please note that coffee will be served at breakfast and we will not be having coffeetime after the worship service.

Nominations for Lay Ministers

Jared Yantzi will be completing his term as one of our two Lay Ministers of Christian Education and Nurture and Marv Leis will be completing his term as a Care Team member. We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to each of them for their dedication and commitment to their role.

To assist the Gift Discernment Committee in the discerning process you will be invited on Sunday, March 24, to submit nominations for these two positions. Please prayerfully consider who you feel could serve in these roles.

Your nomination for the Care Team member should be a male with daytime flexibility. If you are unable to be at church on March 24 please submit your nominations to Wayne Yantzi by email, wdyantzi@gmail.com by Sunday March 31.

The MYF and the Adult Fellowship group will be enjoying an evening of friendly crokinole games and finger foods on Friday April 5th at 7 pm at the church.

Please bring your crokinole board and finger foods to share.

Sunday Morning Volunteer Opportunities

Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year?

Coffee Time Hosts – A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.   

Contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, by March 22^nd if you are willing to volunteer as a greeter or coffee host. Thanks so much.

On behalf of Benedikt Isert Bender, MCEC has invited members of East Zorra to support Benedikt through prayer, encouragement, and financial gifts. Benedikt was here March 10 and shared about his one-year service assignment as a Social Enterprise Trainee at Coffee for Peace, learning the value chain of the coffee industry framed in social justice and peacebuilding as well as additional responsibilities! Donations to support Benedikt can be made to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, designated “STIM – Bender” and mailed to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada 201 – 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1.

Plastic containers needed!

Please save 500 ml/2 cup size plastic containers (eg sour cream, margarine) to be reused for this year’s relief sale donut project. They can be placed in the marked box under the mailboxes in the lobby. Thank you!

Mark your calendars for this year’s EZ Women’s IF Gathering here at the church, April 12th and 13th. What is an IF Gathering? 

“If Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women.” 

The theme this year is- A Reason to Celebrate, A Moment to Risk Again. Come join us as we thank God for all he has done in our past and discuss how are we going to live differently for Him going forward. The cost for registration is $30 and this includes lunch on Saturday from Raja Thai and Indian Cuisine. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board in the front lobby. Spread the word and invite your friends to join us! If you have any questions you can ask one of the planning team members, Erin Yantzi, Ashley Witzel, Sheryl Leis, Heidi Wagler or Jess Yantzi. Stay tuned for more details to come!

The 2024 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (EZMC P.O. Box 997 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Help build a future of peace in Mindanao: Malipayon Peace Hub

On Friday November 24 our weekly email included an attachment of the monthly newsletter from Dann and Joji Pantoja, witness workers in the Philippines who we support. This newsletter highlights the Malipayon Peace Hub Project which we heard about last month when our guests from the Philippians were here. Mennonite Church Canada is supporting this project and has a fundraising goal of $230,000. They hope to reach this goal March 2024. If you would like to donate to this project please use the link provided below or send a cheque to Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4.Your support for this project will be a blessing. Donation Link:  https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/philippines-transition

Beyond our Church Community

Sunday March 17^th Tavistock Mennonite Church’s Witness and Service Committee would like to invite you to a Potluck Lunch and Silent Auction at TMC, after the service, in support of their Refugee Fund. Lunch at 12 p.m. (bring your favourite potluck dish) Silent auction closes at 1 p.m. (come early and check out the items)

Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships

It’s just one week until the last screening of our 2023/2024 film series.  Hope to see you on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, 7 p.m. at Zion United Church, New Hamburg when we will show three short films that celebrate storytelling, resilience and culture originating from different Indigenous communities across Canada. The screening will be followed by a time for discussion.

Two members of our group will be presenting on Thursday March 28, 2024 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. to the Active Living Centre at the Wilmot Recreation Complex at 1291 Nafziger Road, Baden.  All those 55+ are invited.  Registration is not required.

Saturday April 6^th Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 40th Annual Bowlathon.

This is one of the camp’s main annual fundraising events with last year’s Bowlathon raising almost $30,000! You can show your support by making a donation at hiddenacres.ca/donate, and select “Annual Bowlathon” from the list. If you have any questions please contact us at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602. Thank you!

Monday April 29^th  6 p.m. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner

at Calvary United Church (48 Hawkesville Rd, St. Jacobs).

More than just a meal, the NHMRS promotion dinner is your chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and acapella music by Surrendered. MCC will share an update on their work in Ethiopia. Funds raised will offset costs of running the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Skip the line and order your tickets online today! Tickets can also be reserved in advance by contacting Justin Armitage at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday March 10, 2024                      No. 10

Stories from the Life of Jesus

Jesus and the Woman caught in Adultery

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Janet & Marv Yantzi                        Offering: Student Aid

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler        Message: Pastor Ray   

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

Prelude

“Great Things”

“Drenched in Love”

“Goodness of God”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise                                    

“Amazing Love”

“Yes and Amen”

Prayer for the Offering – Student Aid

Offertory “Goodness of God”

Moment for Mission – Benedikt Isert-Bender

Time with the Children       

Scripture Reading: John 8:1-11          

Message: Pastor Ray

Prayer of Confession & Reconciliation        VT #890

Song of Response

“Death Was Arrested”

Prayer of the Church  Pastor Mike             

Sending Song 

“Drenched in Love”          

Benediction

Postlude

Today

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

11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages

This Coming Week

Tuesday March 12^th

• 1 p.m. Care Team Meeting

Wednesday March 6^th      

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
• 7 p.m. Play Group set up

Thursday March 14^th             

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
• 12 p.m. Lenten Luncheon at Grace United Church at Grace United Church (Elevator and Hearing Assistance). Each Thursday during Lent beginning at noon with meditation and music in the Sanctuary followed by Soup and Sandwich Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Suggested contribution is $5-$10 for lunch. Theme is “Spiritual Practices for a Climate Crisis” 

Each week we will focus on an emotion that describes our relationship with creation. Week 5: Despair  

Sunday March 17, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Transfiguration

Prelude: Heidi/Lydia                                       Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi                         Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp                     Offering: Local Ministries

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

Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth

EZMC Announcements

February 2024 Donations Received Summary
Offering Schedule Designations – $28,505 Refugee Fund – $15

On behalf of Benedikt Isert Bender, MCEC has invited members of East Zorra to support Benedikt through prayer, encouragement, and financial gifts. Benedikt will be here March 10 to tell us more about his one-year service assignment as a Social Enterprise Trainee at Coffee for Peace, learning the value chain of the coffee industry framed in social justice and peacebuilding as well as additional responsibilities! Donations to support Benedikt can be made to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, designated “STIM – Bender” and mailed to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada 201 – 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1.

Thursday March 21^st 7 – 9 p.m. The Congregational Life Committee invites you to an intergenerational games night at the church. Everyone is welcome. Bring your favourite games. Feel free to invite a friend or neighbour. 

Sunday Services at The Maples and peopleCare March 24.

You are invited to participate in Sunday afternoon services on March 24 and/or June 9. Very young to mature are welcome! It’s an hour and a half commitment at the very most. It involves saying hello to the seniors, participating in singing or playing a musical instrument, and/or reading a poem, short story or scripture. Please speak to Pastor Ray or Susan Schmitz.

Nominations for Lay Ministers

Jared Yantzi will be completing his term as one of our two Lay Ministers of Christian Education and Nurture and Marv Leis will be completing his term as a Care Team member. We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to each of them for their dedication and commitment to their role.

To assist the Gift Discernment Committee in the discerning process you will be invited on Sunday, March 24, to submit nominations for these two positions. Please prayerfully consider who you feel could serve in these roles.

Your nomination for the Care Team member should be a male with daytime flexibility.

If you are unable to be at church on March 24 please submit your nominations  to Wayne Yantzi by email, wdyantzi@gmail.com by Sunday March 31.

Sunday Morning Volunteer Opportunities

Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year?

Coffee Time Hosts – A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.   

Contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, by March 22^nd if you are willing to volunteer as a greeter or coffee host. Thanks so much.

Mark your calendars for this year’s EZ Women’s IF Gathering here at the church, April 12th and 13th. What is an IF Gathering? 

“If Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women.” 

The theme this year is- A Reason to Celebrate, A Moment to Risk Again. 

Come join us as we thank God for all he has done in our past and discuss how are we going to live differently for Him going forward.  

The cost for registration is $30 and this includes lunch on Saturday from Raja Thai and Indian Cuisine. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board in the front lobby. Spread the word and invite your friends to join us! If you have any questions you can ask one of the planning team members, Erin Yantzi, Ashley Witzel, Sheryl Leis, Heidi Wagler or Jess Yantzi. 

Stay tuned for more details to come!

The 2024 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (EZMC P.O. Box 997 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Help build a future of peace in Mindanao: Malipayon Peace Hub

On Friday November 24 our weekly email included an attachment of the monthly newsletter from Dann and Joji Pantoja, witness workers in the Philippines who we support. This newsletter highlights the Malipayon Peace Hub Project which we heard about last month when our guests from the Philippians were here. Mennonite Church Canada is supporting this project and has a fundraising goal of $230,000. They hope to reach this goal March 2024. If you would like to donate to this project please use the link provided below or send a cheque to Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4.Your support for this project will be a blessing. Donation Link:  https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/philippines-transition

Beyond our Church Community

Grandparent & Grandchild Retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Monday, March 11th @ 9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Grandparents and grandchildren in grades 1-6 are invited to camp to “Discover God through the Creative Process” with Mike Vlaming, owner of Little Creek Pottery. Join us for a day of creativity, fun and connecting! For more information or to register go to our website www.hiddenacres.ca. Brochures are available on the main bulletin board.

Thursday March 21^st  7:30 p.m. Bechtel Lecture | | A lot-Driven People: Mennonite Narratives in Age of Nationalism (1870-1945). John P. Eicher will give a free public lecture focusing on two groups of German-speaking Mennonites from Russia—one composed of voluntary migrants and the other composed of refugees—who settled in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco during the interwar years of the twentieth century. Conrad Grebel University College, Great Hall. grebel.ca/bechtel.

Saturday April 6^th Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 40th Annual Bowlathon.

This is one of the camp’s main annual fundraising events with last year’s Bowlathon raising almost $30,000! You can show your support by making a donation at hiddenacres.ca/donate, and select “Annual Bowlathon” from the list. If you have any questions please contact us at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602. Thank you!

Friday April 19 – Sunday April 21 – Music is Medicine Retreat

Come to Silver Lake for some time away at camp filled with singing and instrumental music! Sing through songbooks, hymnals and more in the company of music-lovers!  Alissa Bender will be joined by Mykayla Turner and Joel Woods to lead this weekend. Connect and eat great food! All meals provided. Cost:$210 (+HST) per person. Please see SLMC’s website for more information and to register.  

Monday April 29^th  6 p.m. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner

at Calvary United Church (48 Hawkesville Rd, St. Jacobs).

More than just a meal, the NHMRS promotion dinner is your chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and acapella music by Surrendered. MCC will share an update on their work in Ethiopia. Funds raised will offset costs of running the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Skip the line and order your tickets online today! Tickets can also be reserved in advance by contacting Justin Armitage at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

Saturday June 15, 2024 Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario Annual Meeting & Niagara Russlaender Centenary Tour,. Join the Society for a day tour of sites in the Niagara region to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of Russlaender Mennonite immigrants in Ontario. Visit www.mhso.org and fill out a form to be notified when registration opens.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday March 3, 2024                      No. 9

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus & The Unclean

Prelude: Worship Band                                    Accompanist: Worship Band

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp                         Offering: Mission Partners

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Message: Pastor Mike 

Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm

Prelude

VT #162 “The Love of God”

“Be Unto Your Name”

“The River”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise                                    

“Mighty to Save”

“Days of Elijah”

Prayer for the Offering – Mission Partners

Offertory VT #155 “Lord, I Need You”

Time with the Children   Pastor Mike         

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:12-16. Matthew 9:9-13          

Message: The Desire of God: Mercy, Not SacrificePastor Mike

Prayer of Confession

Song of Response

VT #169 “Mercy, Mercy, Lord”

Prayer of the Church            Pastor Ray                              

Sending Song             

VT #617 “When Peace Like a River”

Benediction

Postlude

Today

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

11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages

This Coming Week

Tuesday March 5^th

• 9 a.m. Sewing Circle – Everyone is welcome to join us to knot comforters or quilt.

Wednesday March 6^th      

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
• 7 p.m. Play Group set up
• 7 p.m. Glorify rehearsal
• 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Thursday March 7^th             

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
• 12 p.m. Lenten Luncheon at Grace United Church at Grace United Church (Elevator and Hearing Assistance). Each Thursday during Lent beginning at noon with meditation and music in the Sanctuary followed by Soup and Sandwich Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Suggested contribution is $5-$10 for lunch. Theme is “Spiritual Practises for a Climate Crisis” 

Each week we will focus on an emotion that describes our relationship with creation. Week 4: Love

Friday March 8^th 

• 7:30 – 9 p.m. Junior Youth – Zumba Night at church. Cost is $10 per person. We Zumba for an hour starting at 8pm. Please bring indoor shoes and water bottles and wear fitness clothes!
• MYF – Axe Throwing

Sunday March 10, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – The Condemned Woman

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Janet & Marv Yantzi            Offering: Student Aid

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler        Message: Pastor Ray   

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

EZMC Announcements

On behalf of Benedikt Isert Bender, MCEC has invited members of East Zorra to support Benedikt through prayer, encouragement, and financial gifts. Benedikt will be here March 10 to tell us more about his one-year service assignment as a Social Enterprise Trainee at Coffee for Peace, learning the value chain of the coffee industry framed in social justice and peacebuilding as well as additional responsibilities! Donations to support Benedikt can be made to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, designated “STIM – Bender” and mailed to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada 201 – 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1.

Sunday Services at The Maples and peopleCare March 24. You are invited to participate in Sunday afternoon services on March 24 and/or June 9. Very young to mature are welcome! It’s a two hour commitment at the very most. It involves saying hello to the seniors, participating in singing or playing a musical instrument, and/or reading a poem, short story or scripture. 

Sunday Morning Volunteer Opportunities

Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year?

Coffee Time Hosts – A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.   

Contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, by March 22^nd if you are willing to volunteer as a greeter or coffee host. Thanks so much.

The 2024 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (EZMC P.O. Box 997 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Mark your calendars for this year’s EZ Women’s IF Gathering here at the church, April 12th and 13th. What is an IF Gathering? 

“If Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women.” 

The theme this year is- A Reason to Celebrate, A Moment to Risk Again. 

Come join us as we thank God for all he has done in our past and discuss how are we going to live differently for Him going forward.  

The cost for registration is $30 and this includes lunch on Saturday from Raja Thai and Indian Cuisine. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board in the front lobby. Spread the word and invite your friends to join us! If you have any questions you can ask one of the planning team members, Erin Yantzi, Ashley Witzel, Sheryl Leis, Heidi Wagler or Jess Yantzi. 

Stay tuned for more details to come!

Help build a future of peace in Mindanao: Malipayon Peace Hub

On Friday November 24 our weekly email included an attachment of the monthly newsletter from Dann and Joji Pantoja, witness workers in the Philippines who we support. This newsletter highlights the Malipayon Peace Hub Project which we heard about last month when our guests from the Philippians were here. Mennonite Church Canada is supporting this project and has a fundraising goal of $230,000. They hope to reach this goal March 2024. If you would like to donate to this project please use the link provided below or send a cheque to Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4.Your support for this project will be a blessing. Donation Link:  https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/philippines-transition

Beyond our Church Community

Material Resources shipments to Ukraine
Material Resources is organizing two shipments to Ukraine, one at the end of January and one in March. Our partners in Ukraine are in need of various items such as comforters, assorted kits and bars of laundry and bath soap. We are blessed to have received everything needed for January, but we still need more items for March. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Learn more at mcc.org/get-involved/kits.

Saturday March 9^th 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers with Artistic Director Brandon Leis present‘At the Foot of the Cross,’ with cellist Ben Bolt-Martin and Menno Youth Ensemble. The concerts includes Bach’s Jesu Meine Freude and works by Morlock, Tavener, Casarrubbios and Carol Ann Weaver. Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St., Waterloo). Tickets $25, Child/Student $5 at www.mennosingers.com or at the door.

Grandparent & Grandchild Retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Monday, March 11th @ 9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Grandparents and grandchildren in grades 1-6 are invited to camp to “Discover God through the Creative Process” with Mike Vlaming, owner of Little Creek Pottery. Join us for a day of creativity, fun and connecting! For more information or to register go to our website www.hiddenacres.ca. Brochures are available on the main bulletin board.

Thursday March 21^st  7:30 p.m. Bechtel Lecture | | A lot-Driven People: Mennonite Narratives in Age of Nationalism (1870-1945). John P. Eicher will give a free public lecture focusing on two groups of German-speaking Mennonites from Russia—one composed of voluntary migrants and the other composed of refugees—who settled in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco during the interwar years of the twentieth century. Conrad Grebel University College, Great Hall. grebel.ca/bechtel.

Friday April 19 – Sunday April 21 – Music is Medicine Retreat

Come to Silver Lake for some time away at camp filled with singing and instrumental music! Sing through songbooks, hymnals and more in the company of music-lovers!  Alissa Bender will be joined by Mykayla Turner and Joel Woods to lead this weekend. Connect and eat great food! All meals provided. Cost:$210 (+HST) per person. Please see SLMC’s website for more information and to register.  

Monday April 29^th  6 p.m. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner

at Calvary United Church (48 Hawkesville Rd, St. Jacobs).

More than just a meal, the NHMRS promotion dinner is your chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and acapella music by Surrendered. MCC will share an update on their work in Ethiopia. Funds raised will offset costs of running the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Skip the line and order your tickets online today! Tickets can also be reserved in advance by contacting Justin Armitage at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

Saturday June 15, 2024 Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario Annual Meeting & Niagara Russlaender Centenary Tour,. Join the Society for a day tour of sites in the Niagara region to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of Russlaender Mennonite immigrants in Ontario. Visit www.mhso.org and fill out a form to be notified when registration opens.

Sunday February 25, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

EZMC 2023 Annual Meeting

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                                    Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Brendan/Ray/Mike              Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Flo & Lorne Metzger                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler

Prelude

Words of Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Praise                                 

VT22 “What Is This Place”

VT120 “For the Beauty of the Earth”

Prayer for the Offering

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:31-33         

Time with the Children   Sheryl Leis 

Sharing by:

Lindsay Zehr, Lay Minister of Worship

Susan Schmitz, Lay Minister of Mission

Bethany Kropf & Jared Yantzi, Lay Ministers of Christian Education

Marv Leis (Care Team)

Heidi Wagler (Faith Community Nurse)

Congregational Song: 

VT420 “God of the Bible”

Time of remembering led by Care Team                 

We will remember the lives of our congregational members who died in 2023.

Marv Leis to remember Paul Schlegel & Harold Schwartzentruber

Merv Ropp to remember Katherine Roth

Joan Yantzi to remember Geoline Bender

Prayer of the Church    Pastor Mike                                                

Congregational Song: 

VT419 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

East Zorra Community Slideshow: Celebration of many programs & volunteers  

Children dismissed to Sunday School

Sunday School Hour (immediately following worship) – Hear from our Pastors and Review of business operations of our church 

• Review of the 2022 Annual Meeting minutes
• 2023 Annual Meeting Agenda Review
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Review and auditor approval of 2023.
  • Review and approval of 2024 commitments and offering schedule

A Conversation with Mike and Ray

Building Visioning Discussion

Opportunity for Questions

Departing to Serve – Closing Prayer

Following the meeting, everyone is invited to stay for a fellowship meal.

The MYF will be serving a soup lunch as a fundraiser for a potential youth retreat/conference this year. All are welcome to join us for lunch.  

This Coming Week

Wednesday February 28^th      

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
• 7 p.m. Play Group set up
• 7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting

Thursday February 29^th             

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
• 12 p.m. Lenten Luncheon at Grace United Church at Grace United Church (Elevator and Hearing Assistance). Each Thursday during Lent beginning at noon with meditation and music in the Sanctuary followed by Soup and Sandwich Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Suggested contribution is $5-$10 for lunch. Theme is “Spiritual Practises for a Climate Crisis”  Each week we will focus on an emotion that describes our relationship with creation.

Week 3: Hope.

Friday March 1^st

• MYF – We will be attending the Waterloo Region Worship night at Forward Church in Cambridge on Friday March 1st from 7-9 p.m. Please let one of the MYF sponsors know if you are interested in attending this evening of praise and worship or willing to be a driver. We will be meeting at East Zorra at 5:45 p.m. to carpool and departing by 6 p.m.

Sunday March 3, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus & The Unclean

Prelude: Worship Band                                    Accompanist: Worship Band

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp                         Offering: Mission Partners

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Message: Pastor Mike 

Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm

EZMC Announcements

January 2024 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $28,316

The 2024 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (EZMC P.O. Box 997 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Mark your calendars for this year’s EZ Women’s IF Gathering here at the church, April 12th and 13th. What is an IF Gathering? 

“If Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women.” 

The theme this year is- A Reason to Celebrate, A Moment to Risk Again. 

Come join us as we thank God for all he has done in our past and discuss how are we going to live differently for Him going forward.  

The cost for registration is $30 and this includes lunch on Saturday from Raja Thai and Indian Cuisine. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board in the front lobby. Spread the word and invite your friends to join us! If you have any questions you can ask one of the planning team members, Erin Yantzi, Ashley Witzel, Sheryl Leis, Heidi Wagler or Jess Yantzi. 

Stay tuned for more details to come!

Help build a future of peace in Mindanao: Malipayon Peace Hub

On Friday November 24 our weekly email included an attachment of the monthly newsletter from Dann and Joji Pantoja, witness workers in the Philippines who we support. This newsletter highlights the Malipayon Peace Hub Project which we heard about last month when our guests from the Philippians were here. Mennonite Church Canada is supporting this project and has a fundraising goal of $230,000. They hope to reach this goal March 2024. If you would like to donate to this project please use the link provided below or send a cheque to Mennonite Church Canada 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4.Your support for this project will be a blessing. Donation Link:  https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/philippines-transition

Beyond our Church Community

Material Resources shipments to Ukraine
Material Resources is organizing two shipments to Ukraine, one at the end of January and one in March. Our partners in Ukraine are in need of various items such as comforters, assorted kits and bars of laundry and bath soap. We are blessed to have received everything needed for January, but we still need more items for March. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Learn more at mcc.org/get-involved/kits.

Wednesday February 28^th 7:30 p.m. CT Peace & Possibility, Part II: Raja Khouri is a Palestinian-Canadian; Jeffrey Wilkinson is an American Jew. Hear them discuss their 2023 book, The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don’t Want to Know About Each Other. Hosted by Canadian Mennonite, Anabaptist World and the Palestine-Israel Network.. Click here to learn more. and for the livestream link.

Thursday February 29^th 8:30 to 10 am – CardiacCrash Showcase in KW. Heart & Stroke Canada has built a wonderful new program for the general public to teach CPR and AED use, and also make it engaging. Their goal is to encourage organizations/workplaces as well as schools to embrace the program, and they are hosting a free showcase of CardiacCrash in Kitchener-Waterloo at Communitech, 151 Charles Street West, 3rd Floor – Roddenberry Room. Here’s the link to register for the event: link.

Thursday February 29^th 7:30 p.m. Is Reconciliation Possible? Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred, Director of the Indigenous Studies program at Vancouver School of Theology is Grebel’s 2024 Sawatsky Visiting Scholar. His free public lecture asks the question, “Is Reconciliation Possible?” and he will address sustaining efforts towards reconciliation when justice is so far away. More details at Conrad Grebel University College. grebel.ca/sawatsky. 

CommonWord virtual launch of the Together in Hope resource collection for facing the climate crisis. On Thursday, February 29, 7:30 PM (CST) join members of the MCCanada Climate Action group as they launch a new collection of resources designed to help face the climate crisis in hope. Register for the Zoom event at commonword.ca/go/3801.

Saturday March 9^th 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers with Artistic Director Brandon Leis present‘At the Foot of the Cross,’ with cellist Ben Bolt-Martin and Menno Youth Ensemble. The concerts includes Bach’s Jesu Meine Freude and works by Morlock, Tavener, Casarrubbios and Carol Ann Weaver. Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St., Waterloo). Tickets $25, Child/Student $5 at www.mennosingers.com or at the door.

Grandparent & Grandchild Retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Monday, March 11th @ 9:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Grandparents and grandchildren in grades 1-6 are invited to camp to “Discover God through the Creative Process” with Mike Vlaming, owner of Little Creek Pottery. Join us for a day of creativity, fun and connecting! For more information or to register go to our website www.hiddenacres.ca. Brochures are available on the main bulletin board.

Thursday March 21^st  7:30 p.m. Bechtel Lecture | | A lot-Driven People: Mennonite Narratives in Age of Nationalism (1870-1945). John P. Eicher will give a free public lecture focusing on two groups of German-speaking Mennonites from Russia—one composed of voluntary migrants and the other composed of refugees—who settled in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco during the interwar years of the twentieth century. Conrad Grebel University College, Great Hall. grebel.ca/bechtel.