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East Zorra Mennonite Church

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Rooted in Christ. Growing Together in Faith. Extending God’s love.

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    • Ray Martin
    • Mike Williamson
    • Heidi Wagler
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Weekly Announcements

Sunday February 11, 2024

February 9, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday February 11, 2024                      No. 6

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Blind Bartimaeus

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Kim Leis                               Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Tracey & Larry Kropf                       Offering: Leadership

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

Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

            VT #28   “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”

            VT #428 “Praise with Joy the World’s Creator”

Offering – Leadership

Time with the Children Pastor Mike

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:46-52

Message            

Welcoming into Membership

   Response by Congregation #961 Voices Together

   Leader:  Larry & Karen, we have witnessed your commitment to Christ,

                 and we recognize you as members in this congregation.

   People: We welcome you with joy as companions on the journey of faith.

     We commit ourselves to fellowship and worship,

     service and witness,

     as partners in God’s mission.

     We receive you as Christ has received us.

Song of Response       VT# 722 “Help Us to Help Each Other”

Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray      

Sending Song             VT #575 “Faith of the Martyrs”

Benediction

Postlude

Today

Blood Pressure Clinic, before church, outside the library or during coffee time downstairs.

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 February 13th

  • 5:30 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please see the announcement for further information.

Wednesday February 14th    

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

Thursday February 15th           

  • 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday February 16th  

  • 7 p.m. Health Ministry Team Coffee House “Healthy Heart & Stroke Prevention”. Please see the announcement for further information. 

Next Sunday – February 18, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus Feeds the Crowd

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeter: Jean MacDonald                               Offering: Relief/MCC

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

Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

EZMC Announcements

The 2023 EZMC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 25, 2024.

  • The meeting will be held in person and available virtually on Zoom.
  • Those who requested a paper copy will find them in their church mailboxes. 
  • Extra copies of the annual report booklet can be found in the bottom row of the church mailboxes.
  • Please note that paper copies of the report will be delivered to those who receive a printed copy of our Sunday bulletin each Friday.

Tuesday February 13

5:30 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free and dairy free pancakes will be available. Please sign up on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board or email your intent to office@ezmennonite.ca.

CNOY – You are invited to walk as part of a team or individually in support of the CNOY (Coldest Night of the Year) in a local community of your choice. It is one way to support people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness everyday. Click here to register to walk and fundraise for the February 24, 2024 event. – Missions.

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 (657173 15th line, R.R.#1 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.

Thanks to all those who have signed up for the Health Ministry Team “Healthy Heart and Stroke Prevention- Coffee House event Friday Feb 16, at 7 pm.”  

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

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!

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.

Tuesday February 13th & Thursday February 15th  Livestock Sale at the Ontario Livestock Exchange, St. Jacobs. Since 1981, the Livestock Sale (formerly Heifer Sale) has raised over $5.1 million to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee through the auctioning of heifers and other donated items. For more information, to sponsor or donate to the sale, visit mcc.org/events.

Monday February 19th 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Free Family Day Open House at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp — Come for a fun and relaxing day with your family! Pretzel-making, roasting bannock around the fire, sledding, skating, games, puzzles, crafts, ping-pong and more! Choose a hot lunch for $5/person (RSVP required) or bring a bagged lunch (peanut free). RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or call 519-625-8602. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for more details. 

Thursday February 29th 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. 

Saturday March 9th 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.

Bulletin – February 4, 2024

February 2, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday February 4, 2024                      No. 5

Sunday February 4, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus & Children

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis                           Offering: Mission Partners

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

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

Prelude           “Not be Shaken”

“He Reigns”

“Promises”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Praise           “House of the Lord”

“Good Grace”

Offering – Mission Partners

            Offertory: “Graves into Gardens”

Time with the Children

The congregation will sing “Jesus loves me” as the children gather.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-11

Message              Pastor Ray

Song of Response: “This is amazing Grace”

Prayer of the Church       Pastor Mike

Sending Song: “Yes I will”

Benediction

Postlude

Today

Blood Pressure Clinic, before church, outside the library or during coffee time downstairs.

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

Adult Sunday School will meet in the sanctuary for an update from the Building Visioning Committee.

This Coming Week

Tuesday February 6th    

  • 9 a.m. Sewing Circle – Everyone is welcome to join us to knot comforters or quilt. Come for the day or part of the day. Please bring your lunch and drinks.

Wednesday February 7th    

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

Thursday February 8th           

  • 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
  • 12 p.m. High Noon Lunch will be hosted at Trinity Lutheran Church instead of Grace United. A hot lunch will be served followed with entertainment by Barbershop Octet “One More Time” Cost: Freewill offering.

Friday February 9th  

  • 6:30 – 8 p.m. JWalkers (Junior Youth) Tobogganing in Shakespeare
  • 7 p.m. MYF – Games Night at church

Saturday February 10th

  • 10 a.m. Baking for HMT event

Next Sunday – February 11, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Blind Bartimaeus

Prelude:                                                          Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Kim Leis                               Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Tracey & Larry Kropf                       Offering: Leadership

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

Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

EZMC Announcements

The 2023 EZMC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 25, 2024.

  • The meeting will be held in person and available virtually on Zoom.
  • Please submit your Annual Reports, to Lisa ASAP. Email to office@ezmennonite.ca
  • The Annual Report will be sent by email but if you would prefer a paper copy, let Lisa know by Thursday February 8th. Please note that paper copies of the report will be delivered to those who receive a printed copy of our Sunday bulletin each Friday.

Tuesday February 13

5:30 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free and dairy free pancakes will be available. Please sign up on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board or email your intent to office@ezmennonite.ca. You may also call Lisa at 519-655-6824.

JCET is still in need of Volunteers.

January to June sign up sheets are up on the bulletin board, downstairs across from the desk. Whether you sign up once or weekly your time spent volunteering is greatly appreciated.

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Volunteer Commitment Form (VCF) reminder. If you are volunteering with children, youth, seniors, or refugees our Safe Church Policy requires these on file. Those who still need to do this were given reminders in their church mailbox recently. Please remember to save and then send your completed VSC to the church office at office@ezmennonite.ca, as soon as you receive it, because the link that is sent from your local police service expires within days. Your completed VCF can be put into Lisa’s church mailbox. If you have a VSC that was done within the last 6 months (because you volunteered with another organization ie. school or sports team) please submit it to update your EZMC file.

Save the Date: Friday Night February 16, 2024, 7:00 pm

Health Ministry Team is Hosting a Coffee House Education Event.

February is known for Valentine’s, the Month of Love, or the Symbol of Hearts.

East Zorra will focus on Heart Health in the Month of February.

Enjoy fellowship over dessert and coffee/ tea, while learning how to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Musical Entertainment by No Discernible Key

Guest Speaker: Dr. Narayan (Stratford Internist)

Personal Testimony: Nicole and Duane Swartzentruber

Sign up to reserve your spot at the Coffee House

Donations accepted at the Event to cover costs and for The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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

CNOY – You are invited to walk as part of a team or individually in support of the CNOY (Coldest Night of the Year) in a local community of your choice. It is one way to support people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness everyday. Click here to register to walk and fundraise for the February 24, 2024 event. – Missions.

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!

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.

Mennonite Day of Action Waterloo: Join the Hymn Sing for a Ceasefire.
Demand all Members of Parliament take action and call for a ceasefire!
Friday February 9th at 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
at Waterloo City Hall
Bring your mitts, a warm drink, and your voice. All are welcome to join together for a hymn sing in support of an immediate ceasefire while we are joined by Mennonites across Canada who will be singing for peace.
To learn more and get involved, please visit: https://www.mennoniteaction.org/

Tuesday February 13th & Thursday February 15th  Livestock Sale at the Ontario Livestock Exchange, St. Jacobs. Since 1981, the Livestock Sale (formerly Heifer Sale) has raised over $5.1 million to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee through the auctioning of heifers and other donated items. For more information, to sponsor or donate to the sale, visit mcc.org/events.

Monday February 19th 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Free Family Day Open House at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp — Come for a fun and relaxing day with your family! Pretzel-making, roasting bannock around the fire, sledding, skating, games, puzzles, crafts, ping-pong and more! Choose a hot lunch for $5/person (RSVP required) or bring a bagged lunch (peanut free). RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or call 519-625-8602. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for more details. Students in Grade 10 and their families are invited to Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo on Thursday, February 22 at 5 p.m. to share a meal and tour the residence at Grebel before attending Waterloo’s Grade 10 Info Night. Learn about the supportive environment that this small and vibrant faith-based community can provide for students studying in any faculty or program at UWaterloo. Email grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca by Wednesday, February 7 to register for dinner.  

Bulletin – January 28, 2024

January 26, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday January 28, 2024                      No. 4

Sunday January 28, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Temptation of Jesus

Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr              Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi             

Song Leader: Connie Yantzi & Worship Band   Greeters: Bethany & Trevor Kropf

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler    Offering: Local Ministries

Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth                     Message: Pastor Mike 

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT#11   “Mountain of God”

VT#398 “Come, Thou Fount”

Offering – Local Ministries

Offertory VT#398 “Thy Word is a Lamp”

Time with the Children       

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Message:  Pastor Mike           

Song of Response: VT#307 “Jesus, Tempted in the Desert”

Prayer of the Church:   Pastor Ray   

Sending Song: VT#601 “Lead Me, Guide Me”

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 p.m. Private Party

This Coming Week

Tuesday January 30th    

  • Annual Reports are due to the church office.

Wednesday January 31st   

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

Thursday February 1st          

  • 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday February 2nd 

  • 7 p.m. MYF – Minute to Win It

Next Sunday – February 4, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus & Children

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify

Worship Leader:                                             Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis                           Offering: Mission Partners

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

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

EZMC Announcements

The 2023 EZMC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 25, 2024.

  • The meeting will be held in person and available virtually on Zoom.
  • Please submit your Annual Reports, to Lisa by Tuesday January 30th. Email to office@ezmennonite.ca. 
  • The Annual Report will be sent by email but if you would prefer a paper copy, let Lisa know by Thursday February 8th. Please note that paper copies of the report will be delivered to those who receive a printed copy of our Sunday bulletin each Friday.

Tuesday February 13

5:30 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free and dairy free pancakes will be available. Please sign up on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board or email your intent to office@ezmennonite.ca. You may also call Lisa at 519-655-6824.

December 2023 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $130,803

Green Space – $145

Refugee Fund – $3,950

Christmas Eve – $3,651

JCET is still in need of Volunteers.

January to June sign up sheets are up on the bulletin board, downstairs across from the desk. Whether you sign up once or weekly your time spent volunteering is greatly appreciated.

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Volunteer Commitment Form (VCF) reminder. If you are volunteering with children, youth, seniors, or refugees our Safe Church Policy requires these on file. Those who still need to do this were given reminders in their church mailbox recently. Please remember to save and then send your completed VSC to the church office at office@ezmennonite.ca, as soon as you receive it, because the link that is sent from your local police service expires within days. Your completed VCF can be put into Lisa’s church mailbox. If you have a VSC that was done within the last 6 months (because you volunteered with another organization ie. school or sports team) please submit it to update your EZMC file.

Save the Date:

Friday Night February 16, 2024, 7:00 pm

Health Ministry Team is Hosting a Coffee House Education Event.

February is known for Valentine’s, the Month of Love, or the Symbol of Hearts.

East Zorra will focus on Heart Health in the Month of February.

Enjoy fellowship over dessert and coffee/ tea, while learning how to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Musical Entertainment by No Discernible Key

Guest Speaker: Dr. Narayan ( Stratford Internist)

Personal Testimony: Nicole and Duane Swartzentruber

Sign up to reserve your spot at the Coffee House

Donations accepted at the Event to cover costs and for The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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 recieved 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.

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Feature Quilt Reveal
Monday January 29th at 9:30 a.m. MCC, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Each year, a talented individual or team creates the feature quilt for the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Feature quilts have depicted historical churches, the play of colour and light across fabric, a journey through Africa, among other innovative designs. On January 29, the curtain will be removed and the 2024 feature quilt will be revealed. Join us in the lower atrium at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener or on social media.

Thursday February 1st at 7 a.m.! Hidden Acres 2024 Summer Camp Registration Opens! Join us for Overnight Camp, Day Camp, Single Moms Camp, S.Y.A.C, Watsa Basketball Camp and L.I.T. Learn more on our website www.hiddenacres.ca or contact our Program Director Josh Penfold at josh@hiddenacres.ca for more information!

Friday February 2 – Sunday February 4 – Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Women’s Retreat: Forest Leadership. Come, experience the beauty of creation. Be nourished by the relaxed pace, good food and meaningful conversation. Leah Reesor-Keller will guide us through the weekend. Play in the snow, breathe deeply in yoga, cross country ski, go on a snowshoe hike through the woods, laugh into the wee hours of the night. Come, the circle is welcoming and wide! Cost: $260 (+HST) per person. Please see SLMC’s website for more information and to register.

Tuesday February 13th & Thursday February 15th  Livestock Sale at the Ontario Livestock Exchange, St. Jacobs. Since 1981, the Livestock Sale (formerly Heifer Sale) has raised over $5.1 million to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee through the auctioning of heifers and other donated items. For more information, to sponsor or donate to the sale, visit mcc.org/events.

Monday February 19th 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Free Family Day Open House at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp — Come for a fun and relaxing day with your family! Pretzel-making, roasting bannock around the fire, sledding, skating, games, puzzles, crafts, ping-pong and more! Choose a hot lunch for $5/person (RSVP required) or bring a bagged lunch (peanut free). RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or call 519-625-8602. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for more details. 

Students in Grade 10 and their families are invited to Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo on Thursday, February 22 at 5 p.m. to share a meal and tour the residence at Grebel before attending Waterloo’s Grade 10 Info Night. Learn about the supportive environment that this small and vibrant faith-based community can provide for students studying in any faculty or program at UWaterloo. Email grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca by Wednesday, February 7 to register for dinner.  

Thursday February 29th 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. 

Join our Team!
The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre is searching for a new associate to join their Softline team. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something meaningful! Go to mcc.org/careers for more information and to apply.

Bulletin – January 21, 2024

January 19, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday January 21, 2024                      No. 3

Sunday January 21, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus heals the paralytic

Prelude: Brandy Sell                                       Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Janice & Marlow Gingerich             Offering: Leadership

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

Coffee Hosts: Carol & Owen Cook

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #76 “Holy, Holy, Holy”

VT #411 “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

Offering – Leadership

            Offertory

Time with the Children        Dana Hyde

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:17-26

Message:              Pastor Ray

Song of Response: VT #644 “Healer of Our Every Ill”

Prayer of the Church       Pastor Mike

Sending Song: VT #435 “Blessed Assurance”

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 p.m. Private Party

This Coming Week

Tuesday January 23rd   

  • 7 p.m. Finance & Facility Meeting

Wednesday January 24th  

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

Thursday January 25th         

  • 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday January 26th

  • MYF – Mall Disguise
  • 6:30 – 9 p.m. EZMC Church Leadership Retreat. Please see announcement for more information.

Saturday January 27th

  • 9 – 1:30 p.m. EZMC Church Leadership Retreat

Next Sunday – January 28, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus & Demon Possessed

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                                    Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Bethany & Trevor Kropf                  Offering: Local Ministries

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

Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth

EZMC Announcements

The 2023 EZMC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 25, 2024.

  • The meeting will be held in person and available virtually on Zoom.
  • Please submit your Annual Reports, to Lisa by Tuesday January 30th. Email to office@ezmennonite.ca  
  • The Annual Report will be sent by email but if you would prefer a paper copy, let Lisa know by Thursday February 8th. Please note that paper copies of the report will be delivered to those who receive a printed copy of our Sunday bulletin each Friday.

Church Leadership Retreat – January 26-27, 2024

On January 26 & 27, 2024 East Zorra is hosting a Church Leadership Retreat.

The retreat will be held at the church Friday evening 7 – 9:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM -1 PM (Lunch included). Our facilitator will be Betty Pries, Co-founder, and CEO of Credence & Co.

The retreat will include (a) time for prayer and reflection on Scripture, (b) opportunities for relationship building, and (c) discussion regarding our congregation’s purpose statement and its application.

Our Church Ministry Council, along with members from other committees, are invited, and encouraged to attend this retreat.

We want to also extend an invitation to anyone in the congregation who has shared in leadership in the past at East Zorra, or would consider serving in a leadership role in the future. If you would interested in being part of this weekend discussion and formation time please contact Brendan Leis our Congregational Chairperson, Pastor Ray or Pastor Mike by Tuesday January 16th.  

Tuesday February 13

5:30 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free and dairy free pancakes will be available. Please sign up on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board or email your intent to office@ezmennonite.ca. You may also call Lisa at 519-655-6824.

JCET is still in need of Volunteers.

January to June sign up sheets are up on the bulletin board, downstairs across from the desk. Whether you sign up once or weekly your time spent volunteering is greatly appreciated.

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Volunteer Commitment Form (VCF) reminder. If you are volunteering with children, youth, seniors, or refugees our Safe Church Policy requires these on file. Those who still need to do this were given reminders in their church mailbox recently. Please remember to save and then send your completed VSC to the church office at office@ezmennonite.ca, as soon as you receive it, because the link that is sent from your local police service expires within days. Your completed VCF can be put into Lisa’s church mailbox. If you have a VSC that was done within the last 6 months (because you volunteered with another organization ie. school or sports team) you can submit it to update your EZMC file. Thanks so much.

Save the Date:

Friday Night February 16, 2024, 7:00 pm

Health Ministry Team is Hosting a Coffee House Education Event.

February is known for Valentine’s, the Month of Love, or the Symbol of Hearts.

East Zorra will focus on Heart Health in the Month of February.

Enjoy fellowship over dessert and coffee/ tea, while learning how to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Musical Entertainment by No Discernible Key

Guest Speaker: Dr. Narayan ( Stratford Internist)

Personal Testimony: Nicole and Duane Swartzentruber

Sign up to reserve your spot at the Coffee House

Donations accepted at the Event to cover costs and for The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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

Tuesday January 23rd 12 – 1 p.m. Lunch and Listen with Sara Wyngaarden at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener or online. Join us online or in-person at the MCC office in Kitchener as we hear from Sara Wyngaarden, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator in Guatemala. Sara will be sharing stories from Guatemala. Go to mcc.org/events for more information.

Friday January 26th & Saturday January 27th Becoming Good Relatives Retreat at Jericho House, 10845 Rathfon Rd, Port Colborne. In this one-and-a-half-day retreat, author and speaker Patty Krawec will use Anishinaabe teachings to help participants reflect on their social and individual histories in order to improve their capacity to have difficult conversations with others about Canadian history and current impacts on Indigenous people. To learn more and to register, go to mcc.org/events.

Saturday January 27th  9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Great Winter Warm-up at New Hamburg Material Resources Centre, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg.
This winter, compassionate people like you are giving the gift of warm comforters to those in need around the world. Each comforter provides not only warmth but also a tangible reminder to people in vulnerable situations that their needs are not forgotten. Help us meet our goal to collect 7,000 comforters by holding or attending comforter-knotting blitzes during January and February. On January 27, you’re invited to participate in a comforter-knotting blitz. Knotters of all skills are welcome, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Learn more at mcc.org/events.

Saturday January 27th  7 p.m. – Join Menno Singers and Menno Youth Ensemble for an evening hymnsing – ‘My God is Here: Hymns for Lonely Hearts.’ Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church (57 Stirling Ave. N., Kitchener), There will be a free will offering.

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Feature Quilt Reveal
Monday January 29th at 9:30 a.m. MCC, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Each year, a talented individual or team creates the feature quilt for the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Feature quilts have depicted historical churches, the play of colour and light across fabric, a journey through Africa, among other innovative designs. On January 29, the curtain will be removed and the 2024 feature quilt will be revealed. Join us in the lower atrium at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener or on social media.

Thursday February 1st at 7 a.m.! Hidden Acres 2024 Summer Camp Registration Opens! Join us for Overnight Camp, Day Camp, Single Moms Camp, S.Y.A.C, Watsa Basketball Camp and L.I.T. Learn more on our website www.hiddenacres.ca or contact our Program Director Josh Penfold at josh@hiddenacres.ca for more information!

Friday February 2 – Sunday February 4 – Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Women’s Retreat: Forest Leadership. Come, experience the beauty of creation. Be nourished by the relaxed pace, good food and meaningful conversation. Leah Reesor-Keller will guide us through the weekend. Play in the snow, breathe deeply in yoga, cross country ski, go on a snowshoe hike through the woods, laugh into the wee hours of the night. Come, the circle is welcoming and wide! Cost: $260 (+HST) per person. Please see SLMC’s website for more information and to register.

Tuesday February 13th & Thursday February 15th  Livestock Sale at the Ontario Livestock Exchange, St. Jacobs. Since 1981, the Livestock Sale (formerly Heifer Sale) has raised over $5.1 million to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee through the auctioning of heifers and other donated items. For more information, to sponsor or donate to the sale, visit mcc.org/events.

Monday February 19th 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Free Family Day Open House at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp — Come for a fun and relaxing day with your family! Pretzel-making, roasting bannock around the fire, sledding, skating, games, puzzles, crafts, ping-pong and more! Choose a hot lunch for $5/person (RSVP required) or bring a bagged lunch (peanut free). RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or call 519-625-8602. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for more details. 

January 14, 2024 Bulletin

January 13, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday January 14, 2024                      No. 2

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Temptation of Jesus

Prelude: Worship Band                                    Accompanist: Worship Band

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Carol & Owen Cook                         Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

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

Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm

Prelude           “Blessed Be Your Name”

“In Christ Alone”

“Days of Elijah”

“When Peace Like a River” (It Is Well with My Soul)

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praises           “Come, Now is the Time to Worship”

“Goodness of God”

Offering – MCEC MC Canada

Offertory – “Seek Ye First”

Time with the Children Pastor Mike

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Message              Pastor Mike

Song of Response       “Jesus, Tempted in the Desert”

Prayer of the Church   Pastor Ray   

Sending Song              “Lord, I Need You”

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 p.m. Private Party

EZMC leads worship at peopleCare (2:15 pm) and Maples (3:15 pm)

This Coming Week

Tuesday January 16th  

  • 1 p.m. Care Team Meeting
  • 1:30 – 3:30 Prayer Shawl at Jean MacDonald’s. New knitters are always welcome.

Wednesday January 17th  

  • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
  • 6:30 p.m. Youth Ministry Team Meeting
  • 7 p.m. Play Group set up
  • 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Thursday January 18th         

  • 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday January 19th

  • MYF – Mystery Supper
  • 6:30 p.m. JWalkers (Junior Youth) – Please meet at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre for a tour and to help out. More details were sent by email. Please contact the church office if you didn’t receive it.

Saturday January 20th

  • Private Party

Next Sunday – January 21, 2024

Stories from the Life of Jesus – Jesus heals the paralytic

Prelude:                                                          Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Janice & Marlow Gingerich             Offering: Leadership

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

Coffee Hosts: Carol & Owen Cook

Extending God’s Love

We extend God’s love as we share with each other both our joys and our struggles.

EZMC Announcements

The 2023 EZMC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 25, 2024.

  • The meeting will be held in person and available virtually on Zoom.
  • Please submit your Annual Reports, to Lisa by Tuesday January 30th. Email to office@ezmennonite.ca or call 519-655-6824 to make other arrangements. 
  • The Annual Report will be sent by email but if you would prefer a paper copy, let Lisa know by Thursday February 8th. Please note that paper copies of the report will be delivered to those who receive a printed copy of our Sunday bulletin each Friday.

East Zorra is scheduled to provide the Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare on Sunday January 14. The services (2:15 at peopleCare and 3:15 at The Maples) are 30 minutes services of readings and singing followed by some interaction with the residents. If you would be available to help with the services that day please reach out to Pastor Ray. Your help is appreciated. We are also scheduled to do services on March 24 and June 9.

JCET is still in need of Volunteers.

January to June sign up sheets are up on the bulletin board, downstairs across from the desk. Whether you sign up once or weekly your time spent volunteering is greatly appreciated.

Church Leadership Retreat – January 26-27, 2024

On January 26 & 27, 2024 East Zorra is hosting a Church Leadership Retreat.

The retreat will be held at the church Friday evening 7 – 9:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM -1 PM (Lunch included). Our facilitator will be Betty Pries, Co-founder, and CEO of Credence & Co.

The retreat will include (a) time for prayer and reflection on Scripture, (b) opportunities for relationship building, and (c) discussion regarding our congregation’s purpose statement and its application.

Our Church Ministry Council, along with members from other committees, are invited, and encouraged to attend this retreat.

We want to also extend an invitation to anyone in the congregation who has shared in leadership in the past at East Zorra, or would consider serving in a leadership role in the future. If you would interested in being part of this weekend discussion and formation time please contact Brendan Leis our Congregational Chairperson, Pastor Ray or Pastor Mike by Tuesday January 16th.  

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Volunteer Commitment Form (VCF) reminder. If you are volunteering with children, youth, seniors, or refugees our Safe Church Policy requires these on file. Those who still need to do this were given reminders in their church mailbox recently. Please remember to save and then send your completed VSC to the church office at office@ezmennonite.ca, as soon as you receive it, because the link that is sent from your local police service expires within days. Your completed VCF can be put into Lisa’s church mailbox. If you have a VSC that was done within the last 6 months (because you volunteered with another organization ie. school or sports team) you can submit it to update your EZMC file. Thanks so much.

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

Tuesday January 23rd 12 – 1 p.m. Lunch and Listen with Sara Wyngaarden at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener or online. Join us online or in-person at the MCC office in Kitchener as we hear from Sara Wyngaarden, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator in Guatemala. Sara will be sharing stories from Guatemala. Go to mcc.org/events for more information.

Friday January 26th & Saturday January 27th Becoming Good Relatives Retreat at Jericho House, 10845 Rathfon Rd, Port Colborne. In this one-and-a-half-day retreat, author and speaker Patty Krawec will use Anishinaabe teachings to help participants reflect on their social and individual histories in order to improve their capacity to have difficult conversations with others about Canadian history and current impacts on Indigenous people. To learn more and to register, go to mcc.org/events.

Saturday January 27th  9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Great Winter Warm-up at New Hamburg Material Resources Centre, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg.
This winter, compassionate people like you are giving the gift of warm comforters to those in need around the world. Each comforter provides not only warmth but also a tangible reminder to people in vulnerable situations that their needs are not forgotten. Help us meet our goal to collect 7,000 comforters by holding or attending comforter-knotting blitzes during January and February. On January 27, you’re invited to participate in a comforter-knotting blitz. Knotters of all skills are welcome, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Learn more at mcc.org/events.

Saturday January 27th  7 p.m. – Join Menno Singers and Menno Youth Ensemble for an evening hymnsing – ‘My God is Here: Hymns for Lonely Hearts.’ Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church (57 Stirling Ave. N., Kitchener), There will be a free will offering.

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Feature Quilt Reveal
Monday January 29th at 9:30 a.m. MCC, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Each year, a talented individual or team creates the feature quilt for the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Feature quilts have depicted historical churches, the play of colour and light across fabric, a journey through Africa, among other innovative designs. On January 29, the curtain will be removed and the 2024 feature quilt will be revealed. Join us in the lower atrium at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener or on social media.

Thursday February 1st at 7 a.m.! Hidden Acres 2024 Summer Camp Registration Opens! Join us for Overnight Camp, Day Camp, Single Moms Camp, S.Y.A.C, Watsa Basketball Camp and L.I.T. Learn more on our website www.hiddenacres.ca or contact our Program Director Josh Penfold at josh@hiddenacres.ca for more information!

Friday February 2 – Sunday February 4 – Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Women’s Retreat: Forest Leadership. Come, experience the beauty of creation. Be nourished by the relaxed pace, good food and meaningful conversation. Leah Reesor-Keller will guide us through the weekend. Play in the snow, breathe deeply in yoga, cross country ski, go on a snowshoe hike through the woods, laugh into the wee hours of the night. Come, the circle is welcoming and wide! Cost: $260 (+HST) per person. Please see SLMC’s website for more information and to register.

Tuesday February 13th & Thursday February 15th  Livestock Sale at the Ontario Livestock Exchange, St. Jacobs. Since 1981, the Livestock Sale (formerly Heifer Sale) has raised over $5.1 million to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee through the auctioning of heifers and other donated items. For more information, to sponsor or donate to the sale, visit mcc.org/events.

Monday February 19th 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Free Family Day Open House at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp — Come for a fun and relaxing day with your family! Pretzel-making, roasting bannock around the fire, sledding, skating, games, puzzles, crafts, ping-pong and more! Choose a hot lunch for $5/person (RSVP required) or bring a bagged lunch (peanut free). RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or call 519-625-8602. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for more details. 

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