• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
East Zorra Mennonite Church

East Zorra Mennonite Church

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

  • Our Purpose
  • Our Story
  • Our Leadership
    • Ray Martin
    • Mike Williamson
    • Heidi Wagler
  • Our Ministries
    • EZMC Social Media Policy (pdf)
    • EZMC Safe Church Policy (pdf)
    • Worship
    • Adult Education and Nurture
    • Jr. Christian Education Team
    • VBS 2025
    • Youth Ministry
    • Congregational Life
    • Jr. High Youth Ministry
    • Health Ministry / Prayer Shawl Ministry
    • Sewing Circle
    • EZ Playgroup
    • International Witness
    • Local Missions
    • Refugee Support
  • Services
  • Blogs & Bulletins
    • Pastoral Reflections
    • Weekly Announcements
  • Contact Us

Weekly Announcements

Bulletin – March 10, 2024

March 8, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

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 12th

  • 1 p.m. Care Team Meeting

Wednesday March 6th      

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

Thursday March 14th             

  • 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 21st 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 22nd 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 21st  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 6th 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 29th  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.

Bulletin – March 3, 2024

March 1, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

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 5th

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

Wednesday March 6th      

  • 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 7th             

  • 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 8th 

  • 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 22nd 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 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.

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 21st  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 29th  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.

Bulletin – February 25, 2024

February 23, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

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 28th      

  • 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 29th             

  • 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 1st

  • 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 28th 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 29th 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 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. 

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 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.

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 21st  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.

Bulletin – Sunday February 18, 2024

February 16, 2024 | Filed Under: Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday February 18, 2024                      No. 7

Sunday February 18, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

1st Sunday of Lent

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

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #158 “I Know God Loves Me”

VT #397 “The Church’s One Foundation”

Offering – Relief/Mennonite Central Committee

Time with the Children   Ashley Witzel

Scripture Reading: John 6:1-15

Message               Pastor Ray

Prayer of Confession & Reconciliation    VT #888

Song of Response

VT #715 “Longing for Light”

Prayer of the Church       Heidi Wagler       

Sending Song

VT #816 “Guide My Feet”

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.

There are no Sunday School classes today.

This Coming Week

Tuesday February 20th

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

Wednesday February 21st     

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

Thursday February 22nd            

  • 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 2: Anxiety.

Friday February 23rd

  • 7 p.m. MYF – Giant Dutch Blitz

Next Sunday – February 25, 2024

EZMC 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

The annual meeting will be held during Worship and Sunday School, in person and virtually on Zoom. The annual report was sent by email on Friday February 9th but there are some paper copies of the report booklet available in the bottom row of the church mailboxes.

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

The MYF will be serving a soup lunch following the annual meeting on February 25th as a fundraiser for a potential youth retreat/conference this year. All are welcome to join us for lunch.  

EZMC Announcements

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.

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.

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. 

Wednesday February 21st 11 a.m. CT Peace & Possibility, Part I: Tune into a live web event with Maoz Inon, an Israeli peace and tourism entrepreneur with strong Mennonite links. Since his parents were killed by Hamas, Inon’s message of peace has drawn the attention of international media. Hosted by Canadian Mennonite, Anabaptist World and the Palestine-Israel Network.. Click here to learn more. and for the livestream link.

Wednesday February 28th 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 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.

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.

Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp Hiring for our 2024 Summer Staff Team!

Are you or is someone you know looking for a summer job filled with meaning, friendships and fun? Apply to join our 2024 Summer Staff Team! Check out our website at www.hiddenacres.ca for available positions, information and to apply. Connect our Program Director, Josh Penfold at josh@hiddenacres.ca with any questions.

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.  

Join our Team!
We’re excited to share that we have two new open positions: the Migration and Resettlement team has an opening for a Migration and Resettlement Settlement and Integration Associate based out of the Kitchener office and Thrift on Mill is looking for an Associate Processing to join their team in Leamington. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something meaningful! Go to mcc.org/careers for more information and to apply. 

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.

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 12
  • Go to page 13
  • Go to page 14
  • Go to page 15
  • Go to page 16
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 28
  • Go to Next Page »

East Zorra Mennonite Church

© 2025 East Zorra MennoniteChurch - Log in Built by PeaceWorks

  • Home
  • Our Purpose
  • Our Story
  • Our Ministries
  • Events Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Contact Us