Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday October 22, 2023                      No. 43

A Future of Peace in Mindanao

Future of Ministry in Philippines: Malipayon Peace Hub

We will welcome our guests Tala Batista and Ka Boyet Ongkiko from the Philippines to our Worship Service and Sunday School Hour.

Sunday Morning Worship (please note New Zoom Link)  10 a.m.

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                                     Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                            Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Bethany & Trevor Kropf                  Offering: Maintenance

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Message: Tala Bautista

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise   VT #7 – Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing

VT #57 – Holy Spirit, Come with Power

Offering: Maintenance

Time with the Children   Boyet Ongkiko

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22-23

Message: Being Indigenous in Following Jesus      Tala Bautista

Song of Response: VT #558 – Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

Prayer of the Church   Pastor Mike

Sending Song:  VT #830 Go, My Children

Benediction

Postlude

Today

Please note that we are not having Coffeetime as it will be served during potluck lunch instead.

11 a.m. Junior Sunday School children will meet in their classrooms.

              All adults are invited to the sanctuary for further sharing by Tala

  Batista and Ka Boyet Ongkiko.

12 Noon – Potluck Lunch to host our guests and share in conversation with them and each other. Please remember to bring your own dishes. I hope you can join us!

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

East Zorra Mennonite Church invites you to an information and fundraising event for all our area MCEC churches.

Come to discover and be a part of the exciting final stages of a transition plan from MC Canada Witness to Tala and Boyet’s capable leadership. The Malipayon Peace Hub will provide a sustainable pathway for PeaceBuilders Community Inc. (PBCI) and Coffee for Peace (CFP) to serve their communities into the future.

See the poster attached to last Friday’s email and posted on the bulletin board for further information about Tala, Ka Boyet and Joji. Joji will be joining this afternoon meeting.

This Coming Week

Monday October 23^rd

• 7:00 p.m. Informal Gathering with Joji, Tala and Boyet. The team that travelled to the Philippines in 2020 is planning to gather with Joji, Tala and Boyet to share from our experiences when we travelled there. We will also talk about ways we can continue to support the ministry of Coffee for Peace and PeaceBuilders Community in the years ahead. We invite others from the congregation to join us in this conversation. We plan to meet at the church.

Wednesday October 25^th

            10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study

            7 p.m. Play Group setup

            7:30 p.m. E Z Women’s Bible Study at Jess Yantzi’s house.

     Please see announcement for more details.

Thursday October 26^th       

9 a.m. All items for the Sunday October 29^th bulletin due to the church office. Please email to office@ezmennonite.ca

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday October 27^th

            7 p.m. MYF – Open Mic Night with Pastor Mike

Saturday October 28^th

            2 – 4 p.m. Church Kannscht Du Deitsch Schwetze?

Do you speak Pennsylvania Dutch/German or understand it?  Would you like to hear Deitsch spoken and sing some Deitsch songs? 

Come to the SCHWETZFESCHT – a festival of speaking and hearing Deitsch at East Zorra Mennonite Church. Guest speaker is Mark Louden, Professor of Germanic Linguistics at the University of Wisconsin.

Next Sunday – October 29, 2023

Prelude: Brandy Sell                                       Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis                           Offering: Local Ministries

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler             Message: Mark Louden

            Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Merv Ropp

EZMC will host the Sunday afternoon services at The Maples and peopleCare.

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.

EZMC Announcements

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. SCRC invites you to express your personal gratitude to Ray and Mike in some way during the month.

Missing coat. If you took a black coat with a hood home on Sunday October 8^th and have discovered that it is not yours, please speak to Merv Ropp. Your coat is hanging in the mailbox lobby and he would really like his back. Thanks so much.

The Sunday October 29^th bulletin will be printed on Thursday October 26^th. Please have all items to the church office by 9 a.m. that morning. Thanks so much.

It’s October which means it’s time to start up our EZ Women’s Bible Study again! We had a great turnout last year and are always open for new members to join. If you are interested in joining please speak to Jess Yantzi for more details. Our first meeting is this Wednesday, October 25th, at 7:30  at Jess’s house in New Hamburg. See you then! 

Tuesday October 31^st  6 p.m.  CREATION CELEBRATION. Come join the fun! The Volunteer sign-up sheet is ready. Donations of cash and candy will be happily accepted. As allergies are an on-going concern, we are asking for NUT FREE treats only – please carefully check the package ingredient list (contains or may contain peanuts or tree nuts – we are unable to put these treats into the bags). Candy can be placed in the bin under the mailboxes, cash can be given to Joe Wagler or both can be dropped off at Creation Celebration.

The Congregational Life Committee is looking for a donation of pies for Creation Celebration on October 31! If you are willing to bake a pie or 2 to help us out, please contact Tracey Kropf @ tracey.kropf@gmail.com Thank you! 

Wednesday November 22^nd Adult Fellowship Christmas Dinner

5:30 pm Punch; 6:15 pm Dinner

Entertainment – Harpist – Eduard & Christine Klassen

Tickets are $35 and will be available starting on Sunday October 29^th

Adult Fellowship Committee Members are Jim & Carol Schumm, Shirley & Phil Ruby, and Laurel & Ray Zehr

Mailbox Shuffle – In the next couple of weeks you may notice that your church mailbox is in a slightly different place. If you have a family member or friend that has been unable to attend and you would like to deliver their mail to them, please go ahead.

Church Directory – The printing of the Fall 2023 EZMC Church Directory will happen in early November. If you would still like to submit a photo, please send to Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca, preferably in jpeg format. A draft of the directory will be available for edits in the coming weeks. Please check your household listing and make any changes that are needed.

Agape Fellowship Invitation: As Agape Fellowship continues to be without a pastor, there is a need for speakers at their church this fall. We would like to support them on one of their November dates (November 12, 19 or 26) with some sharing and music. If you are interested in speaking and/or singing, please contact Pastor Ray or Susan Schmitz in the next few weeks. Thank you so much.

That fall feeling is settling in on the Green Space. 

It has been a hub of activities hosting – Tuesday team meetings, Junior S S. year end parties, funeral lunches, overflow parking (funerals), EZ young family events, a wedding, VBS, Ice Skating, a winter Nativity walk through, campfires, worship service, baptism, anniversary celebrations, potlucks and more – all since its beginning in 2021. Thank You to everyone who has contributed to this project to date. There is a shortfall of 2117.42 needed to meet the projected budget of 3,672.42 for 2023 and the completion of G.S. projects. As we thank God for such a wonderful space  – your ongoing contributions are very appreciated. 

JCET is still in need of volunteers for the month of November and a couple in December. Please check the sign up sheet across on the bulletin board by the back stairwells. Thank you to everyone who has signed up! 

Beyond Our Church Community

Sunday October 22 2-5 pm A Celebration of Fun Event”. In memory of John (Jack) Schultz at Poole Mennonite Church. This is an afternoon of singing, playing, storytelling and comedy. Everyone is welcome. Hotdogs and light refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but there will be an opportunity to give a donation to The United Way (Stratford) (to fight homelessness) or if you would like to bring an item for the Milverton Food Bank. “This event is sponsored by the John Schultz Estate”

Hidden Acres’ 3rd Rally for Recreation is happening October 27-29. Will you join us in raising funds to upgrade our sports court? You can sign up as an individual, create a team and invite others to rally with you, or if you’re unable to participate but want to support the fundraiser, you can make a donation towards the project. For more information and to sign up visit www.hiddenacres.ca

Sunday November 12^th  7 p.m.  St Jacobs Mennonite Church is hosting members of the KW Symphony in a Fundraising Concert entitled ‘Baroque and Beyond… A Musician’s Fundraiser.’ This concert of Baroque music will be conducted by Andre Feher and feature Ian Whitman on solo bass and guest soprano Bethany Horst.

Saturday November 18^th at Elmira Mennonite Church

Following their popularity at the Not Alone Conference earlier this year, we are excited to announce that Theatre of the Beat are returning to Elmira for a FREE workshop. Theatre of the Beat will use forum theatre to present three short plays that offer an effective and unique way to recognize subtle signs of abuse, and to find solutions to change unsafe and unhealthy behaviours.  

Since 1984, the Province of Ontario, through the Ontario Women’s Directorate, has traditionally declared November as “Wife Assault Prevention Month”, “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”, and now “Women Abuse Prevention Month.” The Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) prefers the more inclusive term of “Family Violence Prevention Month” because we believe violence in relationships is a broader issue than that of physical assaults on women.

This event, including breakfast, is FREE to attend, however registration is still required.  Please follow this link to ensure your spot.

Saturday November 18^th MCC Peace Conference at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener. The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to see, hear and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops and conversations with messengers of peace. Go to mcc.org/peace-conference to learn more and to register today.

High School Students! Are you thinking of attending the University of Waterloo? On Saturday, November 25 from 10-5, attend the UWaterloo Open House and stop by the Conrad Grebel University College residence, right on the UWaterloo campus. Learn about the supportive residence environment that this small and vibrant faith-based community can provide for students studying in any faculty or program at UWaterloo. uwaterloo.ca/grebel/tour

Sunday December 10^th 3 p.m. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office. www.centreinthesquare.com

On the Level Announcement:

The October edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: Ross Penner shares how MDS touched the life of a volunteer; learn how MDS is responding to tornado damage in Alberta; and the Spirit of MDS fund is once again accepting grant requests.

Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/3S32LCe

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday October 15, 2023                      No. 42

Sunday October 15, 2023

The Parables of Jesus: The Rich Man & Lazarus

Communion Sunday & Bible Presentation Day (for Grades 1 & 9)

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Janice & Marlow Gingerich             Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler             Message: Pastor Mike

Coffeetime: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Prelude          

“Battle Belongs”

“Our God”

“Not be Shaken”

Welcome and Announcements

Praise Songs   

“Yes and Amen”

“Graves into Gardens”

Call to worship and prayer

Offering – Leadership

“Here’s my Heart”

Sharing and Prayer – Pastor Ray

Time with the Children and Bible Presentations

            Grade One children receiving bibles are:

Sawyer Bowman, Carson Croft, Colton Gerber, Lauralye Klein, Evelyn Klein,

Vincent Mogk, and Jack Witzel                       

Grade Nine youth receiving bibles are:

Violet Bender, Katelynn Cressman, Benjamin Lichti, Logan Rempel, Leah Ruby, Eric Salese, Kaelynn Schlegel, Troy Wagler, and Liam Wake                                                   

Scripture reading – Luke 16:19-31

Message – Pastor Mike

Song of Response      

“The Table”

Communion

Sending Song             

VT #160 “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Benediction

This Coming Week

Tuesday October 17^th

            1:30 – 3:30 Prayer Shawl Ministry at Jean MacDonald’s.

       New knitters always welcome

Wednesday October 18^th

            10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study

            7 p.m. Play Group setup

Thursday October 19^th       

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday October 20^th

            6:30 p.m. MYF – Progressive Supper

Please consider if you’d be willing to host us  for either: appetizer, 1/2 a main

meal, or dessert. We will get to the first house for 6:30. Sign up sheet is posted

on the bulletin board.

If you have any questions please talk to Caleb, Kris, or Krista.

Saturday October 21^st

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Great East Zorra Men’s Turkey Gathering at Trevor

Kropf’s. Suggested Donation $10.00. The leaves are turning, the air is cooler,

Fall is finally here and with it is a time for guys of all ages to gather once again

at Trevor Kropf’s for an afternoon of feasting, fellowship and fun. All you need

to bring is a lawn chair, utensils, a beverage, and an appetite.

Please sign-up in the lobby or email Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca if you             plan to attend. Hope to see you there!

Next Sunday – October 22, 2023

A Future of Peace in Mindanao

Future of Ministry in Philippines: Malipayon Peace Hub

We will welcome our guests Tala Batista and Ka Boyet Ongkiko from the Philippines to our Worship Service and Sunday School Hour.

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                                     Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                            Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Bethany & Trevor Kropf                  Offering: Maintenance

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Message: Tala Bautista

Please note that we are not have Coffeetime as it will be served during potluck lunch instead.

12 Noon – Potluck Lunch to host our guests and share in conversation with them and each other. Please remember to bring your own dishes. I hope you can join us!

2:30 – 4:30 PM

East Zorra Mennonite Church invites you to an information and fundraising event for all our area MCEC churches.

Come to discover and be a part of the exciting final stages of a transition plan from MC Canada Witness to Tala and Boyet’s capable leadership. The Malipayon Peace Hub will provide a sustainable pathway for PeaceBuilders Community Inc. (PBCI) and Coffee for Peace (CFP) to serve their communities into the future.

See the poster attached to our weekly email and posted on the bulletin board for further information about Tala, Ka Boyet and Joji. Joji will be joining this afternoon meeting.

Extending God’s Love

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

Dear Lord, at our feet lie your dead children, dead Ukrainians, dead Russians, dead Palestinians, dead Israelis, dead neighbours, dead mothers and fathers, sons and daughters…

We ask your mercy on these sisters and brothers where there is so much hurt and suffering.

We ask for the same mercy for ourselves, for our failure to be your peace, to be the end of war. Save us from the powers that capture our imagination and make us choose sides thinking our only alternative is more conflict.

We confess that we cannot will our way to peace, for when we try we end up fighting wars for peace.

We confess to you the God who forgives that we often do not want our enemies forgiven.

We confess that sometimes our hates are more precious to us than our loves.

Yet you have bent us toward reconciliation. It is a terrible and difficult thing to ask of us.

We alone cannot do it. But you are a God able to accomplish miracles.

May we be struck alive with the miracle of your grace and by the power of your spirit compel us with your love that we might be your peace, thus bringing life to this deadly world.  Amen.

But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. Matthew 5:44-45

-Adapted from Prayers Plainly Spoken by S. Hauerwas

Prayer Request for Gathering of Survivors of Mennonite-Run Residential Schools
MCC Canada and MCC Ontario invite your prayers for an upcoming gathering of historic proportions. Forty Survivors of Mennonite-run residential schools in Northern Ontario will gather from October 20-22 in Thunder Bay to share stories and pursue the ongoing work of healing. This is the first gathering of its kind organized by former students of the Mennonite-run schools. This will be a time of powerful and mixed emotions – and the Survivors have asked MCC to call for prayer in our faith communities.

MCC honours the strength of Survivors as we continue the unsettling work of knowing and owning the history of Mennonites on this land. We acknowledge that this painful history is part of the life story of many Mennonites. We offer our support to all as we humbly walk forward together in pursuit of healing. MCC will contribute funding and attend the gathering at the invitation of the organizing committee. Contact Scott Morton Ninomiya at scottmortonninomiya@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 292 for dialogue or support. 

EZMC Announcements

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. SCRC invites you to express your personal gratitude to Ray and Mike in some way during the month.

Thanks Giving Offering/Drive – As an expression of thankfulness, Missions invites you to support TAP and Wilmot Family Resource Centre. Your gifts of offering, paper products or food items between October 1 – 15 would be gratefully received

• Gifts of offering should be designated as “Thanks Giving Offering” on the offertory envelope. he offering collected will be split between TAP and WFRC.
• Paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, size 4 and 5 diapers, GoodniteT diapers for smaller adults, Boost, Ensure, coffee and tea would be welcome donations by TAP.
• Any food items that have not expired would be welcome donations by WFRC.
• Items may be placed in the lower foyer beside the mailboxes.

Saturday October 28^th 2 – 4 p.m. Church Kannscht Du Deitsch Schwetze?

Do you speak Pennsylvania Dutch/German or understand it?  Would you like to hear Deitsch spoken and sing some Deitsch songs?  Come to the SCHWETZFESCHT – a festival of speaking and hearing Deitsch at East Zorra Mennonite Church. Guest speaker is Mark Louden, Professor of Germanic Linguistics at the University of Wisconsin.

East Zorra is scheduled to provide the Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare on Sunday October 29. 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.

Tuesday October 31^st  6 p.m.  CREATION CELEBRATION. Come join the fun! The Volunteer sign-up sheet is ready. Donations of cash and candy will be happily accepted. As allergies are an on-going concern, we are asking for NUT FREE treats only – please carefully check the package ingredient list (contains or may contain peanuts or tree nuts – we are unable to put these treats into the bags). Candy can be placed in the bin under the mailboxes, cash can be given to Joe Wagler or both can be dropped off at Creation Celebration.

Mailbox Shuffle – In the next couple of weeks you may notice that your church mailbox is in a slightly different place. If you have a family member or friend that has been unable to attend and you would like to deliver their mail to them, please go ahead.

Church Directory – The printing of the Fall 2023 EZMC Church Directory will happen in early November. If you would still like to submit a photo please send to Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca, preferably in jpeg format. A draft of the directory will be available for edits in the coming weeks. Please check your household listing and make any changes that are needed.

Agape Fellowship Invitation: As Agape Fellowship continues to be without a pastor, there is a need for speakers at their church this fall. We would like to support them on one of their November dates (November 12, 19 or 26) with some sharing and music. If you are interested in speaking and/or singing, please contact Pastor Ray or Susan Schmitz in the next few weeks. Thank you so much.

That fall feeling is settling in on the Green Space. 

It has been a hub of activities hosting – Tuesday team meetings, Junior S S. year end parties, funeral lunches, overflow parking (funerals), EZ young family events, a wedding, VBS, Ice Skating, a winter Nativity walk through, campfires, worship service, baptism, anniversary celebrations, potlucks and more – all since its beginning in 2021.

Thank You to everyone who has contributed to this project to date. There is a shortfall of 2117.42 needed to meet the projected budget of 3,672.42 for 2023 and the completion of G.S. projects. 

As we thank God for such a wonderful space  – your ongoing contributions are very appreciated. 

JCET is still in need of volunteers for the month of November and a couple in December. Please check the sign up sheet across on the bulletin board by the back stairwells Thank you to everyone who has signed up! 

Beyond Our Church Community

We Own this Now
Sunday October 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener. Starring Ted Swartz and Michelle Milne, We Own This Now is a play that looks at love of land, loss of land and what it means to “own” something. We Own This Now examines how the Doctrine of Discovery is still being used and causing harm today. Presented by Ted & Company TheatreWorks. Tickets are $15 each ($10 for students). Get yours at mcc.org/we-own-this-now.

Saturday October 21^st 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bucket of Thanks at Material Resources Warehouse, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg. This fall, the Material Resources warehouse is opening its doors and welcoming visitors to an event for the whole family with games, snacks and hands-on activities for all ages. We invite you to participate in activities for kids and to pack a kit or two while you’re there! Admission is free, but we are asking for a donation of large bath soap bars (in original wrapping) to help stuff our kits. Go to mcc.org/events/bucket-thanks for more info.

Sunday October 22 2-5 pm A Celebration of Fun Event”. In memory of John (Jack) Schultz at Poole Mennonite Church. This is an afternoon of singing, playing, storytelling and comedy. Everyone is welcome. Hotdogs and light refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but there will be an opportunity to give a donation to The United Way (Stratford) (to fight homelessness) or if you would like to bring an item for the Milverton Food Bank. “This event is sponsored by the John Schultz Estate”

Hidden Acres’ 3rd Rally for Recreation is happening October 27-29. Will you join us in raising funds to upgrade our sports court? You can sign up as an individual, create a team and invite others to rally with you, or if you’re unable to participate but want to support the fundraiser, you can make a donation towards the project. 

For more information and to sign up visit www.hiddenacres.ca

Save the Date: MCC Peace Conference

November 18, 2023 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to see, hear and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops and conversations with messengers of peace. Stay tuned for more details.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday October 8, 2023                      No. 41

Thanksgiving Sunday

The Parables of Jesus: The Pharisee & The Tax Collector

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Kim Leis                               Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

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

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

Coffeetime: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

Please note that we are not having Sunday School classes today.

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise             VT # 35 “Come to the Water”

                                                            VT # 467 “Taste and See”

Offering: Mennonite Church Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada

Song: “Give Thanks”/”For the Beauty of the Earth”

Time with the Children – Ashley Witzel

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14

Message:    Pastor Ray

Song of Response       VT # 170 “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”

Prayer of the Church  

Sending Song             VT # 747 “We Plow the fields and Scatter”

Benediction

Thanks Giving Offering/Drive – As an expression of thankfulness, Missions invites you to support TAP and Wilmot Family Resource Centre. Your gifts of offering, paper products or food items between October 1 – 15 would be gratefully received

• Gifts of offering should be designated as “Thanks Giving Offering” on the offertory envelope. he offering collected will be split between TAP and WFRC.
• Paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, size 4 and 5 diapers, GoodniteT diapers for smaller adults, Boost, Ensure, coffee and tea would be welcome donations by TAP.
• Any food items that have not expired would be welcome donations by WFRC.
• Items may be placed in the lower foyer beside the mailboxes.

This Coming Week

Wednesday October 11^th

            10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study

            7 p.m. Play Group setup

Thursday October 12^th       

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

12 p.m. High Noon Lunch at Grace United Church. Socialize over a nutritious home-style lunch at 12 and then stay for music with Dwight Steinmann and Jim Bender. Cost: Freewill offering.

Friday October 13^th

            6:30 – 9 p.m. JWalkers (Jr Youth) at Heidi & Brian Wagler’s for outdoor

oven pizzas. Please bring your lawn chair, a drink and dress for

the weather.

            7 p.m. MYF – Bigger Better Night. We will start shortly after 7pm.

Please be warned a group of youth may come knocking on your

door looking to trade up on the item they have!

Please see Caleb, Kris or Krista with any questions. 

Saturday October 14^th

            10:30 a.m. Up the Nith Bus Tour Stop

            2 – 4 p.m. Private Party

Next Sunday – October 15, 2023

The Parables of Jesus: The Rich Man & Lazarus

Communion Sunday & Bible Presentation Day (for Grades 1 & 9)

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Glorify

Greeters: Janice & Marlow Gingerich             Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler             Message: Pastor Mike

Coffeetime: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Extending God’s Love

Prayer Request for Gathering of Survivors of Mennonite-Run Residential Schools
MCC Canada and MCC Ontario invite your prayers for an upcoming gathering of historic proportions. Forty Survivors of Mennonite-run residential schools in Northern Ontario will gather from October 20-22 in Thunder Bay to share stories and pursue the ongoing work of healing. This is the first gathering of its kind organized by former students of the Mennonite-run schools. This will be a time of powerful and mixed emotions – and the Survivors have asked MCC to call for prayer in our faith communities.

MCC honours the strength of Survivors as we continue the unsettling work of knowing and owning the history of Mennonites on this land. We acknowledge that this painful history is part of the life story of many Mennonites. We offer our support to all as we humbly walk forward together in pursuit of healing. MCC will contribute funding and attend the gathering at the invitation of the organizing committee. Contact Scott Morton Ninomiya at scottmortonninomiya@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 292 for dialogue or support. 

EZMC Announcements

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. SCRC invites you to express your personal gratitude to Ray and Mike in some way during the month.

The Worship Committee has been discussing bringing back the Live Nativity this Christmas, but we need some Leaders. If you feel the call to be a Chair or Co-Chair of the Live Nativity, please let anyone on the worship committee know by October 1. The Worship Community consists of Michelle Brenneman, Gwen Matthews, Linda Schumm, Lauren Witmer-Hohl, Pastor Ray and Lindsay Zehr.

MYF is planning a Progressive Supper on Friday Oct 20. Please consider if you’d be willing to host us for either: appetizer, 1/2 a main meal, or dessert. We will get to the first house for 6:30. Sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. If you have any questions please talk to Caleb, Kris, or Krista.

The Great East Zorra Men’s Turkey Gathering

Saturday October 21 11:00am-2:00pm at Trevor Kropf’s

Suggested Donation $10.00

The leaves are turning, the air is cooler, Fall is finally here and with it is a time for guys of all ages to gather once again at Trevor Kropf’s for an afternoon of feasting, fellowship and fun.

All you need to bring is a lawn chair, utensils, a beverage, and an appetite.

Please sign-up in the lobby or email Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca if you plan to attend.

Hope to see you there!

East Zorra is scheduled to provide the Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare on Sunday October 29.

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.

Tuesday October 31^st  6 p.m.  CREATION CELEBRATION. Come join the fun! The Volunteer sign-up sheet will be ready next Sunday. Donations of cash and candy will be happily accepted. As allergies are an on-going concern, we are asking for NUT FREE treats only – please carefully check the package ingredient list (contains or may contain peanuts or tree nuts – we are unable to put these treats into the bags). Candy can be placed in the bin under the mailboxes, cash can be given to Joe Wagler or both can be dropped off at Creation Celebration.

Agape Fellowship Invitation: As Agape Fellowship continues to be without a pastor, there is a need for speakers at their church this fall. We would like to support them on one of their November dates (November 12, 19 or 26) with some sharing and music. If you are interested in speaking and/or singing, please contact Pastor Ray or Susan Schmitz in the next few weeks. Thank you so much.

That fall feeling is settling in on the Green Space. 

It has been a hub of activities hosting – Tuesday team meetings, Junior S S. year end parties, funeral lunches, overflow parking (funerals), EZ young family events, a wedding, VBS, Ice Skating, a winter Nativity walk through, campfires, worship service, baptism, anniversary celebrations, potlucks and more – all since its beginning in 2021.

Thank You to everyone who has contributed to this project to date. There is a shortfall of 2117.42 needed to meet the projected budget of 3,672.42 for 2023 and the completion of G.S. projects. 

As we thank God for such a wonderful space  – your ongoing contributions are very appreciated. 

JCET is still in need of volunteers for the month of November and a couple in December. Please check the sign up sheet across on the bulletin board by the back stairwells. Thank you to everyone who has signed up! 

Beyond Our Church Community

Calling all male singers!

Jubilation Men’s Choir is beginning rehearsals for their Christmas performance of sacred music in Waterloo. If you love singing, come join our enthusiastic group on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at Waterloo Kitchener United Mennonite Church under the direction of Paul Saunders. Tenors especially welcome! Music is provided.

Contact Lloyd Koch lekoch@hotmail.com

60^th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 PM | Hosted by Eric Friesen, this Gala will celebrate Grebel’s 60 years of impact! We’ll recreate memories of Community Supper and raise money for residence facility projects. University of Waterloo President Vivek Goel will speak about “Waterloo at 100.” Tickets available at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/60th-gala-dinner

We Own this Now
October 12, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder Rd W, Baden
October 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
Starring Ted Swartz and Michelle Milne, We Own This Now is a play that looks at love of land, loss of land and what it means to “own” something. We Own This Now examines how the Doctrine of Discovery is still being used and causing harm today. Presented by Ted & Company TheatreWorks. Tickets are $15 each ($10 for students). Get yours at mcc.org/we-own-this-now.

Saturday October 14^th Save the date: Empty Bowls for Haiti 5 pm and 7 pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, Local potters donate hand-crafted bowls and local restaurants provide a wide variety of delicious soups. Funds raised strengthen communities in Haiti. Tickets are $35 each. Go to mcc.org/events to buy your tickets today!

Saturday October 21^st 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bucket of Thanks at Material Resources Warehouse, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg. This fall, the Material Resources warehouse is opening its doors and welcoming visitors to an event for the whole family with games, snacks and hands-on activities for all ages. We invite you to participate in activities for kids and to pack a kit or two while you’re there! Admission is free, but we are asking for a donation of large bath soap bars (in original wrapping) to help stuff our kits. Go to mcc.org/events/bucket-thanks for more info.

Sunday October 22 2-5 pm A Celebration of Fun Event”. In memory of John (Jack) Schultz at Poole Mennonite Church. This is an afternoon of singing, playing, storytelling and comedy. Everyone is welcome. Hotdogs and light refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but there will be an opportunity to give a donation to The United Way (Stratford) (to fight homelessness) or if you would like to bring an item for the Milverton Food Bank. “This event is sponsored by the John Schultz Estate”

Hidden Acres’ 3rd Rally for Recreation is happening October 27-29. Will you join us in raising funds to upgrade our sports court? You can sign up as an individual, create a team and invite others to rally with you, or if you’re unable to participate but want to support the fundraiser, you can make a donation towards the project. 

For more information and to sign up visit www.hiddenacres.ca

Save the Date: MCC Peace Conference

November 18, 2023 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to see, hear and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops and conversations with messengers of peace. Stay tuned for more details.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday October 1, 2023                      No. 40

Sunday October 1, 2023

The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis                           Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Janet & Marv Yantzi                        Offering: Mission Partners

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler             Message: Pastor Mike

Coffeetime: Shirley & Phil Ruby

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise VT # 34  “We Praise You, O God, Our Redeemer”

VT #100 “Praise Him, Praise Him”

Offering – Mission Partners

Time with the Children

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Message

Song of Response       VT #544 “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”

Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray

Sending Song              VT #827 “Move in our Midst”

Benediction

Postlude

Today

11 am  Junior Sunday School children will meet in their classrooms.      

Adult Sunday School will meet in the basement following coffee time.

This fall we will question and discuss together the parables and teachings of

Jesus from our reading guide with an ear to trying to understand who is this

God Jesus is revealing and what does this mean for how we live?

Waiver Forms and Volunteer Commitment Forms are available at the JCET desk in the Christian Education Wing. Please take a few moments and get these forms completed.

If you plan to volunteer with children, youth or vulnerable persons please check with our Office Administrator Lisa (office@ezmennonite.ca) to see if your VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) is up to date. Our Safe Church Policy requires a VSC from volunteers every 5 years.

This Coming Week

Tuesday October 3^rd

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 October 4^th

            10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study

            7 p.m. Play Group setup

Thursday October 5^th       

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Next Sunday – October 8, 2023

Thanksgiving Sunday

The Parables of Jesus: The Pharisee & The Tax Collector

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader:   Kim Leis                           Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

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

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

Coffeetime: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

Please note that we are not having Sunday School classes on this day

EZMC Announcements

Thanks Giving Offering/Drive – As an expression of thankfulness, Missions invites you to support TAP and Wilmot Family Resource Centre. Your gifts of offering, paper products or food items between October 1 – 15 would be gratefully received

• Gifts of offering should be designated as “Thanks Giving Offering” on the offertory envelope. he offering collected will be split between TAP and WFRC.
• Paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, size 4 and 5 diapers, Goodnight diapers for smaller adults, Boost, Ensure, coffee and tea would be welcome donations by TAP.
• Any food items that have not expired would be welcome donations by WFRC.
• Items may be placed in the lower foyer beside the mailboxes.

The Worship Committee has been discussing bringing back the Live Nativity this Christmas, but we need some Leaders. If you feel the call to be a Chair or Co-Chair of the Live Nativity, please let anyone on the worship committee know by October 1. The Worship Community consists of Michelle Brenneman, Gwen Matthews, Linda Schumm, Lauren Witmer-Hohl, Pastor Ray and Lindsay Zehr.

MYF is having a Bigger Better Night Oct 13. We will start shortly after 7pm. Please

be warned a group of youth may come knocking on your door looking to trade up on the item they have! Please see Caleb, Kris or Krista with any questions. 

MYF is planning a Progressive Supper on Friday Oct 20. Please consider if you’d be willing to host us for either: appetizer, 1/2 a main meal, or dessert. We will get to the first house for 6:30. Sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. If you have any questions please talk to Caleb, Kris, or Krista.

The Great East Zorra Men’s Turkey Gathering

Saturday October 21 11:00am-2:00pm at Trevor Kropf’s

Suggested Donation $10.00

The leaves are turning, the air is cooler, Fall is finally here and with it is a time for guys of all ages to gather once again at Trevor Kropf’s for an afternoon of feasting, fellowship and fun.

All you need to bring is a lawn chair, utensils, a beverage, and an appetite.

Please sign-up in the lobby or email Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca if you plan to attend.

Hope to see you there!

Agape Fellowship Invitation: As Agape Fellowship continues to be without a pastor, there is a need for speakers at their church this fall. We would like to support them on one of their November dates (November 12, 19 or 26) with some sharing and music. If you are interested in speaking and/or singing, please contact Pastor Ray or Susan Schmitz in the next few weeks. Thank you so much.

That fall feeling is settling in on the Green Space. 

It has been a hub of activities hosting – Tuesday team meetings, Junior S S. year end parties, funeral lunches, overflow parking (funerals), EZ young family events, a wedding, VBS, Ice Skating, a winter Nativity walk through, campfires, worship service, baptism, anniversary celebrations, potlucks and more – all since its beginning in 2021.

Thank You to everyone who has contributed to this project to date. There is a shortfall of 2117.42 needed to meet the projected budget of 3,672.42 for 2023 and the completion of G.S. projects. 

As we thank God for such a wonderful space  – your ongoing contributions are very appreciated. 

JCET is still in need of volunteers for the month of November and a couple in December. Please check the sign up sheet across on the bulletin board by the back stairwells.Thank you to everyone who has signed up! 

Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare

The ministerial is planning to offer bi-weekly Sunday afternoon services, at our 2 long term care homes in Tavistock, this Fall. The services (2:30 at peopleCare and 3:15 at The Maples) are 30 minutes services of readings and singing. We need your gifts and help to allow this to happen. Please reach out to Pastor Ray if you would be willing to help with a service or help to co-ordinate a service. Sharing your gifts in this way would be very much appreciated.

Greeters – More volunteers are welcome. 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? Contact Lisa Suderman, our office administrator, if you are willing to help with this ministry.

Beyond Our Church Community

Calling all male singers!

Jubilation Men’s Choir is beginning rehearsals for their Christmas performance of sacred music in Waterloo. If you love singing, come join our enthusiastic group on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at Waterloo Kitchener United Mennonite Church under the direction of Paul Saunders. Tenors especially welcome! Music is provided.

Contact Lloyd Koch for more information. lekoch@hotmail.com

Thursday October 5^th 7 p.m.  Book Launch   Eating Like A Mennonite: Food and Community Across Borders by Marlene Epp. Celebrate the launch of Professor Emeritus Marlene Epp’s new book exploring the meaning of Mennonite foodways, around the table and around the world. Hosted at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo. Books available. Reception to follow. Learn more at grebel.ca/events

60^th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 PM | Hosted by Eric Friesen, this Gala will celebrate Grebel’s 60 years of impact! We’ll recreate memories of Community Supper and raise money for residence facility projects. University of Waterloo President Vivek Goel will speak about “Waterloo at 100.” Tickets available at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/60th-gala-dinner

Thursday October 12^th High Noon Lunch @ Grace United Church in Tavistock.

Socialize over a nutritious home-style lunch at 12 and then stay for music with Dwight Steinmann and Jim Bender. Cost: Freewill offering.

We Own this Now
October 12, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder Rd W, Baden
October 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
Starring Ted Swartz and Michelle Milne, We Own This Now is a play that looks at love of land, loss of land and what it means to “own” something. We Own This Now examines how the Doctrine of Discovery is still being used and causing harm today. Presented by Ted & Company TheatreWorks. Tickets are $15 each ($10 for students). Get yours at mcc.org/we-own-this-now.

Saturday October 14^th Save the date: Empty Bowls for Haiti 5 pm and 7 pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, Local potters donate hand-crafted bowls and local restaurants provide a wide variety of delicious soups. Funds raised strengthen communities in Haiti. Tickets are $35 each. Go to mcc.org/events to buy your tickets today!

Saturday October 21^st 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bucket of Thanks at Material Resources Warehouse, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg. This fall, the Material Resources warehouse is opening its doors and welcoming visitors to an event for the whole family with games, snacks and hands-on activities for all ages. We invite you to participate in activities for kids and to pack a kit or two while you’re there! Admission is free, but we are asking for a donation of large bath soap bars (in original wrapping) to help stuff our kits. Go to mcc.org/events/bucket-thanks for more info.

Sunday October 22 2-5 pm A Celebration of Fun Event”. In memory of John (Jack) Schultz at Poole Mennonite Church. This is an afternoon of singing, playing, storytelling and comedy. Everyone is welcome. Hotdogs and light refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but there will be an opportunity to give a donation to The United Way (Stratford) (to fight homelessness) or if you would like to bring an item for the Milverton Food Bank. “This event is sponsored by the John Schultz Estate”

Hidden Acres’ 3rd Rally for Recreation is happening October 27-29. Will you join us in raising funds to upgrade our sports court? You can sign up as an individual, create a team and invite others to rally with you, or if you’re unable to participate but want to support the fundraiser, you can make a donation towards the project. 

For more information and to sign up visit www.hiddenacres.ca

Save the Date: MCC Peace Conference

November 18, 2023 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to see, hear and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops and conversations with messengers of peace. Stay tuned for more details.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday September 17, 2023                      No. 38

The Parables of Jesus: The Unseen Kingdom

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                            Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Naomi & David Witzel                     Offering: Leadership

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

Coffeetime: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #76 “Holy, Holy, Holy!”

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

Offering – Leadership

Time with the Children

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:31-35

Message – Pastor Mike

Song of Response

            VT# 549 “Be Thou My Vision”

Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray

Sending Song

VT# 835 “Go Now in Peace”

Benediction

Postlude

Today

11 a.m. Attention Parents: During Coffeetime please take advantage of the opportunity to fill out registration/waiver form for your children in the basement. Our Safe Church Policy requires that parents complete a separate form for each child involved in Sunday School, Junior Youth, and MYF who are under the age of 18. 

Attention Volunteers: All adults wishing to volunteer with children, youth, and vulnerable persons must have a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) on file in the church office as well as a completed Volunteer Commitment Form (VCF) for the current program year. Please contact Lisa in the church office to find out if your VSC is still current at office@ezmennonite.ca or for more information on how to get this process started. The VSC will need to in place before you volunteer. The VCF forms are available this morning during coffeetime.

11 am  Junior Sunday School will meet in the green space for games and devotion.           

Adult Sunday school begins this morning following coffee time in the basement.

This fall we will question and discuss together the parables and teachings of

Jesus from our reading guide with an ear to trying to understand who is this God

Jesus is revealing and what does this mean for how we live?

Ushers Meeting  

This Coming Week

Tuesday September 19^th

            1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Knitting at church

Wednesday September 20^th       

7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Thursday September 21^st      

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

7 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting

Friday September 22^nd

            7 p.m. MYF Welcome Night

Next Sunday – September 24, 2023

The Parables of Jesus: The Prodigal Son

9 a.m. Morning Prayer Gathering in the boardroom

Prelude: Worship Band                                    Accompanist: Worship Band

Worship Leader: Brendan Leis                        Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Jess & Tyler Yantzi                          Offering: Local Ministries

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

Coffeetime: Gloria & Tom Roth

EZMC Announcements

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory in October 2023. If you moved or have a new phone number since the printing of the Church Directory in October 2022 and have not given your updated information to the church office, please do so. If you were not in the last directory but would like to be included, please contact the church office. Please send your photos to Lisa, preferably in digital form (jpeg) by email at office@ezmennonite.ca.

Deadline to submit is Friday September 22^nd.

Items for the EZMC October 2023 calendar are due to the church office by Friday September 22^nd.

Tuesday September 19^th 1:30 – 3:30 should be prayer shawl knitting. I will be away but would love if you met at church to knit. In October, the date will be Oct 17 and we will again meet at my home. New knitters always welcome. Jean

A few Opportunities to Serve!

Christian Education Programs Beginning Soon!

It’s that wonderful time of year when our Christian Education Programs will soon begin!  Junior Christian Education Team JCET is very excited about our new curriculum (https://thinkorange.com/252-kids-ministry-curriculum/)  that will help us teach children about Loving God, Loving Life and Loving Others based on Matthew 22:37-39! 

If you are interested in being involved in the Junior Christian Education ministry by teaching or assisting in a class, please be in touch with one of our leaders named below.  We need teachers and helpers from nursery to grade 8! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Jess Yantzi, Holly Barron, Erin Yantzi, or Sue Martin (phone numbers are in the directory).

Volunteers Needed for the Nursery

We are exploring the possibility of returning the Nursery during worship time this Fall. For that to happen we need two volunteers each Sunday. If you are willing to help with this important ministry but have not completed your Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) we can provide the information you need to complete that. Your help and support for this ministry is very much appreciated. Please contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, if you are willing to help or if you have further questions.

Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare

The ministerial is planning to offer bi-weekly Sunday afternoon services, at our 2 long term care homes in Tavistock, this Fall. The services (2:30 at peopleCare and 3:15 at The Maples) are 30 minutes services of readings and singing. We need your gifts and help to allow this to happen. Please reach out to Pastor Ray if you would be willing to help with a service or help to co-ordinate a service. Sharing your gifts in this way would be very much appreciated.

Greeters – More volunteers are welcome. 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? Contact Lisa Suderman, our office administrator, if you are willing to help with this ministry.

Beyond Our Church Community

Thursday October 12^th High Noon Lunch @ Grace United Church in Tavistock.

Socialize over a nutritious home-style lunch at 12 and then stay for music with Dwight Steinmann and Jim Bender. Cost: Freewill offering.

New Hamburg Thrift Centre is in desperate need of volunteers in different areas. There is concern that going into the fall there simply won’t be enough help to sort the volume of wonderful donations. Please see the poster on the bulletin board for more information on how to become a volunteer.

The Wednesday September 20^th 9 am – 4 pm. “Up the Nith” heritage bus tour led by Fred Lichti is now full. There are still seats available on a second tour, Saturday October 14, 2023. (the seats are filling fast)

Through stories and stops along the way, learn about the oldest Amish Mennonite settlement in Canada and today’s diversity of congregations–from the “tradition minded” Old Order Amish to the “change minded” Mennonite groups of Amish heritage. Cost-$85 per person includes lunch at Schmidtsville Restaurant.  Pre-payment required. The tour starts and ends at Crosshill Mennonite Church. To register contact Rosie Lichti – frlichti@bell.net

Offices and Thrift Shops closed on Monday September 25^th
All MCC Ontario office and thrift shops will be closed on Monday, Sept. 25 to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Learning resources are available on our website.

Peace Week at MCC – September 21-30, 2023
MCC is partnering with the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement to host three peacebuilding events during Peace Week. Training Active Bystanders equips you to recognize and prevent harm-doing. A blanket exercise at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener will take place; it’s an experiential journey through 500 years of colonization. “Doing good…better” is a new, free event in Niagara that will help you unpack invisible assumptions that may be hindering lasting peace and justice. Learn more at mcc.org/events.

Monday September 25^th 7 – 8:30 p.m., Online MCC Ontario Annual General Meeting. We deeply appreciate your support, and how you are impacting so many lives in Ontario and around the world. Join us on September 25 for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) as we share MCC Ontario’s financial outcomes and a snapshot of our strategic plan progress. Official Congregational Representatives and Delegates who register as such are entitled to vote. Visit mcco.ca/AGM for details.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day – Learning Resources

This year MCC Ontario’s theme for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is Connecting the Practice of Peace to Truth and Reconciliation. We want to dig into our relationships and responsibilities as peacebuilders in the context of Truth and Reconciliation. To understand this, we need to understand the stories that brought us to where we are today. Find resources that explore individual and Mennonite history as settlers on our website.

Monday October 2^nd Hidden Acres Seniors Fall Retreat   

The theme is Songs that Shape and Reshape Us. Our resource person is Ingrid Loepp Thiessen.  Doug Cressman will accompany the singing.

Cost is $50 per person, registration is limited. Please find a copy of the brochure on the main bulletin board.

We Own this Now
October 12, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder Rd W, Baden
October 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
Starring Ted Swartz and Michelle Milne, We Own This Now is a play that looks at love of land, loss of land and what it means to “own” something. We Own This Now examines how the Doctrine of Discovery is still being used and causing harm today. Presented by Ted & Company TheatreWorks. Tickets are $15 each ($10 for students). Get yours at mcc.org/we-own-this-now.

Saturday October 14^th Save the date: Empty Bowls for Haiti 5 pm and 7 pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, Local potters donate hand-crafted bowls and local restaurants provide a wide variety of delicious soups. Funds raised strengthen communities in Haiti. Tickets are $35 each. Go to mcc.org/events to buy your tickets today!

Save the Date: MCC Peace Conference

November 18, 2023 at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener
The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to see, hear and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops and conversations with messengers of peace. Stay tuned for more details.