Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66             Sunday April 30, 2023                      No. 18

Worship Service – Sunday April 30, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                 Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Message: Pastor Mike                                       Offering: Maintenance

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler    Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

Prelude

Welcome and opening greetings

Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT# 496 “I Owe The Lord A Morning Song”

VT# 57 “Holy Spirit Come With Power”

Offering – Maintenance

Time with the Children: Pastor Mike

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 18:16-39,

Message:  Pastor Mike

Song of Response

VT# 433 “I Believe In God Almighty”

Prayer of the Church: Pastor Ray

Sending Song

VT #812 “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing”

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.   

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class (Grades 6 to 8) meets upstairs in Room #9

Youth class meets upstairs in the MYF room (Room #11)

Adult Sunday School – God’s Story, Our Story: Reading the Bible Together

Following the service and a time of fellowship, you are invited to the basement for a time of discussion as we reflect on the Bible story for the week. Using the questions from the reading schedule to guide us, we will try and figure out what each story means to us today as God’s people. We will plan to keep the Zoom link open and will have a leader to guide discussion for Zoom participants.

This Coming Week

Tuesday May 2^nd 

          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. Masks are available.

Wednesday May 3^rd 

          7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting

Thursday May 4^th     

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday May 5^th 

5:30 pm Junior Youth (JWalkers) will be going to Pursuit Climbing in Stratford. Please see the announcement for more information.

MYF – There is no event on this day

Saturday May 6^th

• Egg Roll pickup. Time to be announced by email on Friday May 5^th. Please watch for details. See announcement for ordering details.

Friday May 6 & Saturday May 7

• Women’s Retreat @ EZMC. See announcement for more details

Next Sunday – May 7, 2023

God’s Story, Our Story: Reading the Bible Together

Prelude: Brandy Williamson                            Accompanist: Bethany Klein

Worship Leader: Brendan Leis                        Song Leader: Lindsay Schlegel

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman         Message: Pastor Ray               

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler         Offering: Mission Partners

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

12 p.m Pack a lunch and plan to stay for an afternoon Advance Care Planning workshop with Dr Kenneth Hook at 1:30 p.m. Please see the announcement for more details

EZMC Announcements

Grace Lao Mennonite Church Egg Roll Sale – Please place your order on the sign-up sheet on the main bulletin board or by emailing Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca. Price is $20 for a box of 10 egg rolls. Vegetarian rolls are also available. Please indicate on your order if you want meat or vegetarian rolls. Orders are due by Sunday April 30^th and will be available for pickup at church on Saturday May 6^th.

MYF says a big thank you to everyone who dropped off items at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre and helped generate points during the contest. Our MYF tied with another church and will be having a pizza party! Thank you for also supporting the store with your household donations.

MYF is taking orders for T shirts, Golf shirts and Hoodies, complete with the EZ Logo. Samples are available in the church basement for you to look at and make your selection. Prices are as shown on the order sheets. These shirts are being sold as a fundraiser. Deadline to order is Sunday May 14^th so only today and 2 more Sundays to go!

Attention Junior Youth (JWalkers)

Next event is at Pursuit Climbing (615 Erie Street, Stratford ON) on Friday May 5 from 6:30 – 8pm (please note earlier time start). We will be climbing for the 1.5 hours.  The cost is $18 plus tax per attendee and all attendees must have a Pursuit Climbing waiver signed prior to the event. A reminder to parents that our Safe Church Policy states that an EZMC Child/Youth Participant Registration & Waiver form is required for all participants of activities including those off-site. Please ensure that this form is signed and returned to the church office before the event.

Wear comfortable fitted athletic clothing and indoor running shoes. Once we’re checked in we will have safety orientation followed by a guided climb. Climbers under 13 are to be supervised by an adult at a 3:1 child to adult ratio. Adults supervising only must also sign a Pursuit Climbing waiver prior to the event by creating an account at  https://pursuit.portal.approach.app

All adults wishing to supervise at this event must also have a current Vulnerable Sector Check on file in the church office as well as a completed and signed Volunteer Commitment form for the current year. Please contact Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca for more information on how to get this process completed. Thanks so much. 

The Health Ministry Team would like to encourage you to participate in learning more about Advance Care Planning and how to start the conversation with your family, friends, or health care providers on what your wishes are.

We will be hosting a Workshop at East Zorra on Sunday Afternoon May 7, 2023

Guest Speaker: Dr. Kenneth Hook will join us at Noon. (Retired Physician, Tavistock Community Health). Pack a lunch to enjoy fellowship together after church. The 1 Hour Presentation will beginat 1:30 p.m in the Sanctuary. There will be opportunity for discussion and questions after. Feel Free to Invite Family and Friends to attend.

“With spring in the air”, one can’t help but long for the day we can all gather again on the Green Space. Final plans are underway and in a few weeks they can begin with your help. As reported in the annual report – there continues to be a need for funds to complete projects in the amount of 3,670.00. Dawn Zehr can receive your donations by cheque in the offering, dropped at her home or by e-transfer – designated for the Green Space. Thank you for your support.”  

Friday May 5, 6:30pm and Saturday May 6, 8:30-3:00 LADIES! LET’S WATCH GOD MOVE!

Join us for our first EZ Women’s IF: Gathering retreat at East Zorra Church

What: IF Gathering is not only a weekend event but a discipleship ministry focused on putting tools and resources in the hands of women in the church. IF is working to empower women to reclaim discipleship as God’s means to change the world.

IF Gathering 2023: We desperately want to stay faithful in these times, but we know we can’t muster up the faith all on our own. Join us for IF: 2023 where we will gather for two days in worship, fellowship with one another, in prayer and with our Bibles, to remind each other that God is who we need and that He WILL provide. EZ Women of ALL ages. Invite your friends and family!

Cost: 25$/person. This includes breakfast Saturday morning and lunch. Friday evening we encourage all those who are able to bring an appetizer to share.

How: Signup by Apr 16^th on the sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church or email Ashley Witzel at ashleywitzel@gmail.com so she can send you the registration form. **Registration Forms have been sent out via Email. If you haven’t received a form, check your Spam folder or email Ashley and she will resend. If you have any questions please speak to, Ashley Witzel, Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi or Sheryl Leis. 

Plans are under way for the donut tent at the Mennonite Relief Sale on May 27! We are going to be back up to full production this year and we will knead a lot of help. 

Items needed:

   – we are collecting 500 ml plastic tubs and lids – we will reuse then recycle – put in marked box in mailbox entry

   – large bowls to borrow for mixing are needed for May 25-27; can be left in kitchen at church

Volunteers needed: see sign up sheets on the bulletin board

   – volunteers to make mashed potatoes by May 26 afternoon (70 2-cup portions needed)

   – volunteers are needed for kneading on May 27 (2 hour shifts; 1-3 am, 3-5 am, 5-7 am, 7-9 am; 4 people per shift) 

   – volunteers are needed for mixing on May 27 (4 hour shifts; 1-5 am; 5-9 am; 2 people per shift)

   – volunteers (3 or 4) for clean up at church Saturday afternoon
Anyone interested in helping please contact Greg and Dawn at gdzehr@gmail.com, 519-655-3727(home) or 226-747-6229(Greg’s cell)
Donut Project Set Up
Volunteers are needed for loading supplies on Thursday evening (about 2 hours), May 25 and setting up on Friday morning (a few hours), May 26. Anyone interested should contact Bill Roth at kilbride@rogers.com.

Save the Date – On Sunday June 25^th East Zorra is planning to hold a special service of Baptism followed by a celebration of the good things that God has done for us this year. More details will follow in the weeks to come.

If you are interested in Baptism, please speak with Pastor Ray or Pastor Mike.

Adult Fellowship, Save The Date to see the Musical “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Saturday, August 5th, at 2:00 pm at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. More details will follow. There is a signup sheet on the main bulletin board in the lobby

Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14

We are working on our pre-registration list for kids that want to attend VBS this summer and explore Babylon with us! It’s not too early to let us know you are planning on joining us. Adults of the church, we need your help! We already have over 70 children wanting to come to VBS this summer, so we need leaders to make this happen. This curriculum is relevant and meaningful and we as adults have lots to learn from it too. Each role that needs to be filled for the week comes with a very well laid out manual, so you don’t need to plan out lessons, just read ahead to be prepared to share what you have read with the children. Please check out our bulletin board for “job descriptions” or speak with Naomi or Ashley if you want to help out but don’t know where you might fit in best. Help for the full week or just a few days is welcomed. Thank you for considering this important ministry opportunity.

Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com

Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com

Beyond Our Church Community

Living below the line is a stereotype-busting work about struggle, resilience and hope. In collaboration with Watercourse Theatre, 14 people living in poverty offer perspectives on mental health, disabilities and homelessness. There is no charge to attend, but donations are accepted on-site. For more info, go to mcco.ca/events.

• Sunday April 30^th 2:30 p.m. at Stirling Ave Mennonite Church, in Kitchener
  Saturday May 13^th 2 p.m. at Wellesley Mennonite Church.

“These stories are important truths, shared from the heart. I am honoured to help bring them to the stage,” says Catherine Frid, Artistic Director of Watercourse Theatre.  There is no charge to attend, a free will offering will be held.  There will be  fellowship time after the performance, a chance to sample and learn more about Raw Carrot Soup Program, and a Silent Auction with proceeds going to MCCO people in poverty programs.

Monday May 1^st Hidden Acres Spring Seniors Retreat 2023 – Unlearning Loneliness: Relearning Community. Join us for a day or fellowship, learning and music with friends new and old! We will be hearing from Chip Bender and Cathi Watson as we reconnect and relearn how to live more fully as relational human beings created in God’s image. For more information and to register visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the office at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Saturday May 6^th 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present our Spring Concert – ‘a light exists in spring…In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.’ at St Jacobs Mennonite Church. $25 Adults. $5 Children/Students.Tickets available on-line or at the door (cash or credit)  www.mennosingers.com

Thursday May 11^th  High Noon Lunch at Grace United Church. “A Starwatcher’s Journey” Come for a hot lunch and stay to listen to Dr. Paul Barlett and see his beautiful photography of the skies. 

Calling all Hidden Acres Alumni! HAC Alumni Weekend is happening this May 19th-21st! Join us for the whole weekend overnight or just the day, to connect, be encouraged and get involved! For more details visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or email alumni@hiddenacres.ca

How many school kits can you build in just four weeks?
Looking for a fun activity to do in August? Gather your kids, grandkids or students and take The School Kit Challenge to help children around the world attend school. More information coming soon! Want to learn more about what goes into a school kit? Visit MCC’s school kit information page.

Volume 66             Sunday April 23, 2023                      No. 17

Worship Service – Sunday April 23, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Prelude: Glorify                                   Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Jesse Yantzi             Song Leader: Melanie Wiegand          

Message: Pastor Ray                            Offering: Relief/MCC

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler  Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

8:30-9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

*Lite breakfast will be provided*

Pre-Service Singing

“Battle Belongs”

“Goodness of God”

“Graves into Gardens”

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Praise   

“Death was Arrested”

“This is our God”

Offering – Relief/Mennonite Central Committee

          Offering Song:  “Awake my Soul”

Time with the Children   Sheryl Leis

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-24

Message                          

Song of Response: “Behold Him”

Prayer of the church      Pastor Mike

Sending Song:   “Living Hope”

Benediction

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.   

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class (Grades 6 to 8) meets upstairs in Room #9

Youth class meets upstairs in the MYF room (Room #11)

Adult Sunday School – God’s Story, Our Story: Reading the Bible Together

Following the service and a time of fellowship, you are invited to the basement for a time of discussion as we reflect on the Bible story for the week. Using the questions from the reading schedule to guide us, we will try and figure out what each story means to us today as God’s people. We will plan to keep the Zoom link open and will have a leader to guide discussion for Zoom participants.

This Coming Week

Wednesday April 26^th

          7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Thursday April 27^th     

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday April 28^th 

MYF will be going to Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Meet at 7 pm at the Church. Please RSVP to one of the leaders by April 26. If you are going we need a parent to go online to fill out a waiver. They can also reserve their spot by pre-paying online. It will be the GLOW jump, starting at 8pm. If they have Skyzone socks from a previous visit they can bring them, otherwise they will need to buy a pair from Skyzone for $4. 

A reminder to parents that our Safe Church Policy states that an EZMC Child/Youth Participant Registration & Waiver form is required for all participants of activities including those off-site. Please ensure that this form is signed and returned to the church office before the event.

Next Sunday – April 30, 2023

God’s Story, Our Story: Reading the Bible Together

Elijah & Prophets of Baal

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                 Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Message: Pastor Mike                                       Offering: Maintenance

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf      Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

Extending God’s Love

EZMC Announcements

Grace Lao Mennonite Church Egg Roll Sale – Please place your order on the sign-up sheet on the main bulletin board or by emailing Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca. Price is $20 for a box of 10 egg rolls. Vegetarian rolls are also available. Please indicate on your order if you want meat or vegetarian rolls. Orders are due by Sunday April 30^th and will be available for pickup at church on Saturday May 6^th.

The Health Ministry Team would like to encourage you to participate in learning more about Advance Care Planning and how to start the conversation with your family, friends, or health care providers on what your wishes are.

We will be hosting a Workshop at East Zorra on Sunday Afternoon May 7, 2023

Guest Speaker: Dr. Kenneth Hook will join us at Noon. (Retired Physician, Tavistock Community Health). Pack a lunch to enjoy fellowship together after church. The 1 Hour Presentation will beginat 1:30 p.m in the Sanctuary. There will be opportunity for discussion and questions after. Feel Free to Invite Family and Friends to attend.

Save the Date

On Sunday June 25^th East Zorra is planning to hold a special service of Baptism followed by a celebration of the good things that God has done for us this year. More details will follow in the weeks to come.

If you are interested in Baptism, please speak with Pastor Ray or Pastor Mike.

“With spring in the air”, one can’t help but long for the day we can all gather again on the Green Space. Final plans are underway and in a few weeks they can begin with your help. As reported in the annual report – there continues to be a need for funds to complete projects in the amount of 3,670.00. Dawn Zehr can receive your donations by cheque in the offering, dropped at her home or by e-transfer – designated for the Green Space. Thank you for your support.”  

Coming Soon! MYF will be taking orders for T shirts, Golf shirts and Hoodies, complete with the EZ Logo. They will be selling these as a fundraiser.

Plans are under way for the donut tent at the Mennonite Relief Sale on May 27! We are going to be back up to full production this year and we will knead a lot of help. 

Items needed:

   – we are collecting 500 ml plastic tubs and lids – we will reuse then recycle – put in marked box in mailbox entry

   – large bowls to borrow for mixing are needed for May 25-27; can be left in kitchen at church

Volunteers needed:

   – volunteers to make mashed potatoes by May 26 afternoon (70 2-cup portions needed)

   – volunteers are needed for kneading on May 27 (2 hour shifts; 1-3 am, 3-5 am, 5-7 am, 7-9 am; 4 people per shift) 

   – volunteers are needed for mixing on May 27 (4 hour shifts; 1-5 am; 5-9 am; 2 people per shift)

   – volunteers (3 or 4) for clean up at church Saturday afternoon
Anyone interested in helping please contact Greg and Dawn at gdzehr@gmail.com, 519-655-3727(home) or 226-747-6229(Greg’s cell)
Donut Project Set Up
Volunteers are needed for loading supplies on Thursday evening (about 2 hours), May 25 and setting up on Friday morning (a few hours), May 26. Anyone interested should contact Bill Roth at kilbride@rogers.com.

Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14

We are working on our pre-registration list for kids that want to attend VBS this summer and explore Babylon with us! It’s not too early to let us know you are planning on joining us. Adults of the church, we need your help! We already have over 70 children wanting to come to VBS this summer, so we need leaders to make this happen. This curriculum is relevant and meaningful and we as adults have lots to learn from it too. Each role that needs to be filled for the week comes with a very well laid out manual, so you don’t need to plan out lessons, just read ahead to be prepared to share what you have read with the children. Please check out our bulletin board for “job descriptions” or speak with Naomi or Ashley if you want to help out but don’t know where you might fit in best. Help for the full week or just a few days is welcomed. Thank you for considering this important ministry opportunity.

Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com

Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com

Friday May 5, 6:30pm and Saturday May 6, 8:30-3:00 LADIES! LET’S WATCH GOD MOVE!

Join us for our first EZ Women’s IF: Gathering retreat at East Zorra Church

What: IF Gathering is not only a weekend event but a discipleship ministry focused on putting tools and resources in the hands of women in the church. IF is working to empower women to reclaim discipleship as God’s means to change the world.

IF Gathering 2023: We desperately want to stay faithful in these times, but we know we can’t muster up the faith all on our own. Join us for IF: 2023 where we will gather for two days in worship, fellowship with one another, in prayer and with our Bibles, to remind each other that God is who we need and that He WILL provide. EZ Women of ALL ages. Invite your friends and family!

Cost: 25$/person. This includes breakfast Saturday morning and lunch. Friday evening we encourage all those who are able to bring an appetizer to share.

How: Signup by Apr 16^th on the sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church or email Ashley Witzel at ashleywitzel@gmail.com so she can send you the registration form. **Registration Forms have been sent out via Email. If you haven’t received a form, check your Spam folder or email Ashley and she will resend. If you have any questions please speak to, Ashley Witzel, Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi or Sheryl Leis. 

Beyond Our Church Community

MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) has an urgent need for volunteers in Cape Breton helping with work after Hurricane Fiona. Volunteers are needed Are you able to serve? We need volunteers the weeks of May 7-13, May 28-June 3, Jun 25-July 1, Aug 20-26, Sept 4-10 and Sept 18-24. To volunteer, contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 866-261-1274. Travel subsidies are available.  

Donations for the work in Cape Breton are also welcome! Visit www.mds.org to give.

The April edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: Director of Canadian Operations Ross Penner shares about the work of MDS in Cape Breton; learn why some Canadian volunteers feel driven to participate in the RV (recreational vehicle) program; volunteers in Florida deliver hope just in time for Easter. 

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

Monday April 24^th 6 pm New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner at Floradale Mennonite Church. More than just a meal, the NHMRS Promotion Dinner is a chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner and hear an update on the stationary meat canner from MCC Ontario Material Resource Coordinator Jon Lebold. Tickets are $25 and are payable at the door. Reservations must be made in advance by emailing Justin Armitage or calling Justin at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

Friday April 28^th & Saturday April 29^th MCEC Annual Church Gathering,

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, ON. Transformed. Inspired. Called.

Join new and now friends as we grow, learn and serve together as a community of faith. Fanosie Legesse, MCEC Intercultural Mission Minister, will encourage and challenge us on Friday night at a Mass Intercultural Worship Service. Followed by a Saturday filled with celebration, learning, much discussion and worship. All are welcome! How do we choose to live a life of constant transformation, unceasing inspiration and filled with courage to stay strong in our calling? When we worship and pray togther, we become grounded in God’s love and conected to the Spirit’s movement. Come and gather as God’s people across MCEC. More information is available at the following link:

2023-04-28 – Annual Church Gathering 2023 – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (mcec.ca)

Living below the line
Sunday April 30^th 2:30 p.m. at Stirling Ave Mennonite Church, in Kitchener
Saturday May 13^th 2 p.m. at Wellesley Mennonite Church
Living Below the Line is a stereotype-busting work about struggle, resilience and hope. In collaboration with Watercourse Theatre, 14 people living in poverty offer perspectives on mental health, disabilities and homelessness. There is no charge to attend, but donations are accepted on-site. For more info, go to mcco.ca/events.

Monday May 1^st Hidden Acres Spring Seniors Retreat 2023 – Unlearning Loneliness: Relearning Community. Join us for a day or fellowship, learning and music with friends new and old! We will be hearing from Chip Bender and Cathi Watson as we reconnect and relearn how to live more fully as relational human beings created in God’s image. For more information and to register visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the office at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Saturday May 6^th 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present our Spring Concert – ‘a light exists in spring…In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.’ at St Jacobs Mennonite Church (1310 King St. N, St Jacobs). on $25 Adults. $5 Children/Students.Tickets available on-line or at the door (cash or credit)  www.mennosingers.com

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66             Sunday April 16, 2023                      No. 16

Worship Service – Sunday April 16, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Worship Leader: Pastor Ray

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf       Offering: Leadership

8:30-9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

*Lite breakfast will be provided*

We welcome the Teen Challenge Ontario Men’s Choir Team this morning.

Our Easter celebration continues as the choir leads us in worship and shares a dynamic presentation featuring music, testimonies and stories of finding freedom from addiction through the power of Jesus Christ.

We hope you can join us!

During the service we will receive a special offering for Teen Challenge’s ministry. We will be passing the offering plates so you can give cash, through a cheque payable to “Teen Challenge Canada”, or Teen Challenge will also make available giving through Debit/Credit.

We will not have a formal sharing time on Sunday but if you have a prayer request please speak to Pastor Ray prior to the service.

Following a short break, as the children are dismissed to Sunday School.

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class (Grades 6 to 8) meets upstairs in Room #9

Adults and youth are invited to return to the sanctuary for a question and answer time and further sharing by the choir team. There will be no coffee served at break time but at the potluck meal.

Everyone is welcome to stay for a Potluck Meal together at noon. Please bring food to share with out Teen Challenge guests, and your own dishes, cutlery etc. There will be 20 people joining us from Teen Challenge.

This Coming Week

Wednesday April 19^th

            1 p.m. Care Team Meeting

Thursday April 20^th     

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

7 p.m. Health Ministry Team Meeting.

Friday April 21^st

7 p.m. Adult Fellowship and MYF are planning to meet for an evening of crokinole, rook, and fellowship together at the church. Bring crokinole boards, cards, and finger foods to share for snack. Coffee, tea, and juice provided.

Next Sunday – April 23, 2023

Prelude: Glorify                                   Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Jesse Yantzi             Song Leader: Melanie Wiegand          

Message: Pastor Ray                            Offering: Relief/MCC

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler  Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

EZMC Announcements

An additional 2023 financial commitment that we neglected to include in the financial information presented at the annual general meeting (AGM) is our annual Refugee Fund commitment. At our 2021 AGM held in February 2022 there was a commitment made to set aside $25,000 each year for refugee support so that funds are available when our applications come to fruition. $25,000 from the 2021 surplus was set aside last year. Donations designated “Refugee Fund” will be accepted throughout the year. In addition the designation for the offering on September 10 will be changed to the Refugee Fund. It was originally designated for Student Aid (SA) but we believe there are sufficient funds already received for SA for 2023.

Faith Exploration Class

Sundays 8:30am-9:30am

April 16 – May 28

*Lite breakfast will be provided*

This Spring, Youth and Young adults are invited to join this learning class to explore the questions Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow him?

Our goal during this time is to provide a space for youth to reflect on the faith of their family and community and what it means to them. Participants are welcome to consider this class as a steppingstone towards the commitment of baptism, but it is also open to those who simply want to explore and learn more.

This is a time where we will seek to be clear about what we believe at East Zorra Mennonite while welcoming any questions or doubts, and never demand fake agreement. Anyone who is interested can contact Pastor Ray at ray@ezmennonite.ca or Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca to register or learn more.

Grace Lao Mennonite Church Egg Roll Sale – Please place your order on the sign-up sheet on the main bulletin board or by emailing Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca. Price is $20 for a box of 10 egg rolls. Vegetarian rolls are also available. Please indicate on your order if you want meat or vegetarian rolls. Orders are due by Sunday April 30^th and will be available for pickup at church on Saturday May 6^th.

The Health Ministry Team would like to encourage you to participate in learning more about Advance Care Planning and how to start the conversation with your family, friends, or health care providers on what your wishes are.

We will be hosting a Workshop at East Zorra on Sunday Afternoon May 7, 2023

Guest Speaker: Dr. Kenneth Hook will join us at Noon. (Retired Physician, Tavistock Community Health). Pack a lunch to enjoy fellowship together after church. The 1 Hour Presentation will beginat 1:30 p.m in the Sanctuary. There will be opportunity for discussion and questions after. Feel Free to Invite Family and Friends to attend.

“With spring in the air”, one can’t help but long for the day we can all gather again on the Green Space. Final plans are underway and in a few weeks they can begin with your help. As reported in the annual report – there continues to be a need for funds to complete projects in the amount of 3,670.00. Dawn Zehr can receive your donations by cheque in the offering, dropped at her home or by e-transfer – designated for the Green Space. Thank you for your support.”  

Plans are under way for the donut tent at the Mennonite Relief Sale on May 27! We are going to be back up to full production this year and we will knead a lot of help. 

Items needed:

   – we are collecting 500 ml plastic tubs and lids – we will reuse then recycle – put in marked box in mailbox entry

   – large bowls to borrow for mixing are needed for May 25-27; can be left in kitchen at church

Volunteers needed:

   – volunteers to make mashed potatoes by May 26 afternoon (70 2-cup portions needed)

   – volunteers are needed for kneading on May 27 (2 hour shifts; 1-3 am, 3-5 am, 5-7 am, 7-9 am; 4 people per shift) 

   – volunteers are needed for mixing on May 27 (4 hour shifts; 1-5 am; 5-9 am; 2 people per shift)

   – volunteers (3 or 4) for clean up at church Saturday afternoon
Anyone interested in helping please contact Greg and Dawn at gdzehr@gmail.com,
Donut Project Set Up
Volunteers are needed for loading supplies on Thursday evening (about 2 hours), May 25 and setting up on Friday morning (a few hours), May 26. Anyone interested should contact Bill Roth at kilbride@rogers.com.

Coming Soon! MYF will be taking orders for T shirts, Golf shirts and Hoodies, complete with the EZ Logo. They will be selling these as a fundraiser.

Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14

We are working on our pre-registration list for kids that want to attend VBS this summer and explore Babylon with us! It’s not too early to let us know you are planning on joining us. Adults of the church, we need your help! We already have over 70 children wanting to come to VBS this summer, so we need leaders to make this happen. This curriculum is relevant and meaningful and we as adults have lots to learn from it too. Each role that needs to be filled for the week comes with a very well laid out manual, so you don’t need to plan out lessons, just read ahead to be prepared to share what you have read with the children. Please check out our bulletin board for “job descriptions” or speak with Naomi or Ashley if you want to help out but don’t know where you might fit in best. Help for the full week or just a few days is welcomed. Thank you for considering this important ministry opportunity.

Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com

Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com

Friday May 5, 6:30pm and Saturday May 6, 8:30-3:00 LADIES! LET’S WATCH GOD MOVE!

Join us for our first EZ Women’s IF: Gathering retreat at East Zorra Church

What: IF Gathering is not only a weekend event but a discipleship ministry focused on putting tools and resources in the hands of women in the church. IF is working to empower women to reclaim discipleship as God’s means to change the world.

IF Gathering 2023: We desperately want to stay faithful in these times, but we know we can’t muster up the faith all on our own. Join us for IF: 2023 where we will gather for two days in worship, fellowship with one another, in prayer and with our Bibles, to remind each other that God is who we need and that He WILL provide. EZ Women of ALL ages. Invite your friends and family!

Cost: 25$/person. This includes breakfast Saturday morning and lunch. Friday evening we encourage all those who are able to bring an appetizer to share.

How: Signup by Apr 16^th on the sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church or email Ashley Witzel at ashleywitzel@gmail.com so she can send you the registration form. **Registration Forms have been sent out via Email. If you haven’t received a form, check your Spam folder or email Ashley and she will resend. If you have any questions please speak to, Ashley Witzel, Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi or Sheryl Leis. 

Beyond Our Church Community

April 16-22, 2023National Volunteer Week – This past year would not be the success it has been without the steady heart and presence that you bring. You have been there with us, bringing joy, compassion, energy, hope, peace and more. You, our volunteers, continue to help weave us together to move forward in this work of peace and justice. THANK YOU! Mennonite Central Committee and MCC Thrift

MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) has an urgent need for volunteers in Cape Breton helping with work after Hurricane Fiona. Volunteers are needed Are you able to serve? We need volunteers the weeks of May 7-13, May 28-June 3, Jun 25-July 1, Aug 20-26, Sept 4-10 and Sept 18-24. To volunteer, contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 866-261-1274. Travel subsidies are available.  

Donations for the work in Cape Breton are also welcome! Visit www.mds.org to give.

Monday April 17^th 7:30 p.m. Annual Meeting of the members of A.M. Fire & Storm Aid Union will be held at Crosshill Mennonite Church.

Monday April 24^th 6 pm New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner at Floradale Mennonite Church. More than just a meal, the NHMRS Promotion Dinner is a chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner and hear an update on the stationary meat canner from MCC Ontario Material Resource Coordinator Jon Lebold. Tickets are $25 and are payable at the door. Reservations must be made in advance by emailing Justin Armitage or calling Justin at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

Friday April 28^th & Saturday April 29^th MCEC Annual Church Gathering,

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, ON.

Transformed. Inspired. Called.

Join new and now friends as we grow, learn and serve together as a community of faith. Fanosie Legesse, MCEC Intercultural Mission Minister, will encourage and challenge us on Friday night at a Mass Intercultural Worship Service. Followed by a Saturday filled with celebration, learning, much discussion and worship. All are welcome! How do we choose to live a life of constant transformation, unceasing inspiration and filled with courage to stay strong in our calling? When we worship and pray togther, we become grounded in God’s love and conected to the Spirit’s movement. Come and gather as God’s people across MCEC. More information is available at the following link:

2023-04-28 – Annual Church Gathering 2023 – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (mcec.ca)

Living below the line
Sunday April 30^th 2:30 p.m. at Stirling Ave Mennonite Church, in Kitchener
Saturday May 13^th 2 p.m. at Wellesley Mennonite Church
Living Below the Line is a stereotype-busting work about struggle, resilience and hope. In collaboration with Watercourse Theatre, 14 people living in poverty offer perspectives on mental health, disabilities and homelessness. There is no charge to attend, but donations are accepted on-site. For more info, go to mcco.ca/events.

Monday May 1^st Hidden Acres Spring Seniors Retreat 2023 – Unlearning Loneliness: Relearning Community. Join us for a day or fellowship, learning and music with friends new and old! We will be hearing from Chip Bender and Cathi Watson as we reconnect and relearn how to live more fully as relational human beings created in God’s image. For more information and to register visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the office at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Saturday May 6^th 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present our Spring Concert – ‘a light exists in spring…In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.’ at St Jacobs Mennonite Church (1310 King St. N, St Jacobs). on $25 Adults. $5 Children/Students.Tickets available on-line or at the door (cash or credit)  www.mennosingers.com

Calling all Hidden Acres Alumni! HAC Alumni Weekend is happening this May 19th-21st! Join us for the whole weekend overnight or just the day, to connect, be encouraged and get involved! For more details visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or email alumni@hiddenacres.ca

How many school kits can you build in just four weeks?
Looking for a fun activity to do in August? Gather your kids, grandkids or students and take The School Kit Challenge to help children around the world attend school. More information coming soon! Want to learn more about what goes into a school kit? Visit MCC’s school kit information page.

EASTER SUNDAY

Christ is Risen!

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66             Sunday April 9, 2023                      No. 15

Worship Service – Sunday April 9, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                            Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                            Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr               

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

Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby                   Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

Prelude

VT #355 “Thine is the Glory”

Words of Welcome, Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Easter Performance by children and youth – “This is our God”

Dance Crew:     Jenna Croft, Alexis Leis, Ila Schumm, Hannah Witzel

                                   Lydia Witzel, Everleigh Yantzi, Adelynn Zehr, Julia Zehr

Sign/Flag Holders:       Lake Barron, Katelynn Cressman, Hudson Leis,

                                    Noah Waymouth, Petra Williamson, Bauer Yantzi

                                               Emmett Yantzi, Rowan Yantzi, Darcy Zehr,

Devon Zehr, Garner Zehr

Songs  VT #333 “Low in the Grave He Lay”

          VT #346 “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Choir  “Easter Song”

Soprano – Kim Gruber, Alexis Leis, Chantelle McNeish, Gloria Roth,

               Leah Ruby, Karen Wirth, Lindsay Zehr, Lisa Zehr

Alto – Dawn Bender, Bethany Kropf, Kim Leis, Gwen Matthews,

                    Susan Schmitz, Katie Wagler

Tenor – Galen Leis, Howard Ropp, Myron Ruby, Brian Wagler, Jesse Yantzi

Bass – Gord Bender, Caleb Leis, Dan Matthews, Raymond Ramseyer, Merv Ropp

Piano – Heidi Wagler                Bass Guitar – Brendan Leis

Drums – Dan Matthews             Director – Connie Yantzi

Offering Prayer

Song of Praise: VT #340 “Lift Your Glad Voices”

Time with the children – Sheryl Leis

Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 20:1-18

Easter Message      

Songs of Response

“You Are My King” (Amazing Love)

“How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”

          Lindsay Zehr, Connie Yantzi, Brendan Leis, Alexis Leis, Kim Leis, Leah Ruby,

Brett Zehr, Addy Zehr & Chantelle McNeish

Sharing and Prayer of the Church  

Sending Song:  VT #361 “Christ Who Left His Home in Glory”

Benediction

Today

Fellowship Time in the basement immediately following worship. Today we will serve hot cross buns along with coffee, tea and juice. Everyone is welcome.    

This Coming Week

Tuesday April 11^th

          7 p.m. Finance and Facility Meeting

Wednesday April 12^th       

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Unwrapping Scripture over Coffee

Drop-in at the church and join us as we open and read the Bible together over a hot cup of coffee or tea. Bring your Bibles and your questions as we reflect on a story from the Bible and what it teaches us about ourselves and God. Everyone is welcome!

Thursday April 13^th     

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

12 p.m. High Noon Lunch @ Grace United Church in Tavistock.

Socialize over a nutritious home-style lunch and stay for our guest speaker, Geoff Hayman, the fire prevention officer for East Zorra-Tavistock Township.

Friday April 14^th

          6:30 p.m. Junior Youth (JWalkers – those in Grades 6 to 8).

“The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed.” Genesis 2:8

And then the people, to honor their Creator, planted a garden in the east of their church property and there they saw God’s created diversity.
J-walkers, if you’re ok with getting a little dirty and doing some manual labour, your help is needed to move dirt in preparation for a pollinator garden we will plant this spring in the fellowship space behind the church.

Please meet at church andbring shovels and wheelbarrows with you, if possible.

MYF – Service Night at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre.

Next Sunday – April 16, 2023

Teen Challenge will be sharing with us during morning worship & Sunday School. We will host them for a noon potluck meal.

A special offering will be collected for Teen Challenge.

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                            Song Leader: Connie Yantzi 

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf       Offering: Leadership

8:30-9:30 a.m. Faith Exploration Class

Coffee will be served during our noon potluck

EZMC Announcements

Help our MYF win a pizza party!

New Hamburg Thrift Centre is having a contest. How does it work?  Look around your home and see if there are any items that you could donate to the Thrift Centre. When you drop off your donations simply tell them you want the point to be added to the count for EZMC MYF.  At the end of day on April 15^th they will tally up the donations and announce the winner! Then the pizza feasting can begin!

Coming Soon! MYF will be taking orders for T shirts, Golf shirts and Hoodies, complete with the EZ Logo. They will be selling these as a fundraiser.

A reminder to all parents that our Safe Church Policy requires a Child/Youth Participant Registration & Waiver Form for each child, each program year. If your child has been participating this year you will find a reminder and blank forms in your church mailbox. Please complete and return these to the church office as soon as possible. Thanks so much!

A reminder to all volunteers, who work with children, youth or vulnerable persons, that our Safe Church Policy requires a Volunteer Commitment Form for each volunteer, each program year. If you do not have one on file you will find a VCF in your church mailbox. Please return to the office as soon as possible. Thanks so much!

Friday April 21^st 7 p.m. Adult Fellowship and MYF are planning to meet for an evening of crokinole, rook, and fellowship together at the church. Bring crokinole boards, cards, and finger foods to share for snack. Coffee, tea, and juice provided.

Faith Exploration Class

Sundays 8:30am-9:30am

April 16 – May 28

*Lite breakfast will be provided*

This Spring, Youth and Young adults are invited to join this learning class to explore the questions Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow him?

Our goal during this time is to provide a space for youth to reflect on the faith of their family and community and what it means to them. Participants are welcome to consider this class as a steppingstone towards the commitment of baptism, but it is also open to those who simply want to explore and learn more.

This is a time where we will seek to be clear about what we believe at East Zorra Mennonite while welcoming any questions or doubts, and never demand fake agreement. Anyone who is interested can contact Pastor Ray at ray@ezmennonite.ca or Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca to register or learn more.

VBS 2023 – July 10 -14

Please save the date for this year’s Vacation Bible School at East Zorra. Our theme this year is Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity. The week will be set up similar to last summer, with kids split into Tribes, daily Celebration Time, rotations to new shops in the Marketplace (crafts) and new games to play in the Palace Playground. We will also learn about Daniel’s story each day and how he stayed committed to the one true God when others were turning away from Him. We look forward to learning that God is with us through every situation and emotion! 

We will be opening registration to the community this year so share these dates with your friends! To do this, we will need lots of volunteers. Please consider how helping out with VBS 2023 can fit into your summer plans.

Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com

Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com

LADIES! LET’S WATCH GOD MOVE!

Join us for our first EZ Women’s IF: Gathering retreat

What: IF Gathering is not only a weekend event but a discipleship ministry focused on putting tools and resources in the hands of women in the church. IF is working to empower women to reclaim discipleship as God’s means to change the world.

IF Gathering 2023: We desperately want to stay faithful in these times, but we know we can’t muster up the faith all on our own. Join us for IF: 2023 where we will gather for two days in worship, fellowship with one another, in prayer and with our Bibles, to remind each other that God is who we need and that He WILL provide.

Who: EZ Women of ALL ages. Invite your friends and family!

When: Friday May 5, 6:30pm and Saturday May 6, 8:30-3:00

Where: East Zorra Church

Cost: 25$/person. This includes breakfast Saturday morning and lunch. Friday evening we encourage all those who are able to bring an appetizer to share.

How: Signup on the sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church or email Ashley Witzel at ashleywitzel@gmail.com so she can send you the registration form.

**Registration Forms have been sent out via Email. If you haven’t received a form, check your Spam folder or email Ashley and she will resend.

If you have any questions please speak to, Ashley Witzel, Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi or Sheryl Leis. Please signup by April 16th

Beyond Our Church Community

MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) has an urgent need for volunteers in Cape Breton helping with work after Hurricane Fiona. Volunteers are needed April 8-15 and April 24-28. Are you able to serve? We also need more volunteers the weeks of May 7-13, May 28-June 3, Jun 25-July 1, Aug 20-26, Sept 4-10 and Sept 18-24. To volunteer, contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 866-261-1274. Travel subsidies are available.  

Donations for the work in Cape Breton are also welcome! Visit www.mds.org to give.

Thursday April 13 12 p.m. High Noon Lunch

Friday April 14^th 7 p.m. NHMRS Comedy & Music Night
at Waterloo North Mennonite Church (100 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo N2V 2G8)
Come on out for an evening of fun in support of the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Laugh out loud with the award-winning, family-friendly entertainer JP and enjoy the honey-sweet vocal harmonies of Mike and Diane. To buy your tickets, head over to nhmrs.com. See you there!

April 16-23, 2023 is National Volunteer Week
This past year would not be the success it has been without the steady heart and presence that you bring. You have been there with us, bringing joy, compassion, energy, hope, peace and more. You, our volunteers, continue to help weave us together to move forward in this work of peace and justice. THANK YOU!

Monday April 17th 7:30 p.m. Annual Meeting of the members of A.M. Fire & Storm Aid Union will be held at Crosshill Mennonite Church.

Monday April 24^th 6 pm New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner at Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Rd, Floradale N0B 1V0More than just a meal, the NHMRS Promotion Dinner is a chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner and hear an update on the stationary meat canner from MCC Ontario Material Resource Coordinator Jon Lebold. Tickets are $25 and are payable at the door. Reservations must be made in advance by emailing Justin Armitage or calling Justin at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

MCEC Annual Church Gathering, April 28 & 29, 2023, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, ON. Transformed. Inspired. Called. Join new and now friends as we grow, learn and serve together as a community of faith. Fanosie Legesse, MCEC Intercultural Mission Minister, will encourage and challenge us on Friday night at a Mass Intercultural Worship Service. Followed by a Saturday filled with celebration, learning, much discussion and worship. All are welcome! How do we choose to live a life of constant transformation, unceasing inspiration and filled with courage to stay strong in our calling? When we worship and pray togther, we become grounded in God’s love and conected to the Spirit’s movement. Come and gather as God’s people across MCEC. More information is available at the following link:

2023-04-28 – Annual Church Gathering 2023 – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (mcec.ca)

Monday May 1^st Hidden Acres Spring Seniors Retreat 2023 – Unlearning Loneliness: Relearning Community. Join us for a day or fellowship, learning and music with friends new and old! We will be hearing from Chip Bender and Cathi Watson as we reconnect and relearn how to live more fully as relational human beings created in God’s image. For more information and to register visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the office at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp:

• Youth Camp (May 12-14):  A fun-filled weekend for teens! Join us at camp for a relaxed weekend and participate in waterfront activities, campfires, games, and more! Youth can come with or without a sponsor. Click here for Youth Camp Details
• Summer Camp Registration is now Open:  Visit the SLMC website for more details about overnight camps, outtrips and day camps. Click here forCamp Info and Registration

Conrad Grebel University College is seeking a Theological Studies Graduate Coordinator, beginning as soon as possible. The role involves providing administrative support to the Theological Studies (TS) program and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program, as well as recruitment and promotion of the MTS program, and administrative support of the Conrad Grebel Review scholarly journal. Applications will be reviewed beginning Monday April 10, 2023, however applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Visit our careers page for more information, including a full job description. grebel.ca/positions

Join Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp Staff Team for Summer 2023!

We are currently accepting applications for Cabin Leaders, Lifeguards, Cooks and more. Apply to be part of our enthusiastic team of young people seeking to make an impact this summer! For more information or to apply go to www.hiddenacres.ca or contact Emily Taylor at emily@hiddenacres.ca

Raw Carrot soup is available at your local thrift shop
The Raw Carrot is excited to announce that our soup is available for sale at your local thrift shop! As an MCC Ontario program, The Raw Carrot provides a compassionate workplace to people on long term disability. Our healthy soups are handcrafted in small batches, packed with tasty veggies and free of added preservatives. Fresh ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. Our staff are “stirring up” change with their delicious, handcrafted gourmet soup!” Learn more at mcco.ca.

Could you be the next NHMRS Logistics Coordinator?
The New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale is searching for a volunteer logistics coordinator (or coordinators). The logistics coordinator handles all the logistical planning, setup and teardown at the Sale and leads a well-oiled team of volunteers. Orientation and training are provided. Please contact Duane Martin at duanemartin@nhmrs.com if you would be interested in joining the NHMRS organizing team.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66             Sunday March 19, 2023                      No. 12

Worship Service – Sunday March 19, 2023 at 10 a.m.

The Story of God, the Story of Us: Reading the Bible Together

God Rejected as King 

Prelude: Brandy Sell                           Accompanist: Bethany Klein

Song Leader: Caleb Leis                      Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer

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

Coffee Hosts: Gwen & Dan Matthews  Offering: Local Ministries

Prelude

Welcome and Opening Greetings

Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise          VT #47 God of Our Strength

                                                 VT #91 We Praise Thee, O God

Song of Response     VT #590 I know Not Why God’s Wonderous Grace    

Time with the Children 

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Message   

Song of Response     VT #790 How Can We Be Silent    

Prayer of the church – Pastor Mike

Sending Song          VT #815 We Will Walk with God     

Benediction

Postlude

Today

Coffee Time – We would ask that everyone provides their own coffee 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.   

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class (Grades 6 to 8) meets upstairs in Room #9

Youth class meets upstairs in the MYF room (Room #11)

Adult Sunday School – God’s Story, Our Story: Reading the Bible Together

Following the service and a time of fellowship, you are invited to the basement for a time of discussion as we reflect on the Bible story for the week. Using the questions from the reading schedule to guide us, we will try and figure out what each story means to us today as God’s people. We will plan to keep the Zoom link open and will have a leader to guide discussion for Zoom participants.

This Coming Week

Tuesday March 21^st

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

          7:15 p.m. Choir Practice in the sanctuary

Wednesday March 22^nd      

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Unwrapping Scripture over Coffee

Winter blues got you down? Are you bored? Do you miss getting out of the house? Then come drop-in at the church and join us on Wednesday mornings as we open and read the Bible together over a hot cup of coffee or tea. Bring your Bibles and your questions as we reflect on a story from the Bible and what it teaches us about ourselves and God. Whether you are a Bible expert or completely confused, everyone is welcome!

Thursday March 23^rd    

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

12:10 p.m. Lenten Luncheon at Grace United Church at Grace United Church (Elevator and Hearing Assistance). Each Thursday during Lent beginning at 12:10 p.m. with meditation and music in the Sanctuary followed by Soup and Sandwich Lunch. Suggested contribution is $5-$10 for lunch.

Theme is “Giving it Up”  Week 5:  Giving up Our Lives

2 – 3:30 p.m. A time of sharing, prayer and singing with East Zorra members living at the Maples led by Pastor Ray, Pastor Mike, and Parish Nurse Heidi.

Friday March 23^rd

          7 p.m. MYF – Comforter Knotting

Next Sunday – March 26, 2023

The Story of God, the Story of Us: Reading the Bible Together

God Promises to choose a king like him 

Prelude: Worship Band                                    Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf                        Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr                 

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

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman         Offering: Leadership

EZMC Announcements

Don’t forget to sign up to sing in the Easter choir!  Our first practice will be this Tuesday, March 21 at 7:15 pm, followed by the second and last practice on Sunday morning, April 2 at 8:45 am.  It’s gonna be fun!!!

Faith Exploration Class

Sundays 8:30am-9:30am

April 16 – May 28

*Lite breakfast will be provided*

This Spring, Youth and Young adults are invited to join this learning class to explore the questions Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow him?

Our goal during this time is to provide a space for youth to reflect on the faith of their family and community and what it means to them. Participants are welcome to consider this class as a steppingstone towards the commitment of baptism, but it is also open to those who simply want to explore and learn more.

This is a time where we will seek to be clear about what we believe at East Zorra Mennonite while welcoming any questions or doubts, and never demand fake agreement.

Anyone who is interested can contact Pastor Ray at ray@ezmennonite.ca or Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca to register or learn more.

The Health Ministry Team is looking at offering a St. John’s CPR/First Aid training course for anyone that is interested. We are looking at March or April and have a sign up sheet on the bulletin board if anyone is interested. We are just getting a sense of how many are interested and then will find our a good date for everyone. The course is 8 hours long and will probably be on a Saturday and is roughly $125/ There is also a New Parent Course available that looks at infants specifically and CPR. This course if 3 hours longs and around $55. If you have more questions about the course you can ask Heidi or Phil.

Do you love music? Do you know how to play the organ, piano, guitar or other instrument?  Or maybe you just love to sing? Is music at East Zorra an important part of your worship experience?  If so, the worship committee would like to encourage you. Perhaps God is calling you to share your gift at East Zorra, and possibly discover and develop leadership skills. We would love to mentor new leaders and also find out if there are any musicians among us that we are not aware of. If your answer is ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, and you feel so led, please speak to Connie Yantzi or Lindsay Zehr.

Looking for folks who have used the Hearing Loop in the past and/or are currently accessing it. It has been 9 years since installation and we would like to do a review of its use. Asking that you contact either Marilyn Zehr (mbrownzehr@gmail.com) or Ashley Witzel (ashleywitzel@gmail.com) to share your experience. 

And for those that do not know what a Hearing Loop is….stay tuned.

LADIES! LET’S WATCH GOD MOVE!

Join us for our first EZ Women’s IF: Gathering retreat

We desperately want to stay faithful in these times, but we know we can’t muster up the faith all on our own. Join us for IF: 2023 where we will gather for two days in worship, fellowship with one another, in prayer and with our Bibles, to remind each other that God is who we need and that He WILL provide.

Who: EZ Women of ALL ages. Invite your friends and family!

When: Friday May 5, 6:30pm and Saturday May 6, 8:30-3:00

Where: East Zorra Church

Cost: 25$/person. This includes breakfast Saturday morning and lunch. Friday evening we encourage all those who are able to bring an appetizer to share.

How: Signup on the sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church or email Ashley Witzel at ashleywitzel@gmail.com so she can send you the registration form. If you have any questions please speak to, Ashley Witzel, Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi or Sheryl Leis. Please signup by April 16th

VBS 2023- July 10 -14

Please save the date for this year’s Vacation Bible School at East Zorra. Our theme this year is Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity. The week will be set up similar to last summer, with kids split into Tribes, daily Celebration Time, rotations to new shops in the Marketplace (crafts) and new games to play in the Palace Playground. We will also learn about Daniel’s story each day and how he stayed committed to the one true God when others were turning away from Him. We look forward to learning that God is with us through every situation and emotion! 

We will be opening registration to the community this year so share these dates with your friends! To do this, we will need lots of volunteers. Please consider how helping out with VBS 2023 can fit into your summer plans.

Naomi Witzel naomiwitzel8@gmail.com

Ashley Witzel ezvbsbabylon@gmail.com

Beyond Our Church Community

Saturday March 25^th 4 p.m. Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 39^th Annual Bowl-a-thon is happening again this year at New Hamburg Lanes (formerly Riverside Lanes). This is one of the camp’s main annual fundraising events with last year’s Bowl-a-thon raising over $30,000! You can show your support by donating on-line at hiddenacres.ca/donate, and select “Annual Bowl-a-thon” from the list. Thank you

Saturday March 25^th 1:30 p.m. Wie Geht’s? In the Deitsch Language,
Local Residents Tell of their Life Experiences with Rev. Fred Lichti, Moderator

The Wie Geht’s Tavistock video recordings feature Wilmot-Tavistock residents who speak Deitsch, a German dialect which was brought from Europe by the settlers and spoken locally here for generations. 30 people from East Zorra-Tavistock (including some from EZMC), New Hamburg, Wilmot and Wellesley will be featured on March 25 in “Wie Geht’s Clips”, a story telling event in Deitsch (also called Pennsylvania German/Dutch) WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES.   You’ll hear stories about barn raising, butchering, school days, weddings, life-changing accidents, making maple syrup, changes in farming, why Deitsch is being lost and much more. This special presentation is taking place during the Tavistock and District Historical Society annual meeting at Tavistock Mennonite Church. All are welcome. Donations gratefully accepted.

Tuesday March 28^th 7 – 9 p.m. & Wednesday March 29^th 1 – 4 p.m. Fostering gender equality and Becoming whole together at Conrad Grebel University College
Gender Equity & Reconciliation International (GERI) applies principles of Truth and Reconciliation to create practical new pathways for establishing gender equality. You are warmly invited to join us as we explore a compassionate application of Truth and Reconciliation principle toward achieving gender equality in society. To learn more and to register, go to mcco.ca/events.

Wednesday March 29^th 7-9 pm Bison and a Buggy at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener, N2G 3C8. Join us at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate as we learn about The Landed Buggy artistic land acknowledgement and hear from Chef Destiny Moser about food sovereignty. Admission is free and open to all, however donations are appreciated. To learn more, go to mcco.ca/events.

Saturday April 1^st at 7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil (Vespers) at Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow, Waterloo) on. $25 Adults. $5 Children/Students. Tickets available on-line or at the door (cash or credit)  www.mennosingers.com

Saturday April 14^th 7 p.m. NHMRS Comedy & Music Night
at Waterloo North Mennonite Church (100 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo N2V 2G8)
Come on out for an evening of fun in support of the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Laugh out loud with the award-winning, family-friendly entertainer JP and enjoy the honey-sweet vocal harmonies of Mike and Diane. To buy your tickets, head over to nhmrs.com. See you there!

Monday April 24^th 6 pm New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Promotion Dinner at Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Rd, Floradale N0B 1V0More than just a meal, the NHMRS Promotion Dinner is a chance to connect with community and support MCC! Enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner and hear an update on the stationary meat canner from MCC Ontario Material Resource Coordinator Jon Lebold. Tickets are $25 and are payable at the door. Reservations must be made in advance by emailing Justin Armitage or calling Justin at 519-745-8458 ext. 262.

MCEC Annual Church Gathering, April 28 & 29, 2023, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, ON. Transformed. Inspired. Called. Join new and now friends as we grow, learn and serve together as a community of faith. Fanosie Legesse, MCEC Intercultural Mission Minister, will encourage and challenge us on Friday night at a Mass Intercultural Worship Service. Followed by a Saturday filled with celebration, learning, much discussion and worship. All are welcome! How do we choose to live a life of constant transformation, unceasing inspiration and filled with courage to stay strong in our calling? When we worship and pray togther, we become grounded in God’s love and conected to the Spirit’s movement. Come and gather as God’s people across MCEC. More information is available at the following link:

2023-04-28 – Annual Church Gathering 2023 – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (mcec.ca)

Monday May 1^st Hidden Acres Spring Seniors Retreat 2023 – Unlearning Loneliness: Relearning Community. Join us for a day or fellowship, learning and music with friends new and old! We will be hearing from Chip Bender and Cathi Watson as we reconnect and relearn how to live more fully as relational human beings created in God’s image. For more information and to register visit our website at www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the office at info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking for household donations!
Have you been meaning to clear out household items that you no longer use, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Well, now’s the time to do it! Our thrift shops are in need of household donations to keep supplies strong on the sales floor. Pack up some boxes and head over to your local thrift shop today!

Raw Carrot soup is available at your local thrift shop
The Raw Carrot is excited to announce that our soup is available for sale at your local thrift shop! As an MCC Ontario program, The Raw Carrot provides a compassionate workplace to people on long term disability. Our healthy soups are handcrafted in small batches, packed with tasty veggies and free of added preservatives. Fresh ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. Our staff are “stirring up” change with their delicious, handcrafted gourmet soup!” Learn more at mcco.ca.

Could you be the next NHMRS Logistics Coordinator?
The New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale is searching for a volunteer logistics coordinator (or coordinators). The logistics coordinator handles all the logistical planning, setup and teardown at the Sale and leads a well-oiled team of volunteers. Orientation and training are provided. Please contact Duane Martin at duanemartin@nhmrs.com if you would be interested in joining the NHMRS organizing team.