Weekly Announcements

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.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday September 10, 2023                      No. 37

Welcome Back Sunday

The Parables of Jesus: The Sower

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                                     Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeter: Jan Ropp                                          Offering: Student Aid

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

Coffeetime: Gwen & Dan Matthews

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #11 – The Mountain of God

VT #435 – Blessed Assurance

Offering: Student Aid

Time with the Children

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:1-23

Message    Pastor Ray

Song of Response:  VT #156 – There’s a wideness in God’s mercy

Prayer of the Church   Pastor Mike

Sending Song: VT #777 – Seeds

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.

This Coming Week

Tuesday September 12^th

            8:30 a.m. Gift Discernment Meeting

            6:30 p.m. A/V Committee Meeting

Wednesday September 13^th       

6:30 p.m. E Z Play Group Setup

7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting

Thursday September 14^th     

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Next Sunday – September 17, 2023

The Parables of Jesus: The Hidden Kingdom

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                            Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Ashley & Jon Witzel                        Offering: Leadership

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

Coffeetime: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

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

Adult Sunday school classes will begin in the basement.

Noon – Junior Sunday School Volunteer meeting and MYF Sponsors Meet with Mike

EZMC Announcements

This morning you will find the September calendar in your church mailbox. Items for the October 2023 calendar are due to the church office by Friday September 22^nd.

August 2023 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $29,799

Reminder of available donation methods:

– cash or cheque in offering collection each Sunday (blank envelopes available from ushers)

– e-transfer to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca

– monthly PAD (request for info or to change donation amount to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca)

– weekly automatic transfer from a Kindred account (request for info to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca; contact Kindred to change amount)

– cheques dropped off/mailed to Dawn or to church

Saturday September 16, 2023   EZ Health Ministry team hosts

Free Community Breakfast Workshop at Quehl’s Banquet Hall, 8:30 a.m. Presentation by Cathi Watson Interfaith Counsellor begins at 9:00 with a Focus on Better Understanding Mental Health issues impacting Children, Young adults, and families.

Registration required by Tuesday September 12 email Heidi at heidi@ezmennonite.ca

At risk of cancelling if not enough participants.

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 September 22, 2023.

Tuesday, Sept 19, 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, or 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

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.

Saturday, September 16^th Shalom Counselling Service’s 10,000 Steps for Mental Health will begin at Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo). Registration begins at 9 am with an official send off at 9:30 am. Participants will travel a route to the Iron Horse Trail, along the trail, and back to Shalom. Join us and start setting your goals. It could be taking 10,000 steps or 1,000 steps, fundraising $10,000 or $100. Set a goal that is right for you and help provide more affordable, accessible counselling services in Waterloo Region. Sign up on our website at: https://shalomcounselling.org/steps

After the walk their will be a community block party celebrating Shalom Counselling Services 40th Anniversary. Please come out and support local mental health resources.

With the support of Menno Singers family of choirs, it is our pleasure to introduce the Menno Youth Ensemble to Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas! Under the direction of Mykayla Turner and Joel Woods, this ensemble welcomes musicians between the ages of 14 and 24 to expand their musical and collaborative imaginations. Weekly rehearsals will culminate with regular performing opportunities and one major performance event per semester. The Menno Youth Ensemble is open to all voice-types and instruments, and all participants should be willing to sing. For more information or to register for the Menno Youth Ensemble, please contact one of the co-directors: Mykayla Turnermykaylat@smu.edu, Joel Woods.  joel.woods@uwaterloo.ca

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 Phone: 519-669-4689 or Text: 519-575-3517 or E-mail: 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.

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.

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 attached to this email.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday September 3, 2023                      No. 36

Sunday September 3, 2023

10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock Mennonite & EZMC

will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

This Coming Week

Tuesday September 5^th

            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 September 6^th       

6:30 p.m. E Z Play Group setup

Thursday September 7^th     

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Next Sunday – September 10, 2023

Welcome Back Sunday

The Parables of Jesus: The Sower

Prelude: Bethany Klein                                   Accompanist: Bethany Klein

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeter: Jan Ropp                                          Offering: Student Aid

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

Coffeetime: Gwen & Dan Matthews

As we continue reading the Bible Together we will move into the New Testament. Our Fall Reading guide will be published for September 10.

In preparation for next Sunday we invite you to read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; and Luke 8:4-15.

We invite prayers for our students and teachers as they head back to the classroom. A new teacher, classroom, school, classmates, or a move to high school, college or university, or going to school for the first time, can be both exciting and a bit scary.  May the peace and presence of God bless all the new beginnings and experiences for students, teachers and parents!

EZMC Announcements

A CBC News Post from February 2023 Headline Reads: Canadian teens still struggling with Mental Health even as Pandemic wanes. “If you look at the different studies done since COVID-19, there has been a crisis — a mental health crisis — impacting children and youth,” said Dr. Stacey Bélanger, an expert in pediatric mental health at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal.

The East Zorra Mennonite Church Health Ministry Team invites families or those interested in the mental health of children and youth to attend:

A Community Breakfast Workshop on Saturday Sept 16, 2023, at Quehl’s Banquet Hall with Guest Speaker: Cathi Watson, Counsellor from Interfaith Counselling Centre, New Hamburg. Continental Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. with Presentation at 9:00 a.m.

Come join us for breakfast and learn more about the mental health challenges facing children and young adults and what supports are available in our community. Learn what are the signs and symptoms? Who can diagnose? And where to go for help?  Community Agencies will be represented to answer questions.

To register for this Free Event Email

Heidi Wagler, Faith Community Nurse @ heidi@ezmennonite.ca

If you would like to donate towards this worthy cause to jointly help cover expenses and in support of T.A.P (Tavistock Assistance Program ) you can E- transfer treasurer@ezmennonite.ca, Cash or Cheque accepted made payable to East Zorra Mennonite Church (Subject: Community Breakfast Workshop)

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 follow the link and sign up for what works for your schedule.  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

A note to 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 will be available along with the EZMC Waiver forms, during coffee time, beginning on September 10^th Thanks so much.

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.

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.
• We would love to see updated photos! Please send to Lisa, preferably in digital form (jpeg) by email at office@ezmennonite.ca. If you have a photo you would like her to scan, make arrangements to drop off and she will return to you. These photos can be casual. If you are submitting a photo please remember that professional photos are subject to copyright so permission would be needed from the photographer to include.
• Please note that we encourage every person or family unit to submit a photo. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is September 22, 2023.

Beyond Our Church Community

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.

Saturday, September 16^th Shalom Counselling Service’s 10,000 Steps for Mental Health will begin at Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo). Registration begins at 9 am with an official send off at 9:30 am. Participants will travel a route to the Iron Horse Trail, along the trail, and back to Shalom. Join us and start setting your goals. It could be taking 10,000 steps or 1,000 steps, fundraising $10,000 or $100. Set a goal that is right for you and help provide more affordable, accessible counselling services in Waterloo Region. Sign up on our website at: https://shalomcounselling.org/steps

After the walk their will be a community block party celebrating Shalom Counselling Services 40th Anniversary. Please come out and support local mental health resources.

With the support of Menno Singers family of choirs, it is our pleasure to introduce the Menno Youth Ensemble to Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas! Under the direction of Mykayla Turner and Joel Woods, this ensemble welcomes musicians between the ages of 14 and 24 to expand their musical and collaborative imaginations. Weekly rehearsals will culminate with regular performing opportunities and one major performance event per semester. The Menno Youth Ensemble is open to all voice-types and instruments, and all participants should be willing to sing. For more information or to register for the Menno Youth Ensemble, please contact one of the co-directors: Mykayla Turnermykaylat@smu.edu, Joel Woods.  joel.woods@uwaterloo.ca

The Abner Martin Music Scholarship ($4,000 value last year) is awarded annually by Menno Singers to a student who:  1) will be enrolled in a full-time music major or minor program at the undergraduate or graduate level in 2023-2024);  2) is affiliated with an MCEC congregation; and  3) has demonstrated involvement and proficiency in musical activities in church and community. Application deadline is September 15, 2023. For more information and/or an application form contact Lewis Brubacher, lbrubacher@sympatico.ca

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 Phone: 519-669-4689 or Text: 519-575-3517 or E-mail: frlichti@bell.net

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.

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 attached to this email.

MCC Ontario – Join our team!
We have two openings – one for a Production Manager at Thrift on Mill in Leamington and the other for a Restorative Communities and Supportive Housing Team Lead in Kitchener. Learn more about these positions at mcco.ca/serve.

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.

Cans, Kits and Comforters Tour: Explore the MR Centre
Material Resources Centre, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg
Come along on a guided tour to explore the Material Resources Centre at 10 am on the third Thursday of every month. Drop in to learn more about the work of Material Resources. No registration required.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp

Registration now open for a wide variety of fun retreats coming up this fall. Click here for more info about the retreats below… slmc.ca/retreats

• Labour Day Weekend Retreat (Sep 1-3) – A few rooms still available for this long weekend getaway.
• Men’s Retreat (Sep 15-17) – A relaxing weekend away to connect with others and enjoy a variety of fun camp activities. Saturday features a Russian Mennonite dinner with many favourite traditional dishes. Stories and reflections presented by host Mike Schmidt.
• Bruce Trail Hike (Sep 18-21) – Join us for a series of short-loop hikes near Owen Sound and learn about the cultural and natural history of the Niagara Escarpment. Accommodations and meals at Silver Lake.
• Fall Hike Retreat (Sep 29-Oct 1) – Stay at camp and enjoy a Bruce Trail hike on the Saturday. Everyone welcome, including families.
• Fall Work Weekend (Oct 27-29) – Help get camp ready for the winter season!
• Stay Connected – Follow SLMC on Instagram @silverlakemennonite and Facebook to stay up to date and see photos from Summer 2023!

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66            Sunday August 27, 2023                      No. 35

Sunday August 27, 2023

You God is too Glorious!

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Pastor Mike                          Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeter: Joyce & Howard Ropp                       Offering: Leadership

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

Coffeetime: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT # 36 Let Us Build a House

VT# 98 Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise

Offering: Leadership

Time with the Children – Pastor Mike

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

Message

Song of Response: VT #433 I Believe in God Almighty

Prayer of the Church – Pastor Mike

Sending Song: VT# 812 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing

Benediction

Postlude

Next Sunday – September 3, 2023

10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock Mennonite & EZMC

will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

EZMC Announcements

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 feel free to reach out to Jess Yantzi, Holly Barron, Erin Yantzi, or Sue Martin (phone numbers are in the directory). 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).

A few Opportunities to Serve!

Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare

The ministerial is hoping 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.

July 2023 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $44,657

Green Space – $300

VBS Offering – $1,047.70

A CBC News Post from February 2023 Headline Reads: Canadian teens still struggling with Mental Health even as Pandemic wanes. “If you look at the different studies done since COVID-19, there has been a crisis — a mental health crisis — impacting children and youth,” said Dr. Stacey Bélanger, an expert in pediatric mental health at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal.

The East Zorra Mennonite Church Health Ministry Team invites families or those interested in the mental health of children and youth to attend:

A Community Breakfast Workshop on Saturday Sept 16, 2023, at Quehl’s Banquet Hall with Guest Speaker: Cathi Watson, Counsellor from Interfaith Counselling Centre, New Hamburg. Continental Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. with Presentation at 9:00 a.m.

Come join us for breakfast and learn more about the mental health challenges facing children and young adults and what supports are available in our community. Learn what are the signs and symptoms? Who can diagnose? And where to go for help?  Community Agencies will be represented to answer questions.

To register for this Free Event call or Email

Heidi Wagler, Faith Community Nurse at heidi@ezmennonite.ca

If you would like to donate towards this worthy cause to jointly help cover expenses and in support of T.A.P (Tavistock Assistance Program ) you can E- transfer treasurer@ezmennonite.ca, Cash or Cheque accepted made payable to East Zorra Mennonite Church (Subject: Community Breakfast Workshop)

Coffee Time Hosts – If you would like to add your name to the list of coffee volunteers, please contact Lisa in the office. The schedule will be updated before September and we would welcome more volunteers. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after. Thanks so much.  

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.
• We would love to see updated photos! Please send to Lisa, preferably in digital form (jpeg) by email at office@ezmennonite.ca. If you have a photo you would like her to scan, make arrangements to drop off and she will return to you. These photos can be casual. If you are submitting a photo please remember that professional photos are subject to copyright so permission would be needed from the photographer to include.
• Please note that we encourage every person or family unit to submit a photo. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is September 22, 2023.

Beyond Our Church Community

Saturday, September 16^th Shalom Counselling Service’s 10,000 Steps for Mental Health will begin at Shalom Counselling Services (9 Avondale Ave. S., Waterloo). Registration begins at 9 am with an official send off at 9:30 am. Participants will travel a route to the Iron Horse Trail, along the trail, and back to Shalom. Join us and start setting your goals. It could be taking 10,000 steps or 1,000 steps, fundraising $10,000 or $100. Set a goal that is right for you and help provide more affordable, accessible counselling services in Waterloo Region. Sign up on our website at: https://shalomcounselling.org/steps

After the walk their will be a community block party celebrating Shalom Counselling Services 40th Anniversary. Please come out and support local mental health resources.

The Abner Martin Music Scholarship ($4,000 value last year) is awarded annually by Menno Singers to a student who:  1) will be enrolled in a full-time music major or minor program at the undergraduate or graduate level in 2023-2024);  2) is affiliated with an MCEC congregation; and  3) has demonstrated involvement and proficiency in musical activities in church and community. Application deadline is September 15, 2023. For more information and/or an application form contact Lewis Brubacher, lbrubacher@sympatico.ca

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 Phone: 519-669-4689

Text: 519-575-3517 or E-mail: frlichti@bell.net

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.

MCC Ontario – Join our team!
We have two openings – one for a Production Manager at Thrift on Mill in Leamington and the other for a Restorative Communities and Supportive Housing Team Lead in Kitchener. Learn more about these positions at mcco.ca/serve.

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. Want to learn more about what goes into a school kit? Visit MCC’s school kit information page

Cans, Kits and Comforters Tour: Explore the MR Centre
Material Resources Centre, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg
Come along on a guided tour to explore the Material Resources Centre at 10 am on the third Thursday of every month. Drop in to learn more about the work of Material Resources. No registration required.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp

Registration now open for a wide variety of fun retreats coming up this fall. Click here for more info about the retreats below… slmc.ca/retreats

• Labour Day Weekend Retreat (Sep 1-3) – A few rooms still available for this long weekend getaway.
• Men’s Retreat (Sep 15-17) – A relaxing weekend away to connect with others and enjoy a variety of fun camp activities. Saturday features a Russian Mennonite dinner with many favourite traditional dishes. Stories and reflections presented by host Mike Schmidt.
• Bruce Trail Hike (Sep 18-21) – Join us for a series of short-loop hikes near Owen Sound and learn about the cultural and natural history of the Niagara Escarpment. Accommodations and meals at Silver Lake.
• Fall Hike Retreat (Sep 29-Oct 1) – Stay at camp and enjoy a Bruce Trail hike on the Saturday. Everyone welcome, including families.
• Fall Work Weekend (Oct 27-29) – Help get camp ready for the winter season!
• Stay Connected – Follow SLMC on Instagram @silverlakemennonite and Facebook to stay up to date and see photos from Summer 2023!

EZMC Summer 2023 Worship Service Schedule

Sunday September 3^rd 10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Sunday September 10^th Welcome Back Sunday at EZMC

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday August 13, 2023                      No. 33

Sunday August 13, 2023

10:30 a.m.

Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park, Tavistock

The Tavistock and Area Ministerial invites you to join us as the community churches come together for a time of worship and fellowship. All are welcome!

The service will be held in the Pavilion. Please bring your lawn chairs!

Along with our regular congregational offerings, we will also receive an offering in support of Tavistock Assistance Program (T.A.P.)

Following the service T.A.P. will host their Annual Community Lunch. Please join us and enjoy Sausage on a bun and potato salad. Free will donations to help cover the meal expenses are welcomed. We hope to see you there!

Please note that there is no service at EZMC this morning.

This Coming Week

Thursday August 17^th

• 6-7 p.m. Private Party

Saturday August 19^th

• 11 am – 6 pm Private Party  

Next Sunday – August 20, 2023

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                            Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                 Song Leader: Susan Schmitz

Greeter: Gloria & Merv Ropp                          Offering: Local Ministries

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

Please note that we are not having coffeetime on this morning.

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.
• We would love to see updated photos! Please send to Lisa, preferably in digital form (jpeg) by email at office@ezmennonite.ca. If you have a photo you would like her to scan, make arrangements to drop off and she will return to you. These photos can be casual. If you are submitting a photo please remember that professional photos are subject to copyright so permission would be needed from the photographer to include.
• Please note that we encourage every person or family unit to submit a photo. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is September 22, 2023.

Beyond Our Church Community

Tuesday August 15^th 7 – 8 p.m., Online – Resettlement info session: Welcoming the stranger. Our Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program allows friends, family, churches and community groups the opportunity to resettle refugees into their communities with financial assistance from the government. You’re invited to learn more about the BVOR program and the profound impact you could have in welcoming the stranger in the upcoming information session. To register, visit mcco.ca/events for details.

Wednesday September 20^th 9 am – 4 pm. You are invited to go “Up the Nith” for a heritage bus tour led by Fred Lichti. 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 Doreen Erb 519-656-2561 or lderb2@gmail.com. Please see the attached document for more information.

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. Want to learn more about what goes into a school kit? Visit MCC’s school kit information page

EZMC Summer 2023 Worship Service Schedule

Sunday August 27^th       10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

Sunday September 3^rd 10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Sunday September 10^th Welcome Back Sunday at EZMC