Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday August 6, 2023                      No. 32

Sunday August 6, 2023

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

will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church (livestream on TMC’s website)

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

This Coming Week

Thursday August 10^th

• 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Next 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 that 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

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre

Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre until August 31^st. A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board. See you there!

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. More information coming soon! 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 20^th       10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

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

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66            Sunday July 16, 2023                      No. 28

Please note that the picnic lunch in the greenspace has been cancelled.

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

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                 Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Flo & Lorne Metzger                        Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler              Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Babylon – Daniel’s Courage in Captivity

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise – VBS Songs

„Stand Firm“ (VBS Video)

“God is for me” (VBS Video)

Offering – Leadership

Time with the Children: Pastor Mike

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:13-16

VBS Reflections & Skit

Song of Response    

“Only a Prayer Away” (VBS Video)

Prayer of the Church: Pastor Mike

Sending Song          

VT #830 “Go, My Children”

Benediction

Today

Coffeetime will be served downstairs, immediately following our worship service. 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.

Please note that the picnic lunch in the greenspace has been cancelled.

2:30 p.m. Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for the Life of Ralph Bender

Next Sunday – July 23, 2023

Summer Worship Series – Stories of David

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis                           Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Gwen & Dan Matthews                    Offering: Relief/MCC

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

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

Extending God’s Love

EZMC Announcements

“Have you ever considered…….why our outdoor space is called the Green Space and whether this continues to be the best option?  As you experience the GS this summer let us know whether you have alternative suggestions or feel the Green Space defines this space well on a lot of levels. 

Send your thoughts and suggestions to Marilyn Zehr 519-462-2320, mbrownzehr@gmail.com

Saturday, August 5^th – Adult Fellowship play at St. Jacobs

Meet at church at 12:15 pm. to get your tickets and arrange to carpool to St. Jacobs. We will be leaving church at 12:45 pm.

Following the play we will head back to church for supper.

Have you noticed……things are popping up in the Green Space. A – pollinator garden, play kitchen, sand box, bridge, seating in the campfire area, a wheelchair accessible

picnic table and with your help …. Coming soon …. a Ga Ga Ball Pit. 

Thank you for your continuing donations helping to build a beautiful space where we can all enjoy God’s Creation. 

We have started scheduling greeters for Sunday morning worship time, but it is not too late to add your name. 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

Rare find – We’re looking for a new accountant! After many years of service with MCC, our accountant is retiring. That means you could be our new accountant. Are you interested in bookkeeping and financial statements? If so, head over to mcco.ca/serve to learn more about the position and to apply today.

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre

Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre until August 31^st. A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board. See you there!

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.

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.

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

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

Ontario Mennonite Music Camp is a faith-based music camp, welcoming campers aged 12-18 from Ontario and beyond. It runs from August 13-25, 2023. OMMC is supported by the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada (MCEC) and Conrad Grebel University College, but students of all backgrounds and traditions are welcome to register for two weeks of developing their musical and leadership skills. OMMC is also open to students of all musical abilities. It costs $1400 to attend camp for two weeks, but there are bursaries available based on need. Emily Rempel and Mykayla Turner are co-directing this camp alongside a full team of musicians.

Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2023 (as space is available). Opportunities are also available for students in Grade 11 or 12 who are interested in acting as a Leader-in-Training for the 2023 season. To register for OMMC and find further details for parents, campers, and staff, visit these links:

Overview: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp 

Registration: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/2023-ommc-registration-form

Meet the Staff: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/staff 

Information for Campers: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/campers 

Information for Parents: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/parents 

Interfaith Counseling Centre (ICC) Board of Directors, New Hamburg, is searching to fill two Board of Director positions:  

• Secretary is responsible for a timely and accurate record of the Board’s activities, particularly in terms of publishing agendas and minutes. Other clerical tasks include periodic review of various documentation for ICC. The Secretary is a full, voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.  
• Treasurer is responsible for oversight of the financial matters of ICC, is a full voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.  
• Member at large is a full voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.  

The mission of Interfaith Counseling Centre is to ‘strengthen the fabric of our community by empowering individuals, couples, and families to realize their emotional wellness and triumph over life’s challenges.’  We invite you to join our strong, forty year history of providing such service and care in support of the citizens of Wilmot Township.    

Find more information about these volunteer opportunities at https://interfaithcounselling.ca/profiles.php Also, if you are interested in volunteering or might nominate someone who is, email Valerie Troy, Board HR, for more information: vtroy2005@gmail.com 

EZMC Summer 2023 Worship Service Schedule

Sunday July 30^th           10:30 a.m. EZMC Worship service at Queen’s Park in Tavistock

                                    Potluck lunch to follow.

Sunday August 6^th         10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Cassel

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite

                                   Church. Service can also be viewed on TMC’s website.

Sunday August 13^th       Tavistock and Area Ministerial Ecumenical Service at Queen’s

Park in Tavistock. No service at EZMC.

Sunday August 20^th       10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

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

A reminder that our worship service on Sunday July 9^th will be in the green space (weather permitting)

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66          Sunday July 9, 2023                      No. 28

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

Please join us in the green space for our worship service this morning (weather permitting). Bring your lawn chairs.

Summer Worship Series – Stories of David

Prelude: Bethany Klein                                   Accompanist: Bethany Klein

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Message: Pastor Ray                                        Greeter: Jean MacDonald

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby

Prelude

Welcome and opening greetings

Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Song of Gathering & Praise    VT 419 Great Is Thy Faithfulness 

Offering: Mennonite Church Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada

Time with the Children

Song – Only a Boy Named David (please see the bulletin insert)

VBS Dedication

Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 17:32-49

Message:  Pastor Ray

Psalm 124 (please see bulletin insert)

Song of Response: VT 588 We Walk by Faith 

Prayer of the Church   Pastor Mike

Sending Song: VT 847 You Shall Go Out with Joy

Benediction

Today

Coffeetime will be served outside, immediately following our worship service in the green space. 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.

Next Sunday – July 16, 2023

Summer Worship Series – Stories of David

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeter: Gwen & Dan Matthews                     Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler            

Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

12 p.m. Picnic Lunch in the green space. Bring your own lunch. Drinks will be provided.

This Coming Week

Monday July 10^th – Friday July 14^th

9 – 11:30 a.m. Vacation Bible School. Please see announcement for more information.

YOU ARE INVITED to join us for our Celebration Times in the church Sanctuary – each day from 9:00-9:20am, and 11:15-11:30am. Here you can hear the bible story, join in our songs as we worship God, and watch as the kids engage in their memory verse and bible point for each day. We loved having members from the congregation and our families join us last year during these times!

EZMC Announcements

A lawn chair was left at the Men’s BBQ at Trevor Kropf’s and another chair was left at the potluck last Sunday. Both of these items can be found in the office entryway. If your child lost a pair of sandals you will find them in the lost and found in the basement.

Have you noticed……things are popping up in the Green Space. A – pollinator garden, play kitchen, sand box, bridge, seating in the campfire area, a wheelchair accessible

picnic table and with your help …. Coming soon …. a Ga Ga Ball Pit. 

Thank you for your continuing donations helping to build a beautiful space where we can all enjoy God’s Creation. 

Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14

Registration for VBS this summer is now closed. We are looking forward to the week with about 115 kids from our church and the community! Thank you to all those who have volunteered to help make this week possible. 

Prayer Support

We invite you to stand with us in praying for our week of VBS, our children and volunteers. Covering this week in prayer is one of the most important tasks we can do; we know that prayer holds so much power.

Please pray for the following, and anything else that Holy Spirit presses on your heart

– That we would be drawn closer to the One True God, to His Heart, and understand His deep and sacrificial love for us by sending His Son Jesus

– That the Lord would stir, in each of our hearts, the joy that comes from walking with Him each and every day.

– That the curriculum, conversations and activities would be in line with God’s Will

– For safety

– For good weather so we can continue with our outdoor set up and events

“Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”

Matthew 21: 21-22

We have started scheduling greeters for Sunday morning worship time, but it is not too late to add your name. 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.

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.  

Beyond Our Church Community

The Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp Staff and Board of Directors want to thank everyone who came out and made our 56th Annual Chicken BBQ and 15th Annual Pie Auction fundraiser a success! The rain didn’t slow us down from serving over 800 meals raising over $14,000 (before expenses) and the pie auction smashed the record for the amount raised. This year, 67 pies sold for a total of $7280! Thank you!

We are also grateful for everyone who helped to make the event happen. Thank you to the 65 volunteers who came to help set up, serve, BBQ the chicken, clean up and more. Thank you to those who made and donated pies. And, thank you to the Chicken BBQ Committee for helping to pull all the details together and organize another great event for camp. Mark your calendars for next year’s BBQ happening on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre

Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre until August 31^st. A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board. See you there!

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.

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.

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

Ontario Mennonite Music Camp is a faith-based music camp, welcoming campers aged 12-18 from Ontario and beyond. It runs from August 13-25, 2023. OMMC is supported by the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada (MCEC) and Conrad Grebel University College, but students of all backgrounds and traditions are welcome to register for two weeks of developing their musical and leadership skills. OMMC is also open to students of all musical abilities. It costs $1400 to attend camp for two weeks, but there are bursaries available based on need. Emily Rempel and Mykayla Turner are co-directing this camp alongside a full team of musicians.

Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2023 (as space is available). Opportunities are also available for students in Grade 11 or 12 who are interested in acting as a Leader-in-Training for the 2023 season. To register for OMMC and find further details for parents, campers, and staff, visit these links:

Overview: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp 

Registration: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/2023-ommc-registration-form

Meet the Staff: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/staff 

Information for Campers: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/campers 

Information for Parents: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/parents 

Interfaith Counseling Centre (ICC) Board of Directors, New Hamburg, is searching to fill two Board of Director positions:  

• Secretary is responsible for a timely and accurate record of the Board’s activities, particularly in terms of publishing agendas and minutes.  Other clerical tasks include periodic review of various documentation for ICC.  The Secretary is a full, voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.  
• Treasurer is responsible for oversight of the financial matters of ICC, is a full voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.  
• Member at large is a full voting member of the Board and participates in regular monthly meetings.  

The mission of Interfaith Counseling Centre is to ‘strengthen the fabric of our community by empowering individuals, couples, and families to realize their emotional wellness and triumph over life’s challenges.’  We invite you to join our strong, forty year history of providing such service and care in support of the citizens of Wilmot Township.    

Find more information about these volunteer opportunities at https://interfaithcounselling.ca/profiles.php Also, if you are interested in volunteering or might nominate someone who is, email Valerie Troy, Board HR, for more information: vtroy2005@gmail.com 

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

EZMC Summer 2023 Worship Service Schedule

Sunday July 23^rd           10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

Sunday July 30^th           10:30 a.m. EZMC Worship service at Queen’s Park in Tavistock

                                    Potluck lunch to follow.

Sunday August 6^th         10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Cassel

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite

                                   Church.

Sunday August 13^th       Tavistock and Area Ministerial Ecumenical Service at Queen’s

Park in Tavistock.

Sunday August 20^th       10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

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

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66           Sunday July 2, 2023                      No. 27

Worship Service – Sunday July 2, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                            Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi                         Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler        Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis

Coffee Hosts: Gwen & Dan Matthews             

Prelude

Welcome and opening greetings

Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #495 – Morning has Broken

VT#594 – Over my Head

Offering: Mission Partners

Time with the Children

Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Message: David – seen, anointed and named    Pastor Ray

Songs of Response: VT#540 – Will you come and follow me

Prayer of the Church   Pastor Mike

Sending Song: VT#606 – Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah

Benediction

Today, we welcome Cassel and Tavistock Mennonite churches, as part of our Combined Summer Worship services.

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.

Next Sunday – July 9, 2023

Summer Worship Series – Stories of David

Prelude: Bethany Klein                                   Accompanist: Bethany Klein

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Message: Pastor Ray                                        Greeters: Jean MacDonald

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf            Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby

Our Worship Service will take place outside in the green space, weather permitting.

EZMC Announcements

A lawn chair was left at the Men’s BBQ at Trevor Kropf’s and another chair was left at the potluck last Sunday. Both of these items can be found in the office entryway. If your child lost a pair of sandals you will find them in the lost and found in the basement.

Do you have a love for plants and flowers? If so, the trustees would like to hear from you. We are looking for some people to envision our new landscaping at the front of the church.

Adult Fellowship – A reminder to those who have signed up to go to the play at St Jacobs on August 5^th to have your payment in by Sunday June 25th. $70 per person. Cash or if paying by Cheque – made payable to Ray or Laurel Zehr. Give payment to any committee member. If anyone is wanting to go who hasn’t signed up, please let the committee know (Jim & Carol, Ray & Laurel or Philip & Shirley) and they will look into getting more tickets.

Have you noticed……things are popping up in the Green Space. A – pollinator garden, play kitchen, sand box, bridge, seating in the campfire area, a wheelchair accessible

picnic table and with your help …. Coming soon …. a Ga Ga Ball Pit. 

Thank you for your continuing donations helping to build a beautiful space where we can all enjoy God’s Creation. 

Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14

Registration for VBS this summer is now closed. We are looking forward to the week with about 115 kids from our church and the community! Thank you to all those who have volunteered to help make this week possible. 

Prayer Support

We invite you to stand with us in praying for our week of VBS, our children and volunteers. Covering this week in prayer is one of the most important tasks we can do; we know that prayer holds so much power.

Please pray for the following, and anything else that Holy Spirit presses on your heart

– That we would be drawn closer to the One True God, to His Heart, and understand His deep and sacrificial love for us by sending His Son Jesus

– That the Lord would stir, in each of our hearts, the joy that comes from walking with Him each and every day.

– That the curriculum, conversations and activities would be in line with God’s Will

– For safety

– For good weather so we can continue with our outdoor set up and events

“Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”

Matthew 21: 21-22

Please let us know by calling, texting or emailing us, if you feel called to intercede for VBS in this way. We would love to share with all those involved in VBS, the network of support that is covering this week in prayer.

Also, YOU ARE INVITED to join us for our Celebration Times in the church Sanctuary – each day from 9:00-9:20am, and 11:15-11:30am (July 10-14th).  Here you can hear the bible story, join in our songs as we worship God, and watch as the kids engage in their memory verse and bible point for each day. We loved having members from the congregation and our families join us last year during these times!

We have started scheduling greeters for Sunday morning worship time, but it is not too late to add your name. 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? The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board, or email or call Lisa Suderman, our office administrator, if you are willing to help with this ministry.

If you volunteered with children or vulnerable persons this program year (9/1/22 – 8/31/23) and do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) on file, please contact Lisa in the church office for more information. This process is now done online and is usually quick and easy. Please submit your VSC to the church office as soon as possible. You will also need to complete a Volunteer Commitment Form if you haven’t already done so. See your Volunteer packet for instructions and more info. Thanks so much.

Coffee Time Hosts – If you would like to add your name to the list of coffee volunteer, 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.  

Beyond Our Church Community

Saturday July 8^th Tractor Breakfast at Cassel Mennonite Church. 8:30 – 10 a.m. Donations will be accepted for the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Tractor not required, everyone welcome.

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre

Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre until August 31^st. A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board.

See you there!

Tuesday August 15^th 7 – 8 .pm., 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.

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.

Join our team! Do you want to make a difference in your community and around the world? At MCC we are committed to making a difference by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. We have three new openings. Check them out at mcco.ca/serve and apply today.

The New Hamburg Thrift Centre is hiring! New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking for a new Associate Logistics, supporting the logistical operation of the thrift centre. Go to mcco.ca/serve to see the job posting and to apply today!

Ontario Mennonite Music Camp is a faith-based music camp, welcoming campers aged 12-18 from Ontario and beyond. It runs from August 13-25, 2023. OMMC is supported by the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada (MCEC) and Conrad Grebel University College, but students of all backgrounds and traditions are welcome to register for two weeks of developing their musical and leadership skills. OMMC is also open to students of all musical abilities. It costs $1400 to attend camp for two weeks, but there are bursaries available based on need. Emily Rempel and Mykayla Turner are co-directing this camp alongside a full team of musicians.

Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2023 (as space is available). Opportunities are also available for students in Grade 11 or 12 who are interested in acting as a Leader-in-Training for the 2023 season. To register for OMMC and find further details for parents, campers, and staff, visit these links:

Overview: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp 

Registration: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/2023-ommc-registration-form

Meet the Staff: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/staff 

Information for Campers: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/campers 

Information for Parents: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/ontario-mennonite-music-camp/parents 

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

EZMC Summer 2023 Worship Service Schedule

Sunday July 9^th            10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC in the green space,

weather permitting.

Sunday July 16^th           10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

                                    12 p.m. Picnic Lunch in the green space. Bring your own lunch.

                                   Drinks will be provided.

Sunday July 23^rd           10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

Sunday July 30^th           10:30 a.m. EZMC Worship service at Queen’s Park in Tavistock

                                    Potluck lunch to follow.

Sunday August 6^th         10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Cassel

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite

                                   Church.

Sunday August 13^th       Tavistock and Area Ministerial Ecumenical Service at Queen’s

Park in Tavistock.

Sunday August 20^th       10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

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

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 66           Sunday June 25, 2023                      No. 26

Worship Service – Sunday June 25, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Glorify

Message: Pastor Mike                                      Greeters: Larry & Tracey Kropf

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf      Offering: Relief/MCC

Prelude

    “Drenched in Love”

    “God You’re So Good”

    “Good Grace”

    “Promises”

Welcome and opening greetings

Announcements

Call to Worship and Opening prayer

Songs of Praise

    “Raise a Hallelujah”

    “Today”

Offering: Relief/MCC

Offertory: “This is Our God”

Prayer of the Church – Pastor Ray

The mic will not be passed through the congregation today. If you have a prayer concern you would like included in the prayer please speak to Ray prior to the service.

Time with the Children

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:1-5a; Mark 1:9-11

Message:  Pastor Mike

Song of Response:  “Who You Say I Am”

Celebration of Baptism: Madilynn Cressman, Owen Kropf, Alexis Leis, and Julia Zehr

            Sharing of Faith Stories

Affirmation of Baptismal Vows

            Congregational Prayer for those being Baptized

Song: “The Blessing”

(During this song the youth will move outside. Following the song, we invite

the congregation to join the youth at the Baptism tank.)

Act of Baptism

Prayer of Blessing

Benediction: “Praise God from Whom”

Today

Following the Baptism Service everyone is invited to a Potluck Fellowship Meal that, weather permitting, we are planning to host in our outdoor space. Please bring some extra food for guests that will join us, along with your lawn chairs, plates, cups and cutlery. Drinks will be provided.

This Coming Week

Thursday June 29^th         

9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

7 p.m. Adult Fellowship – Come enjoy our annual strawberry social.

There will be special music and Jan Ropp will share her story of the challenges living life with Lupus. There will be an opportunity to make a donation to Lupus Ontario. Envelopes will be provided. This event will also be available via Zoom. Link shown below.

Adult Fellowship – Strawberry Social

Time: Jun 29, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Next Sunday – July 2, 2023

Summer Worship Series – Stories of David

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                     Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish

Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi                           Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Message: Pastor Ray                                  Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis

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

Coffee Hosts: Gwen & Dan Matthews

Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock Mennonite &

Cassel Mennonite will be hosted here at EZMC.

EZMC Announcements

The church embroidered shirts and hoodies are now available for payment and pickup. Dylan and Hannah will be available in the basement this Sunday. Please pay cash or make checks out to East Zorra Mennonite Church. Thank you all for your support. 

Adult Fellowship – A reminder to those who have signed up to go to the play at St Jacobs on August 5^th to have your payment in by Sunday June 25th. $70 per person. Cash or if paying by Cheque – made payable to Ray or Laurel Zehr. Give payment to any committee member. If anyone is wanting to go who hasn’t signed up, please let the committee know (Jim & Carol, Ray & Laurel or Philip & Shirley) and they will look into getting more tickets.

We have started scheduling greeters for Sunday morning worship time, but it is not too late to add your name. 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? The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board, or email or call Lisa Suderman, our office administrator, if you are willing to help with this ministry.

An investment for you, bonus interest for what you believe in!

Kindred Credit Union offers you a unique way to invest through Community Inspiration GICs. You invest in a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) that earns a competitive interest rate and, in return, Kindred donates an additional quarter percent interest to your congregation or qualifying charity. The offer is for a limited time. If you are interested in investing, please contact Kindred before June 30 and consider naming East Zorra Mennonite church as the bonus interest recipient. For more information, call or visit your local branch or kindredcu.com/CI-GIC.

Have you noticed……things are popping up in the Green Space. A –  pollinator garden, play kitchen, sand box, bridge, seating in the campfire area, a wheelchair accessible  

picnic table and with your help …. Coming soon …. a Ga Ga Ball Pit. 

Thank you for your continuing donations helping to build a beautiful space where we can all enjoy God’s Creation. 

If you volunteered with children or vulnerable persons this program year (9/1/22 – 8/31/23) and do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) on file, please contact Lisa in the church office for more information. This process is now done online and is usually quick and easy. Please submit your VSC to the church office as soon as possible. You will also need to complete a Volunteer Commitment Form if you haven’t already done so. See your Volunteer packet for instructions and more info. Thanks so much.

Coffee Time Hosts – If you would like to add your name to the list of coffee volunteer, 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.  

Babylon VBS Update – July 10 -14

Registration for VBS this summer is now closed. We are looking forward to the week with about 115 kids from our church and the community! Thank you to all those who have volunteered to help make this week possible. 

Prayer Support

We invite you to stand with us in praying for our week of VBS, our children and volunteers. Covering this week in prayer is one of the most important tasks we can do; we know that prayer holds so much power.

Please pray for the following, and anything else that Holy Spirit presses on your heart

– That we would be drawn closer to the One True God, to His Heart, and understand His deep and sacrificial love for us by sending His Son Jesus

– That the Lord would stir, in each of our hearts, the joy that comes from walking with Him each and every day.

– That the curriculum, conversations and activities would be in line with God’s Will

– For safety

– For good weather so we can continue with our outdoor set up and events

“Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”

Matthew 21: 21-22

Please let us know by calling, texting or emailing us,  if you feel called to intercede for VBS in this way. We would love to share with all those involved in VBS, the network of support that is covering this week in prayer.

Ashley and Naomi

Also, YOU ARE INVITED to join us for our Celebration Times in the church Sanctuary – each day from 9:00-9:20am, and 11:15-11:30am (July 10-14th).  Here you can hear the bible story, join in our songs as we worship God, and watch as the kids engage in their memory verse and bible point for each day. We loved having members from the congregation and our families join us last year during these times!

Beyond Our Church Community

Crisis in East Africa – Your donation will be matched
In East Africa, extreme hunger is a growing threat. Conflict, climate change and economic shocks are driving hunger to increasingly high levels. MCC is responding in countries like Ethiopia, South Sudan, DR Congo and Kenya. Donate to food projects today and you can double your impact. Donations made by individual Canadians until June 30 are eligible to be matched by the Government of Canada, up to $5 million. To donate, go to donate.mcccanada.ca/cause/crisis-east-africa.

Sunday June 25^th 2:30 to 4 p.m.  All are invited to the Detweiler Meetinghouse at 3445 Roseville Road to enjoy the music, songs and stories by the Mac Talla Road Duo. Admission is by donation. For information or questions about Detweiler Meetinghouse, see Detweilermeetinghouse.ca, Facebook or Marion Roes at mlroes@sympatico.ca .

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre

Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre beginning on June 22^nd and ending August 31^st. A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board.

Friday June 30^th – Sunday July 2^nd Hidden Acres is hosting our annual Family Camping Weekend! Bring your family to enjoy the outdoors, go swimming, canoeing and climbing on our outdoor climbing tower. Contact the camp to reserve a cabin space at info@hiddenacres.ca. First come, first served for camping spots. More information can be found on our website at www.hiddenacres.ca

See you there!

Join our team! Do you want to make a difference in your community and around the world? At MCC we are committed to making a difference by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. We have three new openings. Check them out at mcco.ca/serve and apply today.

The New Hamburg Thrift Centre is hiring! New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking for a new Associate Logistics, supporting the logistical operation of the thrift centre. Go to mcco.ca/serve to see the job posting and to apply today!

EZMC Summer 2023 Worship Service Schedule

Sunday July 2^nd            10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock

                                   Mennonite & Cassel Mennonite will be hosted at EZMC.

Sunday July 9^th            10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC in the green space,

weather permitting.

Sunday July 16^th           10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

                                    12 p.m. Picnic Lunch in the green space. Bring your own lunch.

                                   Drinks will be provided.

Sunday July 23rd         10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

Sunday July 30^th           10:30 a.m. EZMC Worship service at Queen’s Park in Tavistock

                                    Potluck lunch to follow.

Sunday August 6^th        10 a.m. Summer Combined Worship Service with Tavistock

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 13^th      Tavistock and Area Ministerial Ecumenical Service at Queen’s

Park in Tavistock

Sunday August 20^th      10 a.m. Worship Service at EZMC.

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

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

                                   Mennonite & EZMC will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite

                                   Church.

Sunday September 10^th Welcome Back Sunday at EZMC