Weekly Announcements

Friday February 26^th Announcement Sheet from EZMC Office

Over the next few weeks we will be making deliveries to those who receive the Rejoice magazine, Salt & Light Bible Study guide and the Leader Magazine. If you usually receive one and don’t this time, please contact Lisa. Thank you to those who continue to make these deliveries.

Tanya has blessed our congregation over the last 12 years with her ministry, gifts, love and compassion. In light of her upcoming departure, Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) has been planning for Tanya’s farewell which is planned for Sunday February 28, 2021.

To show our appreciation and love for Tanya and her family, we would invite you, the members of East Zorra, to create or put together a special note, card, piece of art, photographs or a something special that could be shared with Tanya and her family. We are planning to go forward with our plans for a drive by farewell on February 28 from 1:30 – 3:00 PM at the Church. This will allow you to drop off your personal notes/creations in person and say your good bye to Tanya and her family from a safe distance.

If you are unable to be at the drive by farewell you may deliver your personal notes/cards directly to Janice Gingerich who will compile and drop them off for Tanya. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of SCRC for more information. SCRC members are Janice Gingerich, Keith Wagler, David Witzel and Bonnie Zehr.

Faith@Home Lockdown will be on our Facebook page and is also attached in the announcement sheet email.

UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence
UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Sign up for your free ticket at theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute .

UNMUTE February show dates:

Friday, February 26th at 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EST.

Hosted by Waterloo North Mennonite Church and St. Jacobs Mennonite Church.

Saturday, February 27th at 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EST. Hosted by Elmira Mennonite Church.

More shows will be coming in March thanks to the Kindred Charitable Fund! Stay tuned!

Hidden Acres’ Spring Seniors Retreat is going VIRTUAL! We are excited to have Marian Wiens share with us about the “Transforming Power of Grief” on Wednesday, March 10. Please see the attached poster or visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more details and for information on how to register.

2021 Bechtel Lecture – Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m. EST: “Blackness, whiteness and the Anabaptist ‘Imagined Community’”  Premiering via the Conrad Grebel University College YouTube channel. Featuring a special musical performance by accomplished vintage and classic blues & jazz performer Diana Braithwaite. Speaker: Timothy D. Epp of Redeemer University. To register for the Q&A that follows the lecture, visit bit.ly/38RJDAj. For more information, visit bit.ly/3nVDgjR

March 19^th – 21^st  Virtual Grebel Musical: “Big Fish”: The Conrad Grebel University Student Council, in collaboration with the Grebel Community, presents a production of John August’s musical, Big Fish. A touching Father/Son story about discovery, family and legacy, with fantastical elements, a magical orchestra and dazzling cast, filmed entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. This production will be livestreamed throughout the weekend of March 19-21, with afternoon show times at 2pm and evening show times at 7pm. Tickets are available to purchase for $10 for individuals and $15 dollars for groups through BookTix.

Raising Funds for Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Every February you may remember receiving a friendly shoulder tap, and having a conversation with Merv Ropp, during coffee time inviting you to give to the ministry of Hidden Acres Camp by sponsoring him on his annual Hidden Acres Bowl-a-thon. This February the bowl-a-thon can’t happen but the need for funds remains.  Please consider making a donation to Hidden Acres to support the important camp ministry they plan to continue this summer. Hidden Acres (and Merv) thanks you!

You can make a donation by:

·         Sending an e-transfer to maryanne@hiddenacres.ca

·         Mailing a cheque to: Hidden Acres Camp   1921 Line 37,  New Hamburg, ON    N3A 4B5

·         Dropping off your donation at Merv’s house – 193 Janelle Drive, Tavistock.

Thank you so much for your support!

Mennonite Disaster Service ON in partnership with MennoHomes Inc, Kitchener will be looking for local Waterloo Region area volunteers for a housing renewal project at 24 Mill St, Kitchener. The project primarily involves interior work including insulation, drywall, wood trim, painting and flooring. Expected start is late February, subject to COVID-19 Ministry of Health guidelines.  

To volunteer contact Bruce Weber, Project Coordinator at 519-577-8521.

Fraser Lake Camp (Bancroft) is planning 3 Family Camp sessions this year. Family Camp will provide your family a chance to join others in community in a safe, physically-distanced way, with programming for the whole family, individual cabins, and delicious meals. Spend up to a week surrounded by 260 acres of forest, the gentle lapping of Fraser lake, and friends both old and new! Register at fraserlakecamp.com or contact: jason@fraserlakecamp.com. Let’s start to re-connect!

Summer Camp is back at Hidden Acres which means we are looking for fantastic young people to join our staff team. If you are at least 17 years old, enjoy working with children and youth, love being outside and want to serve God and others in a safe, fun and welcoming space, then Hidden Acres is the place! For information and to apply, visit www.hiddenacres.ca. Camper registration begins on February 1st. For details visit https://hiddenacres.ca/programs/summer-camp.

Silver Lake Adventures Day Camps: UPDATED INFORMATION

·         Silver Lake Mennonite Camp (www.slmc.ca): Join us for a week of day camp in Waterloo! We will be running seven weeks of camp out of Waterloo North Mennonite Church this summer. The days will include traditional camp activities, such as bracelet-making and active sports, as well as opportunities to explore the area. Your days will be full of active games, nature discoveries, new crafts, and lots of opportunities for downtime to connect with friends, new and old. Our activities will be outdoor and distanced! Please note that August 9-13 will be Teen Camp for campers ages 12-16. We hope to see you there, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the Silver Lake summer camp experience right to your door! Other local options include Kitchener and Floradale. (All programming is COVID-19 dependent and no payment will be collected until we know that camps are running.)  

For children Ages 5-15. $235+tax. Click here for Silver Lake Day Camp Details and Registration

·         Overnight Camps: Mark your calendars for February 1 @ 7am for the opening of registration for overnight camps at Silver Lake.VisitInformation About Overnight Camps for summer schedule and registration link.

CMU’s Xplore 55+ Enrichment program offers courses exploring dimensions of the Christian faith, our world, and life in it – all without assignments or exams! Eight online courses are offered on Wednesday mornings from March 3 – April 7. Among others, courses include Worship as the People’s Work, Hearing Old Testament Prophets Today, Theological Resistance in Troubled Times: The Compelling Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Indigenous Spiritualities and Christianities. Go to www.cmu.ca/xplore for information and to register

Friday February 19^th Announcement Sheet from EZMC Office           

Please remember the importance of the contact tracing sheets. We ask anyone who enters the church building to, record the relevant information on the sheet located just inside the mailbox lobby door and the office entry door. Please note when and where you were in the building and then use the disinfecting wipes provided to wipe all surfaces that were touched before leaving. Thank you for your help with this.

To the comforter makers of East Zorra Mennonite Church. Thank you for creating beautiful gifts of warmth and comfort to those in need. Your generosity and creativity are truly life-giving for so many. Thank you for your support over the last year. From the MCCO Material Resources Team

Over the next few weeks we will be making deliveries to those who receive the Rejoice magazine, Salt & Light Bible Study guide and the Leader Magazine. If you usually receive one and don’t this time, please contact Lisa. Thank you to those who continue to make these deliveries.

Tanya has blessed our congregation over the last 12 years with her ministry, gifts, love and compassion. In light of her upcoming departure, Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) has been planning for Tanya’s farewell which is planned for Sunday February 28, 2021.

To show our appreciation and love for Tanya and her family, we would invite you, the members of East Zorra, to create or put together a special note, card, piece of art, photographs or a something special that could be shared with Tanya and her family. We are planning to go forward with our plans for a drive by farewell on February 28 from 1:30 – 3:00 PM at the Church. This will allow you to drop off your personal notes/creations in person and say your good bye to Tanya and her family from a safe distance.

If you are unable to be at the drive by farewell you may deliver your personal notes/cards directly to Janice Gingerich who will compile and drop them off for Tanya. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of SCRC for more information. SCRC members are Janice Gingerich, Keith Wagler, David Witzel and Bonnie Zehr.

Faith@Home Lockdown will be on our Facebook page. 

Great Winter Warm-up: At home Announcement from MCC

For the month of February, we’re celebrating the creativity and generosity of our comforter makers! While we won’t be gathering in person this year for our comforter making bash, we invite you to make comforters from the comfort of your own home. Or, sponsor a comforter in honour of someone for Valentine’s Day

Raising Funds for Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Every February you may remember receiving a friendly shoulder tap, and having a conversation with Merv Ropp, during coffee time inviting you to give to the ministry of Hidden Acres Camp by sponsoring him on his annual Hidden Acres Bowl-a-thon. This February the bowl-a-thon can’t happen but the need for funds remains.  Please consider making a donation to Hidden Acres to support the important camp ministry they plan to continue this summer. Hidden Acres (and Merv) thanks you!

You can make a donation by:

·         Sending an e-transfer to maryanne@hiddenacres.ca

·         Mailing a cheque to: Hidden Acres Camp   1921 Line 37,  New Hamburg, ON    N3A 4B5

·         Dropping off your donation at Merv’s house – 193 Janelle Drive, Tavistock.

Thank you so much for your support!

Mennonite Disaster Service ON in partnership with MennoHomes Inc, Kitchener will be looking for local Waterloo Region area volunteers for a housing renewal project at 24 Mill St, Kitchener. The project primarily involves interior work including insulation, drywall, wood trim, painting and flooring. Expected start is late February, subject to COVID-19 Ministry of Health guidelines.  

To volunteer contact Bruce Weber, Project Coordinator at 519-577-8521.

Hidden Acres’ Spring Seniors Retreat is going VIRTUAL! We are excited to have Marian Wiens share with us about the “Transforming Power of Grief” on Wednesday, March 10. Please see the attached poster or visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more details and for information on how to register.

Fraser Lake Camp (Bancroft) is planning 3 Family Camp sessions this year. Family Camp will provide your family a chance to join others in community in a safe, physically-distanced way, with programming for the whole family, individual cabins, and delicious meals. Spend up to a week surrounded by 260 acres of forest, the gentle lapping of Fraser lake, and friends both old and new! Register at fraserlakecamp.com or contact: jason@fraserlakecamp.com. Let’s start to re-connect!

Summer Camp is back at Hidden Acres which means we are looking for fantastic young people to join our staff team. If you are at least 17 years old, enjoy working with children and youth, love being outside and want to serve God and others in a safe, fun and welcoming space, then Hidden Acres is the place! For information and to apply, visit www.hiddenacres.ca. Camper registration begins on February 1st. For details visit https://hiddenacres.ca/programs/summer-camp.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp – Summer 2021 (www.slmc.ca)

·         Silver Lake Adventures Day Camps: This summer, Silver Lake is coming closer to you with local day camps so that kids across the province can enjoy Silver Lake experiences! These camps are generally for campers ages 5-15, as well as some canoe camps for campers ages 9-15 and one week of Teen Camp for ages 12-16 in Waterloo! Check out Information About Offsite Day Camps to see a list of locations across Ontario and to register now!

·         Overnight Camps: Mark your calendars for February 1 @ 7am for the opening of registration for overnight camps at Silver Lake.VisitInformation About Overnight Camps for summer schedule and registration link.

** Please note that due to the uncertainty with Covid-19 in the months ahead and the possibility of cancellations, no payments for day camps or overnight camps will be due until April at the earliest.

CMU’s Xplore 55+ Enrichment program offers courses exploring dimensions of the Christian faith, our world, and life in it – all without assignments or exams! Eight online courses are offered on Wednesday mornings from March 3 – April 7. Among others, courses include Worship as the People’s Work, Hearing Old Testament Prophets Today, Theological Resistance in Troubled Times: The Compelling Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Indigenous Spiritualities and Christianities. Go to www.cmu.ca/xplore for information and to register

Wednesday February 24^th 7 – 8:30 p.m.(CST) Face2Face | Who Cares? The elderly among us… COVID-19 has exposed cracks in our systems of care, and shed light on our understandings of aging, revealing how we value older adults in our communities. How might we listen anew to the voice and resilience of older adults? What insights do indigenous communities offer about the valuing of elders? Can we learn to care for older adults and ourselves in ways that open fuller, life-giving possibilities? Join a conversation with the director of a personal care home, two Indigenous Elders, and two seniors. ). Go to www.cmu.ca/face2face for more information.

UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence
UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Tickets are coming soon and will be available at theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute 

Friday February 12^th Announcement Sheet from EZMC Office                                                               

Thank You to Pastors Ray, Tanya and the congregation for prayers, cards, phone calls and a special Thank You to the Good Cheer Committee for the fruit basket. It is comforting to belong to such a caring Church Family. I have been truly blessed with my recovery.. Jim Witzel

Our Annual Meeting will be held virtually on February 14. The Annual Report booklet will be sent out by email last Friday. If you would prefer to also have a paper copy please contact Lisa as she printed a few extra. 2020 has been a year like no other. Despite the fact we had to pause some of our church programs, many areas of ministry continued. Thank you to everyone for preparing and submitting their reports.    

Great Winter Warm-up: At home Announcement from MCC

For the month of February, we’re celebrating the creativity and generosity of our comforter makers! While we won’t be gathering in person this year for our comforter making bash, we invite you to make comforters from the comfort of your own home. Or, sponsor a comforter in honour of someone for Valentine’s Day

Tanya has blessed our congregation over the last 12 years with her ministry, gifts, love and compassion. In light of her upcoming departure, SCRC has begun planning for Tanya’s farewell which is being planned for Sunday February 28, 2021.

To show our appreciation and love for Tanya and her family, we would invite you, the members of East Zorra, to create or put together a special note, card, piece of art, photographs or a something special that could be shared with Tanya and her family. We are hoping to have a drive by farewell on Tanya’s final Sunday at the Church which would allow you to drop it off in person on her final day and say good bye from a safe distance. Alternatively, you may deliver the item of your choosing directly to Janice Gingerich who will compile and drop them off for Tanya. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of SCRC for more information. SCRC members are Janice Gingerich, Keith Wagler, David Witzel and Bonnie Zehr.

EZ Parents & children, because of the Province-Wide lockdown JCET decided to create a Faith@Home Lockdown Edition for the month of Feb.  We didn’t feel it was “essential travel” to put the bags together or for parents to pick them up!

Faith@Home Lockdown will be on our Facebook page.  Each week will give a link to a story with the Bible verses, an object lesson, God’s big picture and a FAMILY CHALLENGE! We hope you will post pictures of your family doing the Family Challenge as a way to encourage others, share with others and “be together”!   Every Wednesday, there will be a Wednesday Wonder question for your family to reflect on.

JCET is committed to our children & families and to bringing Christian Education into our homes, during the pandemic and even in a lockdown!!!   The links and info will be posted on Friday and there will also be an attachment in the EZ announcements. 

Sunday morning Faith@Home will continue, starting at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday!!! 

Jr. Christian Education Team/JCET (Jessica Y., Holly B., Naomi M., Susan M.)

Raising Funds for Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Every February you may remember receiving a friendly shoulder tap, and having a conversation with Merv Ropp, during coffee time inviting you to give to the ministry of Hidden Acres Camp by sponsoring him on his annual Hidden Acres Bowl-a-thon. This February the bowl-a-thon can’t happen but the need for funds remains.  Please consider making a donation to Hidden Acres to support the important camp ministry they plan to continue this summer. Hidden Acres (and Merv) thanks you!

You can make a donation by:

·         Sending an e-transfer to maryanne@hiddenacres.ca

·         Mailing a cheque to: Hidden Acres Camp   1921 Line 37,  New Hamburg, ON    N3A 4B5

·         Dropping off your donation at Merv’s house – 193 Janelle Drive, Tavistock.

Thank you so much for your support!

Shopping that makes a difference!
MCC thrift shops operate throughout southwest Ontario. All proceeds from the sale of items go directly to fund the work of MCC. Get the things you need and want at mcco.ca/shop while supporting MCC.

Mennonite Disaster Service ON in partnership with MennoHomes Inc, Kitchener will be looking for local Waterloo Region area volunteers for a housing renewal project at 24 Mill St, Kitchener. The project primarily involves interior work including insulation, drywall, wood trim, painting and flooring. Expected start is late February, subject to COVID-19 Ministry of Health guidelines. 

To volunteer contact Bruce Weber, Project Coordinator at 519-577-8521.

Hidden Acres’ Spring Seniors Retreat is going VIRTUAL! We are excited to have Marian Wiens share with us about the “Transforming Power of Grief” on Wednesday, March 10. Please see the attached poster or visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more details and for information on how to register.

Summer Camp is back at Hidden Acres which means we are looking for fantastic young people to join our staff team. If you are at least 17 years old, enjoy working with children and youth, love being outside and want to serve God and others in a safe, fun and welcoming space, then Hidden Acres is the place! For information and to apply, visit www.hiddenacres.ca. Camper registration begins on February 1st. For details visit https://hiddenacres.ca/programs/summer-camp.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp – Summer 2021 (www.slmc.ca)

·         Silver Lake Adventures Day Camps: This summer, Silver Lake is coming closer to you with local day camps so that kids across the province can enjoy Silver Lake experiences! These camps are generally for campers ages 5-15, as well as some canoe camps for campers ages 9-15 and one week of Teen Camp for ages 12-16 in Waterloo! Check out Information About Offsite Day Camps to see a list of locations across Ontario and to register now!

·         Overnight Camps: Mark your calendars for February 1 @ 7am for the opening of registration for overnight camps at Silver Lake.VisitInformation About Overnight Camps for summer schedule and registration link.

** Please note that due to the uncertainty with Covid-19 in the months ahead and the possibility of cancellations, no payments for day camps or overnight camps will be due until April at the earliest.

Please remember the importance of the contact tracing sheets. We ask anyone who enters the church building to, record the relevant information on the sheet located just inside the mailbox lobby door and the office entry door. Please note when and where you were in the building and then use the disinfecting wipes provided to wipe all surfaces that were touched before leaving. Thank you for your help with this.

UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence
UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Tickets are coming soon and will be available at theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute 

Friday February 5^th Announcement Sheet from EZMC Office

Our Annual Meeting will be held virtually on February 14. The Annual Report booklet will be sent out by email today. If you would prefer to also have a paper copy please contact Lisa as she printed a few extra. For those who receive the Pastoral letter and announcement sheet each Friday, you will receive a printed report booklet with your regular delivery. 2020 has been a year like no other. Despite the fact we had to pause some of our church programs, many areas of ministry continued. Thank you to everyone for preparing and submitting their reports.    

Great Winter Warm-up: At home Announcement from MCC

For the month of February, we’re celebrating the creativity and generosity of our comforter makers! While we won’t be gathering in person this year for our comforter making bash, we invite you to make comforters from the comfort of your own home. Or, sponsor a comforter in honour of someone for Valentine’s Day. Please see the attached poster for more information.

Tanya has blessed our congregation over the last 12 years with her ministry, gifts, love and compassion. In light of her upcoming departure, SCRC has begun planning for Tanya’s farewell which is being planned for Sunday February 28, 2021.

To show our appreciation and love for Tanya and her family, we would invite you, the members of East Zorra, to create or put together a special note, card, piece of art, photographs or a something special that could be shared with Tanya and her family. We are hoping to have a drive by farewell on Tanya’s final Sunday at the Church which would allow you to drop it off in person on her final day and say good bye from a safe distance. Alternatively, you may deliver the item of your choosing directly to Janice Gingerich who will compile and drop them off for Tanya. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of SCRC for more information. SCRC members are Janice Gingerich, Keith Wagler, David Witzel and Bonnie Zehr.

EZ Parents & children, because of the Province-Wide lockdown JCET decided to create a Faith@Home Lockdown Edition for the month of Feb.  We didn’t feel it was “essential travel” to put the bags together or for parents to pick them up!

Faith@Home Lockdown will be on our Facebook page.  Each week will give a link to a story with the Bible verses, an object lesson, God’s big picture and a FAMILY CHALLENGE! We hope you will post pictures of your family doing the Family Challenge as a way to encourage others, share with others and “be together”!   Every Wednesday, there will be a Wednesday Wonder question for your family to reflect on.

JCET is committed to our children & families and to bringing Christian Education into our homes, during the pandemic and even in a lockdown!!!   The links and info will be posted on Friday and there will also be an attachment in the EZ announcements. 

Sunday morning Faith@Home will continue, starting at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday!!! 

Jr. Christian Education Team/JCET (Jessica Y., Holly B., Naomi M., Susan M.)

Early in February we plan to place our church order for the new hymnal “Voices Together.” We are also purchasing one copy of the Accompaniment edition for the church. If you would like to purchase your own personal copy of either of these books for use in your home we can place your order along with the church order.  Please let Lisa know by phone (519-655-6824) or email: office@ezmennonite.ca by Sunday February 7. The Hymnal cost is $32.99 and the accompaniment edition $121.99 (plus shipping and taxes).

Raising Funds for Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp

Every February you may remember receiving a friendly shoulder tap, and having a conversation with Merv Ropp, during coffee time inviting you to give to the ministry of Hidden Acres Camp by sponsoring him on his annual Hidden Acres Bowl-a-thon. This February the bowl-a-thon can’t happen but the need for funds remains.  Please consider making a donation to Hidden Acres to support the important camp ministry they plan to continue this summer. Hidden Acres (and Merv) thanks you!

You can make a donation by:

·         Sending an e-transfer to maryanne@hiddenacres.ca

·         Mailing a cheque to: Hidden Acres Camp   1921 Line 37,  New Hamburg, ON    N3A 4B5

·         Dropping off your donation at Merv’s house – 193 Janelle Drive, Tavistock.

Thank you so much for your support!

Shopping that makes a difference!
MCC thrift shops operate throughout southwest Ontario. All proceeds from the sale of items go directly to fund the work of MCC. Get the things you need and want at mcco.ca/shop while supporting MCC.

Mennonite Disaster Service ON in partnership with MennoHomes Inc, Kitchener will be looking for local Waterloo Region area volunteers for a housing renewal project at 24 Mill St, Kitchener. The project primarily involves interior work including insulation, drywall, wood trim, painting and flooring. Expected start is late February, subject to COVID-19 Ministry of Health guidelines. 

To volunteer contact Bruce Weber, Project Coordinator at 519-577-8521.

Hidden Acres’ Spring Seniors Retreat is going VIRTUAL! We are excited to have Marian Wiens share with us about the “Transforming Power of Grief” on Wednesday, March 10. Please see the attached poster or visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more details and for information on how to register.

Summer Camp is back at Hidden Acres which means we are looking for fantastic young people to join our staff team. If you are at least 17 years old, enjoy working with children and youth, love being outside and want to serve God and others in a safe, fun and welcoming space, then Hidden Acres is the place! For information and to apply, visit www.hiddenacres.ca. Camper registration begins on February 1st. For details visit https://hiddenacres.ca/programs/summer-camp.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp – Summer 2021 (www.slmc.ca)

·         Silver Lake Adventures Day Camps: This summer, Silver Lake is coming closer to you with local day camps so that kids across the province can enjoy Silver Lake experiences! These camps are generally for campers ages 5-15, as well as some canoe camps for campers ages 9-15 and one week of Teen Camp for ages 12-16 in Waterloo! Check out Information About Offsite Day Camps to see a list of locations across Ontario and to register now!

·         Overnight Camps: Mark your calendars for February 1 @ 7am for the opening of registration for overnight camps at Silver Lake.VisitInformation About Overnight Camps for summer schedule and registration link.

** Please note that due to the uncertainty with Covid-19 in the months ahead and the possibility of cancellations, no payments for day camps or overnight camps will be due until April at the earliest.

Please remember the importance of the contact tracing sheets. We ask anyone who enters the church building to, record the relevant information on the sheet located just inside the mailbox lobby door and the office entry door. Please note when and where you were in the building and then use the disinfecting wipes provided to wipe all surfaces that were touched before leaving. Thank you for your help with this.

UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence
UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Tickets are coming soon and will be available at theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute 

Friday January 29^th Announcement Sheet from EZMC Office

Our Annual Meeting will be held virtually on February 14. The Annual Report booklet will be sent out by email on Friday February 5th but if you would prefer to also have a paper copy please contact Lisa by Tuesday February 2nd. For those who receive the Pastoral letter and announcement sheet each Friday, you will receive a printed report booklet with your regular delivery. 2020 has been a year like no other. Despite the fact we had to pause some of our church programs, many areas of ministry continued. Thank you to everyone for preparing and submitting their reports.    

Tanya has blessed our congregation over the last 12 years with her ministry, gifts, love and compassion. In light of her upcoming departure, SCRC has begun planning for Tanya’s farewell which is being planned for Sunday February 28, 2021.

To show our appreciation and love for Tanya and her family, we would invite you, the members of East Zorra, to create or put together a special note, card, piece of art, photographs or a something special that could be shared with Tanya and her family. We are hoping to have a drive by farewell on Tanya’s final Sunday at the Church which would allow you to drop it off in person on her final day and say good bye from a safe distance. Alternatively, you may deliver the item of your choosing directly to Janice Gingerich who will compile and drop them off for Tanya. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of SCRC for more information. SCRC members are Janice Gingerich, Keith Wagler, David Witzel and Bonnie Zehr.

EZ Parents & children, because of the Province-Wide lockdown JCET decided to create a Faith@Home Lockdown Edition for the month of Feb.  We didn’t feel it was “essential travel” to put the bags together or for parents to pick them up!

Faith@Home Lockdown will be on our Facebook page.  Each week will give a link to a story with the Bible verses, an object lesson, God’s big picture and a FAMILY CHALLENGE! We hope you will post pictures of your family doing the Family Challenge as a way to encourage others, share with others and “be together”!   Every Wednesday, there will be a Wednesday Wonder question for your family to reflect on.

JCET is committed to our children & families and to bringing Christian Education into our homes, during the pandemic and even in a lockdown!!!   The links and info will be posted on Friday and there will also be an attachment in the EZ announcements. 

Sunday morning Faith@Home will continue, starting at 9:30 a.m.every Sunday!!! 

Jr. Christian Education Team/JCET (Jessica Y., Holly B., Naomi M., Susan M.)

Early in February we plan to place our church order for the new hymnal “Voices Together.” We are also purchasing one copy of the Accompaniment edition for the church. If you would like to purchase your own personal copy of either of these books for use in your home we can place your order along with the church order.  Please let Lisa know by phone (519-655-6824) or email: office@ezmennonite.ca by Sunday February 7. The Hymnal cost is $32.99 and the accompaniment edition $121.99. 

Thursday February 4^th at 7 pm   Building Peace: Stories from Afghanistan, Nepal and India
Join Kaitlyn and Luke Jantzi, Rebecca Burkholder and Blaine Derstine on February 4th from 7-8pm to hear stories of peace, education, and mental health projects in Afghanistan, Nepal and India, and to ask questions of your own. Register at mcco.ca/building-peace.

Shopping that makes a difference!
MCC thrift shops operate throughout southwest Ontario. All proceeds from the sale of items go directly to fund the work of MCC. Get the things you need and want at mcco.ca/shop while supporting MCC.

Mennonite Disaster Service ON in partnership with MennoHomes Inc, Kitchener will be looking for local Waterloo Region area volunteers for a housing renewal project at 24 Mill St, Kitchener. The project primarily involves interior work including insulation, drywall, wood trim, painting and flooring. Expected start is late February, subject to COVID-19 Ministry of Health guidelines.  

To volunteer contact Bruce Weber, Project Coordinator at 519-577-8521.

Hidden Acres’ Spring Seniors Retreat is going VIRTUAL! We are excited to have Marian Wiens share with us about the “Transforming Power of Grief” on Wednesday, March 10. Please see the attached poster or visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more details and for information on how to register.

Summer Camp is back at Hidden Acres which means we are looking for fantastic young people to join our staff team. If you are at least 17 years old, enjoy working with children and youth, love being outside and want to serve God and others in a safe, fun and welcoming space, then Hidden Acres is the place! For information and to apply, visit www.hiddenacres.ca. Camper registration begins on February 1st. For details on our plans for day and overnight camps this summer, visit https://hiddenacres.ca/programs/summer-camp.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp – Summer 2021 (www.slmc.ca)

·         Silver Lake Adventures Day Camps: This summer, Silver Lake is coming closer to you with local day camps so that kids across the province can enjoy Silver Lake experiences! These camps are generally for campers ages 5-15, as well as some canoe camps for campers ages 9-15 and one week of Teen Camp for ages 12-16 in Waterloo! Check out Information About Offsite Day Camps to see a list of locations across Ontario and to register now!

·         Overnight Camps: Mark your calendars for February 1 @ 7am for the opening of registration for overnight camps at Silver Lake.VisitInformation About Overnight Camps for summer schedule and registration link.

** Please note that due to the uncertainty with Covid-19 in the months ahead and the possibility of cancellations, no payments for day camps or overnight camps will be due until April at the earliest.

UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence
UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Tickets are coming soon and will be available at theatreofthebeat.ca/unmute 

Please remember the importance of the contact tracing sheets. We ask anyone who enters the church building to, record the relevant information on the sheet located just inside the mailbox lobby door and the office entry door. Please note when and where you were in the building and then use the disinfecting wipes provided to wipe all surfaces that were touched before leaving. Thank you for your help with this!