Weekly Announcements

Restoration is Near

Tell what you hear and see

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 65             Sunday December 11, 2022                      No. 50

Worship Service – Sunday December 11, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Please join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Gathering. All are welcome!

Restoration is Near – 3^rd Advent – Tell what you hear and see

Prelude: Bethany Klein                       Accompanist: Bethany Klein              

Song Leader: Connie Yantzi                Worship Leader: Kim Leis      

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

Coffeetime: No coffee will be served on this day. You are welcome to bring your own.

Volunteers needed to be Coffee Time Hosts!

For the months of December and January we will plan to have coffee time every other Sunday. We would welcome a few more volunteers that would make it possible to serve coffee every week.  Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee time host. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after coffee time. Thanks so much.  Note that there will be no coffee time on December 25^th and January 1^st_.

Today    

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class meets upstairs in Room #9

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

Adult class – Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus

Meets in the basement. No Zoom connection for the Sunday School hour.

This Coming Week

Wednesday December 14^th

9 a.m. Sewing Circle – We are planning to have a small Christmas program

and will provide a light lunch for those who would like join us.

Please reply to someone from the Sewing Circle Committee by

Sunday December 11^th.

Thursday December 15^th      

9:30 a.m. E Z Play Group

Friday December 16^th   

          7 p.m. MYF Games Night at church

Saturday December 17^th

          Private Party

Next Sunday – December 18, 2022

Restoration is Near

4^th Advent – Do not be afraid

Prelude: Chantelle McNeish                Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish                       

Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr                  Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf

Coffeetime: Gwen & Dan Matthews

Junior Sunday School program during the worship service.

8:45 a.m. Choir practice for Christmas Eve in the sanctuary

No Sunday School classes on this day.

12 p.m. Private Party

Upcoming Christmas Services

Saturday December 24^th

7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Offering Focus: Tavistock Assistance Program and

Interfaith Community Counselling Centre

Sunday December 25^th

10 a.m. Christmas Day Service

No Sunday School classes on this day.

Sunday January 1^st 

3 p.m. New Year’s Day afternoon service.

No Sunday School and no Zoom option for this service.

Extending God’s Love

EZMC Announcements

Financial Update as of December 7, 2022

Estimated funds needed to meet 2022 commitments

Mission Partners       $ 20,162

MCEC & MC Canada   $ 18,906

Leadership              $ 37,575

MCC/Relief              $   4,115

Local Ministries        $ 19,214

Maintenance            $ 17,667

Student Aid             -$   6,254

                    $111,386

We are grateful for your generosity and we prayerfully ask for your continued financial support as you are able. We trust that God will provide and we will continue to experience the fullness of Christ.

Cheques can be placed in the offering plate (blank offering envelopes available) at church each Sunday, mailed to Dawn Zehr or placed in one of two mailboxes at her house. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.

The Voices Together Hymnal order has arrived. If you ordered one and haven’t received it yet, please contact Lisa. Payment details will be sent by email.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING

This year, EZMC will be collecting “Cash for Kits” to support MCC’s mission to provide relief kits where needed most. There is an increased demand for supplies to send to Ukraine and other countries around the world, and inventory of material resources is getting low.

Children will be collecting coins/cash during children’s time, continuing through our Advent series. 

A reminder to everyone to reserve any areas of the church building/green space that you need for meetings, rehearsals, events etc. with Lisa to ensure availability. She can be reached at office@ezmennonite.ca  Thanks so much.

Beyond Our Church Community

Sunday December 11^th  7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present a Service of Lessons and Carols at Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St, Waterloo). Admission by donation.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp:

2023 Winter and Spring Retreats now open for registration:  Come to Silver Lake in 2023 for some fun camp experiences!  Dads & Kids, Snowshoe Hike, Women’s Retreat, Couples Retreat, Winter Camp for Grown-Ups, March Break Family Getaway, Youth Camp and Family Camp – there are options for all ages! Go to SLMC Retreats & Events for more info and to register. These make fantastic Christmas gifts!

Are you looking for a gift that gives impact this Christmas?
The Raw Carrot is a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment to people who live with barriers to traditional employment by making hand-crafted soup. We are offering lovely gift boxes this holiday season that make wonderful gifts for your employees, clients, and friends. Each box contains a selection of our delicious soup along with locally curated charcuterie products. For more information, email Leah Brown at leahbrown@mcco.ca or call 226-338-4956.

Give a gift that keeps on giving…and growing!
Help meet people’s basic needs around the world with the purchase of an eco-friendly MCC Thrift Christmas Giving ornament! Proceeds from these gifts will provide fruit trees and chickens as a source of income and nutrition and clean water in homes. Plus, these ornaments are made from seed paper. Plant it, water it and watch it grow into beautiful wildflowers. Available at your local thrift shop while supplies last.

Restoration is Near

Prepare the way of the Lord

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 65             Sunday December 4, 2022                      No. 49

Worship Service – Sunday December 4, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Join Sunday Morning Worship Gathering

Restoration is Near

2^nd Advent – Prepare the way of the Lord

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                         Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                

Song Leader: Myron Ruby                    Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi

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

Coffeetime: Janet & Marv Yantzi

No choir practice this morning.

Today    

Coffeetime immediately following worship.

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class meets upstairs in Room #9

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

Adult class – Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus

“Advent is not for the faint of heart.” What is the season of Advent all about? Is it just the countdown to Christmas? Or is it something more? If it is a time of preparation, what are we preparing for?

For the next two Sundays Adult Sunday School will be meeting in the basement to allow our children to prepare for their Christmas program that they will share with the congregation on December 18. We apologize to those on Zoom that we will not be able to continue the Zoom connection for these two Sunday School hours.

2:30 p.m. Theatre of the Beat Presents: Selah’s Song at EZMC

An original folk musical from Theatre of the Beat

Written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy pro-war propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages! Admission is by donation. We welcome you to join us!

This Coming Week

Tuesday December 6^th

11 a.m. Elda Wagler funeral service at EZMC

Thursday December 8^th      

12 p.m. High Noon Lunch at Grace United. Come Celebrate Christmas.

  Entertainment is the Ropp Brothers.

          7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting

          7 – 9 p.m. JWalkers – Join us for our next Jr Youth Event at church. Come

                            for some Christmas baking & games:).

Friday December 9^th   

          7 p.m. MYF Christmas baking. Meet at church.

Saturday Dec 10^th

          11 a.m. Uptown Carolling with the Choir – Please meet on the front steps of

the Home Hardware store at 10:55. We will have carol sheets or you

can bring your own hymnal if you would like.

Next Sunday – December 11, 2022

Restoration is Near

3^rd Advent – Tell what you hear and see

Prelude: Bethany Klein                       Accompanist: Bethany Klein              

Song Leader: Connie Yantzi                Worship Leader: Kim Leis      

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

Coffeetime: No coffee/refreshments will be served on this day. You are welcome to bring your own.

8:45 a.m. Choir practice for Christmas Eve in the sanctuary

12 p.m. Private Party

Upcoming Christmas Services

Sunday December 18^th 4^th Advent – Restoration is Near: Do not be afraid

10 a.m. Junior Sunday School program during the worship service.

No Sunday School classes on this day.

Saturday December 24^th

7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Sunday December 25^th

10 a.m. Christmas Day Service

No Sunday School classes on this day

Sunday January 1^st 

3 p.m. New Year’s Day afternoon service.

No Sunday School and no Zoom option for this service.

EZMC Announcements

Financial Update as of November 30, 2022

Estimated funds needed to meet 2022 commitments

Mission Partners       $ 21,836

MCEC & MC Canada   $ 19,430

Leadership              $ 43,150

MCC/Relief              $   5,315

Local Ministries        $ 20,984

Maintenance            $ 20,296

Student Aid             -$   6,254

                    $124,757

We are grateful for your generosity and we prayerfully ask for your continued financial support as you are able. We trust that God will provide and we will continue to experience the fullness of Christ.

Cheques can be placed in the offering plate (blank offering envelopes available) at church each Sunday, mailed to Dawn Zehr or placed in one of two mailboxes at her house. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING

This year, EZMC will be collecting “Cash for Kits” to support MCC’s mission to provide relief kits where needed most. There is an increased demand for supplies to send to Ukraine and other countries around the world, and inventory of material resources is getting low.

Children will be collecting coins/cash during children’s time, continuing through our Advent series. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas dinner and program. Special thanks to Pastor Mike speaking on Christmas traditions & memories, the Grassroots band playing Christmas songs & their own favorites, and D&D catering in Tavistock for making the turkey meal. Congratulations and welcome Laurel & Ray Zehr to the Adult Fellowship Committee in the new year.

Adult Fellowship committee

Volunteers needed to be Coffee Time Hosts!

For the months of December and January we will plan to have coffee time every other Sunday. We would welcome a few more volunteers that would make it possible to serve coffee every week.  Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee time host. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after coffee time. Thanks so much.  Note that there will be no coffee time on December 25^th and January 1^st_.

A reminder to everyone to reserve any areas of the church building/green space that you need for meetings, rehearsals, events etc. with Lisa to ensure availability. She can be reached at office@ezmennonite.ca  or 519-655-6824. Thanks so much.

Beyond Our Church Community

Sunday December 4^th 2:30 p.m. – Please join us at Tavistock Mennonite Church for An A Capella Christmas concert with KW barbershop choir, The Twin City Harmonizers, along with local musical powerhouse, Chuckee Zehr, as guest star. This concert will be fun for all ages! Proceeds will go towards TMC’s refugee sponsorships and to Harmonize for Speech, which funds speech therapy services. For tickets, please contact Alyssa at 519-655-2581 or office@tavistockmennonitechurch.ca, or grab some on Eventbrite.ca. Tickets: $20/adults | $15/Youth/Students 13 and over | 12 and under, free.

Sunday December 11^th  7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present a Service of Lessons and Carols at Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St, Waterloo). Admission by donation.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp:

2023 Winter and Spring Retreats now open for registration:  Come to Silver Lake in 2023 for some fun camp experiences!  Dads & Kids, Snowshoe Hike, Women’s Retreat, Couples Retreat, Winter Camp for Grown-Ups, March Break Family Getaway, Youth Camp and Family Camp – there are options for all ages! Go to SLMC Retreats & Events for more info and to register. These make fantastic Christmas gifts!

Are you looking for a gift that gives impact this Christmas?
The Raw Carrot is a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment to people who live with barriers to traditional employment by making hand-crafted soup. We are offering lovely gift boxes this holiday season that make wonderful gifts for your employees, clients, and friends. Each box contains a selection of our delicious soup along with locally curated charcuterie products. For more information, email Leah Brown at leahbrown@mcco.ca or call 226-338-4956.

Give a gift that keeps on giving…and growing!
Help meet people’s basic needs around the world with the purchase of an eco-friendly MCC Thrift Christmas Giving ornament! Proceeds from these gifts will provide fruit trees and chickens as a source of income and nutrition and clean water in homes. Plus, these ornaments are made from seed paper. Plant it, water it and watch it grow into beautiful wildflowers. Available at your local thrift shop while supplies last.

Restoration is Near

Advent 1 – Watch: The day is almost here

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 65             Sunday November 27, 2022                      No. 48

Worship Service – Sunday November 27, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Join Sunday Morning Worship Gathering

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify             

Song Leader: Melanie Wiegand                       Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich    

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

Coffeetime: Gwen & Dan Matthews

8:45 a.m. Christmas Choir practice will be in the Junior Assembly Room downstairs.

Today    

Coffeetime immediately following worship.

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class meets upstairs in Room #9

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

Adult class

Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus

“Advent is not for the faint of heart.”

What is the season of Advent all about? Is it just the countdown to Christmas? Or is it something more? If it is a time of preparation, what are we preparing for?

Adults are invited back to the sanctuary following the service for a guided discussion around the themes of the season of Advent led by Ray and Mike.

12 p.m. Private Party

This Coming Week

Thursday December 1^st     

Friday December 2^nd  

          7 p.m. MYF – Going to watch a Stratford Warriors hockey game. Please meet at church at 6:45. Admission is $10.

Next Sunday – December 4, 2022

Restoration is Near

Advent 2 – Prepare the way of the Lord

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                         Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                

Song Leader: Myron Ruby                    Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi

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

Coffeetime: Janet & Marv Yantzi

8:45 a.m. Christmas Choir practice in the sanctuary

EZMC Announcements

Tuesday December 6, 2022 Sewing Circle – We are planning to have a small Christmas program and will provide a light lunch for those who would like join us. Please reply to someone from the Sewing Circle Committee by November 30, 2022.

Come help spread some Christmas cheer in our community!  We are inviting anyone interested to join the choir for Christmas carolling on the steps of the Home Hardware store uptown Tavistock on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11:00 a.m.  We would love to have as many voices as possible!  Please let Connie or Lindsay know if you are coming.  Thank you!

Financial Update as of November 23, 2022

Estimated funds needed to meet 2022 commitments

Mission Partners       $ 22,161

MCEC & MC Canada   $ 19,754

Leadership              $ 46,442

MCC/Relief              $   5,315

Local Ministries        $ 23,937

Maintenance            $ 20,296

Student Aid             -$   6,254

                    $131,651

We are grateful for your generosity. As this time continues to bring uncertainty and impact to many, we prayerfully ask for your continued financial support as you are able. We trust that God will provide and we will continue to experience the fullness of Christ.

Cheques can be placed in the offering plate (there are blank offering envelopes available) at church each Sunday, mailed to Dawn Zehr or placed in one of two mailboxes at her house. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING

This year, EZMC will be collecting “Cash for Kits” to support MCC’s mission to provide relief kits where needed most. There is an increased demand for supplies to send to Ukraine and other countries around the world, and inventory of material resources is getting low.

Children will be collecting coins/cash during children’s time, continuing through our Advent series. 

Theatre of the Beat Presents: Selah’s Song

An original folk musical from Theatre of the Beat

Written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy pro-war propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages!

Selah’s Song will be presented at East Zorra Mennonite Church, 677044 16 Line, Tavistock, on Sunday, December 4th at 2:30PM.

Admission is by donation. We welcome you to join us! If you would be willing to help with a few logistic details for this event please reach out to Pastor Ray.

Sue Martin is looking for barn yard animal costumes that fit children ages 2-5.  Specifically need chicken, baby chick, horse, donkey, kitten, dog.  If you have one please contact her. smartin1562@gmail.com

Volunteers needed to be Coffee Time Hosts!

For the months of December and January we will plan to have coffee time every other Sunday. We would welcome a few more volunteers that would make it possible to serve coffee every week.  Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee time host. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after coffee time. Thanks so much.  Note that there will be no coffee time on December 25^th and January 1^st_.

A reminder to everyone to reserve any areas of the church building/green space that you need for meetings, rehearsals, events etc. with Lisa to ensure availability. She can be reached at office@ezmennonite.ca  Thanks so much.

Beyond Our Church Community

Sunday December 4^th 2:30 p.m. – Please join us at Tavistock Mennonite Church for An A Capella Christmas concert with KW barbershop choir, The Twin City Harmonizers, along with local musical powerhouse, Chuckee Zehr, as guest star. This concert will be fun for all ages! Proceeds will go towards TMC’s refugee sponsorships and to Harmonize for Speech, which funds speech therapy services. For tickets, please contact Alyssa at 519-655-2581 or office@tavistockmennonitechurch.ca, or grab some on Eventbrite.ca. Tickets: $20/adults | $15/Youth/Students 13 and over | 12 and under, free.

High Noon Lunch – Come celebrate Christmas

Thursday December 8^th at Noon at Grace United Church in Tavistock.

Entertainment – Ropp Brothers

Sunday December 11^th  7:30 p.m. Menno Singers and artistic director Brandon Leis present a Service of Lessons and Carols at Trillium Lutheran Church (22 Willow St, Waterloo). Admission by donation.

On the Level Announcement:

The November edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: Read about volunteers responding to Hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada; Learn about the MDS long-term response to Hurricane Ian in Florida: we have launched a new web page with volunteer opportunities closer to home; and we have information on the up-coming MDS Annual Celebration in Pennsylvania in February. 

Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/3UI7urG 

Are you looking for a gift that gives impact this Christmas?
The Raw Carrot is a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment to people who live with barriers to traditional employment by making hand-crafted soup. We are offering lovely gift boxes this holiday season that make wonderful gifts for your employees, clients, and friends. Each box contains a selection of our delicious soup along with locally curated charcuterie products. For more information, email Leah Brown at leahbrown@mcco.ca or call 226-338-4956.Give a gift that keeps on giving…and growing!
Help meet people’s basic needs around the world with the purchase of an eco-friendly MCC Thrift Christmas Giving ornament! Proceeds from these gifts will provide fruit trees and chickens as a source of income and nutrition and clean water in homes. Plus, these ornaments are made from seed paper. Plant it, water it and watch it grow into beautiful wildflowers. Available at your local thrift shop while supplies last.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 65             Sunday November 20, 2022                      No. 47

Worship Service – Sunday November 20, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Join Sunday Morning Worship Gathering

This Sunday we will remember our family members who have died over the past year.  We will name the spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren of congregational members.  As we remember their lives we will light a tea light candle. We will also give space for you to silently name and remember other significant people in your life who have died this year and in years gone by. We pray this Service of Remembering can be a healing time.

As a Health Ministry Team, we have reviewed the increased concerns for the many viruses circulating and their impact on the health system. We would again like to encourage our church family to consider monitoring any symptoms and stay home if you or a family member are not feeling well. Please participate by joining our church services through Zoom until feeling improved. With the approaching Christmas season, we want to follow precautions now to prevent illness when we want to be with Family and friends. Influenza, Colds, RSV and Covid are not welcomed Christmas gifts. We encourage you to wear a mask when out in public spaces including at church if you are able to do your part. Stay healthy and consider getting your Flu Shot or Covid Vaccine if eligible. 

Service of Remembering/Memorial Sunday

Prelude: Bethany Klein                                   Accompanist: Bethany Klein              

Song Leader: Caleb Leis                                Worship Leader: Pastor Mike 

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

Coffeetime: Shirley & Phil Ruby

Today    

8:45 a.m. Christmas Choir practice.

Coffeetime immediately following worship.

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class meets upstairs in Room #9

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

Adults – The Building Visioning Committee will be inviting your questions and responses to what they have shared over the last few weeks.

EZ Family Event – PIZZA PARTY! 

Join us for our next Family Event THIS SUNDAY, November 20th. We’ll gather together for a pizza lunch after Sunday School, followed by worship and fellowship. To give us an idea of numbers for pizza, please RSVP to Ashley with the number of pieces of pizza your family will eat and any dietary restrictions. A donation will be taken to cover the cost of pizza. Looking forward to seeing you!!  ashleywitzel@gmail.com

This Coming Week

Tuesday November 22^nd   

          7:30 p.m. Glorify practice

Wednesday November 23^rd

          7 p.m. Grassroots practice

Thursday November 24^th    

9:30 a.m. E Z Play Group

5:30 p.m. Punch, 6 p.m. Adult Fellowship Christmas Dinner.

Tickets $30 each. Program to follow, speaker Pastor Mike Williamson. A few

tickets are still available, please talk to Betty Rose.

Friday November 25^th

          7 p.m. MYF

Next Sunday – November 27, 2022

 Advent Theme – Restoration is Near

Watch: The day is almost here

Prelude: Glorify                                              Accompanist: Glorify             

Song Leader: Melanie Wiegand                       Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich    

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

Coffeetime: Gwen & Dan Matthews

8:45 a.m. Christmas Choir practice will be in the Junior Assembly Room downstairs.

12 p.m. Private Party

Extending God’s Love

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

EZMC Announcements

Financial Update as of November 16, 2022

Estimated funds needed to meet 2022 commitments

Mission Partners       $ 22,161

MCEC & MC Canada   $ 19,754

Leadership              $ 51,451

MCC/Relief              $   5,315

Local Ministries        $ 26,759

Maintenance            $ 20,296

Student Aid             -$   6,254

                    $139,481

We are grateful for your donations. As this time continues to bring uncertainty and impact to many, we prayerfully ask for your continued financial support as you are able. We trust that God will provide and we will continue to experience the fullness of Christ.

Cheques can be placed in the offering plate at church each Sunday, mailed to Dawn Zehr or placed in one of two mailboxes at her house. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING

This year, EZMC will be collecting “Cash for Kits” to support MCC’s mission to provide relief kits where needed most. There is an increased demand for supplies to send to Ukraine and other countries around the world, and inventory of material resources is getting low.

Children will be collecting coins/cash during children’s time, beginning on November 27th as we begin our Advent series. 

Theatre of the Beat Presents: Selah’s Song

An original folk musical from Theatre of the Beat

Written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy pro-war propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages!

Selah’s Song will be presented at East Zorra Mennonite Church, 677044 16 Line, Tavistock, on Sunday, December 4th at 2:30PM.

Admission is by donation. We welcome you to join us! If you would be willing to help with a few logistic details for this event please reach out to Pastor Ray.

Sue Martin is looking for barn yard animal costumes that fit children ages 2-5.  Specifically need chicken, baby chick, horse, donkey, kitten, dog.  If you have one please contact her. smartin1562@gmail.com or 519 504 1878

Volunteers needed to be Coffee Time Hosts!

For the months of December and January we will plan to have coffee time every other Sunday. We would welcome a few more volunteers that would make it possible to serve coffee every week.  Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee time host. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after coffee time. Thanks so much.  Note that there will be no coffee time on December 25^th and January 1st

Thursday November 24^th Adult Fellowship Christmas dinner 

Punch 5:30  Dinner 6:00   Tickets $30 each. Program to follow, speaker Pastor Mike Williamson. A few tickets are still available, please talk to Betty Rose.

A reminder to everyone to reserve any areas of the church building/green space that you need for meetings, rehearsals, events etc. with Lisa to ensure availability. She can be reached at office@ezmennonite.ca  or 519-655-6824. Thanks so much.

Beyond Our Church Community

Tuesday November 22^nd 6:30 p.m. Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is celebrating 60 years!! Please join us at our Annual General Meeting which will be held at Tavistock Mennonite Church to hear stories and songs from the last 60 years. The evening will also include a short business meeting. RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Tuesday November 22^nd 8 p.m. 50 Years of MCC Thrift
You’re invited to a special celebration of 50 years of MCC Thrift on November 22nd at 8 pm! This live, virtual event will celebrate the history, creativity and generosity of the MCC Thrift network, which has raised more than $305 million over the last 50 years for the work of MCC at home and around the world. You’ll hear stories about the grassroots beginnings of the thrift network, meet some of our amazing volunteers, and learn about the impact that MCC Thrift has made. Register online to reserve your spot today at thrift.mcc.org/celebrate50.

Saturday November 26^th 7 p.m. (CST) Christmas with CMU Christmas with CMU at Bethel Mennonite Church. This year’s Christmas program will be in-person and livestreamed, featuring favourites performed by a variety of CMU’s music ensembles. Tickets are sold out, but livestreaming will be available at cmu.ca/christmas. 

Sunday December 4^th 2:30 p.m. – Please join us at Tavistock Mennonite Church for An A Capella Christmas concert with KW barbershop choir, The Twin City Harmonizers, along with local musical powerhouse, Chuckee Zehr, as guest star. This concert will be fun for all ages! Proceeds will go towards TMC’s refugee sponsorships and to Harmonize for Speech, which funds speech therapy services. For tickets, please contact Alyssa at 519-655-2581 or office@tavistockmennonitechurch.ca, or grab some on Eventbrite.ca. Tickets: $20/adults | $15/Youth/Students 13 and over | 12 and under, free.

High Noon Lunch – Come celebrate Christmas

Thursday December 8^th at Noon at Grace United Church in Tavistock.

Entertainment – Ropp Brothers

On the Level Announcement:

The November edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In our current issue: Read about volunteers responding to Hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada; Learn about the MDS long-term response to Hurricane Ian in Florida: we have launched a new web page with volunteer opportunities closer to home; and we have information on the up-coming MDS Annual Celebration in Pennsylvania in February. 

Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/3UI7urG 

Are you looking for a gift that gives impact this Christmas?
The Raw Carrot is a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment to people who live with barriers to traditional employment by making hand-crafted soup. We are offering lovely gift boxes this holiday season that make wonderful gifts for your employees, clients, and friends. Each box contains a selection of our delicious soup along with locally curated charcuterie products. For more information, email Leah Brown at leahbrown@mcco.ca or call 226-338-4956.Give a gift that keeps on giving…and growing!
Help meet people’s basic needs around the world with the purchase of an eco-friendly MCC Thrift Christmas Giving ornament! Proceeds from these gifts will provide fruit trees and chickens as a source of income and nutrition and clean water in homes. Plus, these ornaments are made from seed paper. Plant it, water it and watch it grow into beautiful wildflowers. Available at your local thrift shop while supplies last.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 65             Sunday November 13, 2022                      No. 46

Worship Service – Sunday November 13, 2022 at 10 a.m.

The Love that is God

We live our Love out from the community created by the Spirit

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                         Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                

Song Leader: Connie Yantzi                Worship Leader: Jesse Yantzi

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

Coffee Time Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Today    

Coffee time immediately following worship.

Sunday School classes

Nursery to Grade 5 classes are being held downstairs.

Junior Youth class meets upstairs in Room #9

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

Adults – Education series with Pastor Ray and Pastor Mike: The Love That Is God: An Invitation to Christian Faith. This class is being held in the sanctuary and is also available via Zoom for those at home.

This Coming Week

Monday November 14^th  

          7 p.m. Grassroots practice

Thursday November 17^th    

9:30 a.m. E Z Play Group

7 p.m. Health Ministry Team meets in the boardroom

7 p.m. Finance and Facility meets in the basement

Next Sunday – November 20, 2022

Service of Remembering/Memorial Sunday

Prelude: Bethany Klein                                   Accompanist: Bethany Klein              

Song Leader: Caleb Leis                                  Worship Leader: Pastor Mike 

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

Coffeetime: Gwen & Dan Matthews

8:45 a.m. Christmas Choir practice. Please see the announcement for more details.

Over the years our Care Team has hosted a Service of Remembering on an evening through the week to name and remember family members who have died. Our focus has been on remembering spouses, parents, children, siblings and grandparents of congregational members. Again this year, as we did last year, we want to open this service to broader congregational involvement. To help us do that we will take time at our Sunday morning worship gathering on November 20^st to name those family members mentioned above and, in a few moments of silence, to remember their lives. We will also give space for you to silently name and remember other significant people in your life who have died. We pray this Service of Remembering can be a healing time.

EZ Family Event – PIZZA PARTY! 

Join us for our next Family Event. We’ll gather together for lunch after Sunday School, followed by worship and fellowship. To give us an idea of numbers for pizza, please RSVP to Ashley (ashleywitzel@gmail.com) with the number of people attending and any dietary restrictions. Looking forward to seeing you!! 

Extending God’s Love

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

As we encounter the challenges of flu season, the ongoing reality of Covid, and other respiratory viruses my we continue to pray for and support each other.

EZMC Announcements

Theatre of the Beat Presents: Selah’s Song

An original folk musical from Theatre of the Beat

Written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy pro-war propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages!

Selah’s Song will be presented at East Zorra Mennonite Church, 677044 16 Line, Tavistock, on Sunday, December 4th at 2:30PM.

Admission is by donation. We welcome you to join us! If you would be willing to help with a few logistic details for this event please reach out to Pastor Ray.

Sue Martin is looking for barn yard animal costumes that fit children ages 2-5.  Specifically need chicken, baby chick, horse, donkey, kitten, dog.  If you have one please contact her at smartin1562@gmail.com

Volunteers needed to be Coffee Time Hosts!

For the months of December and January we will plan to have coffee time every other Sunday. We would welcome a few more volunteers that would make it possible to serve coffee every week.  Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee time host. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after coffee time. Thanks so much.  Note that there will be no coffee time on December 25^th and January 1st

Thursday November 24^th Adult Fellowship Christmas dinner 

Punch 5:30  Dinner 6:00   Tickets $30 each. Program to follow, speaker Pastor Mike Williamson. Tickets are available today in the basement after the worship service from Carol & Jim Schumm, Shirley & Philip Ruby, Betty & Cecil Rose

Christmas Choir – Thank you for your enthusiastic response to our Christmas Eve Choir!  We look forward to making music together again! If you missed signing up, you are not too late….you are still welcome to come out and join us. We will hold our first practice on Sunday morning, Nov. 20 at 8:45 in the auditorium. At this time we will discuss if this is the best practice time or if we have other options. Any inquiries, please speak to Connie or Lindsay.

A reminder to everyone to reserve any areas of the church building/green space that you need for meetings, rehearsals, events etc. with Lisa to ensure availability. She can be reached at office@ezmennonite.ca. Thanks so much.

Beyond Our Church Community

Wednesday November 16^th 9:30 p.m. (CST) We need to Talk – After nine months of war, are there still nonviolent options for Ukraine? Join CMU faculty Karen Ridd and Wendy Kroeker for an interactive discussion during CMU’s Zoom call-in show, We Need to Talk. Visit cmu.ca/weneedtotalk. 

MCC Peace Conference
Friday November 18^th at 7 p.m. and Saturday November 19^th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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.

To learn more and register, go to mcco.ca/peace-conference.

Tuesday November 22^nd 6:30 p.m. Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is celebrating 60 years!! Please join us at our Annual General Meeting which will be held at Tavistock Mennonite Church to hear stories and songs from the last 60 years. The evening will also include a short business meeting. RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.

Tuesday November 22^nd 8 p.m. 50 Years of MCC Thrift
You’re invited to a special celebration of 50 years of MCC Thrift on November 22nd at 8 pm! This live, virtual event will celebrate the history, creativity and generosity of the MCC Thrift network, which has raised more than $305 million over the last 50 years for the work of MCC at home and around the world. You’ll hear stories about the grassroots beginnings of the thrift network, meet some of our amazing volunteers, and learn about the impact that MCC Thrift has made. Register online to reserve your spot today at thrift.mcc.org/celebrate50.

Sunday December 4^th 2:30 p.m. – Please join us at Tavistock Mennonite Church for An A Capella Christmas concert with KW barbershop choir, The Twin City Harmonizers, along with local musical powerhouse, Chuckee Zehr, as guest star. This concert will be fun for all ages! Proceeds will go towards TMC’s refugee sponsorships and to Harmonize for Speech, which funds speech therapy services. For tickets, please contact Alyssa at 519-655-2581 or office@tavistockmennonitechurch.ca, or grab some on Eventbrite.ca. Tickets: $20/adults | $15/Youth/Students 13 and over | 12 and under, free.

Saturday November 26^th 7 p.m. (CST Christmas with CMU –) at Bethel Mennonite Church (465 Stafford St., Winnipeg). This year’s Christmas program will be in-person and livestreamed featuring favourites performed by a variety of CMU’s music ensembles. cmu.ca/christmas

Are you looking for a gift that gives impact this Christmas?
The Raw Carrot is a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment to people who live with barriers to traditional employment by making hand-crafted soup. We are offering lovely gift boxes this holiday season that make wonderful gifts for your employees, clients, and friends. Each box contains a selection of our delicious soup along with locally curated charcuterie products. For more information, email Leah Brown at leahbrown@mcco.ca or call 226-338-4956.

Give a gift that keeps on giving…and growing!
Help meet people’s basic needs around the world with the purchase of an eco-friendly MCC Thrift Christmas Giving ornament! Proceeds from these gifts will provide fruit trees and chickens as a source of income and nutrition and clean water in homes. Plus, these ornaments are made from seed paper. Plant it, water it and watch it grow into beautiful wildflowers. Available at your local thrift shop while supplies last.

Join our Team!
Join the MCC team and use your skills to make a difference in your community and around the world! Thrift on Mill in Leamington has an opening for a Thrift Associate.​​​​​​​To learn more about this position and to apply, go to mcco.ca/serve.

Material Resources Volunteers Needed (65 Heritage Drive, New Hamburg)Material Resources is looking for volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Come join our volunteer team in the sewing or workrooms. We are looking for volunteers to help create high quality comforters and pack/sort kits. Volunteer shifts are 3-4 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, go to mcco.ca/serve.