Weekly Announcements

Weekly Letter and Announcements – No. 120

Resources to help us to stay Rooted in Christ and Growing together in Faith

Sunday July 3, 2022 Worship Gathering 10 AM

This morning we welcome Cassel and Tavistock Mennonite churches to our worship service. 

We are grateful for your financial giving to the ongoing work and ministry of the church. This week our offering focus is “Mission Partners”

   Janet and Marv Yantzi will be hosting Coffee Time this Sunday.

We invite everyone for refreshment and fellowship following the worship service. We would ask that everyone provide their own coffee mug to help simplify the

  preparation and clean up time. We will also provide paper cups for those who

     forget their mugs or come as guests on a Sunday morning.

We can continue to have Coffee Time when we have the volunteers we need. We are still in need of more volunteers. Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee host.

**As we gather for worship and other congregational activities, please note that masks are no longer required, including during congregational singing, however, we remain mask-friendly – if you and your family want to wear a mask, you should feel comfortable to do so. For your convenience we will continue to make hand sanitizer and masks available at the 2 main entrances to our building.  

**Also note that during road construction on the Perth-Oxford Road, between the 15^th Line and Punkeydoodles Corners, additional time will be required to get to our building. Please take care as you travel!

The 17th world assembly of Mennonite World Conference will be held in Indonesia July 5-10. Since covid restrictions limit personal attendance, there is an online option (see mwc-cmm.org). Further, “global watch parties” of the assembly’s plenary worship services are scheduled for:

Tuesday July 5 – 7 pm at First Mennonite Church, 880 King St E, Kitchener

Wed through Fri – 3 pm & 7:00pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Saturday July 9 – 7 pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Sunday July 10 – 7 pm, Meheret Evangelical Church, 46 Krug St., Kitchener

Come and enjoy local intercultural gatherings while connecting with the global community of Anabaptist related churches. Bring your own water bottle. Masks may be requested. Offerings will be held for the ministry of Mennonite World Conference.

EZMC Worship Service Next Sunday – July 10, 2022 at 10 a.m. 

We begin our Summer Worship Series “Come to the Water” Throughout this summer series we will have opportunity to hear a few congregational members share from their life stories.

Extending God’s Love

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

I want to express my deep thanks to everyone for last Sunday…the service was lovely and has left me with so many positive memories…the gifts so ”ME” ( the birdbath was set up in my backyard Sunday evening)….the cards….the words of appreciation…the coffee and cupcakes…and the one-on-one wee chats we shared…

Thank you for being there with me over these past 21 years and helping me to “End Well”!

God’s love and Blessings

Jean

EZMC Announcements

Looking for help!  Could use another 4 workers.  

Saturday, July 9th in the morning:  Mike & Brandy Williamson are working at renovating

their new house in Woodstock.  

Our job would be to remove the linoleum and drywall in the basement rec room.

This would be a great opportunity to spend some time getting to know our new pastor!

Please contact Marv Yantzi if you are interested or have questions. 

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory in September 2022. 

• If you moved or have a new phone number since the printing of the Church Directory Update Page in January 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. A picture in a directory helps so much, and is so welcoming! As Mike, Brandy, Petra and Rebekah join us in August and get know us, an updated photo directory with pictures of everyone will be a wonderful gift. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is September 9, 2022.

As Phase 2 of the Greenspace begins, projects will be dependent on donations. Accompanied by a note, designated for the Green Space, donations can be given by cash or cheque in the church offering, or mailed, dropped off, as well as e-transferred to church treasurer Dawn Zehr. 

Should donations exceed Green Space expenses, the extra will be used for other church projects.                                                   Thank you, GS committee

A Reminder to Volunteers – If you volunteered with Sunday School or are planning to help with VBS this summer our Safe Church Policy requires that we have a signed Volunteer Commitment Form once every program year. If you have not completed one for the Sept 2021 to Aug 2022 time period, you will either find one that was emailed to you or a paper copy in your church mailbox. Please return to the office as soon as you can. If you do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check on file you will receive a packet of information for that process. Thanks so much.

Student Aid Applications:

Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary).  East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30 for the 2022/2023 school year (Sept 2022 – Aug 2023). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact Tracey Kropf at tracey.kropf@gmail.com.

Jerusalem Marketplace VBS 

Parents of VBS kids – you should have received an email with a registration form. If you haven’t, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please complete these at your earliest convenience. According to our pre-registration numbers we are FULL! For families that have told us they were “maybes” please let us know your decision sooner rather than later, because we are starting a wait list. Thank you!

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 God’s heart, and understand His deep and sacrificial love for us

– That the Lord would stir, in each of our hearts, the joy that comes from walking with Jesus 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 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

The Decorating Committee needs your help gathering supplies for VBS! If you have wicker baskets, pottery/urns, woven mats, old bed sheets in stripes or bright solid colours, wood crates, silk decorative trees or blankets that you would be willing to share for the week please contact Marianne Witzel, Judy Mogk or Kristi Marriott to arrange dropping these off at the church and to check what items are still needed. Please label your items so they can be returned after VBS. Thank you in advance!

The 2022 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (657173 15th line, R.R.#1 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Please note that this year no funds will be sent until camps can confirm their programming depending on Covid-19 restrictions in place. Forms are available by contacting Lisa Suderman either by email at office@ezmennonite.ca  or by phone. Paper copies can be mailed to you if needed. If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Beyond Our Church Community

The Amish Bicentennial 1822-2022

Join us as we REMEMBER and THANK GOD for the coming of our Amish Mennonite ancestors to Canada. There will be Heritage bus tours, Acapella Hymn Sings (one of which will take place at East Zorra Mennonite on Sun Sept 25), The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada (Speaker, Rebecca Seiling will present the “Landed Buggy” at Steinmann Mennonite), Indigenous Awareness Workshop (at Crow Shield Lodge), and the Thanksgiving Worship Service (Sun Oct 2 at Steinmann Mennonite Church). Some of these events require registration in advance. Please see the insert attached to Fri June 10^th’s email for dates and more information. This insert is the first of five which will share some stories of the settlement as a way of learning and remembering.

Mennonite Central Committee needs Emergency supplies – Ukraine has a massive need and we need your help filling containers with emergency supplies. We need relief kit and hygiene kit supplies, especially soap. A full list of items can be viewed at mcco.ca/kits. Bring your donations to your nearest MCC office or thrift shop or donate financially and we will use our purchasing power to buy supplies. Donate at mcco.ca/kits, by cheque to 203-50 Kent Ave, Kitchener, N2G 3R1 (note emergency supplies on the memo line) or call 519-745-8458.

Scholarships for post-secondary education

At this time of year, many are thinking of applying for post-secondary and then subsequently, how that will get paid. Tavistock Assistance Program and Raymer Financial offer scholarships to hard-working and deserving students. The application process is quick and easy. The applicants are considered and offers are made expeditiously. We would love to see our young people bettering themselves through further education.  For further information and an application form check out: https://tapisforyou.com/community-scholarship-fund/

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites applicants for the position of Director of Finance & Human Resources which is a Senior Administrative position starting in August/September 2022. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until June 30, 2022. Visit www.rockway.ca/employment for the full posting.

Friday June 24, 2022

Resources to help us to stay Rooted in Christ and Growing together in Faith

Saturday June 25^th EZ Family Night 6:30 p.m. at church

We plan to spend time in worship, followed by road hockey, a campfire and s’mores, and other sports in the Green Space. Bring your sticks! We can’t wait to see you!

Saturday June 25^th 7 p.m.  MYF meet at Hannah and Dylan’s (697080 17 Line, Tavistock) for a school’s out get together. We’ll have games, campfire, and snacks. Hope to see you there! 

Sunday June 26, 2022 Worship Gathering 10 AM

Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Jean McDonald’s Parish Nurse ministry 

We are grateful for your financial giving to the ongoing work and ministry of the church. This week our offering focus is “Relief/Mennonite Central Committee”.    

Phil and Shirley Ruby will be hosting Coffee Time this Sunday. We would ask that everyone provide their own coffee mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will also provide paper cups for those who forget their mugs or come as guests on a Sunday morning.

To help express our thanks and appreciation for Jean and her ministry we are planning to serve cupcakes with our coffee. We hope you can join us!

We can continue to have Coffee Time when we have the volunteers we need. We are still in need of more volunteers. Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee host.

**As we gather for worship and other congregational activities, please note that masks are no longer required, including during congregational singing, however, we remain mask-friendly – if you and your family want to wear a mask, you should feel comfortable to do so. For your convenience we will continue to make hand sanitizer and masks available at the 2 main entrances to our building.  

**Also note that during road construction on the Perth-Oxford Road, between the 15^th Line and Punkeydoodles Corners, additional time will be required to get to our building. Please take care as you travel!

We invite your prayers for Lloyd and Margaret this coming week as Lloyd spends a week at Chelsey Lake serving as Camp Pastor.

Next Sunday – July 3, 2022 

East Zorra is hosting the first summer combined service with Cassel and Tavistock Mennonite Churches.  We welcome them to join us in-person or over Zoom.

Please note that next week’s letter will arrive on Thursday June 30^th.  

EZMC Announcements

Please have all items for next week’s letter to the church office by 9 a.m on Thursday June 30^th. The EZMC Weekly Letter will arrive later that morning. Thanks so much.

JCET would like to thank everyone for their generous donations towards MCC hygiene kits.  The children collected a total of $548.85!!!  They were able to put together 90 hygiene kits!!! 

Looking for help!  Saturday, July 9th in the morning: 

Mike & Brandy Williamson are working at renovating their new house in Woodstock.  

Our job would be to remove the linoleum and drywall in the basement rec room.

This would be a great opportunity to spend some time getting to know our new pastor!

Please contact Marv Yantzi

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory in September 2022. 

• If you moved or have a new phone number since the printing of the Church Directory Update Page in January 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. A picture in a directory helps so much, and is so welcoming! As Mike, Brandy, Petra and Rebekah join us in August and get know us, an updated photo directory with pictures of everyone will be a wonderful gift. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is September 9, 2022.

As Phase 2 of the Greenspace begins, projects will be dependent on donations. Accompanied by a note, designated for the Green Space, donations can be given by cash or cheque in the church offering, or mailed, dropped off, as well as e-transferred to church treasurer Dawn Zehr. 

Should donations exceed Green Space expenses, the extra will be used for other church projects.                                                   Thank you, GS committee

A Reminder to Volunteers – If you volunteered with Sunday School or are planning to help with VBS this summer our Safe Church Policy requires that we have a signed Volunteer Commitment Form once every program year. If you have not completed one for the Sept 2021 to Aug 2022 time period, you will either find one that was emailed to you or a paper copy in your church mailbox. Please return to the office as soon as you can. If you do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check on file you will receive a packet of information for that process. Thanks so much.

Student Aid Applications:

Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary).  East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30 for the 2022/2023 school year (Sept 2022 – Aug 2023). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact Tracey Kropf at tracey.kropf@gmail.com.

Jerusalem Marketplace VBS 

Thank you to everyone that came out to help at our “Work Bee” on Wednesday!! Many hands made the work light and we were able to get through a lot of prep work!

Parents of VBS kids – you should have received an email with a registration form. If you haven’t, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please complete these at your earliest convenience. According to our pre-registration numbers we are FULL! For families that have told us they were “maybes” please let us know your decision sooner rather than later, because we are starting a wait list. Thank you!

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 God’s heart, and understand His deep and sacrificial love for us

– That the Lord would stir, in each of our hearts, the joy that comes from walking with Jesus 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 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

The Decorating Committee needs your help gathering supplies for VBS! If you have wicker baskets, pottery/urns, woven mats, old bed sheets in stripes or bright solid colours, wood crates, silk decorative trees or blankets that you would be willing to share for the week please contact Marianne Witzel , Judy Mogk or Kristi Marriott to arrange dropping these off at the church and to check what items are still needed. Please label your items so they can be returned after VBS. Thank you in advance!

The 2022 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (657173 15th line, R.R.#1 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Please note that this year no funds will be sent until camps can confirm their programming depending on Covid-19 restrictions in place. Forms are available by contacting Lisa Suderman either by email at office@ezmennonite.ca   Paper copies can be mailed to you if needed. If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Beyond Our Church Community

The Amish Bicentennial 1822-2022

Join us as we REMEMBER and THANK GOD for the coming of our Amish Mennonite ancestors to Canada. There will be Heritage bus tours, Acapella Hymn Sings (one of which will take place at East Zorra Mennonite on Sun Sept 25), The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada (Speaker, Rebecca Seiling will present the “Landed Buggy” at Steinmann Mennonite), Indigenous Awareness Workshop (at Crow Shield Lodge), and the Thanksgiving Worship Service (Sun Oct 2 at Steinmann Mennonite Church). Some of these events require registration in advance. Please see the insert attached to Fri June 10^th’s email for dates and more information. This insert is the first of five which will share some stories of the settlement as a way of learning and remembering.

Mennonite Central Committee needs Emergency supplies – Ukraine has a massive need and we need your help filling containers with emergency supplies. We need relief kit and hygiene kit supplies, especially soap. A full list of items can be viewed at mcco.ca/kits. Bring your donations to your nearest MCC office or thrift shop or donate financially and we will use our purchasing power to buy supplies. Donate at mcco.ca/kits, by cheque to 203-50 Kent Ave, Kitchener, N2G 3R1 (note emergency supplies on the memo line) or call 519-745-8458.

The 17th world assembly of Mennonite World Conference will be held in Indonesia July 5-10. Since covid restrictions limit personal attendance, there is an online option (see mwc-cmm.org). Further, “global watch parties” of the assembly’s plenary worship services are scheduled for:

Tuesday July 5 – 7 pm at First Mennonite Church, 880 King St E, Kitchener

Wed through Fri – 3 pm & 7:00pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Saturday July 9 – 7 pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Sunday July 10 – 7 pm, Meheret Evangelical Church, 46 Krug St., Kitchener

Come and enjoy local intercultural gatherings while connecting with the global community of Anabaptist related churches. Bring your own water bottle. Masks may be requested. Offerings will be held for the ministry of Mennonite World Conference.

Scholarships for post-secondary education

At this time of year, many are thinking of applying for post-secondary and then subsequently, how that will get paid. Tavistock Assistance Program and Raymer Financial offer scholarships to hard-working and deserving students. The application process is quick and easy. The applicants are considered and offers are made expeditiously. We would love to see our young people bettering themselves through further education.  For further information and an application form check out: https://tapisforyou.com/community-scholarship-fund/

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites applicants for the position of Director of Finance & Human Resources which is a Senior Administrative position starting in August/September 2022. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until June 30, 2022. Visit www.rockway.ca/employment for the full posting.

Resources to help us to stay Rooted in Christ and Growing together in Faith

Sunday June 19, 2022 Worship Gathering 10 AM

We conclude our worship series on the book of James. James 5:7-20.

The service on Sunday will include a recognition of our Grade 12 graduates (Fayth Bender, Grace Bender, Thomas Klassen, Samantha Steinmann & Bradyn Tonelli) and a CENT Appreciation.

We will also have a time of Commissioning for Heidi Wagler as our new Parish Nurse. Heidi began her role this week and will be serving alongside Jean until Jean retirement at the end of June. Heidi welcome to your new role and ministry with us!

Phil and Shirley Ruby will be hosting Coffee Time this Sunday. We would ask that everyone provide their own coffee mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will also provide paper cups for those who forget their mugs or come as  guests on a Sunday morning.

Next Sunday – June 26 

Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Jean McDonald’s Parish Nurse ministry 

EZMC Announcements

Saturday June 25^th EZ Family Night 6:30 p.m. at church

We plan to spend time in worship, followed by road hockey, a campfire and s’mores, and other sports in the Green Space. Bring your sticks! We can’t wait to see you!

Looking for help!  Saturday, July 9th in the morning: 

Mike & Brandy Williamson are working at renovating their new house in Woodstock.  

Our job would be to remove the linoleum and drywall in the basement rec room.

This would be a great opportunity to spend some time getting to know our new pastor!

Please contact Marv Yantzi if you are interested or have questions. 

We will be printing an updated EZMC Church Family Photo and Address Directory in September 2022. 

• If you moved or have a new phone number since the printing of the Church Directory Update Page in January 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. A picture in a directory helps so much, and is so welcoming! As Mike, Brandy, Petra and Rebekah join us in August and get know us, an updated photo directory with pictures of everyone will be a wonderful gift. Thank you so much for your willingness to submit a photo! It is very much appreciated!
• Deadline to submit is September 9, 2022.

As Phase 2 of the Greenspace begins, projects will be dependent on donations. Accompanied by a note, designated for the Green Space, donations can be given by cash or cheque in the church offering, or mailed, dropped off, as well as e-transferred to church treasurer Dawn Zehr. 

Should donations exceed Green Space expenses, the extra will be used for other church projects.                                                   Thank you, GS committee

A Reminder to Volunteers – If you volunteered with Sunday School or are planning to help with VBS this summer our Safe Church Policy requires that we have a signed Volunteer Commitment Form once every program year. If you have not completed one for the Sept 2021 to Aug 2022 time period, you will either find one that was emailed to you or a paper copy in your church mailbox. Please return to the office as soon as you can. If you do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check on file you will receive a packet of information for that process. Thanks so much.

Student Aid Applications:

Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary).  East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30 for the 2022/2023 school year (Sept 2022 – Aug 2023). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact Tracey Kropf at tracey.kropf@gmail.com.

Jerusalem Marketplace VBS 

Thank you to everyone that responded to our volunteer needs! The only position we need to fill now is someone for AV and Sound, Wed-Fri.

Parents of VBS kids – you should have received an email with a registration form. If you haven’t, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please complete these at your earliest convenience. According to our pre-registration numbers we are FULL! For families that have told us they were “maybes” please let us know your decision sooner rather than later, because we are starting a wait list. Thank you!

A reminder about the “Work Bee” on the evening of Wednesday June 22nd at 7pm to prep materials, create decorations and get ready for VBS! We welcome anyone who wants to help! Drinks and snacks provided 🙂

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 God’s heart, and understand His deep and sacrificial love for us

– That the Lord would stir, in each of our hearts, the joy that comes from walking with Jesus 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 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

The Decorating Committee needs your help gathering supplies for VBS! If you have wicker baskets, pottery/urns, woven mats, old bed sheets in stripes or bright solid colours, wood crates, silk decorative trees or blankets that you would be willing to share for the week please contact Marianne Witzel, Judy Mogk or Kristi Marriott to arrange dropping these off at the church and to check what items are still needed. Please label your items so they can be returned after VBS. Thank you in advance!

The 2022 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (657173 15th line, R.R.#1 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Please note that this year no funds will be sent until camps can confirm their programming depending on Covid-19 restrictions in place. Forms are available by contacting Lisa Suderman either by email at office@ezmennonite.ca. Paper copies can be mailed to you if needed. If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Beyond Our Church Community

The Amish Bicentennial 1822-2022

Join us as we REMEMBER and THANK GOD for the coming of our Amish Mennonite ancestors to Canada. There will be Heritage bus tours, Acapella Hymn Sings (one of which will take place at East Zorra Mennonite on Sun Sept 25), The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada (Speaker, Rebecca Seiling will present the “Landed Buggy” at Steinmann Mennonite), Indigenous Awareness Workshop (at Crow Shield Lodge), and the Thanksgiving Worship Service (Sun Oct 2 at Steinmann Mennonite Church). Some of these events require registration in advance. Please see the insert attached to this email for dates and more information. This insert is the first of five which will share some stories of the settlement as a way of learning and remembering.

Mennonite Central Committee needs Emergency supplies
Ukraine has a massive need and we need your help filling containers with emergency supplies. We need relief kit and hygiene kit supplies, especially soap. A full list of items can be viewed at mcco.ca/kits. Bring your donations to your nearest MCC office or thrift shop or donate financially and we will use our purchasing power to buy supplies. Donate at mcco.ca/kits, by cheque to 203-50 Kent Ave, Kitchener, N2G 3R1 (note emergency supplies on the memo line) or call 519-745-8458.

The 17th world assembly of Mennonite World Conference will be held in Indonesia July 5-10. Since covid restrictions limit personal attendance, there is an online option (see mwc-cmm.org). Further, “global watch parties” of the assembly’s plenary worship services are scheduled for:

Tuesday July 5 – 7 pm at First Mennonite Church, 880 King St E, Kitchener

Wed through Fri – 3 pm & 7:00pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Saturday July 9 – 7 pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Sunday July 10 – 7 pm, Meheret Evangelical Church, 46 Krug St., Kitchener

Come and enjoy local intercultural gatherings while connecting with the global community of Anabaptist related churches. Bring your own water bottle. Masks may be requested. Offerings will be held for the ministry of Mennonite World Conference.

Scholarships for post-secondary education

At this time of year, many are thinking of applying for post-secondary and then subsequently, how that will get paid. Tavistock Assistance Program and Raymer Financial offer scholarships to hard-working and deserving students. The application process is quick and easy. The applicants are considered and offers are made expeditiously. We would love to see our young people bettering themselves through further education.  For further information and an application form check out: https://tapisforyou.com/community-scholarship-fund/

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites applicants for the position of Director of Finance & Human Resources which is a  Senior Administrative position starting in August/September 2022. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until June 30, 2022. Visit www.rockway.ca/employment for the full posting.

Weekly Letter and Announcements – No. 117

Resources to help us to stay Rooted in Christ and Growing together in Faith

Sunday June 12, 2022 Worship Gathering 10 AM

We continue with our worship series on the book of James. James 4:13 – 5:6 – Your money and your life! The service will also include a presentation from our Green Space Committee.

We are grateful for your financial giving to the ongoing work and ministry of the church. This week our offering focus is “Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and Mennonite Church Canada”.   Janet and Marv Yantzi will be hosting Coffee Time this Sunday. We would ask that everyone provide their own coffee mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will also provide paper cups for those who forget their mugs or come as guests on a Sunday morning.

We can continue to have Coffee Time when we have the volunteers we need. We are still in need of more volunteers. Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee maker.

Worship Services in June, July & August

June 19 – Commissioning for Heidi Wagler (Parish Nurse); Mug Presentation to Grade 12 Youth

June 26 – Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Jean McDonald’s Parish Nurse ministry 

July 3 – Combined worship service with Cassel, Tavistock and East Zorra Mennonite Churches –                       East Zorra to host

July 10 – Dedication for VBS 2022

July 17 – Farewell for Lloyd & Margaret Oakey – Part 1

July 24 – Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park, Tavistock – Farewell for Lloyd & Margaret – Part 2

July 31 – Combined worship service with Cassel, Tavistock and East Zorra Mennonite Churches – Tavistock Mennonite to host

August 7 – Welcome Service for Mike, Brandy, Petra and Rebeka Williamson

August 14 – Ecumenical Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park, Tavistock

August 21 & 28 – Our regular summer worship time!

September 4 – Combined worship service with Cassel, Tavistock and East Zorra Mennonite Churches – Cassel Mennonite to host

EZMC Announcements

Subscriptions changes to Rejoice Magazine and Salt & Light are due this week.

If you are not on the subscription lists for either or both and would like to be OR if you no longer want to receive these, please email office@ezmennonite.ca by June 16^th. Please note that there is no cost to you for either of these publications.

JWalkers Year-end event – Friday June 17th 2022 from 7 to 9 pm at Trevor and Bethany Kropf’s house. All the outdoor games everyone loves and a campfire. Everyone bring a snack to share and a lawn chair.  

EZ Family Night

Mark your calendars for our next Family Night, scheduled for Saturday June 25th at 6:30pm at church! We plan to spend time in worship, followed by road hockey, a campfire and s’mores, and other sports in the Green Space. Bring your sticks! We can’t wait to see you!

The Green Space (G.S.)  committee is pleased to announce they are moving into Phase 2 which will be developed to include additional age groups being able to access and connect with our G.S. To move ahead we require further funding and are asking for your help by donating to make these projects happen. You can contribute through giving to EZ Mennonite Church and flagging it to the G.S. Further information to follow during the worship service this Sunday.”  

A Reminder to Volunteers

If you volunteered with Sunday School or are planning to help with VBS this summer our Safe Church Policy requires that we have a signed Volunteer Commitment Form once every program year. If you have not completed one for the Sept 2021 to Aug 2022 time period, you will either find one that was emailed to you or a paper copy in your church mailbox. Please return to the office as soon as you can. If you do not have a Vulnerable Sector Check on file you will receive a packet of information for that process. Thanks so much.

Coffee Time!

We can continue to have Coffee Time when we have the volunteers we need. We are still in need of more volunteers. Please contact Lisa if you would be willing to volunteer to be a coffee maker. We would ask that everyone provide their own coffee mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will also provide paper cups for those who forget their mugs or come as guests on a Sunday morning.

Student Aid Applications:

Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary).  East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30 for the 2022/2023 school year (Sept 2022 – Aug 2023). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact Tracey Kropf at tracey.kropf@gmail.com.

Jerusalem Marketplace VBS 

Thank you to everyone that responded to our volunteer needs! The only position we need to fill now is someone for AV and Sound, Wed-Fri.

Parents of VBS kids- you should have received an email with a registration form on Monday. Please complete these at your earliest convenience. According to our pre-registration numbers we are FULL! For families that have told us they were “maybes” please let us know your decision sooner rather than later, because we are starting a wait list. Thank you!

A reminder about the “Work Bee” on the evening of Wednesday June 22nd at 7pm to prep materials, create decorations and get ready for VBS! We welcome anyone who wants to help! Drinks and snacks provided 🙂

The Decorating Committee needs your help gathering supplies for VBS! If you have wicker baskets, pottery/urns, woven mats, old bed sheets in stripes or bright solid colours, wood crates, silk decorative trees or blankets that you would be willing to share for the week please contact Marianne Witzel, Judy Mogk or Kristi Marriott to arrange dropping these off at the church and to check what items are still needed. Please label your items so they can be returned after VBS. Thank you in advance!

The 2022 Camp Subsidy Form is now available and you can complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or mail (657173 15th line, R.R.#1 Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0).  Please note that this year no funds will be sent until camps can confirm their programming depending on Covid-19 restrictions in place. Forms are available by contacting Lisa Suderman by email at office@ezmennonite.ca  Paper copies can be mailed to you if needed. If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

Beyond Our Church Community

Interfaith Counselling Centre’s Annual Silent Auction is live and will be open online until Sunday June 12^th. Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to supporting families in our community. https://www.32auctions.com/ICCSilentAuction

Tuesday June 14^th Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 55th Chicken BBQ and Pie Auction.

Both eat in and take out options are available this year. Visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more details and to purchase your tickets (or call 519-625-8602).

Come to Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp for our Family Camping Weekend on July 1-3. Visit www.hiddenacres.ca or contact the camp for more details (519-625-8602 – info@hiddenacres.ca).

The Amish Bicentennial 1822-2022

Join us as we REMEMBER and THANK GOD for the coming of our Amish Mennonite ancestors to Canada. There will be Heritage bus tours, Acapella Hymn Sings (one of which will take place at East Zorra Mennonite on Sun Sept 25), The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada (Speaker, Rebecca Seiling will present the “Landed Buggy” at Steinmann Mennonite), Indigenous Awareness Workshop (at Crow Shield Lodge), and the Thanksgiving Worship Service (Sun Oct 2 at Steinmann Mennonite Church). Some of these events require registration in advance. Please see the insert attached to this email for dates and more information. This insert is the first of five which will share some stories of the settlement as a way of learning and remembering.

Mennonite Central Committee is resuming shipments of emergency supplies to Ukraine.

Five containers are scheduled to go to Ukraine in the next couple of months, with more planned later this year. The containers will travel by ship to Rotterdam and then by truck through Germany, Poland and into Ukraine.
Ukraine has a massive need, and we need your help filling these containers. We have many comforters (thank you to our comforter knotting groups and individuals who have been sending us thousands of comforters). But, we need relief kits, hygiene kits and especially soap. Please go to mcco.ca/kits for details of kit contents. Material aid donations can be dropped off at our offices or thrift shops or funds can be donated and we will purchase the necessary items. You can donate online, call the office (519-745-8458) or send a cheque to MCC, 203-50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1. Please include “material aid” in the subject line.

The 17th world assembly of Mennonite World Conference will be held in Indonesia July 5-10. Since covid restrictions limit personal attendance, there is an online option (see mwc-cmm.org). Further, “global watch parties” of the assembly’s plenary worship services are scheduled for:

Tuesday July 5 – 7 pm at First Mennonite Church, 880 King St E, Kitchener

Wed through Fri – 3 pm & 7:00pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Saturday July 9 – 7 pm, First Mennonite Church, Kitchener

Sunday July 10 – 7 pm, Meheret Evangelical Church, 46 Krug St., Kitchener

Come and enjoy local intercultural gatherings while connecting with the global community of Anabaptist related churches. Bring your own water bottle. Masks may be requested. Offerings will be held for the ministry of Mennonite World Conference.

Scholarships for post-secondary education

At this time of year, many are thinking of applying for post-secondary and then subsequently, how that will get paid. Tavistock Assistance Program and Raymer Financial offer scholarships to hard-working and deserving students. The application process is quick and easy. The applicants are considered and offers are made expeditiously. We would love to see our young people bettering themselves through further education.  For further information and an application form check out: https://tapisforyou.com/community-scholarship-fund/

Resources to help us to stay Rooted in Christ and Growing together in Faith

Sunday October 17 Worship Gathering 10 AM

This Sunday we will be sharing in a Parent Child Dedication. We invite your prayers for Brent & Heather Ropp as they present Hailey and Rebecca and themselves in this act of dedication.

This Sunday we will also present Bible to our Grade 1 children. Please pray for Hunter Bowman, Daniel Green, Hudson Leis, Vanna Lupton, Abigail Schlegel, Sadie Schmitz, Elaina Tonelli, Bryson Witzel, Lydia Witzel, & Bauer Yantzi and their families. We pray that the Bible will be like a light to them as they live their lives. Any of these children not able to be at church on Sunday will receive their Bibles through the week.

Register for Sunday morning in-person worship, anytime during the week, by contacting Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca  Please indicate which Sunday you are registering for and who will be attending with you. If Lisa is unable to take your call, leave a message that includes your name and phone number. Your registration will then be confirmed either by email or phone. Deadline to register each week is Saturday by 10 a.m.

We are grateful for your financial giving to the ongoing work and ministry of the church. This week our offering focus is “Leadership”

Attention kids JK-Grade 8!!! Come meet under the 20’x20′ (tent in the green space) for a Bible devotion, crafts, games & activities!  Parents need to register children with the church office by 10 a.m. Saturday morning. (office@ezzmennonite.ca or call 519-655-6824. Parents must also plan to be in attendance at in-door worship and have their cell phones close by for emergency contact.

Parent drop off is 9:50-10:00.  Parents must come with children to sign in and answer Covid protocol questions. 

Come dressed for the weather and bring a mask & water bottle. We will be outside the entire hour.

Next Sunday October 24 is International Witness Sunday. We are excited that Dann & Joji Pantoja (Indigenous Names: Lakan & Lakambini) are planning to join us over Zoom from the Philippines!

Extending God’s Love

October Food Drive and HOPE Pumpkins!

The mission committee is inviting you to begin gathering items for our October food drive. We invite those who are gathering for in-person worship to bring food items with you as we gather for worship October 10, 17 and 24th. Food donations will go to Wilmot Family Resource Center in New Hamburg. We also invite cash donations marked “Agape.” Agape is no longer operating a food cupboard but is sharing food cards with their members instead.

We invite those who are not gathering in-person for worship to drive to the church building on Sunday October 24^th between 11:30 am – 1 pm. We will receive your donations then.

Along with collecting food and cash donations on October 24^th we will also hand out HOPE Pumpkins as we did last year. We invite you to take a few pumpkins and carve the word HOPE on the pumpkin. Stencils along with a light will be provided!

We invite you to display your pumpkin and share one for a neighbour or friend to display too. As we did last year we would like to “light the night” through the last week of October and through Halloween! Light the night with HOPE!

Your Missions Committee – Greg Leis, Sheryl Leis, Dan Matthews, Jesse Yantzi and Pastor Ray.

This Christmas, let’s proclaim to our community the good news a Saviour has been born! 

The Worship Committee is exploring the possibility of presenting a Drive-Thru Live Nativity possibly Dec 16th, or 17th.  Actors, animals, props, sets, narration, greeters, lights & sound, will all be part of this ‘live’ event.  

Our goal is to help our community experience the true meaning of Christmas and to do this, many people are needed. We can’t do this without a great team.

If you want to be part of the planning committee to make this Nativity memorable, please contact Connie Yantzi at 519-503-4969 or mcyantzi@gmail.com asap, or by Friday, October 22.  Let’s let our light SHINE to our community this Christmas!   Stay tuned for more information about the many roles needed and how you can get involved!  

                                                       EZMC Announcements

Friday October 15^th – MYF pleasemeet at the church at 6:45 p.m. to go mini-golfing (mask required in vehicle) in Waterloo at Max’s Sportsworld (800 King St. N.). Weather permitting, following mini golf we will plan to have a campfire, snacks, and devotion at Dylan and Hannah’s house (697080 17th Line). 

Plan to pick up youth at 9:30 p.m. 

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month?  You could send a tribute or make a call to Ray or Lloyd.

In an effort to clear up some space in the shed some small wooden childrens chairs as well as wooden benches and folding tables are available. If you are interested contact any of the trustees

Important Reminder to Parents – Our safe church policy requires a completed waiver for each child involved in Sunday School, Girls Club, Boys Club, and MYF who are under the age of 18. Please bring a completed form (double sided) to an event that your child(ren) attends if you have not already done so. Blank waiver forms will be available for you to complete when you arrive to check in and fill out the contact tracing sheet. Thanks so much! 

EZMC Building Use for Committee Meetings or Music Rehearsals.

A designated meeting space that allows for physical distancing will be located in the basement. The boardroom and other small rooms are closed for now. Please contact Lisa and book the meeting space to ensure that it is available for use. You will be sent the health and safety protocols before your meeting.

Sanctuary space is also available during the week. Please book with Lisa to ensure it is available.

Beyond Our Church Community

Urgent need for sewing kits – We are in urgent need of 200 sewing kits for an October shipment heading to Ukraine. Can you help? Sewing kits open doors to additional income that can help a family make ends meet. Call your local MCC office for a list of contents or go to mcco.ca/kits.

Calling all 18-20 year olds! – Do you want to discover the beauty and brokenness of the world, while living in community and and ministering to others? MCC’s new six-month discipleship program to Palestine and Israel will help you learn more deeply what it means to be an Anabaptist follower of Jesus. More info at mcco.ca/seek.

November 18-19, 2021 –  Save the date: Reconciliation in action, MCC’s virtual peace conference. This year’s Peace Conference will take place online on November 18 and 19. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.

Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is inviting you to “participate” in its first annual Rally for Recreation. It’s a great way to get outside while also supporting the work of Hidden Acres. For more information, visit www.hiddenacres.ca.

“Not Traumatic Enough for a Shock Blanket”: A thought-provoking exhibit by artist Yasmeen Nematt Alla invites us to consider the importance of trauma-informed community spaces and the ability art has to provide gestures of care. Running from Sept. 7 to March 7, 2022 at the Grebel Gallery. In person gallery visits available upon request. Visit uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery