Weekly Announcements

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; ²³ they are new every morning [and every New Year!]; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

Sunday January 1^st – EZMC New Year’s Day service at 3 p.m.

All are welcome to our Sunday afternoon worship service and fellowship time. We hope that you can join us!

Note that there will be no Zoom option for this service.

If you would appreciate a Sunday morning worship option you are also welcome to join Tavistock Mennonite Church on New Year’s Day for a carol sing. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and can be attended either in person or online via their website livestream at  www.tavistockmennonitechurch.ca. 

Next Sunday – January 8, 2022

Epiphany – The manifold wisdom of God be made known

Prelude: Brandy Sell                           Accompanist: Chantelle McNeish                   

Song Leader: Myron Ruby                    Worship Leader: Dawn Bender          

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

We are planning for a Parent Child Dedication time during this service

EZMC Announcements

Financial Update

We give thanks to God for your generosity, and commitment to the ministry of the church, as you have responded to the financial need through the year and over the last month.

As of December 29, we still need approximately $14,000 to cover our remaining financial commitments. 

If you have not had a chance to respond to this need over the last few weeks, and have been planning to do that, we invite you to prayerfully consider what you are able to give before the end of the year. We trust that God will provide so we can fully meet our commitments for 2022.

Cheques can be placed in one of two mailboxes at Dawn Zehr’s home. E-transfers or questions about donating can be sent to treasurer@ezmennonite.ca.

Donations received on or before December 31, 2022 are eligible for a 2022 receipt for income tax purposes.   Thank you for your partnership in the ministry of the church!

Junior Christian Education Team (JCET) needs teachers January-June! Sign-up sheet will be at church January 8th or call anyone on the team (Jess Yantzi, Holly Barron, Erin Yantzi or Sue Martin) for dates that work for you! Thanks for helping in faith formation to our children! 

The Health Ministry Team wants to thank those who have been following the Reverse Advent Calendar of Giving. Collected food items to be donated to the Wilmot Family Resource Centre. (as noted in the New Health Ministry Newsletter)

You are welcome to bring these items to Church between Christmas Eve and into the New Year.  Please leave them in the area by the Mailboxes and the Health Ministry Team will distribute.  Even if you haven’t followed the Advent Calendar all month you are welcome to bring canned or boxed food items to be added to our donation.

Reminder to also complete your Newsletter Survey and return to the Parish Nurse or a Health Team member’s mailbox.

Used postage stamps: Interested in trimming used postage stamps? If so, contact Susan Schmitz at 519.505.1638 or email ws.schmitz23@gmail.com. The Canadian Bible Society purchases Bibles with the proceeds from selling the trimmed postage stamps.

Christmas Day

Sing for joy: Your God Reigns

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 65             Sunday December 25, 2022                      No. 52

Worship Service – Sunday December 25, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Join Sunday Morning Worship Gathering

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                         Accompanist: Heidi Wagler                

Song Leader: Caleb Leis                      Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis  

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

No Coffeetime or Sunday School classes on this day.

This Coming Week & Next

Next Sunday – Sunday January 1^st

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

No Coffee or Sunday School and no Zoom option for this service.

You are also welcome to join Tavistock Mennonite Church on New Year’s Day for a carol sing. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and can be attended either in person or online via their website livestream at  www.tavistockmennonitechurch.ca. 

EZMC Announcements

Financial Update as of December 21, 2022

Estimated funds needed to meet 2022 commitments

Mission Partners       $ 13,306

MCEC & MC Canada   $ 12,241

Leadership              $ 16,046

MCC/Relief              $      650

Local Ministries        $   8,076

Maintenance            $   3,447

Student Aid             – $   6,254

                    $  47,512

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 so we can fully meet our commitments for 2022.

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.

Donations received on or before December 31, 2022 are eligible for a 2022 receipt for income tax purposes.

The Health Ministry Team wants to thank those who have been following the Reverse Advent Calendar of Giving. Collected food items to be donated to the Wilmot Family Resource Centre.  (as noted in the New Health Ministry Newsletter)

You are welcome to bring these items to Church between Christmas Eve and into the New Year.  Please leave them in the area by the Mailboxes and the Health Ministry Team will distribute.  Even if you haven’t followed the Advent Calendar all month you are welcome to bring canned or boxed food items to be added to our donation.

Reminder to also complete your Newsletter Survey and return to the Parish Nurse or a Health Team member’s mailbox.

Used postage stamps: Interested in trimming used postage stamps? If so, contact Susan Schmitz at ws.schmitz23@gmail.com. The Canadian Bible Society purchases Bibles with the proceeds from selling the trimmed postage stamps.

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. 

Volunteers needed to be Coffee Time Hosts! For the months of December and January we 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.  

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

SALT of the earth: The webinar
Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 1-2pm, online
Have you ever considered living and working in a different culture with an MCC partner for a year? Join us for a virtual conversation with past SALTers who will share their experiences and answer any questions you may have. Come discover some examples of SALT assignments and where in the world you could go with SALT. Go to mcco.ca/events to learn more and register today.

Wanted – sewing machines!
Would you like to contribute to a local Indigenous organization in a meaningful way? MCC partner Crow Shield Lodge is looking for sewing machines to create traditional ribbon skirts in a workshop setting. Contact Rebecca Seiling at rebeccaseiling@mcco.ca or 226-750-9118 if you have a machine to donate or lend.

MCC’s Applied Peacebuilding Skills Certificate Program, Online, January to May 2023. Learning the skills of peace is a lifelong adventure. Wherever you are in the process of learning the skills of peacemaking, the latest MCC program will help you to further develop and apply these skills within your home, work and community. Register for MCC’s nine-session program, which takes place every other Wednesday evening from mid-January to May 2023. Learn more at mcco.ca/events.

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!

Employment Opportunities:  Silver Lake is growing and looking to fill three year-round positions:  Fundraising Manager, Program Director and Maintenance Coordinator. For more information click here:  slmc.ca/about/board-of-directors/  Come make an impact that lasts a lifetime!

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

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.