We are looking forward to our Gather25 church retreat this evening, Feb28, and Saturday March 1. For further details, please see Gather25 email distributed earlier this week. If you are not able to join and wish to experience the Gather25 ilve broadcast from home, you can do so via this link => https://live.gather25.com/. We hope to see you!
Gather25 planning team
East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 68 Sunday March 2, 2025 No. 9
Prelude/Accompanist/Song Leader: Gather 25 Band
Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Mission Partners
Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Merv Ropp Message: Pastors Ray & Mike
Prelude
“Hallelujah”
“Nothing But the Blood”
“Cornerstone”
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
“10000 Reasons”
“Praise”
“Goodness of God”
Offering: Mission Partners
“In Christ Alone”
Time with the Children – Sheryl Leis
Message & Sharing Time Pastor Ray, Alexis Leis, Ashley Witzel and Pastor Mike. Opportunity will also be given for you to share a reflection on the weekend.
Song of Response
“Revival Generation”
Prayer of the Church – Sheryl Leis
Sending Song
“Build Your Kingdom Here”
Benediction
Today
Coffeetime in the basement immediately following worship. Everyone is welcome. We would ask that everyone provides their own mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will provide mugs for those who forget theirs or who come as guests on a Sunday morning.
11 a.m. Sunday School classes for children downstairs. There is no adult Sunday School and we invite adults to an extended coffee time.
This Coming Week
Tuesday March 4th
- 5:30 – 7 p.m. Pancake Supper – Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free and dairy free pancakes will be available.
Wednesday March 5th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting
Thursday March 6th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- Tavistock & Area Ministerial Lenten Service & Lunch at Grace United Church (Elevator and Hearing Assistance). Each Thursday during Lent beginning at 12:10 p.m. with meditation and music in the Sanctuary followed by Soup and Sandwich Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $10 for lunch. Theme is The “I AM” Statements of Jesus.
Week 1: The Bread of Life (hosted by Tavistock Mennonite)
Friday March 7th
- 7 p.m. MYF – Baking Night at church
Next Sunday – March 9, 2025
Renewal at the Lord’s Table
Prelude/Accompanist: Katie Wagler Song Leader: Myron Ruby
Greeters: Naomi & David Witzel Worship Leader: Tracey Kropf
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Student Aid
Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi Message: Pastor Mike
Please note that we will be having a communion service during worship.
EZMC Announcements
Please note that Sewing Circle will be on Tuesday March 11th instead of Tuesday March 4th.
A Lent Prayer and Reading Guide based on the Psalms will be sent to the congregation on Tuesday.
If you would like a copy of the Lent at Home Guide that will follow our Lenten Series Christ Among Us, they are available on the round table in the foyer at the back of the sanctuary.
On Saturday March 22 Youth Unlimited YFC Wilmot will host their annual fundraising banquet. This event will be held at Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church in New Dundee. East Zorra is sponsoring a table again this year. If you would be interested in attending and hearing about the ministry happening at Waterloo Oxford District Secondary School please speak to Pastor Ray.
If you receive Rejoice, Salt & Light or the Leader magazine, you will find them in your church mailbox. If you do not presently receive the Rejoice devotional but would like to please contact Lisa (office@ezmennonite.ca) as there are a few extra copies.
The 2025 Camp Subsidy Form is now available, and you can complete and return to Becky Bender either by email (treasurer@ezmennonite.ca) or put in her church mailbox. Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Caleb Leis.
Beyond our Church Community
Spirit and screen. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of Apple, Insta and Google….Canadian Mennonite Magazine invites you to do a digital detox experiment this Lent. Starting March 5, cut screens back in some way and fill the gap with something holy. Then be in touch. We’ll bring detoxers together by teleconference during Lent and report stories in our June issue.
If intrigued, see canadianmennonite.org/detox.
Thursday February 27th – Saturday March 1st Rockway Mennonite Collegiate proudly presents their all-school musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rockway.ca/events. We look forward to welcoming you and your family into Wonka’s world of Pure Imagination!
Help support Rockway’s Student Tuition Assistance program by becoming a golfer in Rockway’s 30th Annual Golf Classic and/or by contacting Chris Ainsworth, Director of Advancement (advancement@rockway.ca), to discuss how to become a golf sponsor.
CommonWord Book Launch: The Word Fulfilled: Reading the Bible with Jesus –On Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 PM, Michael Pahl and guests Janessa Nayler-Giesbrecht and Phil Campbell-Enns will discusshow Jesus read His Bible and what that means for how we should read ours. Join in person or via livestream at commonword.ca/go/3820.
Upcoming MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) Events
Thursday March 6th 7:30–8:45 a.m. Krystal’s inspiring journey to become the CEO of Tri-Mach is a testament to the strength and resilience of women everywhere—a fitting celebration for this upcoming International Women’s Day! Her journey with Tri-Mach began in 2009 after completion of her studies in Economics at the University of Waterloo, and then specializing in Accounting at Wilfrid Laurier University. Krystal’s pursuit of excellence, her drive and Vision soon elevated her to the role of Sales and Marketing Manager, then Vice President of Sales and Marketing and she now serves as Tri-Mach’s CEO. We are excited to hear from Krystal! Join us this Thursday for both inspiration and a delicious breakfast!!
7 – 9 p.m. Celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring evening featuring the film She Rises Up at The Elora Gorge Cinema (43 Mill St W, Elora, ON).
Everyone is welcome! Don’t miss out—join us for one or both events.
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Cost for Breakfast at Graffiti Market: $15 for students, $25 for regular
Cost for She Rises Up Film Screening: $10 per person
RSVP: March 3
MDS invites volunteers to help rebuild a flooded home in Constance Bay (near Ottawa, ON). Sign up for a week, beginning in March, to help rebuild a house along the Ottawa River. Contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 1 (866) 261-1274 for more information and to sign up.
Saturday March 8th 7:30 p.m. (Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 William St, Waterloo):Menno Singers and Artistic Director Brandon Leis presents ‘Songs for the Changing Seasons’ with Abner Martin Scholarship winner, cellist Elliot Sloss from the Curtis Institute. Tickets $25, Child/Student $5 at the door, from choir members or at www.mennosingers.com
Wednesday March 12th 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. Listen to speeches about peacebuilding and social justice issues written by Peace and Conflict Studies students and Grebel residents. The intercollegiate competition is run by the Peace and Justice Ministries of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). All are welcome to attend. Learn more at uwaterloo.ca/peace-conflict-studies/events
Thursday March 13th – Grandparent & Grandchild Day at Hidden Acres
Looking for something to do with your grandkids during March Break? Join guest speaker Wanda Mann for a day of connecting with God through creativity and music. The theme for the day is GOD… GRAND’S… G’KIDS… Connecting the Dots. Cost is $25/person and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/grandparent-child-days
Friday March 21st – Sunday March 23rd The Clockmaker’s Daughter|. The Conrad Grebel University College Student Council presents the first Canadian production of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, a musical. General admission $25, Student/senior $20, with 10% of profits going to a local charity. Evening and matinee shows will be held at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in downtown Kitchener. Buy tickets at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/clockmakers-daughter
Monday March 24th 6 p.m. Hope Starts at Home: An evening with Phyllis Webstad, at Bingemans Conference Centre, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener. Phyllis is the founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society. Phyllis will share her childhood of healing and reconciliation in Canada as we seek to restore justice, foster belonging and address poverty in Ontario. Funds raised at the event will supply MCC Ontario’s new meat cannery. To learn more and order your tickets, go to mcc.org/evening-with-phyllis-webstad
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invites you to join us at our upcoming events. Visit rockway.ca/events for more information:
- March 27, 7 pm: Youth Mental Health – Understanding Anxiety. The evening will focus on supporting parents and giving them the tools they need to support their child.
- April 15, 7 pm: Grade 7-12 Information Night. If your family is looking for a new school environment, join us to learn more about what Rockway has to offer.
- April 15, 7 pm: Grade 7-12 Art Exhibition. Enjoy an evening of student art and delicious treats in the Visual Arts Café.
Monday April 14th – Seniors Retreat at Hidden Acres
Seniors are invited to Hidden Acres for Exploring Beginnings: The New Testament and the Anabaptist Bible with guest speakers Alicia Batten and Mollee Moua. Cost is $55 and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/seniors-retreat
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp (slmc.ca)
Summer Camp: Registration is now open for overnight camps and day camps! Visit slmc.ca/summer-camp to have a look at the 2025 schedule and program descriptions. We can’t wait to welcome your campers to Silver Lake this summer!
Retreats coming up soon: Staff Alumni Retreat (Mar 21-23) For all former staff to relax and relive memories. Music Retreat (Mar 28-30) Come for the love of making music, go home with new songs to share! Campfire & Voices Together singalongs, plus an instrument petting zoo. Go to slmc.ca/retreats for more info and to registerSilver Lake Mennonite Camp (slmc.ca)
Come to Hidden Acres Summer Camp!
Are you looking for a fun, safe summer camp experience? Hidden Acres’ camp provides great opportunities to connect with God, each other and nature. Campers get to enjoy swimming, canoeing, archery, nature exploration, rock climbing, low ropes, camp-outs, sports, group games and more, all in the company of peers and our fun and supportive staff team. Check out www.hiddenacres.ca for our dates & rates. Contact our Program Director, Josh Penfold at josh@hiddenacres.ca for more information. See you for summer 2025!
Looking for a FUN and IMPACTFUL summer job?
Hidden Acres Camp provides opportunities for you to impact the lives of young people, serve God and others in a safe and fun environment, grow in your ability to be a great leader and have fun through it all! For available positions and more information or to apply, go to www.hiddenacres.ca or contact Josh Penfold at 519-625-8602 or josh@hiddenacres.ca
MCEC is excited to host MC Canada Gathering 2025. Volunteer Coordinators, Ashley Drudge and Gladys Bender are seeking volunteers of all ages, interested in welcoming and offering hospitality to MC Canada Gathering participants from across Canada. A variety of positions and time slots are available. For more information, please contact gathering@mennonitechurch.ca.
Gathering 2025 – Mennonite Church Canada – July 2-5, 2025 in Kitchener/Waterloo.
This Gathering is shaping up to be an incredible experience with three unique avenues for engagement:
1.Congregational Gathering: Join delegates and congregational representatives for inspiring sessions, worship, and connection.
2.Youth Gathering: A vibrant, energetic event designed specifically for youth, hosted on the University of Waterloo campus.
3.U30 Young Adult Gathering: Engage with peers through tailored events, including a special post-Gathering celebration at Hidden Acres!
More details coming next week. Registration opens on March 5, 2025.
Be a Friend, Change a Life
Volunteer with MCC Ontario’s Circle of Friends program and bring hope and belonging to someone in need! Just 1-2 hours a week can bring stability, friendship and belonging to someone transitioning into a new chapter of life. Let’s create a community where no one feels forgotten. Ready to make an impact? Sign up today at mcc.org/opportunity/circle-friends!
