Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67              Sunday September 8, 2024                      No. 36

Sunday September 8, 2024

Prelude/Accompanist/Song Leader: Glorify    Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Refugee Fund

Pre-Service Singing   

“Amazing Love”

“Goodness of God”

“All the People Said Amen”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

“Come, Thou Fount”

“Grace Greater than our sin”

Offering – Refugee Fund

Offertory      “Everyday”

Time with the Children – Jeanette Bender

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 1: 4 to 9 & 1 Timothy 4:12

Sharing by Alexis Leis with Pastor Ray

Song of Response

“Battle Belongs”

Prayer of the Church                    

Sending Song

VT #393 “Build Your Kingdom Here”

Benediction

Today

Due to the weekend weather forecast our Outdoor Worship Service will be moved indoors. As we regather following our summer vacations, cottage and trailer times we are still inviting everyone to bring your own lunch so we can share in further conversation as we eat and share together following the service.

Please note that we will not be serving coffee/tea/juice at the picnic so please bring your own drinks along with your lunch.

This Coming Week

Wednesday September 11^th    

• Play Group set up
• 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Team Meeting
• 7 p.m. Treasurer and Finance Discussion

Thursday September 12^th           

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Next Sunday – September 15, 2024

Prelude: Katie Wagler                           Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Dawn Bender              Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Jessica & Tyler Yantzi            Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler    Message: Pastor Mike

Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm

We will begin a new worship series called, What is the Gospel?

Surprisingly Good News About Jesus Christ the King

11 a.m. Attention Parents: During Coffeetime please take advantage of the opportunity to fill out registration/waiver forms for your children in the basement. Our Safe Church Policy requires that parents complete a separate form for each child involved in Sunday School, Junior Youth, and MYF who are under the age of 18. 

Junior Sunday School classes JK to Grade 8 will meet in the assembly room and then move to the green space. Please dress for the weather. Nursery/Preschool children are welcome to join us outside with a parent.

Senior Sunday School classes will begin. 

EZMC Announcements

August 2024 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $33,939

Refugee Fund – $1,850

Please pickup your church mail today. You will find the September calendar and the Ministry Position List. There may also be other things that were placed in there over the summer. If you notice that a family member or neighbour has not been able to get their mail and you are willing to deliver it, please do that. Thanks so much.

As the fall approaches, your Junior Christian Education Team (JCET) invites you to prayerfully consider how you will support our children’s Christian Education Program. Possibly teacher, helper, make playdough, purchase snacks, prayers, are a few ideas. The sign-up sheet will soon be posted on the bulletin board but will also be online or talk to Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi., Holly Barron, or Sue Martin.  (See weekly email for online link).

A reminder that all who volunteer with children during Junior Sunday School are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Volunteer Commitment Form before volunteering. If you have a VSC that was done within the last 6 months (because you volunteered with another organization ie. school or sports team) you can submit it to update your EZMC file. Please check in with Lisa in the office to see if your VSC is current or if you need to apply for a new one. Thanks so much.

Attention J-Walkers (Junior Youth)

We are excited to kick off the new year with our first event at the church, in the Green Space, on Saturday September 21^st from 6:30 -9 p.m. We will have a campfire with s’mores and play some games/sports outside. This will also be our welcome night to all the new grade 6’s who will be joining us. Bring a lawn chair and a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there. 

**Parents please plan to stay a few extra minutes at drop off to fill out waiver forms**

Update on Refugee Resettlement: Bibi Shah Bubo arrived safely July 15 and Daud, Sohaila and their 3 youngest children are arriving Aug 12. Please pray for a safe flight. They look forward to being reunited in Kitchener. Tamim Tohky’s family has welcomed the Tohki’s at the Toronto Pearson Airport. Mansoud and Mansor and Bibi have been settling in well in their new home, 50 Ingleside St., Kitchener. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments as costs have risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial financial commitments have risen from $50,000 to approx. $75,000.

The Anabaptist Community Bible Orders are due soon.

Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation. There are 3 editions available, Hardcover ($55.49), Soft Touch ($69.49) and Genuine Leather ($152.49). If you would like to pre-order a bible please put your name on the sheet posted on the main bulletin board or email Lisa at office@emennonite.ca. by September 30, 2024. Please specify which edition of bible you would like. Ordering in bulk will mean savings on shipping costs. Please see the main bulletin board for photos of the bibles and example pages or go to www.CommonWord.ca for more information. Once we know how many bibles we will be ordering we can determine shipping costs per bible. Payment will be due when our order is placed in early October. Publication date is January 2025.

Save the date! Saturday December 7.

The Christmas Story – Live Nativity!  

We are hoping to do this again.  Please talk to Sheryl Leis or Kim Leis if you are interested in being a part of this special day.  We look forward to another fun time.

Beyond our Church Community

Thursday September 12^th 4 p.m.. Book Launch | Celebrate the launch of Grebel Dean and Associate Professor of History and Theological Studies Troy Osborne’s new book Radicals and Reformers: A Survey of Global Anabaptist History. The afternoon will feature a short program and reception. Books will be available for purchase and signing. More information at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/radicals-reformers

Wednesday September 18^th 4, 6:30 – 9 p.m., 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener

Training Active Bystanders community event. Active Bystander Training teaches participants to intervene in abusive or isolating situations, promoting pro-social behavior and community support. Suitable for ages 13+. Cost: $25 (no refunds). Capacity is limited – register today to reserve your seat. Learn more and register at mcc.org/events.

GTA Mennonite Festival Saturday September 21^st from 10 a.ma – 4 p.m.  Stouffville. It starts with the food! Come hungry for traditional and not-so-traditional Mennonite favourites. Bring the whole family for fun activities like wagon rides, apple picking, and more. Shop for beautiful crafts, fresh produce, and don’t miss the famous Quilt Auction. More info.

***NEW DATE*** Monday September 23^rd MCC Ontario annual general meeting
7 p.m. Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included in the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. This federal holiday is intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and heritage of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. We’ve created a learning resource on how we can all participate in reconciliation. Go to mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation to download the resource.

MCC Ontario will recognize this important day on Tuesday September 24^th. All thrift shops and offices will be closed, and staff will spend this day in learning activities related to the ongoing impact of this dark chapter in Canada’s history.

Montreal River Alternative Service Camp Historical Plaque to be installed!

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Trust will install a commemorative historical plaque at the site of the WW2 Alternative Service (Conscientious Objector) Camp at Montreal River, just north of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. All are invited to the official unveiling of the plaque on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00 pm at Conrad Grebel University College. The next day, September 27, the MHSO has arranged for two buses to go from Waterloo to Montreal River for the installation of the plaque on September 28. Overnight accommodation has been reserved for bus participants for Friday, September 27 so they can take part in the Plaque installation the next day at the Montreal River site. The buses will then return to Waterloo.

For further details, and to reserve a spot on this trip (accommodation deadline is August 27), go to https://www.mhso.org/content/montreal-river-alternative-service-camp-bus-trip

Saturday October 5^th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bucket of Thanks at Material Resources Warehouse, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg. This fall, the Material Resources warehouse is opening its doors and welcoming visitors to an event for the whole family with games, snacks and hands-on activities for all ages. Enjoy activities for kids, pack a kit or two and experience the joy of community service. Admission is free, but we kindly ask for donations of large bath or laundry bars of soap (in original wrapping) to help fill our kits. Learn more at mcc.org/events/bucket-thanks.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67              Sunday September 1, 2024                      No. 35

Sunday September 1, 2024

10 a.m. Shared Worship Service with EZMC, Cassel and Tavistock, will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Today

The family of Dan & Gwen Matthews invite you to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with them today, Sunday, September 1, from 2 to 4 pm at the Queen’s Park Pavilion. Best wishes only please. We will be creating a scrapbook with cards and notes to help remember the day, so if you are unable to attend please feel free to leave a card in our church mailbox, or mail directly.     

Kris and Melanie and families. 

This Coming Week

Tuesday September 3^rd     

• 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sewing Circle – Everyone is welcome to join us to knot comforters or quilt. 

Wednesday September 4^th    

• 7 p.m. Play Group set up

Thursday September 5^th           

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group

Saturday September 7^th

• This year at East Zorra we are planning to put a float in the Tavistock Fall Fair parade on Saturday, September 7^th at 11 am! Our vision is to have an intergenerational float that will reflect the budding church community we have here. Following along with the theme “bees and honey”, we would love to focus the float around “planting seeds of faith” with all ages dressed as gardeners or kids as flowers, bees and butterflies. If you are interested in being involved in decorating the float, or participating in it, please reach out to Amy Yantzi: amy.yantzi@outlook.com or 519-301-9707
• Adult Fellowship – Meet at church at 11:45 am to pick up your tickets for the play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz” and arrange to carpool to Blyth for play beginning at 2 pm. Please note that instead of going to Swiss Chalet for supper, we will be going across the street from the theatre to the Blyth Inn.

Next Sunday – September 8, 2024

Prelude/Accompanist/Song Leader: Glorify    Offering: Refugee Fund

Worship Leader: Marlow Gingerich                 A/V: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf         

Outdoor Worship Service and Gathering in our Greenspace.  As we regather following our summer vacations, cottage and trailer times we invite everyone to bring along a picnic lunch so we can share in further conversation as we eat and share together following the service. We are looking forward to seeing you on September 8! If the weather doesn’t cooperate with us, we will move the service indoors and the picnic to the basement.

Please note that we will not be serving coffee/tea/juice at the picnic so please bring your own drinks along with your picnic lunch.

EZMC Announcements

As the fall approaches, your Junior Christian Education Team (JCET) invites you to prayerfully consider how you will support our children’s Christian Education Program. Possibly teacher, helper, make playdough, purchase snacks, prayers, are a few ideas. The sign-up sheet will soon be posted on the bulletin board but will also be online or talk to Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi., Holly Barron, or Sue Martin.  (See weekly email for online link).

A reminder that all who volunteer with children during Junior Sunday School are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Volunteer Commitment Form before volunteering. If you have a VSC that was done within the last 6 months (because you volunteered with another organization ie. school or sports team) you can submit it to update your EZMC file. Please check in with Lisa in the office to see if your VSC is current or if you need to apply for a new one. Thanks so much.

Update on Refugee Resettlement: Bibi Shah Bubo arrived safely July 15 and Daud, Sohaila and their 3 youngest children are arriving Aug 12. Please pray for a safe flight. They look forward to being reunited in Kitchener. Tamim Tohky’s family has welcomed the Tohki’s at the Toronto Pearson Airport. Mansoud and Mansor and Bibi have been settling in well in their new home, 50 Ingleside St., Kitchener. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments as costs have risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial financial commitments have risen from $50,000 to approx. $75,000.

The Anabaptist Community Bible.

Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation. There are 3 editions available, Hardcover ($55.49), Soft Touch ($69.49) and Genuine Leather ($152.49). If you would like to pre-order a bible please put your name on the sheet posted on the main bulletin board or email Lisa at office@emennonite.ca. by September 30, 2024. Please specify which edition of bible you would like. Ordering in bulk will mean savings on shipping costs. Please see the main bulletin board for photos of the bibles and example pages or go to www.CommonWord.ca for more information. Once we know how many bibles we will be ordering we can determine shipping costs per bible. Payment will be due when our order is placed in early October. Publication date is January 2025.

Beyond our Church Community

The August edition of On the Level is now available from Mennonite Disaster Service. In this edition, you’ll read about last year’s devasting fire in the North Shuswap area, British Columbia, including: a key volunteer’s personal connections there and a wildfire survivor’s experience. Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/3Av5ttD

MCC Thrift Stores are looking for household donations!
Have you been meaning to clear out household items that you no longer use, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Well, now’s the time to do it! Our thrift shops need  household donations to keep supplies strong on the sales floor. Pack up some boxes and head over to your local thrift shop today!

Help make a difference with MCC! We urgently need your support to provide soap to communities where it’s in short supply. Whether bath soap (85g or larger, in wrapper) or laundry soap (Fels Naptha, Sunlight, or Zote), every donation counts.

Please consider donating today to meet this crucial need. You can drop off your donations at your local MCC Thrift Shop, MCC office, or the Material Resources Warehouse. Together, we can ensure hygiene and health for those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity!

Interfaith Counselling Centre has a number of support groups that are beginning in the Fall. Please see the poster on the bulletin board for more information.

Tuesday September 3^rd 12 – 12:45 p.m., Stories from Africa: Lunch and Listen with Vurayayi Pugeni at50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Come and be inspired by powerful stories from the heart of Southern and Central Africa! Join us in the Community Room at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener live on on Facebook, where Vurayayi Pugeni, MCC’s Area Director for Southern and Central Africa and Nigeria, will share firsthand experiences that will uplift and challenge us. Can’t make it in person? No problem—tune in live on our Facebook page! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect and learn!

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp has extended their Executive Director application deadline to Sept. 9. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with strong financial management and people skills. Those interested can view the job description at slmc.ca. Please send your resume and cover letter to boardchair@slmc.ca. 

SLMC Fall Retreats – Registration is open for Fall Retreats at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, including Men’s Retreat (Sep 13-15), Bruce Trail Hikes, and Work Weekend (Nov 1-3). Register at slmc.ca/retreats. 

Thursday September 12^th 4 p.m.. Book Launch | Celebrate the launch of Grebel Dean and Associate Professor of History and Theological Studies Troy Osborne’s new book Radicals and Reformers: A Survey of Global Anabaptist History. The afternoon will feature a short program and reception. Books will be available for purchase and signing. More information at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/radicals-reformers

Wednesday September 18^th 4, 6:30 – 9 p.m., 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener

Training Active Bystanders community event. Active Bystander Training teaches participants to intervene in abusive or isolating situations, promoting pro-social behavior and community support. Suitable for ages 13+. Cost: $25 (no refunds). Capacity is limited – register today to reserve your seat. Learn more and register at mcc.org/events.

GTA Mennonite FestivalSaturday September 21^st from 10 a.ma – 4 p.m.  Stouffville. It starts with the food! Come hungry for traditional and not-so-traditional Mennonite favourites. Bring the whole family for fun activities like wagon rides, apple picking, and more. Shop for beautiful crafts, fresh produce, and don’t miss the famous Quilt Auction. More info.

***NEW DATE*** Monday September 23^rd MCC Ontario annual general meeting
7 p.m. Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included in the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. This federal holiday is intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and heritage of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. We’ve created a learning resource on how we can all participate in reconciliation. Go to mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation to download the resource.

MCC Ontario will recognize this important day on Tuesday September 24^th. All thrift shops and offices will be closed, and staff will spend this day in learning activities related to the ongoing impact of this dark chapter in Canada’s history.

Montreal River Alternative Service Camp Historical Plaque to be installed!

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Trust will install a commemorative historical plaque at the site of the WW2 Alternative Service (Conscientious Objector) Camp at Montreal River, just north of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. All are invited to the official unveiling of the plaque on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00 pm at Conrad Grebel University College. The next day, September 27, the MHSO has arranged for two buses to go from Waterloo to Montreal River for the installation of the plaque on September 28. Overnight accommodation has been reserved for bus participants for Friday, September 27 so they can take part in the Plaque installation the next day at the Montreal River site. The buses will then return to Waterloo.

For further details, and to reserve a spot on this trip (accommodation deadline is August 27), go to https://www.mhso.org/content/montreal-river-alternative-service-camp-bus-trip

Saturday October 5^th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bucket of Thanks at Material Resources Warehouse, 65 Heritage Dr, New Hamburg. This fall, the Material Resources warehouse is opening its doors and welcoming visitors to an event for the whole family with games, snacks and hands-on activities for all ages. Enjoy activities for kids, pack a kit or two and experience the joy of community service. Admission is free, but we kindly ask for donations of large bath or laundry bars of soap (in original wrapping) to help fill our kits. Learn more at mcc.org/events/bucket-thanks.

Learning Tour: Travelling Together Through Truth
October 21-25, Timmins, ON
Get ready to be inspired and learn as we embark on an exciting journey of connecting and engaging with First Nations communities, organizations and partners of MCC Ontario’s Indigenous Neighbours program in Timmins. To learn more, contact Cam McEachern at 705-264-2494, ext. 220 or by email at cammceachern@mcco.ca.

Men Listening, Men Talking Retreat
November 29-30, 2024 at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp & Retreat Centre
Who are men called to be in 2024 and beyond, and how can they live lives that matter? Join a two-day retreat to take a deep dive into honest conversations on healthy masculinity. The cost is $115 and includes refreshments, meals and accommodations. Learn more at mcc.org/events/men-listening-men-talking-retreat.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67            Sunday August 25, 2024                      No. 34

Sunday August 25, 2024 – Join Zoom Meeting

Prelude: Laurie Yantzi                                     Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Kristen & Daryl Cressman                Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler     Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Prelude   

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #120 For the Beauty of the Earth

VT #570 When we Walk with The Lord

Offering – Leadership

Offertory

Time with the Children

Scripture Readings: Psalm 104:24; Psalm 24:1; Psalm 96:11-13; Galatians 3:26-28

Sharing by Elaine & Dale Leis and Karen & Merv Schlegel with Pastor Mike

Song of Response: VT #182 I sing the Mighty Power of God

Prayer of the Church          Pastor Mike       

Sending Song: VT #830 Go My Children

Benediction

Postlude

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.

This Coming Week

Next Sunday – September 1, 2024

EZMC Offering: Mission Partners

10 a.m. Shared Worship Service with EZMC, Cassel and Tavistock, will be hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Sunday September 8 – Outdoor Worship Service and Gathering in our Greenspace.  As we regather following our summer vacations, cottage and trailer times we invite everyone to bring along a picnic lunch so we can share in further conversation as we eat and share together following the service. We are looking forward to seeing you on September 8! If the weather doesn’t cooperate with us, we will move the service indoors and the picnic to the basement.

EZMC Announcements

As the fall approaches, your Junior Christian Education Team (JCET) invites you to prayerfully consider how you will support our children’s Christian Education Program. Possibly teacher, helper, make playdough, purchase snacks, prayers, are a few ideas. The sign-up sheet will soon be posted on the bulletin board but will also be online or talk to Jess Yantzi, Erin Yantzi., Holly Barron, or Sue Martin.  

The family of Dan & Gwen Matthews invite you to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with them on Sunday, September 1, from 2 to 4 pm at the Queen’s Park Pavilion. Best wishes only please. We will be creating a scrapbook with cards and notes to help remember the day, so if you are unable to attend please feel free to leave a card in our church mailbox, or mail directly.     Kris and Melanie and families. 

This year at East Zorra we are planning to put a float in the Tavistock Fall Fair parade on Saturday, September 7^th at 11 am! Our vision is to have an intergenerational float that will reflect the budding church community we have here. Following along with the theme “bees and honey”, we would love to focus the float around “planting seeds of faith” with all ages dressed as gardeners or kids as flowers, bees and butterflies. If you are interested in being involved in decorating the float, or participating in it, please reach out to Amy Yantzi: amy.yantzi@outlook.com or 519-301-9707

Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year? Contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, by Tuesday August 27^th if you are willing to help with this ministry.

Coffee Time Hosts – If you would like to add your name to the list of coffee volunteers, please contact Lisa in the office by Tuesday August 27^th. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.   

Saturday September 7^th Adult Fellowship – Meet at church at 11:45 am to pick up your tickets for the play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz” and arrange to carpool to Blyth for play beginning at 2 pm.

Update on Refugee Resettlement: Bibi Shah Bubo arrived safely July 15 and Daud, Sohaila and their 3 youngest children are arriving Aug 12. Please pray for a safe flight. They look forward to being reunited in Kitchener. Tamim Tohky’s family has welcomed the Tohki’s at the Toronto Pearson Airport. Mansoud and Mansor and Bibi have been settling in well in their new home, 50 Ingleside St., Kitchener. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments as costs have risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial financial commitments have risen from $50,000 to approx. $75,000.

The Anabaptist Community Bible.

Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation.

There are 3 editions available, Hardcover ($55.49), Soft Touch ($69.49) and Genuine Leather ($152.49). If you would like to pre-order a bible please put your name on the sheet posted on the main bulletin board or email Lisa at office@emennonite.ca. by September 30, 2024. Please specify which edition of bible you would like. Ordering in bulk will mean savings on shipping costs. Please see the main bulletin board for photos of the bibles and example pages or go to www.CommonWord.ca for more information. Once we know how many bibles we will be ordering we can determine shipping costs per bible. Payment will be due when our order is placed in early October. Publication date is January 2025.

Beyond our Church Community

Steinmann Mennonite Church is celebrating their bicentennial this year.  We invite you to a “Hymn Sing: Music Through the Years” on Friday, September 20, 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.An offering will be received for the Wilmot Family Resource Center.  Following the singing, there will be refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.  All are welcome.

Sunday August 25^th 3 p.m. All are invited to a Saengerfest (Song Festival) at

St. Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton Street, Kitchener) to commemorate the centenary of the 1920s Mennonite immigration to Ontario from settlements in present-day Russia and Ukraine. Song leader is Mark Diller Harder. For more details, see https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/saengerfest

Tuesday September 3^rd 12 – 12:45 p.m., Stories from Africa: Lunch and Listen with Vurayayi Pugeni at50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Come and be inspired by powerful stories from the heart of Southern and Central Africa! Join us in the Community Room at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener live on Facebook, where Vurayayi Pugeni, MCC’s Area Director for Southern and Central Africa and Nigeria, will share firsthand experiences that will uplift and challenge us. Can’t make it in person? No problem—tune in live on our Facebook page! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect and learn!

Thursday September 12^th 4 p.m.. Book Launch | Celebrate the launch of Grebel Dean and Associate Professor of History and Theological Studies Troy Osborne’s new book Radicals and Reformers: A Survey of Global Anabaptist History. The afternoon will feature a short program and reception. Books will be available for purchase and signing. More information at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/radicals-reformers

GTA Mennonite Festival Saturday September 21^st from 10 a.ma – 4 p.m.  Stouffville. It starts with the food! Come hungry for traditional and not-so-traditional Mennonite favourites. Bring the whole family for fun activities like wagon rides, apple picking, and more. Shop for beautiful crafts, fresh produce, and don’t miss the famous Quilt Auction. More info.

***NEW DATE*** Monday September 23^rd MCC Ontario annual general meeting
7 p.m. Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included in the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. This federal holiday is intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and heritage of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. We’ve created a learning resource on how we can all participate in reconciliation. Go to mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation to download the resource.

MCC Ontario will recognize this important day on Tuesday September 24^th. All thrift shops and offices will be closed, and staff will spend this day in learning activities related to the ongoing impact of this dark chapter in Canada’s history.

Montreal River Alternative Service Camp Historical Plaque to be installed!

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Trust will install a commemorative historical plaque at the site of the WW2 Alternative Service (Conscientious Objector) Camp at Montreal River, just north of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. All are invited to the official unveiling of the plaque on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00 pm at Conrad Grebel University College. The next day, September 27, the MHSO has arranged for two buses to go from Waterloo to Montreal River for the installation of the plaque on September 28. Overnight accommodation has been reserved for bus participants for Friday, September 27 so they can take part in the Plaque installation the next day at the Montreal River site. The buses will then return to Waterloo.

For further details, and to reserve a spot on this trip (accommodation deadline is August 27), go to https://www.mhso.org/content/montreal-river-alternative-service-camp-bus-trip

MCC Thrift Stores are looking for household donations!
Have you been meaning to clear out household items that you no longer use, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Well, now’s the time to do it! Our thrift shops need  household donations to keep supplies strong on the sales floor. Pack up some boxes and head over to your local thrift shop today!

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Last day is August 29^th.  A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board.

Help make a difference with MCC! We urgently need your support to provide soap to communities where it’s in short supply. Whether bath soap (85g or larger, in wrapper) or laundry soap (Fels Naptha, Sunlight, or Zote), every donation counts.

Please consider donating today to meet this crucial need. You can drop off your donations at your local MCC Thrift Shop, MCC office, or the Material Resources Warehouse. Together, we can ensure hygiene and health for those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity!

Join MDS and respond to wildfire in Shuswap, B.C. this September! Sign up to volunteer for a week and help rebuild a home lost to wildfire. Construction experience not required. To learn more and sign up, visit mds.org/canadian-opportunities or call Clara at 1-866-261-1274.

Learning Tour: Travelling Together Through Truth
October 21-25, Timmins, ON
Get ready to be inspired and learn as we embark on an exciting journey of connecting and engaging with First Nations communities, organizations and partners of MCC Ontario’s Indigenous Neighbours program in Timmins. To learn more, contact Cam McEachern at 705-264-2494, ext. 220 or by email at cammceachern@mcco.ca.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67              Sunday August 18, 2024                      No. 33

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                          Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                  Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Naomi & David Witzel            Offering: Local Ministries

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf      

Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

Prelude   

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #103 “Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee”

VT #667 “Shall We Gather at the River”

Offering – Local Ministries

Offertory

Time with the Children

Scripture Readings: Luke 15:11-32; Romans 8:28   Linda Schumm

Sharing by Sheryl Leis with Pastor Ray

Song of Response: VT #610 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Prayer of the Church                    

Sending Song: VT #761 “I Love to Tell the Story”

Benediction

Postlude

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.

This Coming Week

Office Administrator, Lisa, is on holidays until Tuesday August 27^th. Please send any Sunday August 25^th bulletin items to Pastor Ray by Friday August 23^rd at 9 a.m. Thanks so much.

Wednesday August 21^st 

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Community Campfire in the Greenspace

Next Sunday – August 25, 2024

Prelude: Laurie Yantzi                                    Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Kristen & Daryl Cressman                Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler      Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

Sharing by Elaine & Dale Leis and Karen & Merv Schlegel with Pastor Mike

EZMC Announcements

The family of Dan & Gwen Matthews invite you to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with them on Sunday, September 1, from 2 to 4 pm at the Queen’s Park Pavilion. Best wishes only please. We will be creating a scrapbook with cards and notes to help remember the day, so if you are unable to attend please feel free to leave a card in our church mailbox, or mail directly.     Kris and Melanie and families. 

This year at East Zorra we are planning to put a float in the Tavistock Fall Fair parade on Saturday, September 7^th at 11 am! Our vision is to have an intergenerational float that will reflect the budding church community we have here. Following along with the theme “bees and honey”, we would love to focus the float around “planting seeds of faith” with all ages dressed as gardeners or kids as flowers, bees and butterflies. If you are interested in being involved in decorating the float, or participating in it, please reach out to Amy Yantzi: amy.yantzi@outlook.com or 519-301-9707

Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year? Contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, by Tuesday August 27^th if you are willing to help with this ministry.

Coffee Time Hosts – If you would like to add your name to the list of coffee volunteers, please contact Lisa in the office by Tuesday August 27^th. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.   

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

Wednesday August 21^st 6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

Everyone of all ages is invited to bring a lawn chair, a snack and a refreshment to drink and join us this Summer in our Green Space around the campfire for a time of fellowship, conversation and fun. There will be no set agenda (though Pastors Ray and Mike may spark some short conversations…) and children will be free to use the equipment and play.

We look forward to enjoying each other’s company.

Green Space – Sandbox

A cover has been added to the sandbox to ensure

• Animals are not leaving deposits in the sand
• That sand remains dry – suitable for small children
• Good winter protection

The cover snaps on

• The side towards the pavilion is left open
• The side toward the swings remains closed
• The other two sides can be opened and rolled back for use

Upcoming Summer Service:

Sunday September 1

Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Saturday September 7^th Adult Fellowship – Meet at church at 11:45 am to pick up your tickets for the play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz” and arrange to carpool to Blyth for play beginning at 2 pm.

Update on Refugee Resettlement: Bibi Shah Bubo arrived safely July 15 and Daud, Sohaila and their 3 youngest children are arriving Aug 12. Please pray for a safe flight. They look forward to being reunited in Kitchener. Tamim Tohky’s family has welcomed the Tohki’s at the Toronto Pearson Airport. Mansoud and Mansor and Bibi have been settling in well in their new home, 50 Ingleside St., Kitchener. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments as costs have risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial financial commitments have risen from $50,000 to approx. $75,000.

The Anabaptist Community Bible.

Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation.

There are 3 editions available, Hardcover ($55.49), Soft Touch ($69.49) and Genuine Leather ($152.49). If you would like to pre-order a bible please put your name on the sheet posted on the main bulletin board or email Lisa at office@emennonite.ca. by September 30, 2024. Please specify which edition of bible you would like. Ordering in bulk will mean savings on shipping costs. Please see the main bulletin board for photos of the bibles and example pages or go to www.CommonWord.ca for more information. Once we know how many bibles we will be ordering we can determine shipping costs per bible. Payment will be due when our order is placed in early October. Publication date is January 2025.

Beyond our Church Community

Sunday August 25^th 3 p.m. All are invited to a Saengerfest (Song Festival) at

St. Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton Street, Kitchener) to commemorate the centenary of the 1920s Mennonite immigration to Ontario from settlements in present-day Russia and Ukraine. Song leader is Mark Diller Harder. For more details, see https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/saengerfest

Tuesday September 3^rd 12 – 12:45 p.m., Stories from Africa: Lunch and Listen with Vurayayi Pugeni at50 Kent Ave., Kitchener
Come and be inspired by powerful stories from the heart of Southern and Central Africa! Join us in the Community Room at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener live on on Facebook, where Vurayayi Pugeni, MCC’s Area Director for Southern and Central Africa and Nigeria, will share firsthand experiences that will uplift and challenge us. Can’t make it in person? No problem—tune in live on our Facebook page! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect and learn!

Thursday September 12^th 4 p.m.. Book Launch | Celebrate the launch of Grebel Dean and Associate Professor of History and Theological Studies Troy Osborne’s new book Radicals and Reformers: A Survey of Global Anabaptist History. The afternoon will feature a short program and reception. Books will be available for purchase and signing. More information at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/radicals-reformers

GTA Mennonite Festival Saturday September 21^st from 10 a.ma – 4 p.m.  Stouffville. It starts with the food! Come hungry for traditional and not-so-traditional Mennonite favourites. Bring the whole family for fun activities like wagon rides, apple picking, and more. Shop for beautiful crafts, fresh produce, and don’t miss the famous Quilt Auction. More info.

***NEW DATE*** Monday September 23^rd MCC Ontario annual general meeting
7 p.m. Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included in the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. This federal holiday is intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and heritage of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. We’ve created a learning resource on how we can all participate in reconciliation. Go to mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation to download the resource.

MCC Ontario will recognize this important day on Tuesday September 24^th. All thrift shops and offices will be closed, and staff will spend this day in learning activities related to the ongoing impact of this dark chapter in Canada’s history.

Montreal River Alternative Service Camp Historical Plaque to be installed!

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Trust will install a commemorative historical plaque at the site of the WW2 Alternative Service (Conscientious Objector) Camp at Montreal River, just north of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. All are invited to the official unveiling of the plaque on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00 pm at Conrad Grebel University College. The next day, September 27, the MHSO has arranged for two buses to go from Waterloo to Montreal River for the installation of the plaque on September 28. Overnight accommodation has been reserved for bus participants for Friday, September 27 so they can take part in the Plaque installation the next day at the Montreal River site. The buses will then return to Waterloo.

For further details, and to reserve a spot on this trip (accommodation deadline is August 27), go to https://www.mhso.org/content/montreal-river-alternative-service-camp-bus-trip

MCC Thrift Stores are looking for household donations!
Have you been meaning to clear out household items that you no longer use, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Well, now’s the time to do it! Our thrift shops need  household donations to keep supplies strong on the sales floor. Pack up some boxes and head over to your local thrift shop today!

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Last day is August 29^th.  A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board.

Help make a difference with MCC! We urgently need your support to provide soap to communities where it’s in short supply. Whether bath soap (85g or larger, in wrapper) or laundry soap (Fels Naptha, Sunlight, or Zote), every donation counts.

Please consider donating today to meet this crucial need. You can drop off your donations at your local MCC Thrift Shop, MCC office, or the Material Resources Warehouse. Together, we can ensure hygiene and health for those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity!

Join MDS and respond to wildfire in Shuswap, B.C. this September! Sign up to volunteer for a week and help rebuild a home lost to wildfire. Construction experience not required. To learn more and sign up, visit mds.org/canadian-opportunities or call Clara at 1-866-261-1274.

Learning Tour: Travelling Together Through Truth
October 21-25, Timmins, ON
Get ready to be inspired and learn as we embark on an exciting journey of connecting and engaging with First Nations communities, organizations and partners of MCC Ontario’s Indigenous Neighbours program in Timmins. To learn more, contact Cam McEachern at 705-264-2494, ext. 220 or by email at cammceachern@mcco.ca.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67              Sunday August 11, 2024                      No. 32

Sunday August 11, 2024

10 a.m. Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park, Tavistock

The Tavistock and Area Ministerial invites you to join us as the community churches come together for a time of worship and fellowship. All are welcome!

The service will be held in the Pavilion. Please bring your lawn chairs!

Along with our regular congregational offerings, we will also receive an offering in support of Tavistock Assistance Program (T.A.P.)

Following the service T.A.P. will host their Annual Community Lunch. Free will donations to help cover the meal expenses are welcomed.

Please see the poster attached to this email for more information.

Please note that there is no service at EZMC.

This Coming Week

Wednesday August 14^th           

• 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Thursday August 15^th                    

• 9 a.m. All items for the Sunday August 18^th bulletin due to the church office

Next Sunday – August 18, 2024

Prelude: Bethany Zehr                                    Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader:   Pastor Ray                        Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Greeters: Naomi & David Witzel                      Offering: Local Ministries

Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Larry Kropf       Sharing: Sheryl Leis with Pastor Ray

Coffee Hosts: Michelle & Brad Brenneman

EZMC Announcements

July 2024 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $36,320

Refugee Fund – $2,355

VBS Daily Offerings – $1,105

VBS Program Offering – $624

VBS Expenses – $100

We are pleased to share that Caleb Leis will begin to serve as Lay Minister of Christian Education and Nurture beginning in July. We are grateful for the years of service that Jared Yantzi gave to the CENT Team. Thank you Jared! And blessings to you Caleb as you begin to serve in this Lay Minister role.

Greeters – As a greeter (individual, couple, or family) you would stand at the top of the stairs outside the parent’s room and greet people as they arrive Sunday morning. We would encourage you to be here by 9:30 or shortly after when you serve in this role. Would you or your family be willing to serve as a greeter and be scheduled in for a few Sunday mornings through the year? Contact Lisa Suderman, our Office Administrator, by Tuesday August 27^th if you are willing to help with this ministry.

Coffee Time Hosts – If you would like to add your name to the list of coffee volunteers, please contact Lisa in the office by Tuesday August 27^th. A coffee host prepares the coffee and cleans up after.   

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

Wednesday August 21^st 6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

Everyone of all ages is invited to bring a lawn chair, a snack and a refreshment to drink and join us this Summer in our Green Space around the campfire for a time of fellowship, conversation and fun. There will be no set agenda (though Pastors Ray and Mike may spark some short conversations…) and children will be free to use the equipment and play.

We look forward to enjoying each other’s company.

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday August 11 – Tavistock & Area Ecumenical Worship Service in Queen’s Park.

Sunday September 1

Shared Worship Service hosted at Cassel Mennonite Church.

Saturday September 7^th Adult Fellowship – Meet at church at 11:45 am to pick up your tickets for the play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz” and arrange to carpool to Blyth for play beginning at 2 pm.

Update on Refugee Resettlement: Bibi Shah Bubo arrived safely July 15 and Daud, Sohaila and their 3 youngest children are arriving Aug 12. Please pray for a safe flight. They look forward to being reunited in Kitchener. Tamim Tohky’s family has welcomed the Tohki’s at the Toronto Pearson Airport. Mansoud and Mansor and Bibi have been settling in well in their new home, 50 Ingleside St., Kitchener. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments as costs have risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial financial commitments have risen from $50,000 to approx. $75,000.

The Anabaptist Community Bible.

Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation.

There are 3 editions available, Hardcover ($55.49), Soft Touch ($69.49) and Genuine Leather ($152.49). If you would like to pre-order a bible please put your name on the sheet posted on the main bulletin board or email Lisa at office@emennonite.ca. by September 30, 2024. Please specify which edition of bible you would like. Ordering in bulk will mean savings on shipping costs. Please see the main bulletin board for photos of the bibles and example pages or go to www.CommonWord.ca for more information. Once we know how many bibles we will be ordering we can determine shipping costs per bible. Payment will be due when our order is placed in early October. Publication date is January 2025.

Beyond our Church Community

MCC Thrift Stores are looking for household donations!
Have you been meaning to clear out household items that you no longer use, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Well, now’s the time to do it! Our thrift shops need  household donations to keep supplies strong on the sales floor. Pack up some boxes and head over to your local thrift shop today!

Food Truck Thursdays at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Every Thursday from 4-8 pm, food trucks will be at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre beginning on June 20^th. A poster and schedule of the different food trucks is on the main bulletin board.

Help make a difference with MCC! We urgently need your support to provide soap to communities where it’s in short supply. Whether bath soap (85g or larger, in wrapper) or laundry soap (Fels Naptha, Sunlight, or Zote), every donation counts.

Please consider donating today to meet this crucial need. You can drop off your donations at your local MCC Thrift Shop, MCC office, or the Material Resources Warehouse. Together, we can ensure hygiene and health for those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity!

The School Kit Challenge

Enter the School Kit Challenge: 24,000 school kits to help 24,000 kids during the month of August. To help you meet this challenge, we’ve got a fun school kit activity resource for Sunday school and VBS students! Sign up to receive our free resource full of activities for kids to learn how school supplies help children around the world receive an education. Learn more at mcc.org/school-kit-challenge.

Wednesday August 21^st MEDA Farm Tour – Join the Pfamily! Come on over to New Hamburg for a first hand look at how an organic vegetable farm operates in Waterloo Region. Hear from the Pfennings, a local family with a 400-year legacy of farming, about how and why they are committed to raising healthy, chemical free vegetables. You will have the opportunity to tour the farm fields and then enjoy a delicious meal catered by Chef Adam Brenner. Music will be provided by Byron Shantz and Dean Shoemaker. Time: 5 – 7:30 pm Cost: $59 per person

Location: Pfennings Organic Vegetables Inc (1209 Waterloo St, New Hamburg, ON) please RSVP on MEDA’s website by Wednesday August 7^th.

Whether you’re a seasoned MEDA member or new to global development, all are welcome, as we explore together the integration of entrepreneurship, faith and creativity for our shared purpose of poverty alleviation!

Sunday August 25^th 3 p.m. All are invited to a Saengerfest (Song Festival) at

St. Matthews Lutheran Church (54 Benton Street, Kitchener) to commemorate the centenary of the 1920s Mennonite immigration to Ontario from settlements in present-day Russia and Ukraine. Song leader is Mark Diller Harder. For more details, see https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/saengerfest

Book Launch | Thursday September 12^th 4 p.m.. Celebrate the launch of Grebel Dean and Associate Professor of History and Theological Studies Troy Osborne’s new book Radicals and Reformers: A Survey of Global Anabaptist History. The afternoon will feature a short program and reception. Books will be available for purchase and signing. More information at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/radicals-reformers

GTA Mennonite Festival
Saturday September 21^st from 10 AM to 4 PM | Stouffville

It starts with the food! Come hungry for traditional and not-so-traditional Mennonite favourites. Bring the whole family for fun activities like wagon rides, apple picking, and more. Shop for beautiful crafts, fresh produce, and don’t miss the famous Quilt Auction. More info.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included in the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. This federal holiday is intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and heritage of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. We’ve created a learning resource on how we can all participate in reconciliation. Go to mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation to download the resource.

MCC Ontario will recognize this important day on Tuesday September 24^th. All thrift shops and offices will be closed, and staff will spend this day in learning activities related to the ongoing impact of this dark chapter in Canada’s history.

Shop the Raw Carrot today!
Looking for a hostess or appreciation gift? Consider purchasing a jar of granola topper for $6 or a package of pancake and waffle mix for $8. Going camping? These make easy and delicious take-alongs, along with a package of our frozen gourmet soup that can double as an ice pack in your cooler until it’s thawed! The Raw Carrot is an MCC partner program that employs people with diverse abilities to prepare handmade food products in the Kitchener area. Pick up some soup at your local MCC thrift shop or email rawcarrot@mcco.ca to place an order.

Join MDS and respond to wildfire in Shuswap, B.C. this September! Sign up to volunteer for a week and help rebuild a home lost to wildfire. Construction experience not required. To learn more and sign up, visit mds.org/canadian-opportunities or call Clara at 1-866-261-1274.

Save-the-date! MCC Ontario Annual General Meeting

Wednesday September 25^th  7 p.m.
Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM

Montreal River Alternative Service Camp Historical Plaque to be installed!

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Trust will install a commemorative historical plaque at the site of the WW2 Alternative Service (Conscientious Objector) Camp at Montreal River, just north of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

All are invited to the official unveiling of the plaque on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00 pm at Conrad Grebel University College. The next day, September 27, the MHSO has arranged for two buses to go from Waterloo to Montreal River for the installation of the plaque on September 28. Overnight accommodation has been reserved for bus participants for Friday, September 27 so they can take part in the Plaque installation the next day at the Montreal River site. The buses will then return to Waterloo.

For further details, and to reserve a spot on this trip (accommodation deadline is August 27), go to https://www.mhso.org/content/montreal-river-alternative-service-camp-bus-trip

Learning Tour: Travelling Together Through Truth
October 21-25, Timmins, ON
Get ready to be inspired and learn as we embark on an exciting journey of connecting and engaging with First Nations communities, organizations and partners of MCC Ontario’s Indigenous Neighbours program in Timmins. To learn more, contact Cam McEachern at 705-264-2494, ext. 220 or by email at cammceachern@mcco.ca.