Weekly Announcements

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67              Sunday August 4, 2024                      No. 31

Sunday August 4, 2024

10 a.m.

Shared Worship Service with EZMC, Cassel and Tavistock, will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church (131 Wettlaufer Street, Tavistock).

A livestream will be available on TMC’s website.

EZMC Offering Designation: Mission Partners

Please note that there is not a service at EZMC.

This Coming Week

Wednesday August 7^th

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

Next Sunday – August 11, 2023

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 note that there is no service at EZMC.

EZMC Announcements

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   

6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

August 7, August 21

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

2 p.m. Play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz”, the story of the Farmerettes, at Blyth Theatre. Tickets are $43.00. For tickets speak to Owen and Carol Cook as soon as possible. Deadline to order is July 28^th. We will carpool to Blyth and plan to stop at Swiss Chalet in Stratford for Supper after the play. More info to follow. Payment for tickets is due TODAY, Sunday July 28^th and can be given to Carol & Owen Cook.

Refugee Resettlement Update: Mansor and Masoud Tokhi arrived safely on Monday July 1^st. (The date the other six family members arrive is yet to be confirmed.) Tamim Tohky’s family welcomed their nephews/cousins at Toronto Pearson Airport and will help them settle in their new home in Kitchener. Our initial commitment to cover one year in rent has risen to $40,800. Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who were co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. Due to the increased prices in housing, the initial cost of the co-sponsorship has risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial commitment of $25,000 to co-sponsor Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, should be adjusted to $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

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

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) 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, 4:00 PM. 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.

MDS Newsletter – July edition of On the Level is now available.  

In this edition, you’ll read about a three-year-long recovery from wildfire in Lytton, B.C., with stories about survivors Owen Collings and Patsy Gessey, and response co-coordinator Mark Rempel. Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/4bM51Em

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.

Urgent Call for Soap Donations!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67              Sunday July 28, 2024                      No. 30

Sunday July 28, 2024 – Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Ashley & Jon Witzel                         Offering: Relief/MCC

Audio/Visual: Greg Pye/Brian Wagler              Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby

Prelude   

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT # 4 “Christ Is Our Cornerstone”

VT # 182 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”

Offering – Relief/Mennonite Central Committee       

Time with the Children

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 17:7-8; Romans 5:1-5; Philippians 4:8

Sharing by Janice Gingerich with Pastor Mike

Song of Response

VT # 386 “One Is the Body”

Prayer of the Church                    

Sending Song

VT # 737 “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”    

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 – August 4, 2024

EZMC Offering: Mission Partners

10 a.m. Shared Worship Service with EZMC, Cassel and Tavistock, will be hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church (131 Wettlaufer Street, Tavistock).

A livestream will be available on TMC’s website.

EZMC Announcements

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.   

Library Book Missing – We are missing Book 1 of a series of 5 books on Chronicles of the King titled “Gods and Kings” By Lynn Austin.

If anyone has this book please let us know.

Thanks Joyce Ropp, Janet Yantzi, Arlene Baechler

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

August 7, August 21

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

2 p.m. Play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz”, the story of the Farmerettes, at Blyth Theatre. Tickets are $43.00. For tickets speak to Owen and Carol Cook as soon as possible. Deadline to order is July 28^th. We will carpool to Blyth and plan to stop at Swiss Chalet in Stratford for Supper after the play. More info to follow. Payment for tickets is due TODAY, Sunday July 28^th and can be given to Carol & Owen Cook.

Refugee Resettlement Update: Mansor and Masoud Tokhi arrived safely on Monday July 1^st. (The date the other six family members arrive is yet to be confirmed.) Tamim Tohky’s family welcomed their nephews/cousins at Toronto Pearson Airport and will help them settle in their new home in Kitchener. Our initial commitment to cover one year in rent has risen to $40,800. Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who were co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. Due to the increased prices in housing, the initial cost of the co-sponsorship has risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial commitment of $25,000 to co-sponsor Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, should be adjusted to $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

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 with 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

MDS Newsletter – July edition of On the Level is now available.  

In this edition, you’ll read about a three-year-long recovery from wildfire in Lytton, B.C., with stories about survivors Owen Collings and Patsy Gessey, and response co-coordinator Mark Rempel. Read On the Level: https://conta.cc/4bM51Em

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.

Urgent Call for Soap Donations!

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.

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.

GTA Mennonite Festival
Sept 23 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.

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

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.

Thursday September 26^th The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, along with the Ontario Heritage Trust, will unveil a commemorative plaque to be placed at the site of the Montreal River Alternative Service camp (just north of Sault Ste. Marie). Canada’s Alternative Service program ran from 1941-1946, with over 10,000 participants, many of them Mennonite.  The unveiling will take place at Conrad Grebel University College at 4:00 pm. Then on September 28, the plaque will be installed at the Montreal River site.  For more information, please visit the MHSO website at MHSO.org

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, conatct Cam McEachern at 705-264-2494, ext. 220 or by email at cammceachern@mcco.ca.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday July 14, 2024                      No. 28

Sunday July 14, 2024 – Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp                     Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler    Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth

Prelude           “You Gave”

“What Child is This?”

“Angels we have Heard on High”

“Oh How I Love Jesus”

“Fairest Lord Jesus”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise             “God With Us”

“Great Things”

Offering – Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada & Mennonite Church Canada      

Offertory “Nothing is Impossible”

Time with the Children: Skit           Brian Wagler and Pastor Mike                                  

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7

Message: VBS Reflections by Susan Schmitz, Megan MacDonald, Maddie Cressman

Song of Response: “Praise Him”

Sharing and Prayer of the Church   Pastor Ray          

Sending Song: “Must Be Done In Love”    

Benediction

Postlude: “Must Be Done In Love”       

*All song videos are from Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus was a kid used this past week at Vacation Bible School.

This morning we will continue our Summer worship series entitled: “Experiencing The God Who Is With Us.” In the message time each week Ray or Mike will interview a congregational member who will share from experiences of their life.

We pray that the stories and experiences shared this summer will be an encouragement, and a reminder to each of us that God is with us.  

Jesus left this promise as he prepared to ascend to the Father: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20)

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 – July 21, 2024

Prelude: Connie & friends                              Accompanist: Bethany Zehr

Worship Leader: Tyler Yantzi                          Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Susan & Bill Schmitz                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf          Coffee Hosts: Carol & Owen Cook

Message: Sharing by Tyler Yantzi

Extending God’s Love

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

Pastor Ray is taking holidays during the last two weeks of July. He will return on July 30. In the event of a pastoral care need please reach out to Pastor Mike.

EZMC Announcements

Library Book Missing

We are missing Book 1 of a series of 5 books on Chronicles of the King titled “Gods and Kings” By Lynn Austin.

If anyone has this book please let us know.

Thanks Joyce Ropp, Janet Yantzi, Arlene Baechler

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

July 24, August 7, August 21

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.

Refugee Resettlement Update: Mansor and Masoud Tokhi arrived safely on Monday July 1^st. (The date the other six family members arrive is yet to be confirmed.) Tamim Tohky’s family welcomed their nephews/cousins at Toronto Pearson Airport and will help them settle in their new home in Kitchener. Our initial commitment to cover one year in rent has risen to $40,800. Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who were co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. Due to the increased prices in housing, the initial cost of the co-sponsorship has risen since we approved this mission ministry. Our initial commitment of $25,000 to co-sponsor Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, should be adjusted to $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

Further to the request for prayers and financial support for our refugee resettlement fund, Tamim Tokhy would gratefully receive any of the following for the Daud Tokhi family. 1) a queen size bed and box spring; 2) 3 or 4 single bed mattresses and box springs; 3) one double bed and box spring; 4) a dining table with six chairs; and 5) clothing of all sizes for cooler weather. Should you have any of the furniture listed to donate, please contact Tamim at 226-808-4001 or tamimtokhy1@hotmail.com to arrange drop off at 50 Ingleside Dr. Kitchener. For clothing of all sizes, including men’s size 28 and 30 waist, please contact Tamim at 226-808-4001 or tamimtokhy1@hotmail.com to arrange pick up. 

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday August 4

Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 11

Tavistock and 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

2 p.m. Play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz”, the story of the Farmerettes, at Blyth Theatre. Tickets are $43.00. For tickets speak to Owen and Carol Cook as soon as possible. Deadline to order is July 28^th. We will carpool to Blyth and plan to stop at Swiss Chalet in Stratford for Supper after the play. More info to follow. Payment for tickets is due by July 28^th and can be given to Carol & Owen Cook.

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 with 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.

Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) would like to let everyone know that our treasurer, Dawn Zehr, will be retiring at the end of this year. We’d like to thank her for 23 years of faithful service to our church. We have started conversations about how best to fill this huge responsibility. Please stay tuned over the next few months as we work through this process.

Blessings Dawn as you work towards wrapping up your role and all the best for your future endeavours. 

Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is once again offering two weeks of camp for Low Income single moms and their children (between ages 5 to 12) this summer.
For any single parent families in our congregation that are interested in this opportunity, please contact your pastors or any member of the Care Team. If you are aware of single parents in our community who could benefit from this, please also contact us. If anyone wishes to offer financial assistance or support of any kind, please contact Maryanne Lebold at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp.

Beyond our Church Community

Saturday July 13^th

Cassel Mennonite Church invites you to their Community Tractor Breakfast.

Breakfast will be served between 8:30 – 10 a.m. Tractors optional. Donations to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Everyone welcome. 17^th Line and Cassel Sideroad.

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.

Urgent Call for Soap Donations!

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.

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.

GTA Mennonite Festival
Sept 23 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.

Thursday September 26^th The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, along with the Ontario Heritage Trust, will unveil a commemorative plaque to be placed at the site of the Montreal River Alternative Service camp (just north of Sault Ste. Marie). Canada’s Alternative Service program ran from 1941-1946, with over 10,000 participants, many of them Mennonite.  The unveiling will take place at Conrad Grebel University College at 4:00 pm. Then on September 28, the plaque will be installed at the Montreal River site.  For more information, please visit the MHSO website at MHSO.org

EZMC Outdoor Service at Queen’s Park – 10:30 AM

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday July 7, 2024                      No. 27

Sunday July 7 2024 – Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.

Please note that there will not be a Zoom service on this day.

Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi                         Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Prelude & Accompanist: Bethany Zehr           Offering: Mission Partners

Sharing by: Rick Roes with Pastor Ray             Audio: Drystan Bender                       

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

HWB #340 – ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

HWB #598 – A wonderful Saviour is Jesus

Offering – Mission Partners               

Time with the Children                               

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; John 5:36-47

Sharing by Rick Roes with Pastor Ray

Song of Response: HWB #545 – Be thou my vision

Sharing and Prayer of the Church               Pastor Mike        

Sending Song:  HWB #154 This is my Father’s world 

Benediction    

This morning we will begin our Summer worship series entitled: “Experiencing The God Who Is With Us.” In the message time each week Ray or Mike will interview a congregational member who will share from experiences of their life.

We pray that the stories and experiences shared this summer will be an encouragement, and a reminder to each of us that God is with us.  

Jesus left this promise as he prepared to ascend to the Father: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20)

Today

Potluck immediately following worship. Please bring your own dishes and cutlery, lawn chairs, (and of course delicious food!). Drinks will be provided.

This Coming Week

Monday July 8^th – Friday July 12^th

• 8:45 – 8:55 am VBS drop off
• 9 – 11:45 am VBS

Thursday July 11^th

• 6:45 pm VBS Program

Next Sunday – July 14, 2024

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Yantzi

Worship Leader: Bevin Witmer                       Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeters: Joyce & Howard Ropp                     Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler    Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Tom Roth

EZMC Announcements

Refugee Resettlement Update: Mansor and Masoud Tokhi arrived safely on Monday July 1^st. (The date the other six family members arrive is yet to be confirmed.) Tamim Tohky’s family welcomed their nephews/cousins at Toronto Pearson Airport and will help them settle in their new home in Kitchener. Our initial commitment to cover one year in rent has risen to $40,800.  Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who were co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024.  Due to the increased prices in housing, the initial cost of the co-sponsorship has risen since we approved this mission ministry.  Our initial commitment of $25,000 to co-sponsor Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, should be adjusted to $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

Further to the request for prayers and financial support for our refugee resettlement fund, Tamim Tokhy would gratefully receive any of the following for the Daud Tokhi family. 1) a queen size bed and box spring; 2) 3 or 4 single bed mattresses and box springs; 3) one double bed and box spring; 4) a dining table with six chairs; and 5) clothing of all sizes for cooler weather. Should you have any of the furniture listed to donate, please contact Tamim at 226-808-4001 or tamimtokhy1@hotmail.com to arrange drop off at 50 Ingleside Dr. Kitchener. For clothing of all sizes, including men’s size 28 and 30 waist, please contact Tamim at 226-808-4001 or tamimtokhy1@hotmail.com to arrange pick up. 

You are invited to attend Agape’s final service July 14 at 4 p.m. There will be a time of sharing and refreshments afterwards and saying goodbye. If you would like to attend, please contact Susan Schmitz (ws.schmitz23@gmail.com or 519.505.1638) or Pastor Ray no later than Thursday July 11. 

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

July 24, August 7, August 21

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 4

Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 11

Tavistock and 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

2 p.m. Play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz”, the story of the Farmerettes, at Blyth Theatre. Tickets are $43.00. For tickets speak to Owen and Carol Cook as soon as possible. Deadline to order is July 28^th. We will carpool to Blyth and plan to stop at Swiss Chalet in Stratford for Supper after the play. More info to follow. Payment for tickets is due by July 28^th and can be given to Carol & Owen Cook.

Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) would like to let everyone know that our treasurer, Dawn Zehr, will be retiring at the end of this year. We’d like to thank her for 23 years of faithful service to our church. We have started conversations about how best to fill this huge responsibility. Please stay tuned over the next few months as we work through this process.

Blessings Dawn as you work towards wrapping up your role and all the best for your future endeavours. 

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 with 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.

Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is once again offering two weeks of camp for Low Income single moms and their children (between ages 5 to 12) this summer.
For any single parent families in our congregation that are interested in this opportunity, please contact your pastors or any member of the Care Team. If you are aware of single parents in our community who could benefit from this, please also contact us. If anyone wishes to offer financial assistance or support of any kind, please contact Maryanne Lebold at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp.

Beyond our Church Community

Saturday July 13^th

Cassel Mennonite Church invites you to their Community Tractor Breakfast.

Breakfast will be served between 8:30 – 10 a.m. Tractors optional. Donations to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Everyone welcome. 17^th Line and Cassel Sideroad.

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.

Urgent Call for Soap Donations!

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.

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.

GTA Mennonite Festival
Sept 23 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.

Thursday September 26^th The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, along with the Ontario Heritage Trust, will unveil a commemorative plaque to be placed at the site of the Montreal River Alternative Service camp (just north of Sault Ste. Marie). Canada’s Alternative Service program ran from 1941-1946, with over 10,000 participants, many of them Mennonite.  The unveiling will take place at Conrad Grebel University College at 4:00 pm. Then on September 28, the plaque will be installed at the Montreal River site.  For more information, please visit the MHSO website at MHSO.org

Signs of Peace: A Retrospective of Peace Posters | July 2 – October 31, 2024 at the Grebel Gallery.  Featuring over 40 posters from organizations and initiatives connected to Grebel, this pop-up exhibit encourages viewers to reflect on the messaging and design work that goes into inspiring peace action. uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/grebel-gallery

A virtual space for Indigenous art

As part of MCC’s ongoing work towards reconciliation between Indigenous and settler peoples, MCC has curated this gallery space featuring photos of artworks by Indigenous artists on the theme of Transforming Relationships.

View the gallery and meet the artists in this new virtual art space.

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, conatct 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 June 30, 2024                      No. 26

Sunday June 30 2024 – Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Join Sunday Morning Worship

Prelude: Heidi Wagler                                     Accompanist: Heidi Wagler

Worship Leader: Pastor Ray                            Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr

Greeter: Jean MacDonald                               Offering: Local Ministries

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

Coffee Hosts: Kristen & Daryl Cressman

A special welcome to our friends and neighbours joining us from Cassel and Tavistock. We are glad you could join us this morning for the first of our three combined long weekend services.

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #7 “Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing

VT #84 “To God Be the Glory”

Offering – Local Ministries                

Time with the Children                                Hannah Yantzi

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:6-15           Jean MacDonald

Message  Good News for Anxious Christians  Pastor Mike          

Song of Response       VT #617 “When Peace like a River”

Sharing & Prayer of the Church     

Sending Song  VT # 114 “Now Thank We All Our God”

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.

This Coming Week

Wednesday July 3rd    

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Campfire in the Greenspace (see announcement on p.5)

Next Sunday – July 7, 2024

10:30 a.m.

EZMC Outdoor Service in Queen’s Park Pavilion Tavistock.

On July 7 we will begin our Summer worship series entitled: “Experiencing The God Who Is With Us.” In the message time each week Ray or Mike will interview a congregational member who will share from experiences of their life.

We pray that the stories and experiences shared this summer will be an encouragement, and a reminder to each of us that God is with us.  

Jesus left this promise as he prepared to ascend to the Father: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20)

Worship Leader: Dylan Yantzi                         Song Leader: Caleb Leis

Prelude & Accompanist: Bethany Zehr           Offering: Mission Partners

Sharing by: Rick Roes with Pastor Ray             Audio: Drystan Bender                       

Please note that there will not be a Zoom service on this day.

Potluck immediately following worship. Please bring your own dishes and cutlery, lawn chairs, (and of course delicious food!). Drinks will be provided.

Extending God’s Love

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

We extend our sympathy to Kelly, Lisa, Julianna and Leighton Suderman on the passing of their mother and grandmother Ethel Suderman. Ethel died peacefully on Thursday June 27th in Mission, B.C. Prayers are appreciated for Kelly’s Dad Peter, who remains in hospital, but anticipates a move to Tabor Home in Abbotsford this weekend. May God’s healing peace surround Kelly and his family as grieve Ethel’s death and determine memorial service details to celebrate her life. 

A celebration of life will be held for Arvilla’s son James Leis at Hillcrest Mennonite Church on June 29th, 2024, at 1:30 pm. There will be no formal visitation but you are invited to fellowship with the family after the service. May God’s healing peace surround Arvilla and her family as grieve Jim’s death and celebrate his life.

Norma and Roy Ropp and their family appreciate your ongoing prayers and support. Norma is getting weaker as she continues to rest at home surrounded by family.  

Bob and Lynda Lichti and their family are thankful for ongoing prayers for Lynda. Lynda was transferred this week to St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital. Lynda appreciates our continuing prayers.   

EZMC Announcements

Refugee Resettlement Update: Mansor and Masoud Tokhi are arriving Monday July 1st! (The date the other family members arrive is yet to be confirmed.) Housing has been secured for the Daud Tokhi family as of this past week. Our commitment to cover rent for one year is $40,800.  Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who were co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. Due to the increased prices in housing, the initial costs of the co-sponsorships have risen since we approved these mission ministries.  Our initial commitment of $25,000 to co-sponsor Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, should be adjusted to $35,000.

Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

You are invited to attend Agape’s final service July 14 at 4 p.m. There will be a time of sharing and refreshments afterwards and saying goodbye. If you would like to attend, please contact Susan Schmitz (ws.schmitz23@gmail.com or 519.505.1638) or Pastor Ray.  

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

July 3, July 24, August 7, August 21

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.

July 8-12^th – VBS Week – Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer during VBS, don’t hesitate to reach out to Naomi or Ashley.

We would like to thank everyone for all their support of VBS this year. We are need of several hammers as well as several mortar and pestle sets for our VBS week. If you would be willing to share these with us, please label them well and put them in the teal/blue Sunday school room prior to July 8th. We will leave them in the same room for pick up at the end of the week.

We also request your prayers for all the kids coming, the volunteers helping and for the sun to shine.

Thank you,

Ashley and Naomi

Student Aid Applications:

Students, are you considering a Christian school for your education for the next school year? (e.g. Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian Mennonite University, Conrad Grebel University College, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary). East Zorra is committed to supporting individuals who consider Christian nurture and leadership development to be part of their education. Student aid applications are due June 30^th for the 2024/2025 school year (Sept 2024 – Aug 2025). If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, you will find the Student Aid policy and application under the church mailboxes or contact Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca who can email the application to you. You can direct the completed applications and any questions to Finance and Facility Chair Brendan Leis at b_leis@hotmail.com.

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday August 4

Shared Worship service hosted at Tavistock Mennonite Church.

Sunday August 11

Tavistock and 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

2 p.m. Play “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz”, the story of the Farmerettes, at Blyth Theatre. Tickets are $43.00. For tickets speak to Owen and Carol Cook as soon as possible. Deadline to order is July 28^th. We will carpool to Blyth and plan to stop at Swiss Chalet in Stratford for Supper after the play. More info to follow. Payment for tickets is due by July 28^th and can be given to Carol & Owen Cook.

Staff Congregation Relations Committee (SCRC) would like to let everyone know that our treasurer, Dawn Zehr, will be retiring at the end of this year. We’d like to thank her for 23 years of faithful service to our church. We have started conversations about how best to fill this huge responsibility. Please stay tuned over the next few months as we work through this process.

Blessings Dawn as you work towards wrapping up your role and all the best for your future endeavours. 

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 with 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.

Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is once again offering two weeks of camp for Low Income single moms and their children (between ages 5 to 12) this summer.
For any single parent families in our congregation that are interested in this opportunity, please contact your pastors or any member of the Care Team. If you are aware of single parents in our community who could benefit from this, please also contact us. If anyone wishes to offer financial assistance or support of any kind, please contact Maryanne Lebold at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp.

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.

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.

Soap for hope
MCC urgently needs soap donations for countries where soap is scarce. Both bath soap (85g or larger, in wrapper) and laundry soap (Fels Naptha, Sunlight, or Zote) are needed. Please donate to meet this crucial need. Donations can be dropped off at your local MCC Thrift shop, MCC office or the Material Resources warehouse. Learn more at mcc.org/kits.

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.

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, conatct 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.