Weekly Announcements

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.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67          Sunday June 23, 2024                      No. 25

Sunday June 16 2024 – Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Prelude: Laurie Yantzi/Hannah Witzel Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi

Worship Leader: Caleb Leis                            Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp                         Offering: Relief/MCC

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

Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm

Prelude          

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

VT #496 “I Owe the Lord a Morning Song”

VT # 129 “O Worship Our God”

Offering –  Relief/Mennonite Central Committee                

Time with the Children   Sheryl Leis

Scripture Reading: Acts 28:16-31

Message    Pastor Ray          

Song of Response

VT #411 “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

Sharing & Prayer of the Church      Pastor Mike

Sending Song

VT #566 “We Will Follow”

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.

Care Team and Young Adult Lunch at Brian and Heidi Wagler’s.

This Coming Week

Heidi Wagler, our Faith Community Nurse, will be on a week of holidays beginning Tuesday June 25.

Tuesday June 25^th

• 6:30 p.m. Staff Congregation Relations Committee Meeting

Wednesday June 26^th    

• 7 p.m. Adult Fellowship Strawberry Social

Karen Bearinger will share and Special music by the Ropp’s.

Dessert and coffee/tea following the program.

Thursday June 27^th                     

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group 

Next Sunday – June 30, 2024

10 a.m. Worship Service

We will be welcoming Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite at East Zorra as we meet for the first of our shared Worship services on holidays weekend this summer.

         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

EZMC Announcements

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. 

Refugee Resettlement Updates: Daud Tokhi and family passed their interviews May 29^th! The date of their arrival is yet to be confirmed, but should be this summer! Our commitment to pay rent for their first years’ rent should begin this year. Secondly, Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who we co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. (Following the arrival of the Nouwara & Al Younes and family in 2019, EZ agreed to co-sponsor Nouwara Younes’ sister Maryam and her five children.) 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.

Our commitment to cover rent for one year for Daud Tokhi and familywill increase our costs from $25,000 to at least $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

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.

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday June 30

We will be welcoming Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite at East Zorra as we meet for the first of our shared Worship services on holidays weekend this summer.

Sunday July 7

EZMC Outdoor Service and Potluck at Queen’s Park Pavillion. More details will follow in the coming weeks.

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.

Upcoming Adult Fellowship Events – Save the following dates:

Saturday September 7^th

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.

Thursday November 28^th

Catered Christmas Dinner by Quehls.

Entertainment – “Menno Valley Sound”

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.

VBS Important Dates

July 8-12th- 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

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.

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, Soft Touch and Genuine Leather. If you would like to pre-order a Bible please look for more information in the coming weeks. We will be posting a sign up sheet for those who would like to order a bible.

Beyond our Church Community

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.

More Music at Detweiler Meetinghouse, 3445 Rosevile Rd., Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m.  “Three in the Round,” Gwen Potter, John Harris and Bob MacLean’s very best folk/traditional selections for a special night. Information at Detweilermeetinghouse.ca/events.  Admission by donation.

Family Camping Weekend at Hidden Acres

Join us for outdoor family fun at Hidden Acres June 28-29 for our Annual Family Camping Weekend. Camp sites are first come, first serve, cabins require reservation. Check out our website or our brochure for details!

Sunday July 7^th 3:30 pm – Oasis Chorale present a concert of a cappella choral music, ‘Radiant Dawn’ at St Jacobs Mennonite Church (1310 King St N, St Jacobs). Oasis Chorale is a 40 voice Anabaptist touring choir – www.oasischorale.org. Free will offering.

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.

East Zorra Mennonite Church

Volume 67            Sunday June 16, 2024                      No. 24

Sunday June 16 2024 – Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Trials and Tribulations

Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Flo & Lorne Metzger                        Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf       Message: Pastor Mike

Prelude       

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

#670 VT – In the Bulb There is a Flower

#9 VT – Come Away from Rush and Hurry/All in All

Offering – Leadership                   

Time with the Children   Pastor Mike

Scripture Reading: Acts 22:30 – 23:11

Message               Pastor Mike

Song of Response:  #570 VT – When We Walk with the Lord

Youth Sharing

Sharing & Prayer of the Church      Pastor Ray

Sending Song: #793 VT – Siyahamba (We are Marching)

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

Monday June 17^th

• 7 p.m. VBS Prep Night/Work Bee

Tuesday June 18^th

• 7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting

Wednesday June 19^th    

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Campfire in the Greenspace (see announcement below)
• Play Group Set up

Thursday June 20^th                     

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group 

Friday June 21^st   

• MYF – Year End Celebration

Next Sunday – June 23, 2024

Further Up and Farther In – Acts 28

Prelude: Laurie Yantzi/Hannah Witzel            Accompanist: Laurie Yantzi

Worship Leader: Caleb Leis                          Song Leader: Myron Ruby

Greeters: Gloria & Merv Ropp                         Offering: Relief/MCC

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

Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm

EZMC Announcements

Community Campfires at East Zorra Mennonite   

6:30-8:30 in the Green Space

June 19, 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.

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. 

Refugee Resettlement Updates: Daud Tokhi and family passed their interviews May 29^th! The date of their arrival is yet to be confirmed, but should be this summer! Our commitment to pay rent for their first years’ rent should begin this year. Secondly, Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who we co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. (Following the arrival of the Nouwara & Al Younes and family in 2019, EZ agreed to co-sponsor Nouwara Younes’ sister Maryam and her five children.) 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.

Our commitment to cover rent for one year for Daud Tokhi and familywill increase our costs from $25,000 to at least $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

Upcoming Summer Services:

Sunday June 30

We will be welcoming Cassel Mennonite and Tavistock Mennonite at East Zorra as we meet for the first of our shared Worship services on holidays weekend this summer.

Sunday July 7

EZMC Outdoor Service and Potluck at Queen’s Park Pavillion. More details will follow in the coming weeks.

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.

Upcoming Adult Fellowship Events

Wednesday June 26^th – Strawberry Social at 7 p.m.

Karen Bearinger will share and Special music by the Ropp’s.

Dessert and coffee/tea following the program.

Save the following dates:

Saturday September 7^th

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.

Thursday November 28^th

Catered Christmas Dinner by Quehls.

Entertainment – “Menno Valley Sound”

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.

VBS Important Dates

June 17th @ 7pm- VBS Material and Decoration Prep evening- Join us to prepare materials and decorations. 

July 8-12th- 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

A reminder that the 2024 Camp Subsidy Form are due by June 15. Please complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or into her church mailbox. Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

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.

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, Soft Touch and Genuine Leather. If you would like to pre-order a Bible please look for more information in the coming weeks. We will be posting a sign up sheet for those who would like to order a bible.

Beyond our Church Community

Interfaith Counselling Centre – 40^th Anniversary Celebration – Come join us in celebrating 40 years of instilling hope in our community. In celebration we are hosting a phenomenal unforgettable event — formal attire, delicious food and live musical entertainment, featuring local talent Daniel Lichti, Angelica Appelman, and Mike and Diana Erb. Wednesday June 19^th 6 p.m. (dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.) at Puddicombe Banquet Hall (145 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON)

Ticket price: $140 / person ($80 receiptable)

Lots of gray hair in your faith community? That’s great! Find out why at the annual Spirituality & Aging Seminar on Friday, June 21st  (in-person and virtually) at Conrad Grebel University College. Rev. Dr. Mark Roberts presents “From Problems to Possibilities: Faith Communities enabling those in the third third of life to flourish.” This seminar challenges the narratives about elders in communities, churches, and society at large; exploring the role churches can play in empowering older adults. Visit grebel.ca/spirituality for registration information. Professionals, practitioners, and all interested are welcome.

More Music at Detweiler Meetinghouse, 3445 Rosevile Rd., Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m.  “Three in the Round,” Gwen Potter, John Harris and Bob MacLean’s very best folk/traditional selections for a special night. Information at Detweilermeetinghouse.ca/events.  Admission by donation.

Family Camping Weekend at Hidden Acres

Join us for outdoor family fun at Hidden Acres June 28-29 for our Annual Family Camping Weekend. Camp sites are first come, first serve, cabins require reservation. Check out our website or our brochure for details!

Sunday July 7^th 3:30 pm – Oasis Chorale present a concert of a cappella choral music, ‘Radiant Dawn’ at St Jacobs Mennonite Church (1310 King St N, St Jacobs). Oasis Chorale is a 40 voice Anabaptist touring choir – www.oasischorale.org. Free will offering.

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.

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 June 9, 2024                      No. 23

Sunday June 9, 2024 – Morning Worship – 10 a.m.

Join Sunday Morning Worship

Prelude/Accompanist/Song Leader: Glorify  Greeters: Naomi & Dustin Mogk

Worship Leader: Kim Leis                               Offering: MCEC & MC Canada

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

Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Merv Ropp

Prelude          

   “Battle Belongs”

   “Good Grace”

   “Graves into Gardens”

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship & Prayer

Songs of Gathering & Praise

“Death Was Arrested”

HWB #151 “Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord”

Offering – Mennonite Church East Canada & Mennonite & Church Canada 

Offertory “Mighty To Save”                      

Time with the Children   Tyler Yantzi

Scripture Reading: Acts 19:23-41

Message               Pastor Ray

Song of Response: “Remind Me Who I Am”

CENT Appreciation

Prayer of the Church       Pastor Mike        

Sending Song  “10,000 Reasons”

Benediction                                       

Today

Coffeetime in the basement immediately following worship. Everyone is welcome. We would ask that everyone provides their own mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will provide mugs for those who forget theirs or who come as guests on a Sunday morning.

11 a.m. All children meet in the blue room. Nursery & Preschool children bring your parents with you. We are planning to head outside for activities in the green space.

12 p.m. JCET invites you to a BBQ hotdog lunch in the green space! All ages are welcome, bring your lawn chair or a blanket to sit on.

2 pm EZMC leads a worship service at peopleCare and at 3:15 pm at the Maples

This Coming Week

Tuesday June 11^th

• 7 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting

Wednesday June 12^th              

• Play Group Set up
• 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School Training Night

Thursday June 13^th                     

• 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group 

Friday June 14^th  

• Intergenerational Walk-a-Mile with Campfire to follow at Heidi and Brian Wagler’s. This is a Health Ministry Event. Please see announcement.
• Junior Youth Year End event at the farm of Jay and Lisa Zehr. Please come around 5:30 for hotdogs over the fire and snacks. Please bring finger food to share, lawn chair, fishing pole (if you want) and appropriate clothing for the farm. Pick up 8ish. Address: 656972 15th Line Tavistock.

Next Sunday – June 16, 2024

        Prelude: Katie Wagler                                     Accompanist: Katie Wagler

Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi                         Song Leader: Connie Yantzi

Greeters: Flo & Lorne Metzger                       Offering: Leadership

Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf      Message: Pastor Mike

Coffee Hosts: Janet & Marv Yantzi

EZMC Announcements

May 2024 Donations Received Summary

Offering Schedule Designations – $35,234

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 Health Ministry Team is Planning an Intergenerational Walk-A-Mile Event hosted Friday June 14 at Brian and Heidi Wagler’s.

We are encouraging the MYF to attend this Retro Youth Activity, often done as an Exchange Weekend, get-to-know-each other event.

Maybe it has been years and years since Former MYF’ers/ Sponsors have participated ?  Maybe you have no idea what a Walk- A Mile Event is ?

Then you must attend !

What is better than walking?  But Walking and Talking !

Bring a lawn chair and stay for a Campfire/ Popcorn after.

Gather at 7 pm- instructions and walk will begin by 7:15 pm.

The Walk will be across the country property avoiding all traffic.

Suitable for families, young and old alike.

Refugee Resettlement Updates: Daud Tokhi and family passed their interviews May 29^th! The date of their arrival is yet to be confirmed, but should be this summer! Our commitment to pay rent for their first years’ rent should begin this year. Secondly, Maryam Mosrafa Al Younes and her family of five, who we co-sponsored with TMC (Tavistock Mennonite Church),arrived safely April 4, 2024. (Following the arrival of the Nouwara & Al Younes and family in 2019, EZ agreed to co-sponsor Nouwara Younes’ sister Maryam and her five children.) 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.

Our commitment to cover rent for one year for Daud Tokhi and familywill increase our costs from $25,000 to at least $35,000. Please prayerfully and generously support our refugee resettlement commitments.

Dear members,

We thank you- and want to give you one last invitation to complete the Serve..eh? . We have gained very valuable and helpful information that will serve our committee and other committees in many helpful ways. If you have not responded but wish you had, the Serve .. eh? is still open -but about to close so we encourage you to still respond as soon as possible!  If you would rather respond by paper copy please pick one up in the front foyer or speak to your Gifts Discernment Committee – Wayne Yantzi, Kim Leis, Kristen Cressman, or Ray Martin.

Thank you everyone!

Upcoming Adult Fellowship Events

Wednesday June 26^th – Strawberry Social at 7 p.m.

Karen Bearinger will share and Special music by the Ropp’s.

Dessert and coffee/tea following the program.

Save the following dates:

Saturday September 7^th

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.

Thursday November 28^th

Catered Christmas Dinner by Quehls.

Entertainment – “Menno Valley Sound”

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.

VBS Important Dates

June 1st- Registration Deadline for VBS

June 12th @ 8pm- Volunteer Training and Information Night, at EZMC

June 17th @ 7pm- VBS Material and Decoration Prep evening- Join us to prepare materials and decorations. 

July 8-12th- 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

A reminder that the 2024 Camp Subsidy Form are due by June 15. Please complete and return to Dawn Zehr either by email (gdzehr@gmail.com) or into her church mailbox. Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa Suderman at office@ezmennonite.ca 

If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Jared Yantzi.

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

Music at Detweiler Meetinghouse, 3445 Roseville Rd.,  Sunday June 9^th at 3 p.m. (Doors open at 2:45) Join Green Gables Ukuleles and Friends in a “Singalong of Joyful Popular Music.” Information at Detweilermeetinghouse.ca/events. Admission by donation.

Tuesday June 11^th  5 – 7 p.m. Hidden Acres 57th Annual Chicken BBQ & 16th Annual Pie Auction Fundraiser. Come and enjoy our delicious chicken dinner that thousands of people have come to know and love. Along with the chicken, your meal includes potato salad, coleslaw, veggies, pickles, a fresh roll, chips and an apple or fresh baked donut.

$20 Small meal (1 piece of chicken) /  $24 Regular meal (2 pieces of chicken).  

Pie Auction will happen during the meal. Please visit hiddenacres.ca for more details and to order your tickets. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.

Support student calls for the University of Waterloo to divest from weapons of war
Thursday, June 13^th 7-8 pm – Meet at Conrad Grebel Parking lot
All are welcome as we sing in support of students calling for the divestment of their tuition dollars from weapons of war, which mirrors Mennonite Church Canada’s call to divest from “companies profiting from the occupation of the Palestinian territories.” We will meet at the Conrad Grebel Parking lot, walk to the outside of the student encampment, and sing uplifting hymns. You can join for part or all of the event, as you feel comfortable. We look forward to lifting our voices and prayers for peace!

Interfaith Counselling Centre – 40^th Anniversary Celebration – Come join us in celebrating 40 years of instilling hope in our community. In celebration we are hosting a phenomenal unforgettable event — formal attire, delicious food and live musical entertainment, featuring local talent Daniel Lichti, Angelica Appelman, and Mike and Diana Erb. Wednesday June 19^th 6 p.m. (dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.) at Puddicombe Banquet Hall (145 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON)

Ticket price: $140 / person ($80 receiptable)

Lots of gray hair in your faith community? That’s great! Find out why at the annual Spirituality & Aging Seminar on Friday, June 21st  (in-person and virtually) at Conrad Grebel University College. Rev. Dr. Mark Roberts presents “From Problems to Possibilities: Faith Communities enabling those in the third third of life to flourish.” This seminar challenges the narratives about elders in communities, churches, and society at large; exploring the role churches can play in empowering older adults. Visit grebel.ca/spirituality for registration information. Professionals, practitioners, and all interested are welcome.

Sunday July 7^th 3:30 pm – Oasis Chorale present a concert of a cappella choral music, ‘Radiant Dawn’ at St Jacobs Mennonite Church (1310 King St N, St Jacobs). Oasis Chorale is a 40 voice Anabaptist touring choir – www.oasischorale.org. Free will offering.