East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 68 Sunday February 9, 2025 No. 6
Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify Song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Flo & Lorne Metzger Worship Leader: Jared Yantzi
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Brian Wagler Offering: Mission Partners
Coffee Hosts: Gloria & Merv Ropp Message: Norm Dyck
Prelude
“Jireh”
“Praise”
“All the People Said Amen”
Words of Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship
Songs of Gathering & Praise
“Good Grace”
“Jireh”
Offering: Mission Partners
Offertory “Promises”
Moment for Mission Susan Schmitz
Time with the Children
Norm Dyck, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Engagement Minister
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:1-2
Message Always Transforming Norm Dyck
Song of Response
VT #759 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Pastor Mike Williamson
Sending Song
“Build Your Kingdom Here”
Benediction
Today
Coffeetime in the basement immediately following worship. Everyone is welcome. We would ask that everyone provides their own mug to help simplify the preparation and clean up time. We will provide mugs for those who forget theirs or who come as guests on a Sunday morning.
11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages.
Adults are invited to the basement to hear more sharing from Norm Dyck, MCEC Engagement Minister.
This Coming Week
Tuesday February 11th
- 7 p.m. Misson Committee Meeting
Wednesday February 12th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
- 6 p.m. SCRC Meeting
- E Z Play Group setup
Thursday February 13th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 12 p.m. High Noon Seniors Lunch at Grace United Church in Tavistock. A homestyle lunch will be served followed by a guest speaker, Amanda Hunter, who has a business called Worm Wrangler. Amanda has a M.Sc. and a MSA in soil science and she may bring some of her squirmy friends with her. She was featured on Kitchener CTV’s segment called “Made Right Here”.
Next Sunday – February 16, 2025
Anabaptism at 500 – Services of Renewal
Renewal at the Lord’s Table
Bible Readings
Monday Matthew 26:26-30
Tuesday Mark 14:22-26
Wednesday Luke 22:14-20
Thursday 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Friday Luke 5:27-39
Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr Song Leader: Susan Schmitz
Greeters: Naomi & Dustin Mogk Worship Leader: Dawn Bender
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Relief/MCC
Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby Message: Pastor Mike
We will be having a communion service during Worship
Extending God’s Love
EZMC Announcements
January 2025 Donations Received Summary
Offering Schedule – $17,091.10
The 2024 EZMC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 23, 2025.
- The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in person and available virtually on Zoom.
- The Annual Report was sent by email but if you would prefer a paper copy, there are a few extra copies on the bottom row of church mailboxes.
After careful consideration worship committee has decided that the organ is not being used to it’s capabilities and we want to give it to a new home. If you would like to have it or know someone who would appreciate it please contact Linda Schumm or Lindsay Zehr.
The 2025 Camp Subsidy Form is now available, and you can complete and return to Becky Bender either by email (treasurer@ezmennonite.ca) or put in her church mailbox. Forms are available in the literature rack beside the main bulletin board or by contacting Lisa at office@ezmennonite.ca If you have any questions please contact one of the Christian Education Lay Ministers – Bethany Kropf or Caleb Leis.
Tuesday March 4 Pancake Supper
5:30 – 7 p.m. Care Team along with members of the Congregational Life committee are planning to host a Pancake supper at the church. Please join us for this intergenerational evening of food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Gluten free and dairy free pancakes will be available.
The Mission Committee is planning to organize a volunteer opportunity for our congregation with Ray of Hope in downtown Kitchener by serving a meal to those who are in need early this Spring. We would be responsible for preparing and serving a meal for approximately 200 people. Anyone interested in serving in this way please contact a member of the missions committee. Susan Schmitz, Ray Martin, Duane Swartzentruber, Amy Yantzi, of Dylan Yantzi.
Summer Mission Trip – Are you looking for a summer vacation where you can serve those in need? If so, Missions is planning a service trip to West Virginia or Kentucky August 9/10 to 16/17. We would work with MCC Appalachia Build (formerly SWAP). The service trip would involve home repair ministry to make homes safe, warm and dry while developing relationships. Before we can proceed, we will need to have a good idea of how many youth and adults would like to participate in the service trip by February 10. If you’re curious or have questions, feel free to speak with Pastor Ray or anyone on the Missions Ministry team. If interested, add your name(s) to the sign-up sheet on the lower foyer bulletin board. This is one way to respond to human needs abroad in the name of Christ.
Save the Dates – Vacation Bible School at EZMC will be held on July 7-11, 2025
Beyond our Church Community
MDS invites volunteers to help rebuild a flooded home in Constance Bay (near Ottawa, ON). Sign up for a week, beginning in March, to help rebuild a house along the Ottawa River. Contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 1 (866) 261-1274 for more information and to sign up.
Saturday February 8th “Hope Starts at Home: Discover our Local Programs.”
at the Mennonite Central Committee offices – 50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener. There are two timeslots to choose from 9:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
You already know about MCC’s international work, but this is a chance to see how we’re making a difference right here in Ontario, too. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience where you can connect with the stories and impact of our local programs.
Here’s what you’ll get to do:
- Taste delicious Raw Carrot soup
- Join a friendship circle
- Walk in the shoes of newcomers to Canada
- Learn about food sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and more…
Each station will give you a deeper look into how local action is creating a global impact and how your support helps make it all possible.
Save Your Spot: Space is limited, so sign up here.
Thursday February 13th MCEC Executive Council invites you to join in celebrating Ann L. Schultz, MCEC Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader, as we bid her farewell and honor her two years of ministry at MCEC. Come to 50 Kent from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the community room at 50 Kent in Kitchener. At 1:30 there will be a short program, followed by time for fellowship.
Interfaith Counselling Centre in New Hamburg invites you to the Hold Me Tight Couple’s Workshop. The Hold Me Tight Workshop is based on the award-winning and research-proven Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approach developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. You will learn how to: Acknowledge strengths in your relationship. Identify negative communication patterns. Develop skills to de-escalate conflict in your relationship and heal from past relationship injuries. Dates: Friday, February 14th, 6pm-10pm Saturday, February 15th, 9am-5pm Sunday, February 16th, 1pm-5pm (See poster for further details)
Rockway’s Founders’ Day Chapel, Soup Supper Fundraiser and Alumni Sports Challenge originally scheduled for Friday, February 14 has been postponed to Friday, May 2. Please visit www.rockway.ca/events for more information. We thank you for your continued prayers as our school continues to heal from the tragic loss experienced in our community.
Monday February 17th – Family Day Open House – From 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hidden Acres is hosting a free Family Day Open House. Bring your family for a day of indoor and outdoor activities such as crafts, sledding, snowshoeing, pretzel making, games, and more! Bring a bag lunch or purchase a hot lunch for $6/person. Please RSVP to info@hiddenacres.ca. More information at hiddenacres.ca
43rd Annual Ontario Mennonite Relief Livestock Sale
Tuesday February 18th & Thursday February 20th at the Ontario Livestock Exchange, St. Jacobs. Since 1981, the Livestock Sale (formerly Heifer Sale) has raised over $5.1 million to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee through the auctioning of heifers and other donated items. For more information, to sponsor or donate to the sale, contact Ralph Martin at 519-669-2122 or John Brenneman at 519-504-1558.
Saturday February 22nd 5 p.m. Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser for the Wilmot Family Resource Centre! WFRC will be running this event in New Hamburg. CNOY is a walk to help raise awareness and funds in support of those who are experiencing hurt, homelessness, or hunger. The Wilmot Family Resource Centre (175 Waterloo St.) provides these supports in Wilmot and Wellesley townships, including weekly food hampers, warm clothing, mental health supports, and much more!
Thursday February 27 at 7 pm. (CST) – Anabaptism at 500: Commitment to Scripture
In person and livestream. Featuring John Roth, Sheila Klassen-Wiebe, Paul Doerksen, Brian Froese.
From 1525 to 2025, Anabaptists have taken a very personal and community-oriented approach to their embrace of the scriptures. This panel conversation will investigate the ways the Bible shaped the 16th century Anabaptist movement at its inception and continues to uniquely define the Anabaptist tradition today.
We will also celebrate the Canadian launch of the Anabaptist Community Bible!
Livestream link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll3NZ3j-YfM.
February 27th – March 1st Rockway Mennonite Collegiate proudly presents their all-school musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rockway.ca/events. We look forward to welcoming you and your family into Wonka’s world of Pure Imagination!
Saturday, March 8th 7:30 p.m. (Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 William St, Waterloo):Menno Singers and Artistic Director Brandon Leis presents ‘Songs for the Changing Seasons’ with Abner Martin Scholarship winner, cellist Elliot Sloss from the Curtis Institute. Tickets $25, Child/Student $5 at the door, from choir members or at www.mennosingers.com
Monday March 24th 6 p.m. Hope Starts at Home: An evening with Phyllis Webstad, at Bingemans Conference Centre, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener. Phyllis is the founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society. Phyllis will share her childhood of healing and reconciliation in Canada as we seek to restore justice, foster belonging and address poverty in Ontario. Funds raised at the event will supply MCC Ontario’s new meat cannery. To learn more and order your tickets, go to mcc.org/evening-with-phyllis-webstad.
Gathering 2025 – Mennonite Church Canada – July 2-5, 2025 in Kitchener/Waterloo.
This Gathering is shaping up to be an incredible experience with three unique avenues for engagement:
1.Congregational Gathering: Join delegates and congregational representatives for inspiring sessions, worship, and connection.
2.Youth Gathering: A vibrant, energetic event designed specifically for youth, hosted on the University of Waterloo campus.
3.U30 Young Adult Gathering: Engage with peers through tailored events, including a special post-Gathering celebration at Hidden Acres!
Please see the bulletin board for more information about this opportunity.
Mennonite Central Committee Ontario – Join our team!
Are you ready to make a difference? We have two openings across Ontario:
- Thrift Team Member – Processing Focus ?- Join the MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre team sorting and pricing donations, specializing in crafts/fabrics and housewares.
- Indigenous Neighbours Program Associate?- The MCC Ontario office in TImmins is looking for a new program assistant to support our community programs across Ontario.
Don’t miss out on these opportunities to grow your career and make a positive impact. Check out these listings and apply today!