East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 69 Sunday March 8, 2026 No. 10
Prelude/Accompanist: Glorify Song Leader: Glorify
Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis
Audio/Visual: Drystan Bender/Brian Wagler Coffee: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm
Prelude
“Great is the Lord”
“Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me”
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
Song of Gathering & Praise
“Heart of Worship”
Offering – Student Aid
Offertory Song – “Jesus Lifted Me”
Time with the Children
Song – “Praise”
Scripture Reading – Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Mark 10:41-45
Message “The Grammar of the Kingdom” Pastor Mike
Song of Response
“Will You Let Me Be Your Servant”
Sharing & Prayer of the Church Pastor Ray
Sending Song
“Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me”
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.
11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages.
This Coming Week
Monday March 9th
- 7 p.m. Walking Club – meet at the Memorial Hall Tavistock
Tuesday March 10th
- 6:30 p.m. EZMC Lenten Prayer Service. This year during Lent we invite you to gather at the front of the sanctuary for a time of prayer. The prayer service will be 30 or 40 minutes. We will use a prayer from the letters of Paul or the life of Jesus to guide our time together.
- 7:30 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting
Wednesday March 11th
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bible Study
- E Z Play Group setup
- 7 p.m. Church Ministry Council Meeting
- 7:30 pm Ladies Bible Study meets in the MYF room
Thursday March 12th
- 9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
- 10:30 a.m. Lenten Worship Service at Grace United Church.
The Last Week – The Greatest Commandment led by Grace United.
This year the ministerial has changed the format of these Thursday Lent services. We will meet for worship at 10:30 am and then following the service we will gather in the fellowship hall for coffee and refreshments. Donations for refreshments will be graciously accepted. On March 26, the last service before Holy Week, a noon meal will be served following the service.
Next Sunday – March 15, 2026
4th Sunday of Lent
Ephesians 6:10-20
Prelude/Accompanist: Bethany Zehr Song Leader: Susan Schmitz
Greeters: Flo & Lorne Metzger Worship Leader:
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf Offering: Local Ministries
Coffee: Carol & Owen Cook Message: Pastor Ray
EZMC Announcements
Feb 2026 Donations Received Summary
Offering Schedule – $33,397.10
You, the very young to mature are invited to participate in Sunday Afternoon Services at The Maples and peopleCare on March 29! It’s a two hour commitment at the very most. The half hour service involves reading scripture, a poem or short story, and singing followed by saying hello to the residents. The first service begins at 1:30 p.m. and all is done by 3:30 p.m. at the latest. Please reach out to Laurie Yantzi or Susan Schmitz if you would like to participate.
Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s 42nd Annual Bowlathon is happening again this year on April 11th! This is one of the camp’s main annual fundraising events with last year’s Bowlathon raising over $31,000! For any cash or cheque donations, please send them to Caleb Leis. If you are wanting to donate online, please use the following link at hiddenacres.ca/donate and select “Annual Bowlathon” from the list. Thank you!”
Again this year, Youth Unlimited YFC Wilmot is hosting their annual fundraiser banquet. It will be held on Saturday March 28 at Bethal EMC Church in New Dundee at 5:30 PM. This banquet supports the ministry of Jason Erb and Natalie Otterbein at Waterloo Oxford High School. EZMC has sponsored a table and we need 8 people to fill the table. If you would like to attend and hear more about the ministry at Water-Oxford please reach out to Pastor Ray.
Summer 2026 Pastoral Intern Opportunity
East Zorra Mennonite Church invites applicants for the 2026 Summer Pastoral Internship.
This position is designed as a mentorship opportunity for an individual to explore a calling to ministry while gaining practical, hands-on experience in church leadership.
Responsibilities in 2026 include: facilitating a regular young adults group; assisting with Vacation Bible School (July 6-10); and Sunday morning worship. Additional activities may include visiting; planning children’s, youth, young adult or seniors’ activities; completing assigned Theological reading; etc.
The Ideal Candidate meets the following Qualification Requirements:
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a postsecondary theological or ministry training program.
- Baptized and a member of East Zorra Mennonite Church.
- Collaborative attitude to work effectively with staff and other church members/volunteers.
- Alignment with the values and mission of the church and a willingness to support its ministry.
- Agree to abide by the teachings of the Mennonite Church Canada Confession of Faith for the duration of the internship.
- A Vulnerable Sector Background Check.
This Pastoral Intern position will be from May 4, 2026, to August 21, 2026, working an average of 20 hours per week. Compensation for Summer 2026 is $22-$23/hr.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter describing why you are interested in the position to Pastor Mike at mike@ezmennonite.ca by Monday March 30 at 11 pm.
We are excited to share that we will be hosting a Women’s IF:Gathering on Friday, April 10th at the church. We’re looking forward to a powerful time of worship, encouragement, and growing together in Christ. Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
Beyond Our Church Community
Grade 9-12 students of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate invite you to their performance of The Day the Internet Died. Can you live without your computer? Your tablet? Your PHONE!? Join us on Tuesday March 10th as this hilarious show explores how inept we are at everyday activities and basic human interactions when we don’t have a screen to look at. To learn more and buy tickets, visit rockway.ca/events.
Wednesday March 11th Face2Face at CMU: Being Peacemakers for a World of Surging Polarization. You are invited at 7 p.m. to Marpeck Commons or via livestream for an opportunity to explore how faith-driven empathy can bridge deep cultural divides with Dr. Chris Rice and faculty from CMU. Visit cmu.ca/face2face for more information and the livestream.
Monday March 16th Grandparent & Grandchild Day at Hidden Acres
Are you a grandparent looking for ways to make meaningful memories with your grandkids Grades 1-6 during March Break? Grandparent & Grandchild Day is a great opportunity to spend time together playing, singing, creating, laughing, eating and worshipping together!
Join us to experience majestic and exotic birds from around the world with Wings Over The Rainforest. Cost is $30/person and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/grandparent-child-days
Saturday March 28th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Grebel and University of Waterloo March Open House. Planning to study at the University of Waterloo? Tour the university and see what it would be like to live on campus in a small, Christian residence at Conrad Grebel University College while studying at Waterloo. Meet current students, learn about academic programs, and explore the residence. Free parking. Visit grebel.ca/events for more information.
Saturday March 28th 7:30 p.m. – Menno Singers, conduced by Artistic Director Brandon Leis, presents Mozart’s Requiem along with members of the K-W Symphony and soloists Bethany Horst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo), Brandon Leis (tenor) and Daniel Lichti (bass). We also will feature the premiere performance of EXEQUIEN, a newly commissioned companion piece by composer Stephanie Martin (daughter of Menno Singers founder Abner Martin). $40 adults. $5 children/students. Tickets available at www.mennosingers.com or at the door.
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp
Singing the World Whole Music Retreat (April 10 – 12, 2026): From songs of solidarity and protest through the ages, to the favourites that see us through hard times, come enjoy a restorative camp weekend of making music in community. This retreat is for participants aged 15 and up. Register at slmc.ca/retreats
Monday April 20th Seniors Retreat at Hidden Acres
Seniors (55+) are invited to spend the day at Hidden Acres. Our theme is Consider the Birds: Practicing Hope In A Worrisome World. Cost is $55 and includes lunch. For more information or to register go to hiddenacres.ca/programs/seniors-retreat
Saturday April 25th MCEC Annual Church Gathering at Steinmann Mennonite Church, Baden, ON. A one-day ACG designed to energize congregations in worship, discipleship and mission. Explore practical workshops, engage in meaningful conversations and discern God’s guidance together for our shared future. Mark your calendars.
Sunday April 26th 7-9 p.m., MCEC Intercultural Worship Gathering,
(First Mennonite/Shalom Worship & Healing Center 800 King St. E., Kitchener, ON).
All are welcome to this time of worship, unity and celebration as various congregations come together to honour our diversity in Christ. Mark your calendars.
Monday April 27th Mark your calendars for an evening to remember! Skip the dishes with a delicious, fully catered meal and an inspiring musical show at this year’s promotion dinner in support of the 60th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Plan to join us on at Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs. Tickets go on sale in February.
Volunteers wanted at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre
Do you or someone you know have a heart for service and a few hours to spare? The MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre is looking to fill some volunteer roles such as Retail Floor Support, Cashier, Clothing Sorters, Houseware Sorters, Hardware Sorters or Receivers. Training is provided for each area of interest. To learn more, please get in touch with Laura Pethick, Volunteer Engagement Manager by email (laurapethick@mcco.ca) or by phone 519-662-2867.
It’s time to register for Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC) | August 10-22, 2025. OMMC is a place where youth develop and enrich relationships, faith, musicality, and leadership in a fun and supportive summer camp environment. Register at grebel.ca/ommc
Tri-County Mennonite Homes is looking for members of our 15 supporting congregations to serve on our Board of Directors commencing at our annual meeting in June. If you are interested or have someone to recommend, please contact Bruce Bechtel for more information. 519-801-0470 BBechtel@tcmhomes.com.
Join the Mennonite Central Committee team!
We are excited to announce new opportunities to join our team and make a meaningful impact in communities across Ontario. If you are passionate about community engagement, collaboration and fostering belonging, we invite you to apply.
- Social Enterpirse Pilot Lead (Full time contract) – Kitchener
- Facilities Assistant (Full time) – New Hamburg
- Thrift Team Member – Retail Focus (Full time contract) – New Hamburg
For full job descriptions and to apply, visit mcc.org/serve.