East Zorra Mennonite Church
Volume 66 Sunday November 12, 2023 No. 46
Sunday November 12, 2023
The Parables of Jesus: Sheep and the Goats – Matthew 25:31-46
Prelude: Kate Wagler Accompanist: Katie Wagler
Worship Leader: Dawn Bender Song Leader: Lindsay Zehr
Greeters: Jess & Tyler Yantzi Offering: Where Needed Most
Audio/Visual: Todd Bender/Brian Wagler Message: Pastor Mike
Coffee Hosts: Megan MacDonald & Russ Schumm
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship & Prayer
Songs of Gathering & Praise
VT 62 “God Is Here among Us”
VT 705 “For the Healing of the Nations”
Offering – Where needed most
Time with the Children – Pastor Mike
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
Message – Pastor Mike
Song of Response
VT 715 “Longing for Light”
Prayer of the Church – Dawn Bender
Sending Song
VT 827 ”Move in Our Midst”
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. Junior Sunday School children will meet in their classrooms.
Adult Sunday school follows coffee time in the basement. This fall we will question and discuss together the parables and teachings of Jesus from our reading guide with an ear to trying to understand who is this God Jesus is revealing and what does this mean for how we live?
This Coming Week
Wednesday November 15th
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Coffee and Bible Study
7 p.m. E Z Play Group setup
7 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting
Thursday November 16th
9:30 – 11 a.m. E Z Play Group
Friday November 17th
MYF
Saturday November 18th
Private Party
Next Sunday – November 19, 2023
The Parables of Jesus: The Ten Virgins
Prelude: Worship Band Accompanist: Worship Band
Worship Leader: Sheryl Leis Song Leader: Connie Yantzi
Greeters: Elaine & Dale Leis Offering: Leadership
Audio/Visual: Dathan Bender/Larry Kropf Message: Pastor Ray
Coffee Hosts: Shirley & Phil Ruby
We are planning a Parent/Child Dedication service on this day.
12 p.m. Private Party
2 p.m. The Health Ministry Team invites all to participate in a Fall Hike. The hike will be appropriate for young and old those with strollers or walkers/wheelchairs. Experience the Mike Schout Wetlands Boardwalk at 28 Smith’s Creek Drive New Hamburg. Bring a lawn chair for fellowship time following around a campfire at Brian and Heidi Wagler’s with hot dogs and Popcorn.
See the bulletin board to sign up.
Responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict
As conflict has escalated Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC is planning an emergency response with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available. Your support can help provide food and bedding for families. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel. The Government of Canada will match donations up to $10 million made by individual Canadians until November 12.
EZMC Announcements
| October 2023 Donations Received Summary | |
| Offering Schedule Designations – $39,212.15 | |
| Thanksgiving – $2,840 | |
| Green Space – $900 | |
Service of Remembering – November 26, 2023
During our worship service on November 26, we will take time to remember those who have died this past year by naming their name and lighting a candle in memory of them. As in previous years we plan to name our congregational members, along with other close family members of our congregational members.
If you have experienced another significant loss through death this year and wish to have that person named in our service, please contact Janice Ropp, Heidi Wagler or Pastor Ray.
Wednesday November 22nd Adult Fellowship Christmas Dinner
5:30 pm Punch; 6:15 pm Dinner
Entertainment – Harpist – Eduard & Christine Klassen
Tickets are $35 and are available now. If you are planning to attend, please purchase your tickets today (Sunday November 12th).
Adult Fellowship Committee Members are Jim & Carol Schumm, Shirley & Phil Ruby, and Laurel & Ray Zehr
Friday November 24th 7 – 9 p.m. JWalkers (Jr Youth) Christmas Bonanza at church.
We are excited to once again host our EZ Women’s IF Gathering. Mark your calendars for April 12th and 13th right here at East Zorra. Spread the word and tell your friends and family to save the date. More details to come!
JCET is still in need of volunteers for the month of November and a couple in December. Please check the sign up sheet across on the bulletin board by the back stairwells Thank you to everyone who has signed up!
Beyond Our Church Community
Sunday November 12th 7 p.m. St Jacobs Mennonite Church is hosting members of the KW Symphony in a Fundraising Concert entitled ‘Baroque and Beyond… A Musician’s Fundraiser.’ This concert of Baroque music will be conducted by Andre Feher and feature Ian Whitman on solo bass and guest soprano Bethany Horst.
Saturday November 18th at Elmira Mennonite Church
Following their popularity at the Not Alone Conference earlier this year, we are excited to announce that Theatre of the Beat are returning to Elmira for a FREE workshop. Theatre of the Beat will use forum theatre to present three short plays that offer an effective and unique way to recognize subtle signs of abuse, and to find solutions to change unsafe and unhealthy behaviours.
Since 1984, the Province of Ontario, through the Ontario Women’s Directorate, has traditionally declared November as “Wife Assault Prevention Month”, “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”, and now “Women Abuse Prevention Month.” The Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) prefers the more inclusive term of “Family Violence Prevention Month” because we believe violence in relationships is a broader issue than that of physical assaults on women.
This event, including breakfast, is FREE to attend, however registration is still required. Please follow this link to ensure your spot.
Saturday November 18th MCC Peace Conference at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, 110 Doon Rd, Kitchener. The MCC Peace Conference is your chance to see, hear and experience first-hand how you and MCC are changing lives and communities through peacebuilding. This event will inspire and inform through general sessions, workshops and conversations with messengers of peace. Go to mcc.org/peace-conference to learn more and to register today.
Tuesday November 21st 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s Annual General Meeting at Tavistock Mennonite Church. All are welcome to join us, either in person or virtually, for a short business meeting, hear stories of impact from Mano Watsa and Watsa Basketball Camp coaches and look ahead to 2024. Please RSVP to admin@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.
High School Students! Are you thinking of attending the University of Waterloo? On Saturday, November 25 from 10-5, attend the UWaterloo Open House and stop by the Conrad Grebel University College residence, right on the UWaterloo campus. Learn about the supportive residence environment that this small and vibrant faith-based community can provide for students studying in any faculty or program at UWaterloo. uwaterloo.ca/grebel/tour
Saturday December 2nd 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Make A Difference Holiday Market
Hosted by the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Undergrad Society at Conrad Grebel University College, all funds collected from participating vendors, the silent auction, and suggested $2 entry contribution will be donated to A Better Tent City, Waterloo. Fill your car with family and friends to make a difference while shopping for this holiday season! uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/mad-market
Sunday December 10th 3 p.m. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office. www.centreinthesquare.com
Mennonite Central Committee Ontario Current Openings
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others? If so, we’d love to have you join our team. We have an opening for an Advocacy and Program Associate, and Community Safety and Outreach Associate in Kitchener, as well as an Associate Hardline at the New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Learn more about these positions at www.mcc.org/careers.
Conrad Grebel University College is hiring a new Director of Operations! The Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the College’s physical plant, information technology systems, human resources, food and hospitality services, security and safety, and front office and reception. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, along with training and experience in the areas of business or personnel management, human resources, facilities management, and information technology. At least five years of management experience is preferred, ideally in a post-secondary institution. Grebel respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity. Applications will be reviewed beginning November 20, 2023, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Read the full description: uwaterloo.ca/grebel/careers
NHMRS Food Convener
The New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale committee is looking for a new food convener. If this is something you’re interested in, contact John Reimer at johnreimer@nhmrs.com for more information.
Shop Niska for Christmas
This Christmas, give fairly-traded one of a kind gifts that support Indigenous Artisans in First Nations and communities living in Northeastern Ontario. Choose from a variety of items, including moccasins, mittens, jewellery and more. Niska products are made with traditional techniques, quality materials, and dedication. Head to niskaartisans.ca to shop today!