DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 3, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Opening Prayer

Opening Hymn:  VT 213   Poor of the Earth

Call to worship

Announcements

Offering and prayer

Hymn: VT 710  This is my Song

Congregational Prayer

Hymn:  VT 211  Hope is A Candle

Lighting of the first advent candle

Scripture:  Mark 13:24-37

Message:  How will we know…how long?

Closing Hymn:  VT 216  Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Benediction

 Leading Us in Worship
Message                              Stephen R.
Worship Leader              Cindy R.
Song Leader                      Kathy W.,
Musicians                           Kathy W. (piano), Stephen R. (guitar), Ray W.                                                        (tuba)
Greeters                              Leslie and Fazal S.
Zoom Host                         Bonnie W.
A/V Technician                Don B.

December Hymn of the month:  VT 216  Lo How Rose E’er Blooming

Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.

Dec. 3  Hymn Sing Sunday
Dec. 10  Discussion – Visions of Jesus led by Ed
Dec. 17  Discussion – Visions of Jesus led by Ed
Dec. 24   The Virgin Birth

Call to worship

Leader: O God, tear open the heavens and come down so that the mountains would quake at your presence!
 
People: No one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for you.
 
Leader: No one knows when the time will come.

People: How long must we wait?
(pause)

All: Together we wait.

Scripture reading

^{Mark 13:24-37 (CEB)
24} “In those days, after the suffering of that time, the sun will become dark, and the moon won’t give its light. ²⁵ The stars will fall from the sky, and the planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁶ Then they will see the Human One^[a] coming in the clouds with great power and splendor. ²⁷ Then he will send the angels and gather together his chosen people from the four corners of the earth, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.

²⁸ “Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. ²⁹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he’s near, at the door. ³⁰ I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.

³² “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the angels in heaven and not the Son. Only the Father knows. ³³ Watch out! Stay alert! You don’t know when the time is coming. ³⁴ It is as if someone took a trip, left the household behind, and put the servants in charge, giving each one a job to do, and told the doorkeeper to stay alert.

³⁵ Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know when the head of the household will come, whether in the evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows in the early morning or at daybreak. ³⁶ Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. ³⁷ What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”

Opening Prayer for Advent

Almighty God, as we begin this season of Advent remind us again that in the midst of our darkness you are bringing us peace, to calm our anxious spirits and hectic lives. Turn our hearts again toward you. Make us ready to receive your Son our Savior. Slow our pace, and give us the blessing of feeling your peace in our spirits. For we ask this in Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We will start practicing our Christmas  choir song  (Still,Still.Still VT # 264) this Sunday morning at 10:35 right after the pre-service hymn sing.

There will be a choir practice the next two Sundays after church.  The practices will take place approximately 10 minutes after the service has ended and for about 10 minutes duration.

We can sing at various Christmas functions like Christmas Day church service, possibly carolling at St. Clair O’Connor.
There are of course no auditions.
All are most welcome.
See Kathy W. for more details.

Who We Support: In December Church Council will be reviewing the financial support in our budget for other charities beyond our congregation. Currently our core support is for St. Clair O’Connor Community ($2,500 for Chaplaincy Support) and the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada ($3,000). We also support MCC Ontario, New Life Centre, Sanctuary Toronto, Willowgrove and Theatre of the Beat ($300 each). In our 2023 budget we added the purchase of 1 acre of crop for the World Grains Food Bank through a project with other local churches known as Danforth Grow Hope ($600).

Council is inviting input from the congregation in this process. Is there a charitable organization that reflects our values and identity that you feel Danforth should add for financial support? Would you like to see a different mixture in our support?

Please contact a council member by the end of November with your suggestions. They are Mike D., Donna A., Don B., Roger H., Anne R. and Pastor Stephen R.

Please submit your DMC expenses
to Roger by December 15, 2023.

Ladies Walking Group

On Tuesday, December 5 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at the Birkdale Ravine (north of Lawrence Ave. E., on the west side of Brimley).

An email will go out on Monday December 4 to confirm the place and time.

If you need to be picked up or dropped off, please check in with fellow walkers or email Bonnie.

Our next Messy Church is
December 16^th.

Looking ahead to Advent

Christmas Music at SCOC  The newly formed Worship Committee at SCOC is asking folks at DMC (who are available) to circle the following date and to join our voices with residents for a service of Christmas Music.

Date:  Sunday Afternoon  Dec. 10  Please come to the Meeting Room at 6:15.  We will proceed from there to the 3rd floor and sing carols for the residents in Long Term Care, then return to the Meeting Room for a 7 pm service. Along with our voices, we are being asked to provide accompaniment for the singing (piano, along with other instruments that will add richness to the service.)

Dalton – on behalf of Outreach & Service

Christmas Giving Tree –  2023

Let’s fill the tree with mittens.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we will be collecting items of clothing suitable for the season (hats, scarves, mitts, socks) and non-perishable food items. These will be dropped off for distribution to struggling families in the Taylor/Massey community and shared as well with the Food Bank program at our nearby Salvation Army.  $$ donations will be forwarded to Nourish East End Food Bank in support of their program.

Let us think about food and clothing scarcity and how we can help to make a difference.
 
The Christmas mitten tree is set up in the sanctuary.  Please hang up your mittens on the tree or drop off your donations in the bins.
Thank you for your generosity.

Worship Schedule reminder

December 10
Speaker                    John E.
Worship leader   Erma M.
Song Leader          Kathy W.
Musicians               Emily L. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                Roger H.

December 17
Speaker                     Margaret A.
Worship leader    Linda D.
Song Leader           Sue S.
Musicians                Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Murray L.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Carol O. welcomes you to 
the CoSA/FCRI Open House
on Saturday, December 9
at Danforth Mennonite Church.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Toronto United Mennonite Church (TUMC) invites you to their 57th Annual Advent Carol Sing, being held on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 PM at 1774 Queen Street East in Toronto. Come and sing your favourite Advent and Christmas Carols, and the Hallelujah Chorus! Fellowship with refreshments including homemade Christmas goodies will follow.

We’d love to see you there!

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. 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

Pax Christi Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Elaine Choi, announces two events to brighten your holiday season.

On Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm, at Church of the Redeemer, Pax Christi Chorale will present Children’s Messiah, a 60-minute interactive music education experience suitable for children of all ages. Join us to learn about music through Handel’s well loved masterpiece Messiah, featuring stunning solos, brilliant organ accompaniment, glorious orchestral overtures and powerful choruses - over 100 singers and players! Admission is FREE – donations accepted for Church of the Redeemer’s The Common Table program.

And on Saturday, December 9, at 4 pm, at ESG United Church, we will present Christmas Through the Ages; music and stories to evoke the wonder and joy of Christmas, from our family to yours. In collaboration with Hogtown Brass, we will perform favourites by Halley, Victoria, Lauridsen and others; culminating in John Rutter’s spectacular Gloria for choir, brass and organ. There will also be carols for all to sing.

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

December
2  DMC Christmas banquet
5  Ladies walking group
9  Men’s breakfast
10  Singing at SCOC
12  Ladies walking group
16  Messy Church

Wider Church

December
2  Pax Christi Chorale  Children’s Messiah
3  TUMC Advent Carol Sing
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist
 
We welcome all guests who have joined us. 

Danforth Mennonite Church
November 26, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Call to Worship

Hymn: VT #57  Holy Spirit, Come with Power

Announcements

Giving thanks for our gifts 

Hymn:   VT #409  For We Are Strangers No More

Prayers of the people

Hymn: VT #705  For the Healing of the Nations

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon:  The Roots of Living Justly

Hymn of Response:  VT #829  Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                              Kevin D.
Worship Leader              Bonnie W.
Song Leader                      Ed F.
Musicians                           Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Leslie and Fazal S.
Zoom Host                        Mike D.
A/V Technician               Murray L.

November hymn of the month:  VT #829  Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues

Adult Discussion Group – 10:00 a.m.

November
26 – Justice discussion – led by Stephen

An introduction to our speaker…
 
I am a Deacon in the Catholic Church so my title is either Deacon Kevin or Rev. Mr. Kevin D. if you want to be more formal.
 
I am a funeral director and manage the Cardinal Funeral Home on Annette St. I was ordained a deacon in June of 2022. As part of my duties as a Deacon we take a vow of Charity so must work in a ministry outside of our duties at church. I was asked to help out with Dismas, I was more than happy to step into this ministry and have been with them since August of 2022. In February I took over as coordinator of the social aspect or dinners we do the third Friday of the month at your church. I also sit on the board of directors and assist with our Get Ready 4 Life program at the Keele Centre. I am an avid football fan especially the CFL (Go Argos), a biker (motorcycle) and love to cook.

About Harry N. (who couldn’t be with us today)
Harry brings 40 plus years experience in ministry with prisoners and ex-prisoners. He served for 14 years as the Director of M2/W2 in Ontario. In 1994, he helped create the first Circle of Support and Accountability (CoSA) in Hamilton for a man who had a long history of sexual offending. From 2003 to 2014 he served as Toronto Community Chaplain for Correctional Services Canada, and in that time helped form Dismas Fellowship for ex-prisoners and friends. Currently a network of 11 Dismas Fellowships have been planted throughout Southern Ontario. 

So what is a Dismas Fellowship?  Their website says:
We are people from a variety of experiences who gather regularly: ex-prisoners and friends who celebrate the grace we have received in Jesus Christ.

The Dismas Fellowship takes the name from the Good Thief on the cross. Our dream for the Dismas Fellowship is to create a safe and welcoming space where ex-prisoners and their friends can find community and follow our friend Jesus.

Meeting once or twice per month (they meet here the 3rd Friday of the month) in a growing number of communities across Ontario, volunteers and ex-prisoners gather for a meal, listen to a guest short talk or sharing and then gather in a circle, where we listen to and pray for each other.

Call to worship

Leader:  In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

Leader: Holy God, you not only comfort us but you also challenge us. Your Word awakens us to love justice.
 
People:  Lord, make us whole and keep us honest.

Leader:  Holy God, you bring justice to those who are marginalized. In our community help us to be advocates of what is right.

People:  Lord, make us whole and keep us honest.

Leader: May our worship this morning flow into our actions, our pocketbooks, our attitudes and our relationships.

People:  Lord, make us whole and keep us honest.

Leader: People of God, with what shall we come before the Holy One, and bow ourselves before the Lord on high? (Micah 6:3)

People: God has shown us what is good.
What does the Holy One require of us,
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with our God?

Leader: With the prophet Amos let us proclaim our hope for the world:

People:  Justice shall roll on like a river, and
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Amen.

Scripture reading

Matthew 25:31-46 (NRSVUE)

The Judgment of the Nations
³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, ³³ and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. ³⁴ Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸ And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹ And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ ⁴¹ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.”

Prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza

Lord, You said “Peace, be still,” and the storm was stilled.  We confess that at times, we feel overwhelmed by the storm. But today, we lift our eyes to you — the Maker of heaven and earth. And we ask for a miracle… let your peace fill Israel and Gaza.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, let violence cease in the region. Let there be no more bloodshed. We know your heart breaks for those killed and those left behind — for the orphaned child, the injured elderly, those abducted and families desperate for safety. Lord, speak into this crisis.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones. Let your peace and love wash over them. Please protect and provide for those who have been abducted and bring them home safely. Let them be reunited with their loved ones — let them feel the comfort of their embrace.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, we pray that you open doors that allow food, essentials and medical supplies to reach those in need. May first responders be able to rescue the injured, comfort the grieving and help rebuild many lives.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

God, we pray for your peace and reconciliation to overcome conflict. We ask that you give wisdom and discernment to our global leaders and those in positions of power who have the ability to impact the course of this war. Help us to be bold advocates and agents of peace in our own communities.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

We pray for people scattered around the globe whose friends and family members have been caught in the crisis. We know you are with them. Help us to express your love to those affected in our communities, churches and workplaces.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

Lord, we raise Israel and Gaza to you, and pray for those suffering. We ask that you provide peace in this crisis, and protection and comfort for all those who have been impacted.

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.          Amen

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 2, 2023
Punch at 6:00 p.m.  & dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Please let us know how many are attending from your group/family.  What are you bringing? 

The sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board.  If you won’t be at church, contact Bonnie to let her know what you are bringing.

Who We Support: In December Church Council will be reviewing the financial support in our budget for other charities beyond our congregation. Currently our core support is for St. Clair O’Connor Community ($2,500 for Chaplaincy Support) and the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada ($3,000). We also support MCC Ontario, New Life Centre, Sanctuary Toronto, Willowgrove and Theatre of the Beat ($300 each). In our 2023 budget we added the purchase of 1 acre of crop for the World Grains Food Bank through a project with other local churches known as Danforth Grow Hope ($600).

Council is inviting input from the congregation in this process. Is there a charitable organization that reflects our values and identity that you feel Danforth should add for financial support? Would you like to see a different mixture in our support?

Please contact a council member by the end of November with your suggestions. They are Mike D., Donna A., Don B., Roger H., Anne R. and Pastor Stephen R.

Ladies Walking Group

On Tuesday, November 28 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at the Scarborough Bluffs Park at 1 Brimley Road South (the bottom of Brimley Road.
 
Take Kingston Road and turn south onto Brimley Road South.  Take Brimley to the bottom of the hill.
Follow the road around to the right to the large parking lot.  Let’s park across from the public washrooms.

An email will go out on Monday November 27 to confirm the place and time.

If you need to be picked up or dropped off, please check in with fellow walkers or email Bonnie.

Looking ahead to Advent

 
Christmas Music at SCOC  The newly formed Worship Committee at SCOC is asking folks at DMC (who are available) to circle the following date and to join our voices with residents for a service of Christmas Music.

Date:  Sunday Afternoon  Dec. 10  Please come to the Meeting Room at 6:15.  We will proceed from there to the 3rd floor and sing carols for the residents in Long Term Care, then return to the Meeting Room for a 7 pm service. Along with our voices, we are being asked to provide accompaniment for the singing (piano, along with other instruments that will add richness to the service.)

Due to Masarykpark’s busy schedule,
they weren’t able to fit us in this year.
Dalton – on behalf of Outreach & Service

Christmas Giving Tree –  2023

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we will be collecting items of clothing suitable for the season (hats, scarves, mitts, socks) and non-perishable food items. These will be dropped off for distribution to struggling families in the Taylor/Massey community and shared as well with the Food Bank program at our nearby Salvation Army.  $$ donations will be forwarded to Nourish East End Food Bank in support of their program.

Let us think about food and clothing scarcity and how we can help to make a difference.

The Christmas mitten tree will be set up in the sanctuary.  Please drop off your donations in the bins in front of the tree.

Worship Schedule reminder

December 3
Speaker                    Stephen R.
Worship leader   Cindy R.
Song Leader          Dalton J.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Leslie & Fazal S.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Don B.

December 10
Speaker                   John E.
Worship leader   Erma M.
Song Leader          Kathy W.
Musicians               Emily L. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R, Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                 Roger H.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Canadian Mennonite presents, “Answering the Call: Three Young Pastors Reflect on Ministry,” an online discussion on Wednesday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET. Guests Curtis Wiens, Kennedy Froese and Elshaday Baraki will discuss their call to ministry and what they enjoy about being leaders in the church. Register today at: www.canadianmennonite.org/events

Carol O. welcomes you to
the CoSA/FCRI Open House
on Saturday, December 9
at Danforth Mennonite Church.

 Theatre of the Beat has developed three short plays that reflect lived experiences of elder abuse, healthy masculinity, and intimate partner violence in youth relationships, with a focus on how to recognize the subtle early signs of abuse. The topics chosen were identified by their community partners (experts at Assaulted Women’s Helpline and Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region) as topics that need to be immediately addressed.

At the end of each play, the audience will have the opportunity to make suggestions to the actors to change the outcome of the scenes or jump into the scenes themselves. Using the Forum Theatre model, this interactive element allows audiences to ‘rehearsal for reality,’ learning skills and resources for how they can make a difference.

The show will take place at University of Toronto’s Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3) on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm. Book your tickets on the Hart House Theatre website at: https://harthouse.ca/theatre/show/i-love-you-and-it-hurts.

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. 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

Pax Christi Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Elaine Choi, announces two events to brighten your holiday season.

On Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm, at Church of the Redeemer, Pax Christi Chorale will present Children’s Messiah, a 60-minute interactive music education experience suitable for children of all ages. Join us to learn about music through Handel’s well loved masterpiece Messiah, featuring stunning solos, brilliant organ accompaniment, glorious orchestral overtures and powerful choruses – over 100 singers and players! Admission is FREE – donations accepted for Church of the Redeemer’s The Common Table program.

And on Saturday, December 9, at 4 pm, at ESG United Church, we will present Christmas Through the Ages; music and stories to evoke the wonder and joy of Christmas, from our family to yours. In collaboration with Hogtown Brass, we will perform favourites by Halley, Victoria, Lauridsen and others; culminating in John Rutter’s spectacular Gloria for choir, brass and organ. There will also be carols for all to sing.

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

November
28  Ladies walking group

December
2  DMC Christmas banquet
5  Ladies walking group
9  Men’s breakfast
10  Singing at SCOC
12  Ladies walking group

Wider Church

November
29  ToTB at Hart House

December
2  Pax Christi Chorale  Children’s Messiah
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
November 19, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome/Acknowledgment

Introduction

Call to Worship

Opening hymn: VT#708 As the Water Rise Around Us

Announcements

Offering Prayer

Offering

Hymn : VT#685  O Lord, Hear My Prayer

Congregational sharing and prayer time

Hymn: VT#685  O Lord, Hear My Prayer

Scripture Readings

Hymn: VT#416  Beyond a Dying Sun

Message: “Lament of the Winter Christians”

Closing hymn:  VT#829  Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                              Stephen R.
Worship Leader              Sue S.
Song Leader                      Sue S.
Musicians                           Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Vic G.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Fazal S.

November Hymn of the month:  VT # 829  Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues

Adult Discussion Group – 10:00 a.m.

November
19 – Justice discussion – led by Stephen
26 – Justice discussion – led by Stephen/Harry N.

Call to worship

One: Gracious, Holy, and Loving God,
We find ourselves in a time of great sorrow.

People: Because we are weary, we lament.
Because our hearts are broken, we lament.
Because our spirits are crushed, we lament.
Because our souls want to faint, we lament.

One: And when we lament, You are near.
When we lament, You are the Breath of life.
When we lament, You are the One that sustains us.

People: Thank You Lord, that when we are weak, You are strong.
Thank You Lord, that You are our help and our rescuer.
Thank You Lord, that weeping moves us beyond sadness into compassion.
Thank You Lord, that even in lament, You take delight in us.

All: Thank you for the gift of lament,
So that we do more than just regret our circumstances,
We also resolve to wait patiently on You to see us through.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rev. Gigi A. Warren
Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church
Board Member, GCORR
Atlanta, GA

Scripture readings

Psalm 10 (NLV)
¹ O Lord, why do you stand so far away?
Why do you hide when I am in trouble?
² The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor.
Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others.
³ For they brag about their evil desires;
they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.

⁴ The wicked are too proud to seek God.
They seem to think that God is dead.
⁵ Yet they succeed in everything they do.
They do not see your punishment awaiting them.
They sneer at all their enemies.
⁶ They think, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us!
We will be free of trouble forever!”

⁷ Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats.
Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues.
⁸ They lurk in ambush in the villages,
waiting to murder innocent people.
They are always searching for helpless victims.
⁹ Like lions crouched in hiding,
they wait to pounce on the helpless.
Like hunters they capture the helpless
and drag them away in nets.
¹⁰ Their helpless victims are crushed;
they fall beneath the strength of the wicked.
¹¹ The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us!
He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do!”

¹² Arise, O Lord!
Punish the wicked, O God!
Do not ignore the helpless!
¹³ Why do the wicked get away with despising God?
They think, “God will never call us to account.”
¹⁴ But you see the trouble and grief they cause.
You take note of it and punish them.
The helpless put their trust in you.
You defend the orphans.

¹⁵ Break the arms of these wicked, evil people!
Go after them until the last one is destroyed.
¹⁶ The Lord is king forever and ever!
The godless nations will vanish from the land.
¹⁷ Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
¹⁸ You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Matthew 5:1-12 (NLV)

The Sermon on the Mount
5 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, ² and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
³ “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
⁴ God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
⁵ God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
⁶ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
⁷ God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
⁹ God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
¹⁰ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
¹¹ “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasurer’s Report: We received $9,668 in offerings in October. $8,200 is needed each month to meet our 2023 budget. Year to date, our offerings are running $8,374 below budget. Our deficit now sits at -$143 to the end of October.

There was a lot of activity in our Designated Funds in October. The Outreach Committees Thanksgiving Projects brought in $250 each for the Nourish East End Food Bank and the MCC World Relief Fund. $281 from the Bill Bryson Memorial Fund was added to the Food Bank donation for a total of $531.

$1073 was spent from the Professional Development Fund for 2SLGBTQ+ coaching expenses.

There was $108 in cooking class expenses taken from the Spirit of MDS Fund.

$200 from the Benevolence Fund was used for 2 crisis situations identified by our Pastor.

Please check your mailbox today for the short  Interest and Gifts Survey. Please take a few moments to complete and return to a member of the Gift Discernment Committee (Carolyn H., Dalton J. or Margaret A.) There are a few extra copies on the back table. Thank You.

Who We Support: In December Church Council will be reviewing the financial support in our budget for other charities beyond our congregation. Currently our core support is for St. Clair O’Connor Community ($2,500 for Chaplaincy Support) and the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada ($3,000). We also support MCC Ontario, New Life Centre, Sanctuary Toronto, Willowgrove and Theatre of the Beat ($300 each). In our 2023 budget we added the purchase of 1 acre of crop for the World Grains Food Bank through a project with other local churches known as Danforth Grow Hope ($600).

Council is inviting input from the congregation in this process. Is there a charitable organization that reflects our values and identity that you feel Danforth should add for financial support? Would you like to see a different mixture in our support?

Please contact a council member by the end of November with your suggestions. They are Mike D., Donna A., Don B., Roger H., Anne R. and Pastor Stephen R.

Come and join us for
MESSY CHURCH which is a
FREE FAMILY EVENT
for children 4-12 on
Saturday, November 18
 from 5 – 7p.m.

The MC team would appreciate volunteers to help in the kitchen for Messy Church for our November and December events. If you can help, please sign your name on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

DMC Christmas Banquet on December 2, 2023.  Punch at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Please let us know how many are attending from your group/family.  What are you bringing? 

The sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board.  If you won’t be at church, contact Bonnie to let her know what you are bringing.

Ladies Walking Group

On Tuesday, November 21 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at the Scarborough Bluffs Park at 1 Brimley Road South (the bottom of Brimley Road.
Take Kingston Road and turn south onto Brimley Road South.  Take Brimley to the bottom of the hill. Follow the road around to the right to the large parking lot.  Let’s park across from the public washrooms.

An email will go out on Monday November 20 to confirm the place and time.

If you need to be picked up or dropped off, please check in with fellow walkers or email Bonnie.

Congregational ‘Dine and Discern’:
“Listening to Others”

After the service this Sunday morning, we will gather together from 12:30 to 2:30 for lunch, worship, and sharing.
This is our second session about inclusion of 2SLGTBQ+ persons in Danforth Mennonite Church.

We welcome guests Erik M. and Pieter N. as they share about their experiences of church.
Please bring your own lunch.
Drinks will be provided.
Online (Zoom) participation is available using the same link as the worship service.

Looking ahead to Advent

Christmas Music at SCOC  The newly formed Worship Committee at SCOC is asking folks at DMC (who are available) to circle the following date and to join our voices with residents for a service of Christmas Music.

Date:  Sunday Afternoon  Dec. 10  Please come to the Meeting Room at 6:15.  We will proceed from there to the 3rd floor and sing carols for the residents in Long Term Care, then return to the Meeting Room for a 7 pm service. Along with our voices, we are being asked to provide accompaniment for the singing (piano, along with other instruments that will add richness to the service.)

Due to Masarykpark’s busy schedule they weren’t able to fit us in this year.
Dalton – on behalf of Outreach & Service

Worship Schedule reminder

November 26
Speaker                   Harry N.
Worship leader  Dalton J.
Song Leader         Ed F.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Leslie S., Murray L.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Mike D.

December 3
Speaker                     Stephen R.
Worship leader    Cindy R.
Song Leader           Dalton J.
Musicians                Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Leslie & Fazal S.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Don B.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save the Date: Peace Conference
November 18, 2023
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.

Canadian Mennonite presents, “Answering the Call: Three Young Pastors Reflect on Ministry,” an online discussion on Wednesday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET. Guests Curtis Wiens, Kennedy Froese and Elshaday Baraki will discuss their call to ministry and what they enjoy about being leaders in the church. Register today at: www.canadianmennonite.org/events

MCC
Responding to the Palestine and Israel conflict

As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel. MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence.

MCC is planning an emergency response to the current crisis with existing partners. Our response will focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza, given the vulnerability of the population and lack of resources available to families. MCC’s work will build on previous responses to the ongoing conflict, including the distribution of food and bedding. We are also planning to offer trauma healing support and housing reconstruction. Donate online at mcc.org/Palestine-Israel.

Theatre of the Beat has developed three short plays that reflect lived experiences of elder abuse, healthy masculinity, and intimate partner violence in youth relationships, with a focus on how to recognize the subtle early signs of abuse. The topics chosen were identified by their community partners (experts at Assaulted Women’s Helpline and Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region) as topics that need to be immediately addressed.
 
At the end of each play, the audience will have the opportunity to make suggestions to the actors to change the outcome of the scenes or jump into the scenes themselves. Using the Forum Theatre model, this interactive element allows audiences to 'rehearsal for reality,' learning skills and resources for how they can make a difference.
 
The show will take place at University of Toronto's Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3) on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm. Book your tickets on the Hart House Theatre website at: https://harthouse.ca/theatre/show/i-love-you-and-it-hurts.

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. 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

Carol O. welcomes you to
the CoSA/FCRI Open House
on Saturday, December 9
at Danforth Mennonite Church.

Pax Christi Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Elaine Choi, announces two events to brighten your holiday season.

On Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm, at Church of the Redeemer, Pax Christi Chorale will present Children’s Messiah, a 60-minute interactive music education experience suitable for children of all ages. Join us to learn about music through Handel’s well loved masterpiece Messiah, featuring stunning solos, brilliant organ accompaniment, glorious orchestral overtures and powerful choruses – over 100 singers and players! Admission is FREE – donations accepted for Church of the Redeemer’s The Common Table program.

And on Saturday, December 9, at 4 pm, at ESG United Church, we will present Christmas Through the Ages; music and stories to evoke the wonder and joy of Christmas, from our family to yours. In collaboration with Hogtown Brass, we will perform favourites by Halley, Victoria, Lauridsen and others; culminating in John Rutter’s spectacular Gloria for choir, brass and organ. There will also be carols for all to sing.

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

November
14  Ladies walking group
18  Messy Church
19  Dine and Discern
21  Ladies walking group
28  Ladies walking group

December
2  DMC Christmas banquet
5  Ladies walking group
10  Singing at SCOC
12  Ladies walking group

Wider Church

November
18  MCC Peace conference
29  ToTB at Hart House

December
2  Pax Christi Chorale  Children’s Messiah
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist
 
We welcome all guests who have joined us.
 

Danforth Mennonite Church
November 12, 2023
Peace Sunday
Order of Service

 Welcome

Call to Worship

Opening hymn:  VT #28 Come, Christians, Join to Sing

Announcements

Hymn:  VT #788 The Garden Needs Our Tending Now

Offering

Duet:  VT # 368 Spirit of Life 

Congregational Prayer

Scripture reading:  Romans 12:9-21

Message:  Trusting God to Settle Scores

Commitment to renew our common home

Closing Hymn: VT #829 Go Now in Peace, Worship Continues

 Our Peace Sunday worship materials are provided by MCC Ontario.

 Leading Us in Worship
Message                              Carol O.
Worship Leader              Bonnie W.
Scripture reading           John E.
Duet                                      Don B., Kathy W.
Song Leader                      Kathy W.
Musicians                           Emily L. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Dalton & Carol J.
Zoom Host                        Mike D.
A/V Technician               Murray L.

November hymn of the month:  VT # 829  Go Now in Peace

Adult Discussion Group – 10:00 a.m.

November
12     Remembrance Day Theme-War led by John E.
19    Justice discussion – led by Stephen
26    Justice discussion – led by Stephen/Harry N.

Call to worship
Humility

Leader:  God of all the earth —
Take us outside to your holy places.
Take us out beyond our walls,
Out where we can see our neighbours.
Out past the garden
With its ripe tomatoes and fat watermelons.

People:  Out where flowers bloom yellow and pink
And sway in the wind.
Out to the soil we came from and
The place where we no longer have words
For what we see, but can only
Say how small we are.

Leader:  There — out there — bend down,
Make mud with your spit;
Smear it on our eyes.
And when the clay cakes and cracks and
We turn our faces to your vast world,

All:  May we see grace, not despair,
and a harvest so plentiful it distresses us. 

Scripture Reading

Romans 12:9-21 (NRSVUE)

Marks of the True Christian
⁹ Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; ¹⁰ love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. ¹² Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

A commitment to renew our
common home

Leader:  God of creation
We come to you this season recognizing that you are the creator, and we open our eyes to the beauty that fills the creatures, the land, the air and the water. You are creator not only of humankind, but of all that graces this planet and this universe.

People:  God of these days
In this time of pandemic, climate change, racial inequity, biodiversity loss and other threats to your creation, we recognize that we are blessed by what you have made, while also dependent on how that creation is cared for.

Leader:  God of justice
We come recognizing our complicity in not caring for that with which you have blessed us. We fail our sisters and brothers around the world when our actions cause harm to our world.

People:  God of peace
We ask your guidance for how to honour your creation in these challenging times. We humbly open our hearts and minds to what we can do to be your instruments of peace, in helping to make the global Anabaptist church a community that people can point to and say — they are taking creation care seriously; they are faithful Christians.
 
All:  God of assurance
Thank you for the assurance that you are with us in this journey. Renew our spirits, as we work to renew our common home. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Faith-based resources
on creation care

MCC’s Climate Action for Peace https://climateactionforpeace.com/

Mennonite Creation Care Network https://www.mennocreationcare.org/

Anabaptist Climate Collaborative https://www.anabaptistclimate.org/

Mennonite World Conference Creation Care Task Force
https://mwc-cmm.org/cctf

For the love of creation https://fortheloveofcreation.ca/resources

A Rocha
https://arocha.ca

Citizens for public justice

Home

UN Environment Programme https://www.unep.org/interactives/things-you-can-do-climate-emergency/#see-all-ideas

ACT Alliance
https://actalliance.org/climate-justice/

Lausanne https://lausanne.org/networks/issues/creation-care Climate intercessors https://www.climateintercessors.org/

Evangelical environmental network https://creationcare.org/what-we-do/an-evangelical-declaration-on-the-care-of-creation.html

Laudato Si movement https://laudatosimovement.org/

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasurer’s Report: We received $9,668 in offerings in October. $8,200 is needed each month to meet our 2023 budget. Year to date, our offerings are running $8,374 below budget. Our deficit now sits at -$143 to the end of October.

There was a lot of activity in our Designated Funds in October. The Outreach Committees Thanksgiving Projects brought in $250 each for the Nourish East End Food Bank and the MCC World Relief Fund. $281 from the Bill B. Memorial Fund was added to the Food Bank donation for a total of $531.

$1073 was spent from the Professional Development Fund for 2SLGBTQ+ coaching expenses.

There was $108 in cooking class expenses taken from the Spirit of MDS Fund.

$200 from the Benevolence Fund was used for 2 crisis situations identified by our Pastor.

Who We Support: In December Church Council will be reviewing the financial support in our budget for other charities beyond our congregation. Currently our core support is for St. Clair O’Connor Community ($2,500 for Chaplaincy Support) and the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada ($3,000). We also support MCC Ontario, New Life Centre, Sanctuary Toronto, Willowgrove and Theatre of the Beat ($300 each). In our 2023 budget we added the purchase of 1 acre of crop for the World Grains Food Bank through a project with other local churches known as Danforth Grow Hope ($600).

Council is inviting input from the congregation in this process. Is there a charitable organization that reflects our values and identity that you feel Danforth should add for financial support? Would you like to see a different mixture in our support?

Please contact a council member by the end of November with your suggestions. They are Mike D., Donna A., Don B., Roger H., Anne R. and Pastor Stephen R.

Come and join us for
MESSY CHURCH which is a
FREE FAMILY EVENT
for children 4-12 on
Saturday, November 18
 from 5 – 7p.m.

The MC team would appreciate volunteers to help in the kitchen for Messy Church for our November and December events. If you can help, please sign your name on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

Our Christmas banquet is on December 2, 2023.  Punch at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Please let us know how many are attending from your group/family.  What are you bringing? 
The sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board.  If you won’t be at church, contact Bonnie to let her know what you are bringing.

Ladies Walking Group

On Tuesday, November 14 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will be walking in Pine Hills Cemetery.  Use the entrance off of Birchmount, and park in the lot facing the building entrance.

An email will go out on Monday November 13 to confirm the place and time.

If you need to be picked up or dropped off, please check in with fellow walkers or email Bonnie.

Congregational ‘Dine and Discern’:
“Listening to others”

After the service on Sunday morning, November 19^th, we will gather together from 12:30 to 2:30 for lunch, worship, and sharing.
This is our second session about inclusion of 2SLGTBQ+ persons in Danforth Mennonite Church.

In this gathering we will hear from persons who identify as 2SLGTBQ+ about their experiences of church.
Please bring your own lunch.
Drinks will be provided.

Online (Zoom) participation is available using the same link as the worship service.

Looking ahead to Advent

Christmas Music at SCOC  The newly formed Worship Committee at SCOC is asking folks at DMC (who are available) to circle the following date and to join our voices with residents for a service of Christmas Music.

Date:  Sunday Afternoon  Dec. 10  Please come to the Meeting Room at 6:15.  We will proceed from there to the 3rd floor and sing carols for the residents in Long Term Care, then return to the Meeting Room for a 7 pm service. Along with our voices, we are being asked to provide accompaniment for the singing (piano, along with other instruments that will add richness to the service.)

Due to Masarykpark’s busy schedule,
they weren’t able to fit us in this year.
Dalton – on behalf of Outreach & Service

Worship Schedule reminder

November 19
Speaker                 Stephen R.
Worship leader Sue S.
Song Leader        Sue S.
Musicians             Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Vic G.
ZOOM host         Bonnie W.
A/V Tech               Fazal S.

November 26
Speaker                     Harry N.
Worship leader    Dalton J.
Song Leader           Ed F.
Musicians                Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Leslie S., Murray L.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Mike D.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save the Date: Peace Conference
November 18, 2023
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.

Theatre of the Beat has developed three short plays that reflect lived experiences of elder abuse, healthy masculinity, and intimate partner violence in youth relationships, with a focus on how to recognize the subtle early signs of abuse. The topics chosen were identified by their community partners (experts at Assaulted Women’s Helpline and Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region) as topics that need to be immediately addressed.

At the end of each play, the audience will have the opportunity to make suggestions to the actors to change the outcome of the scenes or jump into the scenes themselves. Using the Forum Theatre model, this interactive element allows audiences to 'rehearsal for reality,' learning skills and resources for how they can make a difference.

The show will take place at University of Toronto's Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3) on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:00pm. Book your tickets on the Hart House Theatre website at: https://harthouse.ca/theatre/show/i-love-you-and-it-hurts.

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. 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

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

November
11  Men’s breakfast
14  Ladies walking group
18  Messy Church
19  Dine and Discern
21  Ladies walking group
28  Ladies walking group

December
2  DMC Christmas banquet
5  Ladies walking group
10  Singing at SCOC
12  Ladies walking group

Wider Church

November
18  MCC Peace conference
29  ToTB at Hart House

December
10  Menno Singers Messiah