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

Danforth Mennonite Church
June 2, 2024  11:00 a.m.
Order of Service

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome/Introduction

Call to Worship

Opening prayer

Opening Hymn  VT #495 Morning has Broken

Announcements

Offering & Offertory Prayer

Hymn of the Month VT #365 Lord, I lift your name on high

Prayer Time

Scriptures:  Matthew 13:31-35, Psalm 78:1-3

Hymn:  VT #670 In the Bulb There is a Flower

Message:    Stories in need of protagonists

Closing hymn: VT #793 VT Siyahamba (We are Marching)

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                         Johnny W.
Worship Leader         Sue S.
Song Leader                 Ed F.
Musicians                      Bonnie W. (piano),  Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                        Leslie S., Tessa R.
Zoom Host                   Mike D.
A/V Technician          Fazal S.

Hymn of the month:  VT #365  Lord, I lift your name on high

It’s hymn sing Sunday.
Please join us at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary to sing some new and some old favorites.
 

Our Speaker…
Johnny W. grew up rurally, in Stouffville ON, working his first jobs choring and baling at Willowgrove’s Farm, and later working as a counsellor with Glenbrook Day Camp, and an Outdoor Education instructor in the Field Trip program.

He attended Conrad Grebel where he met his now partner Leah H. – an MVSer who attended Danforth while working at Habitat for Humanity. After graduating from the University of Waterloo in Theatre and History in 2009, Johnny founded Theatre of the Beat, a Canadian touring theatre company that works to catalyze conversations on social justice. His first ever theatre production – This Prison; or He Came Through the Floor – being hosted in this very sanctuary as a fundraiser for the MVS program. In 2019, Johnny stepped down from his work with Theatre of the Beat to accept the position of Executive Director at Willowgrove, coming full circle.

Since returning to Willowgrove, Johnny’s creative work has taken a bit of a back burner, as he now oversees several charitable programs as including a nature school, outdoor education centre, a market garden, overnight camp, and day camp, and seasonal events which span across two properties, totalling 375 acres.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t steeped in stories. Today, he’s going to reflect on one of Willowgrove’s programs in particular – one that is known for its stories. A very special place called Fraser Lake Camp.

Call to Worship

Leader: God calls us in the wind and whisper;

People: In the spirit the laughter of children and the chirping of crickets.

Leader:  God beckons u through the brilliance of stars in the night sky,

People:  The dance of sunshine on waves, and the glowing embers in a campfire.

Leader:  May we open our hearts to God’s call – to God’s Presence

May we draw near to God’s warmth and to one another,

People:  United with all creatures,  to celebrate community and praise  God.

Written by Eleanor Epp-Stobbe (Used with permission)

Scripture Reading

Matthew 13: 31-35 (CEB)

Parable of the mustard seed
³¹ He told another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. ³² It’s the smallest of all seeds. But when it’s grown, it’s the largest of all vegetable plants. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.”

Parable of the yeast
³³ He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in a bushel of wheat flour until the yeast had worked its way through all the dough.”

Purpose of parables to the crowds
³⁴ Jesus said all these things to the crowds in parables, and he spoke to them only in parables. ³⁵This was to fulfill what the prophet spoke:
I’ll speak in parables;
        I’ll declare what has been hidden since the beginning of the world.

Psalm 78:1-3 (CEB)

¹Listen, my people, to my teaching;
tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth.
² I will open my mouth with a proverb.
I’ll declare riddles from days long gone—
³         ones that we’ve heard and learned about,
ones that our ancestors told us.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need to replenish our
Little Library.  Drop off your books in the cart in the lower lobby.  Please – no oversize books.
thanks

Ladies Walking group

As a group, we have not been to this park in the past.

On Tuesday, June 4 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Cedar Ridge Park at 225 Confederation Drive.  For those living near the church, take Kingston Road east.  Turn left onto Scarborough Golf Club Road, going north to Confederation Drive.  Turn right onto Confederation Drive.  Follow to Tingle Cres. on the right for the parking lot.  It’s approximately 26 minutes from the church.

An email will go out on Monday June 3 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.

Summer Hours will
commence June 30.
Our Church service will be
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
There will be no Adult Class or
Hymn Sing during the summer.

Worship Schedule reminder

June 9
Message:               Michael V. D.
Worship leader  Linda D.
Song Leader         Kathy W.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                John E., Leslie S.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Mike D.

June 16
Message:                Carol O.
Worship leader   Linda D.
Song Leader          Dalton J.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 John E., Anne R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save the Date
Joint Service and Potluck

at Willowgrove on August 17-18 from 10:30am – 4pm.

Swimming, wagon rides, games, and more.
For more details please visit willowgrove.ca.

Google Form for Joint Service & Picnic

Leah R-K. will be offering a workshop titled: 
Tending Hope: supporting parents & caregivers
to talk about climate change

This is an interactive workshop to help people who love and care about the young people in their lives to have courageous and hopeful conversations about climate change.

Drawing on her book Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet, Leah will provide practical examples and resources. Participants will also be encouraged to reflect on their own faith and wisdom traditions to think about what has sustained them to live in hope during times of adversity, and how they can share this with the young people in their lives.

https://www.willowgrove.ca/events/climate-change-workshop

Between the River and the Sea:  A Lunch and Learn Conversation

with Jeff Halper
June 25, 2024
12-1 p.m.
Community Room, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener

Join the MCEC Palestine Israel Network Working Group as they welcome Jeff Halper, an Israeli anthropologist working to address injustice against Palestinian people. Jeff will speak for 30 minutes, leaving time for discussion.

Jeff is a founding member of the Palestinian-led One Democratic State Campaign (ODSC), will present the ODSC’s program for replacing Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory with a democratic state of equal rights for all – including the returning refugees. This, he argues, is the only substantially just way forward, but it is strewn with complex and difficult issues we will discuss.

More Information

The constituency-based MCEC Palestine Israel Network Working Group serves the MCEC constituency by promoting awareness and education on specific issues and topics. The information and links are those of the Working Group and do not necessarily represent MCEC as a whole.

Mennonite Church Canada Annual General Meeting
Saturday, June 22, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Central time
Online – Zoom

Join our nationwide community of faith for Mennonite Church Canada’s Annual General Meeting. Along with our business agenda, we will hear updates from our program directors, enjoy worship and reflect together as Joint Council members share what God has showed them over the past year. All are welcome. Agenda, information packet, audited financial statements, and registration portal coming soon.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth
June
4  Ladies walking group – Cedar Ridge Park
8  Men’s breakfast
11 Ladies walking group
18  Ladies walking group
25 Ladies walking group – last walk until Sept.
30  Summer hours – service at 10:30 a.m.

August
17/18 Willowgrove joint service

Wider Church
June 
2  TCMC Fundraising Event

Community corner
June
1 Spring Festival
9  Pax Christi Chorale

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

All are welcome

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 26, 2024
Order of Service

Welcome

Call to worship

Opening Prayer

Opening Hymn:  VT 36  Let Us Build a House                                     

Announcements

Offering and Offertory Prayer

Hymn:  VT 70 Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Hymn: VT 437  The Lord is my light

Congregational Prayer

Hymn:  VT 715  Longing for Light

Scripture  Reading:  Luke 11:5-10

Message:  Knocking on the door

Closing Hymn:  VT 722  Help Us to Help Each Other

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Carol O.
Worship Leader             Bonnie W.
Scripture reading          Mark C.
Song Leader                     Bonnie W.
Musicians                          Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Dalton & Carol J.
Zoom Host                        Mike D.
A/V Technician               Roger H.

Hymn of the month:  VT 437  The Lord is my light

Adult Discussion class

Baby and Bathwater:

Please read the third Chapter, “The Strategic Plan” pages 13-18.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What is Jack’s main point?
2. What did you like?
3.  What made you uneasy?

Call to Worship

Leader:  Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you;
                   search, and you will find; knock, and the
                   door will be opened for you.”

People:  Lord, as we search now, let us find you.
                   As we knock, open the door to us.
                   Let us know you, that we may praise you;
and love you, that we may serve you.

Scripture Reading
Luke 11:5-10 (NRSVUE)

Perseverance in Prayer
⁵ And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, ⁶ for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ ⁷ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ ⁸ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

⁹ “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need to replenish our
Little Library.  Drop off your books in the cart in the lower lobby.  Please – no oversize books.
thanks

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, May 28 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at The Guild Inn.  Entrance is off of Guildwood Parkway.

An email will go out on Monday May 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.

Summer Hours will
commence June 30.

Our Church service will be
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

There will be no Adult Class or
Hymn Sing during the summer.

Worship Schedule reminder

June 2
Message:                Johnny W.
Worship leader   Sue S.
Song Leader          Ed F.
Musicians               Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

June 9
Message:                  Michael V. D.
Worship leader    Linda D.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians               Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  John E., Leslie S.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Mike D.

DMC received this email from Pamela

Gratitude

Thank you so much for the hospitality last weekend. The welcome was a well-needed break for our pilgrims. The coffee was delicious, as were the goodies.

The Pilgrimage was a wonderful experience.

Blessings,
Pamela T.
The one who makes peace in the heavens shall make peace upon us, upon all of Israel, and upon all the peoples of the earth, and let us say, amen. The Kaddish

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join us at the 58th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
May 24 & 25,
New Hamburg Fairgrounds

Get ready for a weekend of excitement at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale! Join us for a fantastic time filled with fun, food, and the chance to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. Mark your calendars for Friday evening and Saturday as we kick off the festivities! Don’t let this chance slip by to immerse yourself in community spirit and lend your support to MCC. Visit nhmrs.com for all the details. See you there!

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale

Save the Date
Joint Service and Potluck

at Willowgrove on August 17-18 from 10:30am – 4pm. Swimming, wagon rides, games, and more. For more details please visit willowgrove.ca.

Google Form for Joint Service & Picnic

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth
May
25/26 Doors Open Toronto
28 Ladies walking group
June
4  Ladies walking group
8  Men’s breakfast
11 Ladies walking group
18  Ladies walking group
25 Ladies walking group – last walk until Sept.
30  Summer hours – service at 10:30 a.m.
August
17/18 Willowgrove joint service

Wider Church
May
24/25   New Hamburg MCC Mennonite relief sale

Bulletin Board
May
7-31  Lisa’s Art exhibit
June
1 Spring Festival
9  Pax Christi Chorale

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 19, 2024
Order of Service

Welcome

Land Acknowledgement

Opening Prayer

Opening Hymn:  VT 366 Although Our Lord Has Left Us

Call to worship

Announcements

Offering and Offertory Prayer

Hymn: VT 211 Hope is A Candle

Congregational Prayer

Hymn:  VT 437 The Lord is my Light

Scripture  Reading:  Acts 2:1-21

Message:  And that’s how we started speaking the same language

Closing Hymn:  VT 386 One is the Body

Benediction

 Leading Us in Worship

Message                            Cedric M.
Worship Leader            Cindy R.
Scripture reading         Bethany W.
Song Leader                    Kathy W.
Musicians                         Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                           Leslie S., Tessa R.
Zoom Host                      Mike D.
A/V Technician             Don B.

Our speaker this morning:

Cedric M. is the Artistic Director for Theatre of the Beat. Cedric has produced over 15 plays- including 6 of which he wrote or co-wrote. These plays have been performed hundreds of times to thousands of people across Canada and the United States, in large theatres and small intimate venues. His original work has ranged in topics from mental health, abuse, family history, life choices, and healthy masculinity.

Beyond the stage, Cedric is a passionate advocate for peace. He is frequently invited to engage communities with thought-provoking discussions on contemporary and historical peacemakers, as well as pathways to fostering peace in today’s world. Balancing his artistic endeavours with his commitment to family, Cedric finds fulfillment in his roles as a devoted father to his daughter, Calia, and husband to Alyse.

Hymn of the month:  VT 437  The Lord is my light

Discussion class update

Baby and Bathwater: This Sunday we carry on with the second chapter, Advancing Toward the End p7-11. Consider the following:

1. What is Jack trying to say?
2. Bring a phrase or sentence that stood out to you.
3. Bring a question you might have about this chapter.

Call to Worship

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit! Ignite our hearts with joy and confidence!

People: For God has done wondrous things for us.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit! Fill us with the power of the rushing wind that we may faithfully serve you in all that we do.

People: For Christ has called each of us and blessed us!

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit! Be with us today.

People: Help us to boldly proclaim Christ Risen. AMEN.

Scripture Reading

Acts 2:1-21 (CEB)
Pentecost
2 When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. ⁴ They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

⁵ There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. ⁷ They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? ⁸ How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; as well as residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya bordering Cyrene; and visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!” ¹² They were all surprised and bewildered. Some asked each other, “What does this mean?” ¹³ Others jeered at them, saying, “They’re full of new wine!”

¹⁴ Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! ¹⁵ These people aren’t drunk, as you suspect; after all, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! ¹⁶ Rather, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young will see visions.
Your elders will dream dreams.
¹⁸     Even upon my servants, men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will cause wonders to occur in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will be changed into darkness,
and the moon will be changed into blood,
before the great and spectacular day of the Lord comes.
²¹ And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need to replenish our Little Library.  Drop off your books in the cart in the lower lobby.  Please – no oversize books. thanks

Treasurer’s Report: We received $6,772 in offerings in April. Our budget calls for $8,114 each month in offerings. Due partly to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $18,312 operating surplus.
 
In April there was $200 donated to the Food Bank Fund. There was also an additional $50 donation in memory of Salome Harrison which has been placed in the Professional Development Fund. The Benevolence Fund received another $405 in donations.
 
There was an approved $1800 disbursement from the Benevolence Fund in April for a financial crisis situation. This need was identified by the Ministry Support Team and the Benevolence Fund Policy was used as guidance for this assistance. The Benevolence Fund now has $101 remaining and new donations to the fund are encouraged. Our goal, as stated in the policy, is to have a minimum of $2,000 in the fund for future situations of need.
 
Donations to Danforth Mennonite Church are always welcome through Sunday morning offerings, mailed cheques or email transfers at dmmc2174@gmail.com. Please contact Roger H. if you would like to join the monthly giving program which happens through bank transfers on the 15th of each month. Thank you to all for your generous support for the work of our church.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

May 26
Message:                  Carol O.
Worship leader    Bonnie W.
Song Leader           Bonnie W.
Musicians                Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                  Roger H.

June 2
Message:                  Johnny W.
Worship leader    Sue S.
Song Leader           Ed F.
Musicians                Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

 Doors Open Toronto
May 25 & 26

Explore Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free during the Doors Open weekend. This year’s theme is hidden histories. Uncover untold stories from across the city through a variety of open house experiences, engaging tours and insightful talks.

This will be DMC’s second year participating in Doors Open Toronto.  Last year there were 235 people coming through our doors.  This year we are expecting more people as we gear our weekend to family activities, thanks to Theatre of the Beat and our 128^th Girl Guide Troupe.

We enjoyed the hymn sign last year and are doing it again on the Saturday afternoon.  If you would like to join us in the singing, please add your name to the sign-up sheet.

We need volunteers as greeters in the lower lobby, upper lobby, the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.  If you’re not up to speed on our history, no worries.  We have handouts with the information.

Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board.

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, May 21 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at St. John’s Norway Cemetery.  The parking lot entrance is off of Woodbine just north of Kingston Road.

An email will go out on Monday May 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.

We are introducing a new section in the church bulletin – DMC Bulletin Board.  This space will be used for announcements not associated with church life.  For instance, you want to promote an event that you are putting on (e.g. garage sale, quilt show, concert etc.).

Bonnie will put the notice in this section, and if you provide a flyer, it can be posted on the bulletin board.
 
Thanks Lisa for our first posting.
 
Important:  Due to the length of our service, we would prefer that the announcements during the church service be kept to DMC and wider church-related topics.

Summer Hours will
commence June 30.
Our Church service will be
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
There will be no Adult Class or
Hymn Sing during the summer.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join us at the 58th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
May 24 & 25,
New Hamburg Fairgrounds

Get ready for a weekend of excitement at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale! Join us for a fantastic time filled with fun, food, and the chance to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. Mark your calendars for Friday evening and Saturday as we kick off the festivities! Don’t let this chance slip by to immerse yourself in community spirit and lend your support to MCC. Visit nhmrs.com for all the details. See you there!

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale

You are invited to worship at SCOC.

Your presence and support are appreciated.
7:00 p.m.

May 19 – Hymn Sing

DMC BULLETIN BOARD

Come see Lisa’s work

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

May
21 Ladies walking group – St. Johns Norway
25/26 Doors Open Toronto
28 Ladies walking group

June
4  Ladies walking group
8  Men’s breakfast
11 Ladies walking group
18  Ladies walking group
25 Ladies walking group – last walk until Sept.
30  Summer hours – service at 10:30 a.m.

Wider Church

May
19   SCOC hymn sing
24/25   New Hamburg MCC Mennonite relief sale

DMC Bulletin Board

May
7-31  Lisa’s Art exhibit

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.
 
 

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 12, 2024
Order of Service

Scripture:  Psalm 100

Welcome

Call to Worship – VT #864

Hymn: VT #95 –  Praise The Lord, Sing Hallelujah

Announcements

Giving thanks for our gifts

Hymn:  VT #437 – The Lord is my light

Prayers of the people

Hymn:  VT  #685 – O Lord, Hear My Prayer  

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 100

Sermon:  When My Heart Needs A Song

HWB #581  –  Take Thou My Hand O Father
         # 5     –  There is a Place of Quiet Rest
         #275  –  O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
          video –  Does Jesus Care

Closing Hymn:  HWB  #580 – My Life Flows On

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                       Elvira, Robert, Linda & Dalton
Call to Worship        Robert J.
Song Leader               Ed F.
Musicians                    Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                      Leslie S., Tessa R.
Zoom Host                 Bonnie W.
A/V Technician        Mike D.

The hymn of the month:  VT 437  The Lord is my light

Adult Discussion class 

The Inside Scoop on Jack:

For this Sunday you are invited to view a YouTube interview with Jack at his book launch (1hr). This is an excellent way to experience the author, the main ideas of his book and some of the people that were impacted by his ministry. Enjoy!

Quotes: Please pause the video and jot down a few quotes that strike you. See link below and see you all on Sunday.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=robert+j+sudrrman+book+launch+the+baby+and+tge+batgwster&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-ca&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:64dcbfd9,vid:2uXm5ZFlvO0,st:0

Call to Worship
VT #864

Leader: We offer thanksgiving to our Creator,
recalling that Christ is the center of creation
and our lives as Christians.

As we face east, the direction of the rising sun,
we offer thanks for the gifts of the tree world
and for new beginnings.

All: Help us to be honest with you and others
and to be wise and just in our use of the resources of the earth.
We give thanks to you, O God.

Leader: As we face south, where we receive warmth,
we offer thanks for the gifts of the animal world
and for the call to be humble.

All: Enable us to walk good paths,
to live as family should,
and, with you, to renew the face of the earth.
We give thanks to you, O God.

Leader: As we face west, where we receive teachings of faith,
we offer thanks for the gifts of the rock world
and the purifying and fruitful waters.

All: Sustain us and the earth through your Holy Spirit,
and give us faith as strong as the rock.
We give thanks to you, O God.

Leader: As we face north, the direction of wind and snow,
we offer thanks for the plant world,
and for kindness and wisdom.

All: Breathe your strength and endurance into us,
and give us wisdom to treat each other with kindness.
We give thanks to you, O God.

Leader: As we face centre,
From above comes the unconditional love of God.
From the earth comes the gift of life.

All: We give thanks for love like the wings of the eagle.
We dedicate our lives to you, our Creator and Savior.
As we walk on this earth, may we learn together
and celebrate the way of peace, harmony, and tranquility.
We give thanks to you, O God.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 100 – for giving grateful praise

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need to replenish our Little Library.
Drop off your books in the cart in the lower lobby.
Please – no oversize books.
thanks

Treasurer’s Report: We received $6,772 in offerings in April. Our budget calls for $8,114 each month in offerings. Due partly to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $18,312 operating surplus.

In April there was $200 donated to the Food Bank Fund. There was also an additional $50 donation in memory of Salome Harrison which has been placed in the Professional Development Fund. The Benevolence Fund received another $405 in donations.

There was an approved $1800 disbursement from the Benevolence Fund in April for a financial crisis situation. This need was identified by the Ministry Support Team and the Benevolence Fund Policy was used as guidance for this assistance. The Benevolence Fund now has $101 remaining and new donations to the fund are encouraged. Our goal, as stated in the policy, is to have a minimum of $2,000 in the fund for future situations of need.

Donations to Danforth Mennonite Church are always welcome through Sunday morning offerings, mailed cheques or email transfers at dmmc2174@gmail.com. Please contact Roger H. if you would like to join the monthly giving program which happens through bank transfers on the 15th of each month. Thank you to all for your generous support for the work of our church.

Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage and DMC

On May 11 & 12, dozens of Christians & people of faith will embark on a Prayer Pilgrimage across Toronto. If you are interested in joining at any time, we are walking, rolling & singing across Bloor, Danforth Ave & Kingston Road from Etobicoke to the Rouge Hill GO Station over 2 days.

Our objectives are:

1. Enduring and Sustained Ceasefire.
2. Immediate flow of life-saving food, water, fuel and humanitarian assistance.
3. Release of all captives.
4. End all arms transfers to Israel.
5. End of occupation so a just peace can begin.

We ask each participant to adhere to our Core Convictions:

https://www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com/core-convictions

All info & a registration page are at
https://www.kairoscanada.org/event/toronto-gaza-ceasefire-pilgrimage.

Sponsorships to raise money for charities assisting people in Gaza are encouraged.   https://www.kairoscanada.org/gaza-ceasefire-pilgrimage/middle-east-partners

Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage walkers will arrive from East Lynn Park to DMC at approximately 10:45 am on Sunday, May 12 for a brief stop.

A table will be set up outside the front door with some coffee, cups and a pitcher of water. Walkers will be invited to use the lower level washrooms as needed. Helping out with this are Dalton, Ray, and Leslie. So far, those registered to walk from East Lynn Park to DMC are Anne R., Leslie and Fazal S., and Murray L.

Thanks to all who are assisting. We ask for prayers for the walkers and a permanent Ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages/prisoners to their families in Gaza and Israel/Palestine

Men’s (and women) breakfast before the
Annual Church Cleaning
Saturday, May 11, 2024

There will be a
Pot-Luck finger food
breakfast before the cleaning project.

8:30 a.m.  setup for breakfast
9:00 a.m.  breakfast
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. church cleaning

If you haven’t attended the church Spring Cleaning event in the past, it’s very simple – a list of chores is left on the table, you select what you will do and then get to it.

If you wish to forego the breakfast, you are welcome to get started earlier than 10:00 a.m.  The trustees thank you for your participation.  And thanks to the Men’s breakfast group for hosting us!

Worship Schedule reminder

May 19
Message:               Cedric M.
Worship leader Cindy R.
Song Leader        Kathy W.
Musicians             Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters               Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host        Mike D.
A/V Tech              Don B.

May 26
Message:                Carol O.
Worship leader  Bonnie W.
Song Leader         Bonnie W.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host         Mike D.
A/V Tech                Roger H.

Doors Open Toronto
May 25 & 26

Explore Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free during the Doors Open weekend. This year’s theme is hidden histories. Uncover untold stories from across the city through a variety of open house experiences, engaging tours and insightful talks.

This will be DMC’s second year participating in Doors Open Toronto.  Last year there were 235 people coming through our doors.  This year we are expecting more people as we gear our weekend to family activities, thanks to Theatre of the Beat and our 128^th Girl Guide Troupe.

We enjoyed the hymn sign last year and are doing it again on the Saturday afternoon.  If you would like to join us in the singing, please add your name to the sign-up sheet.

We need volunteers as greeters in the lower lobby, upper lobby, the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.  If you’re not up to speed on our history, no worries.  We have handouts with the information.

Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board.

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, May 14, we will be meeting at Taylor Creek Park (off Dawes Road).

An email will go out on Monday May 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.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join us at the 58th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale
May 24 & 25,
New Hamburg Fairgrounds

Get ready for a weekend of excitement at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale! Join us for a fantastic time filled with fun, food, and the chance to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. Mark your calendars for Friday evening and Saturday as we kick off the festivities! Don’t let this chance slip by to immerse yourself in community spirit and lend your support to MCC. Visit nhmrs.com for all the details. See you there!

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale

You are invited to worship with the
St. Clair O’Connor Community. 
Your presence and support are appreciated.
7:00 p.m.

May 19 - Hymn Sing

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

May
11 Men’s breakfast
11 DMC Spring Cleaning
14 Ladies walking group
21 Ladies walking group
25/26 Doors Open Toronto
28 Ladies walking group

Wider Church

May
11/12   Gaza Pilgrimage walk – stop at DMC
19   SCOC hymn sing
24/25   New Hamburg MCC Mennonite relief sale