DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 29, 2024    10:30 a.m.
Good Friday Order of Service

Welcome

Call to Worship

Prayer

Opening Hymn:  VT #323 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross 

Scripture: John 18: 28-40

Hymn:  VT #325  Oh Sacred Head, Now Wounded 

Scripture: John 19: 1-16

Prayer of Thanks to a Welcoming God

Hymn:  VT #329  Were You There  (vs 1-2)

Prayer of Invitation to the Table

A Prayer for Good Friday: Now We Know

Hymn:  VT #329 Were You There  (vs 3-5)

Bread of life Communion Service

Closing Hymn:  VT #327 – Jesus, Remember Me 

Leading Us in Worship
Worship Leaders          Margaret A,, Shannon E., Dalton J., Cindy R.
Song Leader                    Ed F.
Musicians                         Roger H. (piano)
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V Technician              Fazal S.

 A Prayer for Good Friday: Now We Know

(written by Christine Jerrett)

Now we know:
all is grace
all is gift.

You give us all good things:
life and love;
daily bread and water that quenches our thirst;
friends and faith.

Most of all, in your Son, Jesus,
you meet us with a love that will never let us go;
you utter words of mercy and forgiveness
that override the hurts,
and heal our brokenness;
you offer new beginnings
where we had expected only dead ends.

We give you thanks and praise
for the mystery of your suffering love
that gives us life.

We give you thanks and praise
that you know our weakness
and hear our prayers.

We give you thanks and praise
that all our dying and living
is held in your good keeping.

Now we know:
all is grace
all is gift.
We give you thanks and praise.

Concluding words to our communion service:

We have come to the Lord’s table,

we have eaten the bread of heaven.

The Holy Spirit will transform us from within

so that we can see with Jesus’ eyes,

hear with Jesus’ ears,

feel the world as Jesus feels;

to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Let us leave this time together, nourished by the Bread of Life,

to do what the Spirit has called us to do.

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 31, 2024   11:00 a.m.
Easter Sunday Order of Service

Welcome

Call to worship

Hymn: VT 333 Low in the Grave He Lay

Announcements

Special Music: Children

Offering Prayer

Hymn: VT 346 Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Prayer

Special Music: Choir VT 359 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing!

Hymn: VT 364 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

Scripture Text: Luke 24:36-53

Sermon: Finally it has Begun

Hymn of Response: VT 355 Thine is the Glory

Benediction: And we will leave the sanctuary singing VT 847 You shall go out in Peace

Leading Us in Worship
Message                            John E.
Worship Leader            Margaret A.
Song Leader                    Dalton J.
Musicians                         Bonnie W. (piano)
Greeters                           Vic G., Murray L.
Zoom Host                      Mike D.
A/V Technician             Don B.

Call to worship

One: When it is still dark, we come seeking Jesus.

Many: The risen Christ is here among us!

One: The stone has been rolled away, walls torn down.

Many: The risen Christ is here among us!

One: The burial cloth removed, his body transformed.

Many: The risen Christ is here among us!

One: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and John see and believe.

All: We find the risen Christ among us who has made all things new!

The tomb is empty, the way of Love has prevailed!

One: Peace be with you!

Many: Peace be with you!

Scripture reading

Setting:
Night has fallen on Jerusalem. The glow of an oil lamp encompasses the disciples in an upper room.  The women have come back from the tomb. The body is gone. Cleopas and his wife have come back. They have encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  Voices mingle vigorously and then suddenly… quiet.

Luke 24:36-53

Jesus Appears to the Disciples
³⁶ While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

³⁷ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸ He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

⁴⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he took it and ate it in their presence.

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Our Lent table display

THE ROCKS
The rocks remind us that Jesus alone is worthy of our adoration and praise. It reminds us that Jesus said if the people wouldn’t praise Him, the rocks would.
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. [Luke 19:40]

THE SAND
The sand reminds us of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He was alone, tempted, and hungry; yet He resisted sin and lived a perfect life.
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. [Isaiah 40:3]

THE CANDLES
The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. And the light always overcomes the darkness.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [John 1:4-5]
 
On the first Sunday of Lent, all seven candles are lit. As each week of Lent passes, one candle is extinguished. Unlike Advent where a new candle is lit each week and the light slowly gets brighter, during Lent each week gets progressively darker, until there is complete darkness on Good Friday.

“Whereas Advent is a season of ever-increasing light anticipating the incarnation of Christ, Lent is a season of ever-decreasing light approaching His crucifixion. Light is gradually extinguished to symbolize the journey through the wilderness and toward the cross and tomb.”

On Good Friday it appeared that darkness and death had won. The Light had been extinguished.

But thanks be to God that it doesn’t end there! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:55-57]

Sin and death have been defeated! On Resurrection Sunday all seven candles are lit as we celebrate the hope, life, and victory we have because of Jesus. He is risen, He is risen indeed!

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Annual Church Cleaning
Saturday, May 11, 2024

There will be a Women & Men Pot-Luck Breakfast before the cleaning project.
More details to follow in April.

Easter Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, March 31, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

Please bring finger foods for all to share.  Coffee, tea, and juice will be served.
10:45 am We are invited to the sanctuary for some pre-service
Easter hymn singing.

Everyone is welcome.

Worship Schedule reminder

April 7
Speaker                  Peter N.
Worship leader  Cindy R.
Song Leader         Dalton J.
Musicians              Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Vic & Mary Jane G.
ZOOM host         Mike D.
A/V Tech                Fazal S.

April 14
Speaker                     Carol O.
Worship leader    Erma M.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians                Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                 Roger H.

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, April 2 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at St. John’s Norway Cemetery.  The parking lot entrance is off of Woodbine.

An email will go out on Monday April 1 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.

Bonnie, the DMC office administrator will be on vacation April 3 – 13.  Please speak with Roger if you have any notices for the bulletin or other inquiries.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

You are invited to worship with the
St. Clair O’Connor Community.
Your presence and support are appreciated.
7:00 p.m.
March 31 – an Easter service by The Church of St. Bedes

April 7 – Worship Service

April 21 – Hymn Sing

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2024
Inspired by Hope
April 26 & 27, 2024
Leamington, ON

Be inspired by the hope we find in Jesus, hear stories of inspiration and experience the wonder and mystery of God when we meet together as a family of congregations.
More Information

GTA Mennonite Festival
Annual General Meeting
April 7 at 4 pm,

Rouge Valley Mennonite Church,
7452 Reesor Rd, Markham

The 2024 AGM is taking place on Sunday, April 7 at 4 PM at Rouge Valley Mennonite Church. Please join us for a delicious soup supper from MCC’s Raw Carrot Soup program, hear about the impact of your support of the GTA Mennonite Festival and learn about plans for 2024. RSVP online at gtamennonitefestival.ca/agm.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

March
29  Good Friday service 10:30 a.m.
31  Easter breakfast and service

April
2  Ladies walking group – St. John’s Norway Cemetery
9  Ladies walking group – Rosetta McClain gardens
13  Men’s breakfast
16  Ladies walking group – Warden Woods
23  Ladies walking group
30  Ladies walking group

May
11  DMC Spring Cleaning

Wider Church

March
31  SCOC evening service

April
7  gta mennonite festival agm
7  scoc worship service
13  scoc art show
14  silent auction at Church of the Resurrection
21  SCOC Hymn sing
26 & 27  MCEC Annual Church Gathering

May
4  GTA Mennonite Church Work Bee Willowgrove
5  Celebration of Life for Dave M.

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

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 24, 2024
Order of Service

Welcome & Land acknowledgement

Call to Worship

Opening prayer

Opening hymn:  VT #84  To God be the Glory

Announcements

Offering hymn:  VT #70  Praise God from whom

Offertory Prayer

Prayer of Confession

Congregational Prayer

Hymn: VT #312  Jesus is coming

Scripture: Luke 19:28–40

Hymn: VT #313  Hosanna, Loud Hosanna 

Message:   Up to Jerusalem

Hymn: VT #280  O Carpenter, Why Leave the Bench

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                                Carol O.
Worship Leader                Bonnie W.
Scripture reading             Mark C.
Congregation Prayer     Dalton J.
Song Leader                        Kathy W.
Musicians                            Roger H. (piano)
Greeters                               Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                          Mike D.
A/V Technician                 Fazal S.

Hymn of the month:  VT #280   O Carpenter, Why Leave the Bench

Adult Discussion Class

Starting April 21st, we will be studying the book “Baby and the Bathwater”.  If you need a copy of the book, speak to Bonnie.

This coming Sunday is “Palm Sunday” and Carol O. is preaching.  Please read Luke 19:28 – 48 (Carol’s text is from v28-40).
The journey to Jerusalem began with James and John wanting to call fire down from heaven on the Samaritans.

Just before this Jesus and his disciples had came down from the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus, “set his face towards Jerusalem” (please see 9:37;51).

This journey began with the failure of the disciples who wanted to call fire down from heaven.  The journey ends with another stupendous failure when disciples rebuke mothers with nursing babies (and the ruler who failed to give up as wealth 18:15 – 30). The long journey from chapter 9 to 18 is over with a dismal report card.

The ascent of the second of the two great mountains in Luke begins with the very next verse, “Behold, we are going up…” (18:31). The events in today’s passage take place on top of what I’ve called, “The Mount of Disfiguration.”

Please consider these questions: 
*Characters, places and tension?

* questions, questions, questions: ask as many questions as possible about this passage.  What is the most significant question for you?

* What is Luke trying to tell us about Jesus?

Call to Worship

All:   Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

One:         Christ among us, humble and riding on a donkey.

Many:     Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

One:         Christ among us, God’s light shining on us!

Many:     Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

One:         Christ among us, showing the way of a servant.

Prayer of Confession

One:     When we get caught up in embracing the world’s power,

Many: forgive us.

One:     When we lose sight of the humble donkey and put our trust in horses of war,

Many: remind us of this Palm Sunday.

One:     When we begin to get sucked into the darkness of the “now,”

Many: bring us once again the peace of looking toward the “not yet.”

Scripture reading

Luke 19:28–40 (NIV)

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

³⁴ They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

³⁷ When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

³⁸ “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

⁴⁰ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Our Lent table display

THE ROCKS
The rocks remind us that Jesus alone is worthy of our adoration and praise. It reminds us that Jesus said if the people wouldn’t praise Him, the rocks would.
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. [Luke 19:40]
 
THE SAND
The sand reminds us of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He was alone, tempted, and hungry; yet He resisted sin and lived a perfect life.
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. [Isaiah 40:3]

THE CANDLES
The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. And the light always overcomes the darkness.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [John 1:4-5]
 
On the first Sunday of Lent, all seven candles are lit. As each week of Lent passes, one candle is extinguished. Unlike Advent where a new candle is lit each week and the light slowly gets brighter, during Lent each week gets progressively darker, until there is complete darkness on Good Friday.

“Whereas Advent is a season of ever-increasing light anticipating the incarnation of Christ, Lent is a season of ever-decreasing light approaching His crucifixion. Light is gradually extinguished to symbolize the journey through the wilderness and toward the cross and tomb.”

On Good Friday it appeared that darkness and death had won. The Light had been extinguished.

But thanks be to God that it doesn’t end there! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:55-57]

Sin and death have been defeated! On Resurrection Sunday all seven candles are lit as we celebrate the hope, life, and victory we have because of Jesus. He is risen, He is risen indeed!

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

The DMC choir

is preparing a hymn (VT # 359 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing!) for Easter Sunday morning.

There will be short practice after Sunday church service for about 5-10.

Good Friday service

The Ministry Support Team
(Cindy, Dalton, Margaret and Shannon)
will lead us in the service on
March 29^th at 10:30 a.m.

Easter Sunday Potluck

Sunday, March 31, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

Please bring finger foods for all to share.  Coffee, tea, and juice will be served.
10:45 am We are invited to the sanctuary for some pre-service
Easter hymn singing.
Everyone is welcome.

Worship Schedule reminder

Good Friday
Worship leaders       Margaret A., Shannon E., Dalton J., Cindy R.
Musicians                     Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
ZOOM host                 Bonnie W.

March 31
Speaker                       John E.
Worship leader      Margaret A.
Song Leader             Dalton J.
Musicians                  Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                    Vic G., Murray L.
ZOOM host             Mike D.
A/V Tech                   Don B.

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at St. John’s Norway Cemetery.  The parking lot entrance is off of Woodbine.

An email will go out on Monday March 25 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.

Annual Church Cleaning
Saturday, May 11, 2024

There will be a Women & Men Pot-Luck Breakfast before the cleaning project.
More details to follow in April.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

March 31 – an Easter service by The Church of St. Bedes.

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2024

Inspired by Hope
April 26 & 27, 2024
Leamington, ON

Be inspired by the hope we find in Jesus, hear stories of inspiration and experience the wonder and mystery of God when we meet together as a family of congregations.
More Information

GTA Mennonite Festival
Annual General Meeting
April 7 at 4 pm,
Rouge Valley Mennonite Church,

7452 Reesor Rd, Markham
The 2024 AGM is taking place on Sunday, April 7 at 4 PM at Rouge Valley Mennonite Church. Please join us for a delicious soup supper from MCC’s Raw Carrot Soup program, hear about the impact of your support of the GTA Mennonite Festival and learn about plans for 2024. RSVP online at gtamennonitefestival.ca/agm.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

March
23  Messy Church
26  Ladies walking group – Norway Church
29  Good Friday service 10:30 a.m.
31  Easter breakfast and service

May
11  DMC Spring Cleaning

Wider Church
March
31  SCOC evening service

April
7  GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
14  Silent Auction at Church of the Resurrection
26 & 27  MCEC Annual Church Gathering

May
4  GTA Mennonite Church Work Bee Willowgrove
5  Celebration of Life for Dave M.

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 17, 2024
Order of Service

Welcome/Land Acknowledgement

Call to Worship

Introduction

Opening hymn:  #511 VT Come On Children, to the Gospel Feast

Announcements

Offering

Offertory Prayer

Hymn: #280 VT O Carpenter, Why Leave the Bench

Prayer Time

Hymn: #358 BH Oyenos mi Dios

Scripture: Luke 13: 22-35

Hymn: #556 BH Lord thou hast searched me

Message:   The Narrow Door

Closing hymn: VT #610 Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                           John E.
Worship Leader           Sue S.
Song Leader                   Kathy W.
Musicians                        Roger H. (piano)
Greeters                          Leslie & Fazal S.
Zoom Host                     Bonnie W.
A/V Technician            Murray L.

Hymn of the month: VT# 280 O Carpenter,    Why Leave the Bench

Adult Discussion Class

Starting April 14^th, we will be studying the book “Baby and the Bathwater”.  If you need a copy of the book, speak to Bonnie.

For this Sunday’s class please read the following passages out of Luke’s Gospel: 13:22-35.

Primer:
The centre of Luke is a complex piece of ancient artistry. There are three main parts, each having their own complex pattern. The three main parts are as follows:
The Bent Woman with parables 13:10 -21
*The Parable of Banquet surrounded by journey theme 13:22-35
The Man with Dropsy with the banquet scene in the Pharisee’s house. 14: 1- 24.

This coming Sunday we will focus on the central parable of the banquet. The sermon is entitled, “The Narrow Door.” Bring some questions you might have about this parable. Here’s some questions that came to my mind:

Questions:
Who are these people knocking?
Who’s the head of the household?
Why are they told to depart?

Digging Deeper:
The Head of the House uses the words of a deeply troubled psalmist. Please read Psalm 6. Who is the Psalmist? What is the trouble?

See you Sunday.
John

Feel free to bring your own Bible or grab one from the Church.

Call to Worship

Leader: The dust that shapes the journey, the cross that guides it, the colour that surrounds it, the light that fades through it,
the Word that foretells it, the wilderness that invites it —

All:   This is Lent, and into its wilderness God calls us

Leader:    Come, friends, Christ is heading for Jerusalem.

Scripture reading

Setting: We are on the road in the cool of the morning.  Jesus teaches as he walks along with his disciples, a small crowd of both men and women. 

²² And He was journeying through from one city and village to another, teaching as he went, making his journey to Jerusalem. ²³ And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?”

And He said to them, ²⁴ “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. ²⁵ Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ ²⁶ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; ²⁷ and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’ ²⁸ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. ²⁹ And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. ³⁰ And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.”

³¹ Just at that time some Pharisees approached, saying to Him, “Go away, leave here, for Herod wants to kill You.” ³² And He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal.’ ³³ Nevertheless I must journey on today and tomorrow and the next day; for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem. ³⁴ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! ³⁵ Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Our Lent table display

THE ROCKS
The rocks remind us that Jesus alone is worthy of our adoration and praise. It reminds us that Jesus said if the people wouldn’t praise Him, the rocks would.
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. [Luke 19:40]
 

THE SAND
The sand reminds us of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He was alone, tempted, and hungry; yet He resisted sin and lived a perfect life.
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. [Isaiah 40:3]

THE CANDLES
The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. And the light always overcomes the darkness.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [John 1:4-5]

On the first Sunday of Lent, all seven candles are lit. As each week of Lent passes, one candle is extinguished. Unlike Advent where a new candle is lit each week and the light slowly gets brighter, during Lent each week gets progressively darker, until there is complete darkness on Good Friday.

“Whereas Advent is a season of ever-increasing light anticipating the incarnation of Christ, Lent is a season of ever-decreasing light approaching His crucifixion. Light is gradually extinguished to symbolize the journey through the wilderness and toward the cross and tomb.”

On Good Friday it appeared that darkness and death had won. The Light had been extinguished.

But thanks be to God that it doesn’t end there! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:55-57]

Sin and death have been defeated! On Resurrection Sunday all seven candles are lit as we celebrate the hope, life, and victory we have because of Jesus. He is risen, He is risen indeed!

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

The DMC choir

is preparing a hymn (VT # 359 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing!) for Easter Sunday morning.

All are welcome to attend.
Never any auditions.

There will be short practices after Sunday church services for about 5-10.  See Kathy Wert for further details.

Easter Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, March 31, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

Please bring finger foods for all to share.  Coffee, tea, and juice will be served.

10:45 am We are invited to the sanctuary for some pre-service
Easter hymn singing.

Everyone is welcome.

Treasurer’s Report: We received $7,964 in offerings in February. Our budget calls for $8,114 each month in offerings. Due to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $6,633 operating surplus.

In February there was $300 donated to the Benevolence Fund and $100 donated to the Food Bank Fund. Also $300 was given with direction towards our Danforth Grow Hope budget line. $280 was used from the Spirit of MDS Fund as Honorariums for the Healthy Eating Program coordinator.

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.

Good Friday service

The Ministry Support Team
(Cindy, Dalton, Margaret and Shannon)
will lead us in the service on
March 29^th at 10:30 a.m.

Worship Schedule reminder

March 24
Speaker                   Carol O.
Worship leader   Dalton J.
Song Leader          Kathy W.
Musicians               Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

Good Friday       Margaret A., Shannon E., Dalton J., Cindy R.
 

March 31
Speaker                      John E.
Worship leader     Margaret A.
Song Leader            Dalton J.
Musicians                 Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                    Vic G., Murray L.
ZOOM host             Mike D.
A/V Tech                   Don B.

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Bluffers Park (1 Brimley Road South).  Take Brimley Road to the bottom of the hill and follow to the right and park in the lot near the washrooms.

An email will go out on Monday March 18 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.

Do you have some ideas for our next newsletter?

Please contact Bonnie.
Our next edition covers January – April.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome the Stranger-GTA is expecting an Afghan refugee family to arrive sometime in May or June 2024. This is a family of three, mother, father and six-year-old daughter.  The team of WtS volunteers are now looking for an apartment, hopefully less than $1,900 per month inclusive, in Stouffville, with access to public transportation.  WtS is also asking for household items to furnish the apartment. We do not have storage so let us know if you have items that we can count on when the family arrives. Send a note to Carolyn carolyn.reesor @ gmail.com  or 416.580.4271 or Andrew arm5 @ sympatico.ca or 647.879.5040 if you have leads on an apartment or household items.

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

March 17 – hymn sing
March 31 – an Easter service by The Church of St. Bedes.

As we celebrated MNLCT's 40th Anniversary in 2023, we are so grateful that you have been a part of our community! Together we celebrated our achievements, remembered when the centre was founded, grown and served more clients – tens of thousands of newcomers since 1983.
 
For forty years, we have helped newcomers, immigrants and vulnerable clients to meet integration needs, form social networks, and shape their environment through community engagement. You, our supporters and donors, have helped us provide settlement services, language instruction, community emotional and mental health support, life and career coaching and training to the numerous newcomers we have seen both in-person and virtually over the years.
 
Almost 500 friends, founders, partners, former and current clients joined together on February 10 at LiUNA! Local 183 - Wilson Centre to celebrate this amazing milestone. Thank you all!

Our 40th anniversary fundraising campaign raised almost $20,000!

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2024

Inspired by Hope
April 26 & 27, 2024
Leamington, ON

Be inspired by the hope we find in Jesus, hear stories of inspiration and experience the wonder and mystery of God when we meet together as a family of congregations.
More Information

GTA Mennonite Festival
Annual General Meeting
April 7 at 4 pm,
Rouge Valley Mennonite Church,
7452 Reesor Rd, Markham

The 2024 AGM is taking place on Sunday, April 7 at 4 PM at Rouge Valley Mennonite Church. Please join us for a delicious soup supper from MCC’s Raw Carrot Soup program, hear about the impact of your support of the GTA Mennonite Festival and learn about plans for 2024. RSVP online at gtamennonitefestival.ca/agm.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth
March
19  Ladies walking group – Scarborough Bluffs
23  Messy Church
26  Ladies walking group – Norway Church
29  Good Friday service 10:30 a.m.
31  Easter breakfast and service

May
11  DMC Spring Cleaning

Wider Church
March
17  SCOC evening service
20  Beyond Polarized Kvetching workshop Part 2
31  SCOC evening service

April
7  GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
14  Silent Auction at Church of the Resurrection
26 & 27  MCEC Annual Church Gathering

May
4  GTA Mennonite Church Work Bee Willowgrove
5  Celebration of Life for Dave M.

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

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 10, 2024
Order of Service

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome

Call to Worship

Opening hymn:  VT 280   O Carpenter, Why leave the bench

Announcements

Offering Prayer

Hymn:  VT #644   Healer of our every ill

Congregational Prayer

Prayer of Confession 

Scripture Luke 13: 10-17, Luke 14: 1-6

Hymn:  STS #92   Sing with all the saints in glory

Message:  New Adam, New Eve

Closing hymn:  VT #377   New Earth, Heavens New

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             John E.
Worship Leader             Linda D.
Song Leader                     Ed F.
Musicians                          Bonnie W. (piano)
Greeters                             Leslie & Fazal S.
Zoom Host                        Mike D.
A/V Technician               Don B.

March Hymn of the month:  VT #280  O Carpenter, Why Leave the Bench

Adult Discussion Class

Starting April 14^th, we will be studying the book “Baby and the Bathwater”.  If you need a copy of the book, speak to Bonnie.

For this Sunday’s class please read the following passages out of Luke’s Gospel: 13:10-17; 14:1-6. The sermon title is “New Eve; New Adam.”

Question: Luke has carefully chosen to place these two healing stories close together, one of a woman and the other of a man. I am suggesting he had Adam and Eve in mind. What do you think? More generally, How does the theme of creation show up in Luke’s gospel and what does Jesus have to do with it?

See you Sunday.
John

Feel free to bring your own Bible or grab one from the Church.

Call to Worship

based on Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22

Leader:   Give thanks to God, for God is good!

Many:     God’s love endures forever.

Leader:   Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.

Many:     God’s love endures forever.

Leader:   We may make careless choices and lose our way.

Many:     God’s love endures forever.

Leader:   We call out to God when we are in trouble.

Many:     God’s love endures forever.

Leader:   God rescues us from our anxieties and fears.

Many:     God’s love endures forever.

One:         God’s word sets us free to walk in newness of life.

Many:     God’s love endures forever.

One:         God gathers us in, from the east and the west, from the north and the south.

All:            For God’s unfailing love, we give thanks to the Creator of all that is good.

Prayer of Confession

Leader:   Merciful God, we forget that you are the light of the world.

Many:     Forgive us for our short memories.

Leader:   Remind us that you are rich in mercy

Many:     when we wander away from you.

Leader:   Loving God, convict us of your immense love

Many:     that shines brightly on us.

All:   Merciful God, light of the world, we come seeking new life in you.

Scripture reading

 Summary: The Bible begins with God bringing creation out of darkness and chaos.  Adam and Eve are made in God’s image and blessed with a vocation to extend God’s good rule into creation. The theme of creation is like a great river that runs through every part of the Bible.  How does this creation theme run through Luke’s gospel?  On this fourth Sunday of Lent Luke gives us some glimpses.

Luke 13: 10-17

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
¹⁰ One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, ¹¹ he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. ¹² When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” ¹³ Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!

¹⁴ But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”

¹⁵ But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? ¹⁶ This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”

¹⁷ This shamed his enemies, but all the people rejoiced at the wonderful things he did.

Luke 14: 1-6

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
14 One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. ² There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen.^[a] 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” ⁴ When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. ⁵ Then he turned to them and said, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son^[b] or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?” ⁶ Again they could not answer.

Our Lent table display

THE ROCKS
The rocks remind us that Jesus alone is worthy of our adoration and praise. It reminds us that Jesus said if the people wouldn’t praise Him, the rocks would.
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. [Luke 19:40]

THE SAND
The sand reminds us of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He was alone, tempted, and hungry; yet He resisted sin and lived a perfect life.
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. [Isaiah 40:3]

THE CANDLES
The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. And the light always overcomes the darkness.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [John 1:4-5]
 
On the first Sunday of Lent, all seven candles are lit. As each week of Lent passes, one candle is extinguished. Unlike Advent where a new candle is lit each week and the light slowly gets brighter, during Lent each week gets progressively darker, until there is complete darkness on Good Friday.

“Whereas Advent is a season of ever-increasing light anticipating the incarnation of Christ, Lent is a season of ever-decreasing light approaching His crucifixion. Light is gradually extinguished to symbolize the journey through the wilderness and toward the cross and tomb.”

On Good Friday it appeared that darkness and death had won. The Light had been extinguished.

But thanks be to God that it doesn’t end there! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:55-57]

Sin and death have been defeated! On Resurrection Sunday all seven candles are lit as we celebrate the hope, life, and victory we have because of Jesus. He is risen, He is risen indeed!

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

The DMC choir

is preparing a hymn (VT # 359 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing!) for Easter Sunday morning.

All are welcome to attend.
Never any auditions.

There will be short practices after Sunday church services for about 5-10.  See Kathy Wert for further details.

Easter Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, March 31, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

Please bring finger foods for all to share.  Coffee, tea, and juice will be served.

10:45 am We are invited to the sanctuary for some pre-service
Easter hymn singing.  Everyone is welcome.

Treasurer’s Report: We received $7,964 in offerings in February. Our budget calls for $8,114 each month in offerings. Due to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $6,633 operating surplus.
 
In February there was $300 donated to the Benevolence Fund and $100 donated to the Food Bank Fund. Also $300 was given with a direction towards our Danforth Grow Hope budget line. $280 was used from the Spirit of MDS Fund as Honorariums for the Healthy Eating Program coordinator.
 
Donations to Danforth Mennonite Church are always welcome through Sunday morning offerings, mailed cheques or email transfers at dmmc2174@gmail.com. Please contact Roger Horst 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.

Good Friday service

The Ministry Support Team
(Cindy, Dalton, Margaret and Shannon)
will lead us in the service on
March 29^th at 10:30 a.m.

Worship Schedule reminder

March 17
Speaker                  John E.
Worship leader  Sue S.
Song Leader         Kathy W.
Musicians              Roger H. (piano)
Greeters                 Leslie & Fazal S.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Murray L.

March 24
Speaker                     Carol O.
Worship leader    Dalton J.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians                Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Fazal S.

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, March 12, we will be meeting at 10:30 a.m. at Pine Hills Cemetery at St. Clair and Birchmount (enter at Birchmount entrance) for a one-hour walk.
 
An email will go out on Monday March 11 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.

Do you have some ideas for our next newsletter?
Please contact Bonnie.

Our next edition covers January – April.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome the Stranger-GTA is expecting an Afghan refugee family to arrive sometime in May or June 2024. This is a family of three, mother, father and six-year-old daughter.  The team of WtS volunteers are now looking for an apartment, hopefully less than $1,900 per month inclusive, in Stouffville, with access to public transportation.  WtS is also asking for household items to furnish the apartment. We do not have storage so let us know if you have items that we can count on when the family arrives. Send a note to Carolyn carolyn.reesor@gmail.com  or 416.580.4271 or Andrew arm5@sympatico.ca or 647.879.5040 if you have leads on an apartment or household items.

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

March 17 – hymn sing
March 31 – an Easter service by The Church of St. Bedes.

Now Hiring at Fraser Lake Camp

Fraser Lake Camp is now hiring Counsellors and Lifeguards for 2024! Spend your summer on a beautiful lake, making new friends, and gaining life long skills. For more information, visit willowgrove.ca/join-our-team-fraser-lake-camp

Please save the date for the
GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
April 7, 5 pm.
Rouge Valley Mennonite Church.
Details to follow.

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2024
Inspired by Hope

April 26 & 27, 2024
Leamington, ON

Be inspired by the hope we find in Jesus, hear stories of inspiration and experience the wonder and mystery of God when we meet together as a family of congregations.
More Information

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

March
9  Men’s breakfast
12  Ladies walking group – Pine Hills
19  Ladies walking group – Scarborough Bluffs
23  Messy Church
26  Ladies walking group – Norway Church
29  Good Friday service 10:30 a.m.
31  Easter breakfast and service

Wider Church

March
17  SCOC evening service
20  Beyond Polarized Kvetching workshop Part 2
31  SCOC evening service

April
7  GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
14  Silent Auction at Church of the Resurrection
26 & 27  MCEC Annual Church Gathering

May
5  Celebration of Life for Dave Martin