Sunday, April 21, 2024 bulletin

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

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
April 21, 2024
Order of Service

Welcome

Land Acknowledgment

Hymn: VT #7  Come Let Us All Unite to Sing

Announcements

Offering

Hymn:       VT #718 Gentle Shepherd

Congregational Prayer

Scripture:    John 10: 11 – 18

Hymn:   VT #513 When Hands Reach Out

Message:  Listening to the Voice of the Good Shepherd

Closing Hymn:  VT #100 Praise Him, Praise Him

Benediction

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Margaret A.
Worship Leader             Mike D.
Song Leader                     Dalton J.
Musicians                          Kathy W. (piano)
Greeters                             Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Fazal S.

 

Adult Discussion Class

Baby and Bathwater:

This Sunday we begin our book study. Please read the final chapter, “A Community of Hope” (p61ff, esp P66). This last chapter is an excellent summary of the book. The first goal is to understand what Suderman is trying to say in this last chapter. Please consider these three questions for this Sunday:

  • What are the four attributes Suderman believes are needed to be a community of Hope?
  • How does the resurrection play into this?
  • What are the weaknesses and strengths of Suderman’s proposal?

 

Scripture Reading

John 10:11-18 (NIV)

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

 

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.

 

Treasurer’s Report: We received $7,377 in offerings in February. Our budget calls for $8,114 each month in offerings. Due partly to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $12,983 operating surplus.
 
In March there was $100 donated to the Food Bank Fund. There was also a $100 donation in memory of Salome Harrison which has been placed in the Professional Development Fund.
 
Council approved that $500 be taken from the John G. Memorial Fund and sent to Mennomedia for the “Anabaptism at 500” campaign. Several of our members worked on the Anabaptist Community Bible which will published in 2025 as part of the celebrations.
 
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

April 28
Speaker                  Anthony Y.
Worship leader  Linda D.
Song Leader         Ed F.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Wilda S., Anne R.
ZOOM host         Bonnie W.
A/V Tech               Don B.

May 5
Speaker                 Lisa W.
Worship leader Sue S.
Song Leader        Sue S.
Musicians             Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Wilda S., Mike D.
ZOOM host         Bonnie W.
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 128th 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.

 

Spring is in the air and that means it is Canadian Mennonite subscription list update time.

Subscriptions are available in print and digital formats, and are paid for collectively by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR THIS YEAR – Starting April 2024, Canadian Mennonite magazine will be printed monthly. People in your church have the first opportunity to receive one email a week from us with select stories, interviews and news from behind-the-scenes. If subscribers already have email addresses on the list, they will automatically get the new service. For those who currently only receive their magazine by mail, we don’t want them to miss out!

Under the Every Home Plan, everyone who attends DMC is eligible to subscribe. Many of your church members have been subscribing for years, but we want to ensure that newcomers to the church also have access to the magazine.

Please contact Bonnie if you want to change your Canadian Mennonite subscription OR if you would like to receive it. 

 

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, April 23 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), it may be Birkdale or maybe Rosetta McClain.  Will know on Monday when the email goes out.

An email will go out on Monday April 22 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

 

You are invited to worship with the
St. Clair O’Connor Community.

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

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

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

April
20  Messy Church
23  Ladies walking group
30  Ladies walking group

May
7  Ladies walking group
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

April
19  Spring Concert
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.

Sundays April 7 & 14, 2024 Bulletin

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
April 7, 2024

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Pieter 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 Technician               Fazal S.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
April 14, 2024

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             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 Technician               Roger H.

Hymn of the month:  VT #513  When Hands Reach Out

 

Adult Discussion Class

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

 

Hymn sing Sunday will be on April 14th.
There will be an Adult discussion class on April 7th.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Ladies Walking group

Tuesday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Rosetta McClain
Tuesday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m.  Warden Woods

 

Annual Church Cleaning
Saturday, May 11, 2024

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

 

Worship Schedule reminder

April 21
Speaker                    Margaret A.
Worship leader   Mike D.
Song Leader          Ed F.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

April 28
Speaker
Worship leader  Linda D.
Song Leader         Dalton J.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Wilda S., Anne R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Don B.

 

Spring is in the air and that means it is Canadian Mennonite subscription list update time.

Subscriptions are available in print and digital formats, and are paid for collectively by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR THIS YEAR – Starting April 2024, Canadian Mennonite magazine will be printed monthly. People in your church have the first opportunity to receive one email a week from us with select stories, interviews and news from behind-the-scenes. If subscribers already have email addresses on the list, they will automatically get the new service. For those who currently only receive their magazine by mail, we don’t want them to miss out!

Under the Every Home Plan, everyone who attends DMC is eligible to subscribe. Many of your church members have been subscribing for years, but we want to ensure that newcomers to the church also have access to the magazine.

Please contact Bonnie if you want to change your Canadian Mennonite subscription OR if you would like to receive it. 

 

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.

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

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

April
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

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.
 

Good Friday and Easter Sunday services

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.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 bulletin

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 29th 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.