DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 17, 2023
Order of Service

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome

Call to Worship

Hymn VT #218 ” Come thou long expected Jesus”

Announcements

Offering

Offering prayer

Hymn VT #216 “Lo, How a rose e’er blooming”

Congregational prayer

Scripture Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11,  I Thess. 5: 16-24

Hymn VT #217 “Hark the Glad Sound”

Message:  Joy in the journey

Closing Hymn:   When I hear the praises start

Benediction/Advent Candle

 

Leading Us in Worship

Message                            Margaret A.
Worship Leader            Linda D.
Song Leader                    Sue S.
Musicians                         Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                           Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V Technician             Murray L.

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

Adult Discussion Group
Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.

Dec. 17  Discussion – Visions of Jesus led by Ed
Dec. 24  The Virgin Birth

 

Call to worship

Leader: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

People: For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name.

Leader: God has brought down the powerful and lifted up the lowly.

People: What will God do next?

(pause)

All: Together we wait.

 

Advent candle lighting/benediction

Leader: Together we wait.

Congregation: How will we know what’s next?

Leader: Go and hold fast to what is good, rejoice always, make straight the way of the Lord!

 

Scripture reading

 

Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11 (NIVUK)

The year of the Lord’s favour
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
³and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.
⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
¹⁰ I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the soil makes the young plant come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIVUK)
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

 

A prayer for the third week of Advent

Heavenly Father, This third week of Advent, let us remember that the good news of Jesus’ birth brings us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our lives, in our world, or the people that we are with. It doesn’t depend on the gifts we give or the gifts we find under the tree. No earthly thing can ever give us complete joy. Our joy comes from you. That joy that flooded the hearts of the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, the hosts of heaven, and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to overwhelm our hearts with rejoicing.

Our joy doesn’t come from our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with. Our joy is a gift. It is the gift that you gave us that first Christmas in Jesus Christ. Our joy is encompassed in our Savior, King Jesus. Flood our hearts with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the good news of Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasurer’s Report: In November we received $10,205 in offerings. This strong offering support along with our rental income has helped to eliminate our operating deficit and we now have a surplus of $378. Some additional expenses are expected in December, but with your help we hope to finish the year without a deficit.

Our Food Bank Designated Fund is always open and ongoing, and it received a $700 donation in November. These donations will be passed on to the Neighbourhood Group in support of the 40 Teesdale Food Bank. You can also contribute to the Nourish East End Food Bank through our Christmas Giving Tree project.  Please designate cash donations “Christmas Giving Tree” if you would like your donation directed to this project.
Thanks Roger

 

Longest Night Service
Wednesday, December 20, 7-8 pm

At Danforth Mennonite Church and on Zoom

All are welcome to this service on the longest night of the year.  Friends, this service is for you.  Bring your grief.  Bring your weariness.  Bring your fatigue and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

 

Congregational Survey: Inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ at Danforth Mennonite Church

The survey is now available in your church mail slot and was also emailed to you.  Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience and either reply by email or place it in the box in the foyer no later than January 7^th.  If you have questions, please contact Pastor Stephen.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

December 24
Speaker                    Stephen R.
Worship leader   Sue S.
Song Leader          Sue S.
Musicians               Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

December 31
Speaker                     Carol O.
Worship leader    Linda D.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians               Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Mike D.

 WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Mennonite Days of Action

When we watch the news updates from Gaza it can feel quite overwhelming. So we ask: “What can we do that will make a difference?”  Have you checked to see whether your MP is among those who have signed the letter asking our federal government to request an immediate ceasefire? Please check out this initiative and consider becoming involved.

If you have further questions please contact Murray or Dalton.

Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire: Dec 19

On Dec 19., Mennonites across Canada and the US will hold demonstrations at their representatives offices to ask them to support a ceasefire. Over 200 Mennonites from 93 different congregations have already signed up to participate. Sign up now to get involved.

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

December
9  Men’s breakfast
10  Singing at SCOC
16  Messy Church
20  Longest Night service

January
7  2SLGBTQ+ survey deadline
12 2SLGBTQ+ survey results
14  2SLGBTQ+ Congregational meeting
16  Ladies walking group
17  AGM package reports due to Admin. Asst.

February
4  DMC AGM

Wider Church

December
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah
19  Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 10, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Land acknowledgment

Opening Hymn # 241 O Come All Ye Faithful

Call to Worship

Candle Lighting and Litany

Hymn# 222 My Soul Proclaims With Wonder

Announcements

Offering and Prayer

Hymn # 216 Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming

Congregational Prayer

Scripture: John 1: 6-8    19-28

Solo – Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Message: Who Is Worthy?

Christmas Song: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Benediction

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                              John E.
Worship Leader              Erma M.
Song Leader                      Kathy W.
Scripture reading          Vic G.
Musicians                          Emily L. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                            Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                       Bonnie W.
A/V Technician              Roger H.

 

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

 

Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.

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

 

Call to worship

Leader:  Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with God one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

Ladies:  God is not slow, as some think of slowness,

Men:  but is patient with us,

People:  not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Leader:  The word of our God will stand forever.

People:  How shall we live while we wait for salvation?

All:                      Together we wait.

 

Scripture reading

John 1:6-8, 19-28
6 There came a man sent from God. His name was John.
7 He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, he came to bear witness to the light.

19 And this is the witness of John when the Judeans from Jerusalem sent to him priests and Levites. They asked him, “Who are you?”
20 And John confessed, he did not deny it,
he confessed saying, “I am NOT the Christ.”
21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”  And he said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”  And he answered, “No.”
22 Then they said to him, “Who then are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord!’ just as Isaiah the prophet had said.”
24 Now, these priests and Levites had been sent from the Pharisees.
25 And furthermore they asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are not the Christ? Nor Elijah? Nor the Prophet?”
26 John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know.
27 “He is the one who comes after me. I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”
28 These things took place in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan, the place where John was baptizing.

 

Advent candle lighting/benediction

Leader:  We light a candle for peace.
Peace in our hearts,
peace in our homes,
peace in our world.
 People:  May the light of peace shine through our lives.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Treasurer’s Report: In November we received $10,205 in offerings. This strong offering support along with our rental income has helped to eliminate our operating deficit and we now have a surplus of $378. Some additional expenses are expected in December, but with your help we hope to finish the year without a deficit.

Our Food Bank Designated Fund is always open and ongoing, and it received a $700 donation in November. These donations will be passed on to the Neighbourhood Group in support of the 40 Teesdale Food Bank. You can also contribute to the Nourish East End Food Bank through our Christmas Giving Tree project.  Please designate cash donations “Christmas Giving Tree” if you would like your donation directed to this project.
Thanks
Roger

 

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

 

 

We will be practicing our Christmas  choir song
(Still,Still.Still VT # 264).

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

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

 

Ladies Walking Group
See you in January

Our next Messy Church is
December 16^th.

A note from Doors Open Toronto

We are pleased to welcome Danforth Mennonite Church into Doors Open Toronto 2024, taking place May 25 & 26, 2024.

The theme for Doors Open 2024 is “Hidden Histories,” tracking the lesser known, forgotten, and overlooked aspects of our great city.

 

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

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

 

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

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

The Christmas mitten tree is set up in the sanctuary.  Please hang up your mittens on the tree or drop off your donations in the bins.
Thank you for your generosity.

 

The tree is filling up but there’s still room for more mittens.

 

 

 

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

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

December 24
Speaker                     Stephen R.
Worship leader    Sue S.
Song Leader           Sue S.
Musicians                Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Fazal S.

 

Longest Night Service

Wednesday, December 20, 7-8 pm
At Danforth Mennonite Church and on Zoom

All are welcome to this service on the longest night of the year.  Friends, this service is for you.  Bring your grief.  Bring your weariness.  Bring your fatigue and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

 

Mennonite Days of Action

When we watch the news updates from Gaza it can feel quite overwhelming. So we ask: “What can we do that will make a difference?”  Have you checked to see whether your MP is among those who have signed the letter asking our federal government to request an immediate ceasefire? Please check out this initiative and consider becoming involved.

If you have further questions please contact Murray or Dalton.

Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire: Dec 19

On Dec 19., Mennonites across Canada and the US will hold demonstrations at their representatives offices to ask them to support a ceasefire. Over 200 Mennonites from 93 different congregations have already signed up to participate. Sign up now to get involved.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

 

 

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office.     www.centreinthesquare.com

 

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

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

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

December
9  Men’s breakfast
10  Singing at SCOC
16  Messy Church
20  Longest Night service

Wider Church

December
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah
19  Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 3, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Opening Prayer

Opening Hymn:  VT 213   Poor of the Earth

Call to worship

Announcements

Offering and prayer

Hymn: VT 710  This is my Song

Congregational Prayer

Hymn:  VT 211  Hope is A Candle

Lighting of the first advent candle

Scripture:  Mark 13:24-37

Message:  How will we know…how long?

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

Benediction

 

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

 

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

 

 

Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.

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

 

Call to worship

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

People: How long must we wait?
(pause)

All: Together we wait.

 

Scripture reading

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

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

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

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

 

Opening Prayer for Advent

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

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

Ladies Walking Group

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

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

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

 

Our next Messy Church is
December 16^th.

 

 

Looking ahead to Advent

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

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

Dalton – on behalf of Outreach & Service

 

Christmas Giving Tree –  2023

Let’s fill the tree with mittens.

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

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

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

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

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

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

 

 

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

We’d love to see you there!

 

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office.     www.centreinthesquare.com

 

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

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

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

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

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

Wider Church

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

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

Danforth Mennonite Church
November 26, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Call to Worship

Hymn: VT #57  Holy Spirit, Come with Power

Announcements

Giving thanks for our gifts 

Hymn:   VT #409  For We Are Strangers No More

Prayers of the people

Hymn: VT #705  For the Healing of the Nations

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon:  The Roots of Living Justly

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

Benediction

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

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

Adult Discussion Group – 10:00 a.m.

November
26 – Justice discussion – led by Stephen

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

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

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

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

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

Call to worship

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

People: Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture reading

Matthew 25:31-46 (NRSVUE)

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

 

Prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.

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

We lift our prayer to you,

Lord, hear us.          Amen

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies Walking Group

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

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

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

Looking ahead to Advent

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

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

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

Christmas Giving Tree –  2023

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

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

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

Worship Schedule reminder

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

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

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office.     www.centreinthesquare.com

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

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

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

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

November
28  Ladies walking group

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

Wider Church

November
29  ToTB at Hart House

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