Sunday, July 21, 2024 bulletin

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
July 21, 2024  10:30 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome

Land Acknowledgement

Call to Worship

Hymn: VT# 31 Come we that love the Lord

Announcements

Offering 

Hymn: VT #705 For the healing of the nations

Congregational Prayer

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 11 – 22

Hymn: VT #797 We are people of God’s peace

Message: Peace in Christ 

Closing Hymn: Sing and Rejoice #53

 Let there be peace on earth

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Carol O.
Worship Leader             Mike D.
Song Leader                     Dalton J.
Musicians                          Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Carol J., Anne R.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Don B.

 

Call to Worship

Leader: Scriptures attest that God led the Israelites through times of  war,

People:  and through times of peace.

Leader: Scriptures attest that Jesus taught the ways of peace,

 People: although some people opposed Him..

 All: May we learn to promote peace in our world. Amen.

 

Scripture Reading
Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSVUE)

One in Christ
11 So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, 15 abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone; 21 in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

 

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasurer’s Report: We received $6,507 in offerings in June. We are $5,939 below our 2024 offering budget but due mostly to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $22,475 operating surplus to the end of June.

In June there was $200 donated to the Benevolence Fund and there is now $551 in the fund. Our goal, as stated in the policy, is to have a minimum of $2,000 in the fund for future situations of need.

We have sent $600 to Danforth Grow Hope for our 1 acre of World Foodgrains Bank support. So far this year we have received $300 in support for this budget line. Please designate donations as “Danforth Grow Hope” if you would like to see our acreage pledge increased in 2025.

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

July 28
Message:               Pieter N.
Worship leader  Dalton J.
Song Leader         Dalton J.
Musicians              Roger H (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Fazal S.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Mike D.

August 4
Message:              John E.
Worship leader Linda D.
Song Leader        Dalton J.
Musicians             Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters               Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host        Mike D.
A/V Tech               Fazal S.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Save the Date

Trending Hope: supporting parents & caregivers to talk about climate change Workshop with Leah R. – August 17, 2024

Joint Service and Potluck at Willowgrove on August 18, 2024 from 10:30am – 4pm. Swimming, wagon rides, games, and more. 
For more details please visit willowgrove.ca.
I have attached a PNG image for the joint service & picnic for sharing as well. (See attached), as well a google form to fill out for those who plan to attend.
Registration – August 17 & August 18, 2024

I have also attached here images (quotes) from Leah R.’s upcoming interactive workshop being offered at Willowgrove on August 17, 2024 along with a picture of Leah R. Here are the details again.

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

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

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

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

 

GTA Mennonite Festival for World Relief

Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Willowgrove Farm, 11737 McCowan Rd, Stouffville
Save the date for a fun-filled day at the GTA Mennonite Festival for World Relief. It starts with the food, so come hungry and ready to enjoy traditional (and not so traditional) Mennonite favourites! Tickets are now on sale at gtamennonitefestival.ca.

GTA Mennonite Festival

 

Save-the-date! MCC Ontario annual general meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, 7 p.m.
Grounded in the church, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for us to be accountable, transparent and responsive to you. We invite you to join in celebrating the impact you’ve made of sharing God’s love and compassion in the lives of so many in Ontario and around the world. Delegates from constituent congregations are invited and authorized to vote. The meeting will take place over Zoom. For more information, go to mcc.org/Ontario-AGM.

MCC Ontario AGM

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

August
10  Men’s breakfast
17/18 Willowgrove joint service weekend

Wider Church

September
21  GTA Mennonite Festival
25  MCC Ontario AGM
30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Community corner

August
22-24 Theatre of the Beat Festival

 

Sunday, July 14, 2024 bulletin

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
July 14, 2024  10:30 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome/Land Acknowledgement

Call to Worship 

Opening Hymn:  VT #22  What is this place

Announcements

Offering

Offertory Prayer

Hymn: VT # 162  The Love of God

Congregational Prayer Time

Scripture reading:  Genesis 22:1-19

Hymn:  #590  I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace

Message:  God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering

Benediction:  VT #837  Lead Me Forth

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                                 Anthony Y.
Worship Leader                 Bonnie W.
Scripture Reading            John E.
Congregational prayer Dalton J.
Song Leader                        Ed F.
Musicians                            Bonnie W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                              Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                         Mike D.
A/V Technician                Fazal S.

 

Call to Worship
(VT # 859)

Leader:  God of every place, some of us see you today from mountains of joy and confidence, mountains of gratitude and praise.

People:  Some of us seek you today from valleys of grief or doubt, valleys of loss or exhaustion.

Leader:  And in all places, there you are with us, nudging us onward.

People:  When we descend from the heights, show us your presence on the ground.  When we rise from the depths, show us the light of your way.

All:  Meet us all on the path made by Jesus.

 

 

Offertory prayer (VT #1017)

God of life,
We give these offerings in gratitude,
Rejoicing in the abundance of your gifts to us.
We give these offerings in faith,
trusting that you will provide
for our needs.
We give these offerings in hope,
knowing you can use them
to spread your love in this world.
And with these offerings, we give ourselves;
May we live with generous hearts
And open hands.  Amen.

 

Scripture Reading
Genesis 22 1:19 (NIV)

Abraham Tested
22 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Our Little Library is in need of Adult books.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report: We received $6,507 in offerings in June. We are $5,939 below our 2024 offering budget but due mostly to the absence of a paid Pastor we now have a $22,475 operating surplus to the end of June.
 
In June there was $200 donated to the Benevolence Fund and there is now $551 in the fund. Our goal, as stated in the policy, is to have a minimum of $2,000 in the fund for future situations of need.
 
We have sent $600 to Danforth Grow Hope for our 1 acre of World Foodgrains Bank support. So far this year we have received $300 in support for this budget line. Please designate donations as “Danforth Grow Hope” if you would like to see our acreage pledge increased in 2025.
 
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

July 21
Message:               Carol O.
Worship leader  Mike D.
Song Leader         Dalton J.
Musicians              Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Carol J., Anne R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Don B.
 
July 28
Message:              Pieter N.
Worship leader Dalton J.
Song Leader        Dalton J.
Musicians             Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Wilda S., Fazal S.
ZOOM host         Bonnie W.
A/V Tech               Mike D.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Joint Service and Potluck at Willowgrove on August 18, 2024 from 10:30am – 4pm. Swimming, wagon rides, games, and more. 
For more details please visit willowgrove.ca.
I have attached a PNG image for the joint service & picnic for sharing as well. (See attached), as well a google form to fill out for those who plan to attend.
Registration – August 17 & August 18, 2024

I have also attached here images (quotes) from Leah R.’s upcoming interactive workshop being offered at Willowgrove on August 17, 2024 along with a picture of Leah Reesor. Here are the details again.

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

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

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

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

July
13  Men’s breakfast
 
August
10  Men’s breakfast
17/18 Willowgrove joint service weekend

Wider Church

Community corner

August
22-24 Theatre of the Beat Festival

Sunday, July 7, 2024 bulletin

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
July 7, 2024  10:30 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome/Land Acknowledgement

Call to Worship 

Opening Hymn:  VT #182 I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Announcements

Offering

Offertory Prayer

Hymn: VT # 710 This is my song

Congregational Sharing/Prayer Time

Scripture readings:  2 Timothy 1:7-10, Philippians 4:8-15

Hymn:  #436 How Great Thou Art

Message:  In Awesome Wonder

Closing hymn:  VT #590 I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace

Benediction

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Robert J.
Worship Leader             Sue S.
Song Leader                     Kathy W.
Musicians                          Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Fazal S.

 

Call to Worship

Leader:   Our God,
We gather to worship you, the One who creates all things.

People:   For the gift of creation, we give thanks.

Leader:   We gather to worship you, the One who brings salvation through Jesus Christ.

People:   For the gift of redemption, we give thanks.

Leader:   We gather to worship you, the One who sustains us by the Spirit.

People:   For the gift of Your presence, we give thanks.

Leader:   We bring to you our thanks and praise for all your gifts.

All:         We worship you – our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.  AMEN

 

Scripture Reading

2 Timothy 1:7-10
 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Philippians 4:8-15
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circum-stances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

 

 

Our Little Library is in need of Adult books.

 

 

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

July 14
Message:                 Anthony Y.
Worship leader   Bonnie W.
Song Leader          Bonnie W.
Musicians               Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Mike D.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

July 21
Message:               Carol O.
Worship leader  Mike D.
Song Leader         Ed F.
Musicians              Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Wilda S., Anne R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Don B.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Save the Date
Joint Service and Potluck

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

Google Form for Joint Service & Picnic

Sunday, June 23, 2024 bulletin

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
June 23, 2024  11:00 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome/Land Acknowledgement

Introduction

Call to Worship/Prayer 

Opening Hymn:  VT 36 Let Us Build a House

Announcements

Offering

Offertory Prayer

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

Prayer Time

Scripture readings:  Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 85:8-13

Hymn:  Will Your Anchor Hold

Meditation: Jesus, the enduring mainstay in the tempest

Closing hymn: VT 198 Restore Our Faith, O Saving God

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                            Pieter N.
Worship Leader            Sue S.
Song Leader                    Sue S.
Musicians                         Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                           John E., Anne R.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V Technician             Murray L.

 

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

 

Adult Discussion Group

This will be our last class before summer break. 
 John will be leading the conversation.
There will be no reading assigned for this coming Sunday.

Ekklesia Take Two: 
The word Ekklesia is foundational to the nature and vocation of both Israel and the “church.”  Ekklesia is also foundational to the nature and mission of God. Recall stories from the Bible:
Where and when did God call out or gather Israel?

Where and when did Jesus call out or gather Israel?

What does this parallel tell us about Jesus‘ vocation? What about the vocation of the “church”?

What are some of your takeaways from our book study so far?

 

 

Call to Worship/Prayer

Holy God,
You call us together
to reflect on your Word
and our life in your world.
Be with us now
as we sing and pray together,
that we may hear your voice
and understand your way.
This we pray
Through Jesus, the Christ.  Amen.

 

Scripture Reading

Mark 4:35-41 (CEB)

Jesus stops a storm
35 Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along.

37 Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?”

39 He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?”

41 Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

Psalm 85:8-13 (CEB)
8 Let me hear what the Lord God says,
because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones.
Don’t let them return to foolish ways.
9 God’s salvation is very close to those who honor him
so that his glory can live in our land.
10 Faithful love and truth have met;
righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 Truth springs up from the ground;
righteousness gazes down from heaven.
12 Yes, the Lord gives what is good,
and our land yields its produce.
13 Righteousness walks before God,
making a road for his steps.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

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

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

June 30
Message:               John E.
Worship leader  Dalton J.
Song Leader         Ed F.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Vic & Mary Jane G.
ZOOM host         Bonnie W.
A/V Tech               Roger H.

July 7
Message:              Robert J.
Worship leader Sue S.
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.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

In recognition of World Refugee Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day, MCC Ontario’s Migration and Refugee Resettlement and Indigenous Neighbours Programs are collaborating together on an upcoming event on Saturday June 22nd to explore what it means to welcome newcomers in Treaty territory together.

We’ll hear impactful stories from newcomers and their sponsorship group. We’ll listen to and learn from an Indigenous elder who will share about the Dish With One Spoon, and how land and resources can be shared to the mutual benefit of all the inhabitants together.

We’ll hear updates on current initiatives within both MCC’s Migration & Resettlement and the Indigenous Neighbours programs. We’ll celebrate stories of arrival, peacebuilding, reconciliation, welcome and inclusion here in Ontario.

The event is on Saturday June 22 from 10:00-12:00 noon followed by a light lunch at Toronto United Mennonite Mennonite Church at 1774 Queen Street East, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario. 

Seo Vang Ma, of the Ma family sponsored through Welcome the Stranger-GTA and First Hmong Mennonite Church will be sharing their family story of the journey to Canada. I have been asked to share how we (WTS) sponsor refugees/newcomers.

Please go on the MCCO website to register or use the link below. If you have any difficulties registering call me at 647.879.5040

https://mcc.org/events/welcoming-newcomers-treaty-territory-together
Thank you
Andrew R.-M.

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

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

 

GTA Mennonite Fellowship Festival
Save the Date
Joint Service and Potluck

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

Google Form for Joint Service & Picnic

 

 

Between the River and the Sea: A Lunch and Learn Conversation
with Jeff Halper
June 25, 2024
12-1 p.m.
Community Room, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener

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

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

More Information

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