DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
 
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 21, 2023
Order of Service

Call to Worship

Hymn VT #360    Who Are These?

Reading: (Revelation 7:13-17)

Hymn VT #360   Who Are These?

Opening Prayer

Welcome/Land Acknowledgement

Announcements

Offertory prayer and Offering

Hymn VT #156  There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy

Congregational Prayer Time

Scripture reading 1:  Matthew 20:1-16 (NIV)

Scripture reading 2: Psalm 50:1-6

Hymn:  VT #809 Sing a New World Into Being

Message:    Think on what is right and just

Closing hymn: VT #297 You are Salt for the Earth

Benediction 

 

Our theme:

Think on these things

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. 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.
Philippians 4:8–9

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                         Stephen R.
Worship Leader         Sue S.
Song Leader                 Kathy W.
Musician                        Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                        Vic G., Anne R.
Zoom Host                   Carol R.
A/V Technician          Murray L.

 

Adult discussion class

Jim will lead our discussion on the topic of sin.
Join us in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m.
All are welcome.

 

Scripture Readings

Matthew 20:1-16 (NIV)

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Psalm 50:1-6

A psalm of Asaph.
1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages.

4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:

5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Treasurer’s Report: In April we received $10,130 in offerings. This support has helped reduce our operating deficit to -$769.

There has been $200 donated to the 40 Teesdale Food Bank. We have also received a Spirit of Mennonite Disaster Service grant which will be used for our Healthy Eating Program led by Carol O’Neil.

Donations to Danforth Mennonite Church are welcomed in the following ways:

1. 1. The offering plate on Sunday
   2. By email transfer to dmmc2174@gmail.com
   3. By automatic funds transfer on the 15th of each month. (Speak to Roger Horst if interested)
   4. By mail or in person to the church office or treasurer’s home.

DMC will be part of Doors Open Toronto
May 27 & 28, 2023
 
Check us out on the
Doors Open Toronto website!
 
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/

 

 

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, May 23 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Ashbridges Bay (turn in at Lower Coxwell).
 
An email will go out on Monday May 22nd to confirm the place and time.

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

We welcomed Olive, Eva, and Eva’s daughter Margaret to our stroll through Rosetta McClain gardens last Tuesday.

We are a happy bunch of ladies! Come join us.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

May 28 – Doors Open weekend
Speaker                        Carol O.
Worship leader       Mike D.
Song Leader              Ed F.
Musician                     Bonnie W. (piano)
Greeters                     Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host              Carol R.
A/V Tech                    Fazal S.
 
June 4
Speaker                      Stephen R.
Worship leader     Cindy R.
Song Leader            Kathy W.
Musician                   Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                   Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host            Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Mike D.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Theatre of the Beat
presents
Selah’s Song

We’re kicking off our upcoming tour of Selah’s Song with a Toronto performance! Tell your friends, tell your family, bring your child and mother – we hope to see you before we hit the road!

WHEN: Friday, May 26th at 7PM. Doors open at 6:30pm.

WHERE: Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Avenue

TICKETS: PWYC (pay what you can) at the door
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr, 45 mins + 15 minute talkback
For more details, please visit our Facebook event page.

 

At Theatre of the Beat, we believe in the power of storytelling to spark meaningful conversations and create positive change in the world. And thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to bring our thought-provoking perfor-mances to communities across Canada and beyond.

We’re excited to announce our ROOT TO RISE Fundraising Campaign, which aims to raise $25,000 this spring. With your help, we can continue to grow and expand our programming, bringing our unique blend of theatre and social justice to even more audiences.

Your contribution will make a real difference in supporting our upcoming US tour of Selah’s Song, a heartwarming musical that celebrates the power of family and community. And with your help, we can also take our new Forum play series, I Love You and It Hurts, on tour across Canada this fall, exploring important themes such as recognizing the early signs of abuse.

Your support will help us to continue to create new Canadian theatre and engage communities in essential conversations on peace and social justice.

We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and transformation. To donate, please visit theatreofthebeat.ca/donate.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth
May
23 Ladies walking group – Ashbridges Bay
26  Selah’s Song
27/28  Doors Open Toronto
30  Ladies walking group
30  Cooking class
30 Ladies walking group

June
3  Fundraiser craft show
6  Ladies Walking group
6  Cooking Class
10  Men’s breakfast
13  Ladies Walking group
13  Cooking class
20  Ladies Walking group
20  Cooking class
24  Messy Church
27  Ladies Walking group
27  Cooking class

Wider Church
May
24  Spring into Summer concert

August
13  Worship at Willowgrove

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
 
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 
 
For our Doors Open Guests
A note from Mike, our worship leader

I was asked to explain how our urban Mennonite worship service differs from other Christian services. I decided I do not know enough about other denominations to explain how we’re different from, say, Roman Catholic, and also different from, say, Old Order Mennonite… so instead I will say this…

•  We greet visitors. My guess is that, in ye olde days before cars or telephones, when all North American Mennonites were farmers, that a visitor would be someone’s relative… and all the people in the visitor’s home congregation would be related to people in the local congregation. So everyone would want to get their family news from the visitor, and share their stories too.
• • The bulletin shows the order of the service. We sing, share announcements and prayer concerns, pray, and one person delivers a message.
  • Everyone wonders… where are the horses and buggies? You’d want to spend time in Waterloo Region to find Mennonites of other denominations who still use horse-and-buggy. The same goes for finding people who dress in “plain clothes”, rather than casual or business casual.
  • Some Mennonites have retained either Low German or Pennsylvania German as heritage languages, depending on how their families migrated from the Netherlands via Poland and Ukraine, or from Austria and Switzerland via Pennsylvania. Some of us have completely different ethnic backgrounds.
  • We do have a tradition of singing, preferably in 4-part harmony. Please join in. We’re going to put more singing into today’s service than we normally would. After all, this year’s Doors Open theme is “Toronto – City of Sound”.
  • During the pandemic lock-down, we found that we could also meet for worship via Zoom. We now hold hybrid services – both in-person and via Zoom, all at once – and we try to integrate everyone as much as possible.
  • We have a time for congregational prayer, sometimes called “the prayers of the people”. It’s an important part of how, as community, we express care for each other. If you would like us to pray for you today, you’re welcome to share your concerns during that part of the service. Or feel free not to; we do not require everyone to share.
  • Finally, let me point out that we have a table with some activities for children, so they aren’t bored beyond their capacity. There is also a small nursery, if a younger child needs more attention. There’s a washroom on this level, and two in the basement corridor. And you may slip out if you need to, during the service. If you stay to the end, please stay and chat with someone.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 28, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome
 
Land Acknowledgment
 
Opening Hymn:   VT #6 Let’s walk together
 
Hymn:  VT #7  Come, let us all unite to sing
 
Announcements
 
Offering
 
Hymn: VT #158           I know God loves me
 
Congregational Prayer
 
Hymn: VT #387           We are one in the Spirit.
 
Scripture:       1 John 4: 7 – 12          
 
Hymn:  VT #638   Love divine, all loves excelling
 
Message:         You are so welcome  
 
Closing Hymn: VT #832     The Lord lift you up is
 
Benediction

 

Today’s speaker, Carol O. is a Licensed Lay Worship Leader.  She continues to share her messages with us on regular basis.

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                      Carol O.
Worship Leader      Mike D.
Song Leader              Ed F.
Musician                     Bonnie W. (piano), Stephen R. (guitar)
Greeters                     Dalton & Carol J.
Zoom Host                Carol R.
A/V Technician       Fazal S.

There is no
adult discussion class
this Sunday.

 

Scripture Reading

1 John 4: 7 – 12 (NRSV)

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

 

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Treasurer’s Report: In April we received $10,130 in offerings. This support has helped reduce our operating deficit to -$769.

There has been $200 donated to the 40 Teesdale Food Bank. We have also received a Spirit of Mennonite Disaster Service grant which will be used for our Healthy Eating Program led by Carol O’Neil.

Donations to Danforth Mennonite Church are welcomed in the following ways:

• • 1. The offering plate on Sunday
    2. By email transfer to dmmc2174@gmail.com
    3. By automatic funds transfer on the 15th of each month. (Speak to Roger H. if interested)
    4. By mail or in person to the church office or treasurer’s home.

 

We need books for our Little Library

 

 

 

 

 

A big thank you to our
Doors Open volunteers
They participated with…

• • • filling out the Doors Open application
    • creating display boards
    • setting up display tables
    • printing materials
    • folding brochures
    • cleaning up the backyard
    • maintaining the front garden
    • participating in the hymn sing
    • greeting our guests
    • preparing the Sunday service

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, May 30 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Warden Woods Trail (Gus Harris) off of Pharmacy, north of Danforth.
 
An email will go out on Monday May 29th to confirm the place and time.

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

We are a happy bunch of ladies!
Our group has had between 2 and 12
 any Tuesday morning.
Come join us.

 

Lunch and Pray – June 4
after the service

You are invited to bring a bag lunch on Sunday, June 4 and join in a time of in-person prayer for our pastoral search.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

June 4
Speaker                        Stephen R.
Worship leader       Cindy R.
Song Leader              Kathy W.
Musician                     Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                     Dalton and Carol J.
ZOOM host              Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                    Mike D.

June 11
Speaker                      Margaret A.
Worship leader     Linda D.
Song Leader            Sue S.
Musician                   Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                   Leslie S, Murray L.
ZOOM host            Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Roger H.

 

 

A thankyou to Roger for donating his neighbour’s bench and to Walter for giving it a makeover.

 

 

Our cooking classes start on
Tuesday, May 30^th.

 

 

You are invited to join the folks at SCOC
for Sunday Evening Worship
on June 4 at 7 pm

Following a conversation with Chaplain Jonathan Emerson-Pierce, I confirmed that our church would plan a service that includes favourite hymns and the stories of how they came to be composed.

They will welcome our presence and the opportunity to sing. There are no longer Covid restrictions so please plan to participate if you are able. Following the service, you are invited to drop by Dalton and Carol’s new home and visit.

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

May
27/28  Doors Open Toronto
30  Ladies walking group – Warden Woods
30  Cooking class
30 Ladies walking group

June
3  Fundraiser craft show
4  Service at SCOC
6  Ladies Walking group
6  Cooking Class
10  Men’s breakfast
13  Ladies Walking group
13  Cooking class
20  Ladies Walking group
20  Cooking class
24  Messy Church
27  Ladies Walking group
27  Cooking class

Wider Church

August
13  Worship at Willowgrove

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
 Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 14, 2023
Order of Service

Land acknowledgement

Welcome

Call to Worship

Opening hymn:  BH# 71   Joyful, joyful, we adore thee

Announcements

Offering prayer

Offering

Hymn:  BH# 373               Thou True Vine

Congregational Prayer

Scripture reading:   Philippians 3: 1-11

Hymn:  BH# 259      When I survey the wonderous cross

Scripture reading:    2 Corinthians 11: 21-29

Message:     Rejoice in the Lord 

Closing hymn (insert):  All the Way my Saviour leads me

Benediction

 

Our theme:  Think on these things

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. 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.
Philippians 4:8–9

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                              Anthony Y.
Worship Leader              Linda D.
Song Leader                      Dalton J.
Musician                             Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Vic G., Anne R.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Mike D.

 

Adult discussion class

Our discussion continues with the topic of sin.  Join us in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m.
All are welcome.

 

Call to Worship

Leader: In the beginning, before time, before people, before the world began,

All: God was.

Leader: Here and now, among us, beside us, clearer than air, closer than breathing,
 
All: God is.

Leader: In all that is to come, when we have turned to dust and human knowledge has been completed,
 
All: God will be.

Leader: Not despairing of earth, but delighting in it, not condemning the world, but redeeming it through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
 
All: God was, God is, God will be.

 

Scripture Readings (NIV)

Philippians 3:1-11

No Confidence in the Flesh
3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

 

2 Corinthians 11:21-29

²¹ To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. ²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. ²³ Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. ²⁴ Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, ²⁶ I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. ²⁷ I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. ²⁸ Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

 

Philippians 4:4-13

Final Exhortations
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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 circumstances. 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.

 

A Prayer of Blessing for
Mothers and Grandmothers

Dear Lord,
Bless every mother and every grandmother with the finest of your spiritual blessings today. Confirm in her heart and spirit the work of her hands and the love that she has so freely given to those children under Your care. Validate her worth daily so she has no reason to doubt whether she is loved, valued, and cherished in the eyes of her Heavenly Father.

Help Worry and Fear to Disappear

Create in her a deep sense of your protection and trust, so that worry and fear will disappear as she places her loved ones into Your care. Let her know that every prayer she has prayed and every encouraging word she has spoken on behalf of her children/grandchildren has been transformed into sweet, fragrant offerings before Your throne.

Whisper Sweet Words to Her

Whisper deep within her spirit the sweet words she longs to hear from You. Show her that nothing can ever separate her from Your love. Help her to nestle daily into the promises of Your Word, standing with faith in the things You declare are true. Let her know that You reward faithfulness, but that true success doesn’t lie in her accomplishments or accolades.

Let her rest in the knowledge that she has done all she can—and that she and those she loves—truly belong to you. Bless her with a servant spirit so she can teach her own the joy of hearing one day, “Well done!”

Calm Every Doubt

Remove any guilt, false or real, and replace them with Your amazing grace and forgiveness. Help her see her children or grandchildren through Your eyes, knowing that in Your hands is the safest place they can ever be. Calm every doubt, and strengthen her confidence in the Only One who can bring good out of any situation.

Give Her Wisdom and Guidance

Teach her that she cannot meet every need of her child’s life, but that You can. Give her wisdom and guidance to train those precious children in Your path, and then leave the results to You, Lord. Help her to love without limitations, to pray without ceasing, and to live without regrets.

Bless her with such a sweet dependency on You that she will acknowledge her inadequacies, yet recognize and accept Your reward of praise—and Your sense of pleasure in having her as Your own beloved child.

Show Her Your Faithful Character

Where prayers may still seem unanswered, and dreams are not yet realized, open her eyes to see beyond this world to a Hope that never disappoints. Show her Your faithful character: a Father who will never leave or abandon her.

Give her the courage to persevere even in the most difficult moments of her life. Bless her with honesty, integrity, and a playfulness that shows her children she is human, yet unswerving in her desire to know You.

May Her Life Overflow with Blessings

Let her joy be contagious; let her passion be pure, and let her life overflow with all the blessings she deserves—on special days, and on every day of her life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen                                                   Submitted by Robert J.

 

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Our next event takes place May 13^th.
A few volunteers are needed to help
serve and clean up.  There’s a signup sheet
 on the bulletin board.

 

Ladies Walking group
come and join us

On Tuesday, May 16 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Rosetta McClain Gardens (east of Birchmount Road, off of Kingston Road).
 
An email will go out on Monday May 15th 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.

 

 

DMC will be part of Doors Open Toronto
May 27 & 28, 2023

Check us out on the
Doors Open Toronto website!
 
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

May 21
Speaker                        Stephen R.
Worship leader       Sue S.
Song Leader              Sue S.
Musicians                   Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                     Anne R., Vic G.
ZOOM host              Carol R.
A/V Tech                    Murray L.
 

May 28 – Doors Open weekend
Speaker                        Carol O.
Worship leader       Mike D.
Song Leader              Ed F.
Musician                     Kathy W. (piano),
Greeters                     Dalton J & Carol J.
ZOOM host              Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                    Fazal S.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Climate Action for Peace – Launch Event
Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 pm, online

Climate change is making difficult situations even worse, creating resource scarcity and heightening tensions in areas suffering from the negative impacts of climate change. Join us to learn about how people around the world, with the help of MCC’s partners, are taking action to respond to the impacts of climate change and how you can get involved. Go to mcco.ca/events to register.

 

Theatre of the Beat
presents
Selah’s Song

We’re kicking off our upcoming tour of Selah’s Song with a Toronto performance! Tell your friends, tell your family, bring your child and mother – we hope to see you before we hit the road!

WHEN: Friday, May 26th at 7PM. Doors open at 6:30pm.
WHERE: Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Avenue

TICKETS: PWYC (pay what you can) at the door
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr, 45 mins + 15 minute talkback

For more details, please visit our Facebook event page.

 

At Theatre of the Beat, we believe in the power of storytelling to spark meaningful conversations and create positive change in the world. And thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to bring our thought-provoking perfor-mances to communities across Canada and beyond.

We’re excited to announce our ROOT TO RISE Fundraising Campaign, which aims to raise $25,000 this spring. With your help, we can continue to grow and expand our programming, bringing our unique blend of theatre and social justice to even more audiences.

Your contribution will make a real difference in supporting our upcoming US tour of Selah’s Song, a heartwarming musical that celebrates the power of family and community. And with your help, we can also take our new Forum play series, I Love You and It Hurts, on tour across Canada this fall, exploring important themes such as recognizing the early signs of abuse.

Your support will help us to continue to create new Canadian theatre and engage communities in essential conversations on peace and social justice.

We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and transformation. To donate, please visit theatreofthebeat.ca/donate.
Thank you for your ongoing support!

 

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

May
13  Men’s breakfast
13  Messy Church
16  Ladies walking group – Rosetta McClain
23 Ladies walking group
26  Selah’s Song
27/28  Doors Open Toronto
30  Cooking class
30 Ladies walking group

Wider Church

May
14  Mother’s Day for Peace
17  Climate Action for Peace

August
13  Worship at Willowgrove

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

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
May 7, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

Call to Worship:  VT #853

Opening Hymn:   VT #1  Summoned by the God Who Made Us

Announcements

Moments in Mission/Highlights from the 
Annual MCEC CHURCH GATHERING 

Hymn: VT # 776 Teach Me Thy Truth

Offering

Introduction to the theme

Prayers of the congregation

Hymn:  VT # 778  Will You Let Me Be Your Servant

Scripture Readings: Mark 12:13-17,
Philippians 1:1-11, 4:8-9

Message:  Whatever is True

Hymn of Response: VT #759  Take My Life and Let it Be 

Benediction

 

Our theme – Think on these things

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. 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.
Philippians 4:8–9

 

Leading Us in Worship
Message                              Stephen R.
Worship Leader              Dalton J.
Song Leader                      Kathy W.
Musician                             Bonnie W. (piano)
Greeters                             Vic G., Anne R.
Zoom Host                        Carol R.
A/V Technician               Don B.
 

 

Hymn Sing Sunday is at 10:00 a.m.
In the sanctuary
All are welcome to join in.

 

Scripture Readings

Mark 12:13-17 (CEB)

A question about taxes
¹³ They sent some of the Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap him in his words. ¹⁴ They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is. Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay taxes or not?”

¹⁵ Since Jesus recognized their deceit, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a coin. Show it to me.” ¹⁶ And they brought one. He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

¹⁷ Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” His reply left them overcome with wonder.

 Philippians 1:1-11 (NRSV updated version)

Salutation
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
³ I thank my God for every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy ⁵ for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, for all of you are my partners in God’s grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the tender affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight ¹⁰ to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, ¹¹ having produced the harvest^[f] of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 4:8-9 (NRSV updated version)

⁸ Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

DMC Spring Cleaning on
May 6, 9:00 a.m. – noon.
Snacks will be provided.
 
Not since May 2019 has this happened.
Don’t miss it!

 

 

Eat well     Live healthy

DMC received a grant from the MDS Canada Spirit of MDS Fund for our 4 six-week sessions held at DMC (1 Spring 2023, 2 Fall 2023, one Winter 2024) of the Healthy Eating program using the Basic Shelf Cookbook.  This cookbook uses low cost, nutritious ingredients that would be found at a foodbank.

Each session of 2.5 hours takes place weekly at our church with 5 participants.  The first session will introduce the Canada Food Guide, the second will take place in the grocery store, talking about labels, healthy eating, etc.  Participants will be preparing meals in the church kitchen in sessions 2 – 6.  The last session will be used to prepare a special dessert, discuss the meals that were prepared, and look at how we can potentially share these meals with other vulnerable people in the community.

Each week the participants will together select the recipes (an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert) from the cookbook and if they attend 5 out of the six sessions, they will receive a copy of the cookbook and a crockpot at the last session.

First session:  May 30 – June 27, 2023
                         Tuesdays 1:00 – 3:30

Two volunteers are needed each week to assist Carol O. with the program.

 

 

Ladies Walking group – come and join us

On Tuesday, May 9th at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at the Taylor Creek (north of Danforth Ave., off Dawes).
 
An email will go out on Monday May 8th 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 event takes place May 13^th.
A few volunteers are needed to help
serve and clean up.  There’s a signup sheet
 on the bulletin board.

 

 

DMC will be part of Doors Open Toronto
May 27 & 28, 2023

 Check us out on the
Doors Open Toronto website!

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/

1. We are looking for volunteers to be greeters in the sanctuary, lower lobby and the Fellowship Hall.  Your role will be to welcome people, answer questions etc.  I will have a brief history of the building added to our welcome brochure and we also have the pamphlet “Who are the Mennonites”.  Between these two brochures, most questions should be answered.  A signup sheet will be posted for each day with one-hour increments.  You decide what works for you.
2. We will be singing hymns in the sanctuary between 2 and 3 pm on Saturday.  I’m putting up a signup sheet so we know how many people plan to participate.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

May 14
Speaker                        Anthony Y.
Worship leader       Linda D.
Song Leader              Dalton J.
Musicians                   Roger H. (piano) Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                     Anne R., Vic G.
ZOOM host              Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                    Mike D.
 
May 21
Speaker                      Stephen R.
Worship leader     Sue S.
Song Leader            Sue S.
Musicians                 Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                   Anne R., Vic G.
ZOOM host            Carol R.
A/V Tech                  Murray L.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MCEC Transformed. Inspired. Called.

Share this video which was premiered at our Annual Church Gathering. This exclusive insider view looks at the many ways we are being transformed, inspired and called.
How are you being transformed, inspired and called at your church?

Make your own short video sharing what you’re excited about. How are you being transformed? Where is your inspiration coming from? And what do you feel called into? We will compile them and premier them at next year’s Annual Church Gathering. We can’t wait to see what you’re excited about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ2MYa5u8LM

 

Theatre of the Beat
presents
Selah’s Song

We’re kicking off our upcoming tour of Selah’s Song with a Toronto performance! Tell your friends, tell your family, bring your child and mother – we hope to see you before we hit the road!
WHEN: Friday, May 26th at 7PM. Doors open at 6:30pm.
WHERE: Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Avenue
TICKETS: PWYC (pay what you can) at the door
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr, 45 mins + 15 minute talkback

For more details, please visit our Facebook event page.

 

At Theatre of the Beat, we believe in the power of storytelling to spark meaningful conversations and create positive change in the world. And thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to bring our thought-provoking perfor-mances to communities across Canada and beyond.

We’re excited to announce our ROOT TO RISE Fundraising Campaign, which aims to raise $25,000 this spring. With your help, we can continue to grow and expand our programming, bringing our unique blend of theatre and social justice to even more audiences.

Your contribution will make a real difference in supporting our upcoming US tour of Selah’s Song, a heartwarming musical that celebrates the power of family and community. And with your help, we can also take our new Forum play series, I Love You and It Hurts, on tour across Canada this fall, exploring important themes such as recognizing the early signs of abuse.

Your support will help us to continue to create new Canadian theatre and engage communities in essential conversations on peace and social justice.

We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and transformation. To donate, please visit theatreofthebeat.ca/donate.
Thank you for your ongoing support!

 

Mark your calendar for this summer’s
Worship at Willowgrove

 On Sunday, August 13 you are invited to Willowgrove Farm for the annual GTA Mennonite Fellowship Festival. Worship begins at 10:30am with a potluck lunch to follow. Participate in swimming, camp activities, wagon rides and more. All are welcome to this free event.

Tent camping will be available from 6pm Friday, Aug. 11 until Sunday morning. To book a campsite, please RSVP at rentals@willowgrove.ca.

Thanks so much, and we hope to see you this August!

Johnny Wideman 
Executive Director
(pronouns: he/him)
Willowgrove Inc.

 

 

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

May
6  DMC Spring cleaning
9  Ladies walking group Taylor Creek Park
13  Men’s breakfast
13  Messy Church
16  Ladies walking group
23 Ladies walking group
26  Selah’s Song
27/28  Doors Open Toronto
30  Cooking class

Wider Church

May
6  Pax Christi Chorale
14  Mother’s Day for Peace

August
13  Worship at Willowgrove