DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Pieter Niemeyer

 We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
April 6, 2025   11:00 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome
Land Acknowledgment
Call to Worship
Hymn: #9 Come Away From Rush and Hurry
Announcements
Offering Prayer
Hymn: #708 As the Waters Arise Around Us
Congregational Prayer
Confession and Words of Assurance
Hymn: #738 Open My Eyes That I May See
Scripture: Luke 18:31 – 19:10
Sermon: Christ Collides With Our Blinders
Closing Hymn: # 540  Will you come and follow me
Benediction

 

Leading Us in Worship
Sermon                               Pieter N.
Worship Leader            Erma M.
Song Leader                    Sue S.
Musician                           Jessica M., Ray W.
Greeters                           Leslie S., Tessa R.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V                                      Murray L.

 

Hymn of the month

VT # 708  As the Waters Rise Around Us

 

It’s Hymn Sing Sunday

All are welcome to join us in the sanctuary
at 10:00 a.m.

The adult discussion class returns on April 13.
If you would like to receive emails regarding what’s happening in our class, please contact Bonnie.

 

 

Call to Worship

Leader:  As we worship, Christ collides with our blinders.

People: We want to know you and follow you, O Christ.

Leader:  Will you cry to God? Will you climb a tree?

People: We will journey, scanning the horizon for signs of the kingdom. So much is hidden, and at times we do not grasp what God is saying.

Leader:  Jesus, show us mercy.

People: Seek and save us.

All:         Jesus, show us mercy.

 

Confession and words of assurance

All: Loving and merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you.

Leader:  We have not loved you with all our thoughts, words, and actions.

People: We have sinned through what we have chosen to do and what we have chosen to neglect.

Leader:  We have not fully accepted your love for us. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

People: We walk through our days with blinders on, unable to see or understand clearly.

All: We repent before each other and before you, our loving God. Please help us open our hearts to your love. Help us walk with open eyes and hearts so we may better share your peace in your world, rejoicing in your name. Amen.

Leader:  Now hear these words of assurance: God tells us that we are created in God’s image. God created us for relationship with God and each other. In this, we know that God will never break our relationship. God’s steadfast love endures forever.

 

Scripture Reading
Luke 18:31 – 19:10

A Third Time Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
³¹ Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. ³² For he will be handed over to the gentiles, and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. ³³ After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.” ³⁴ But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar Near Jericho
³⁵ As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. ³⁶ When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. ³⁷ They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” ³⁸ Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ³⁹ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁰ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him, and when he came near, he asked him, ⁴¹ “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” ⁴² Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” ⁴³ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God, and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Jesus and Zacchaeus
19 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. ² A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. ³ He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. ⁵ When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. ⁷ All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” ⁸ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” ⁹ Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

There will be a brief choir practice for our Easter Sunday morning hymn.  Next practice will be during the hymn sing on Sunday April 6^th and a possible practice after the Good Friday service on April 18^th. We will be singing VT# 359 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing.  See Kathy Wert if you have any questions.     All are welcome.

 

Easter Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, April 20, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

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

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

Good Friday service
and communion
On April 18 at 10:30 am

 

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, April 8 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Bluffers Park (1 Brimley Road South).  Take Brimley Road to the bottom of the hill and follow to the right and park in the lot near the washrooms.
 
An email will go out on Monday April 7 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.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

April 13
Sermon                    Pieter N.
Worship leader   Margaret A.
Song Leader          Sue S.
Musicians               Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Roger H.
Adult Class            John E.

April 18 – Good Friday
Worship leader    Pieter N.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians                Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  ?
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

April 20 – Easter
Sermon                      Pieter N.
Worship leader     Mike D.
Song Leader            Dalton J.
Musicians                 Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                   Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host            Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Don B.
Adult Class             no class – Easter breakfast

 

Would you like to receive a free subscription to Canadian Mennonite?
You can request a digital and/or print copy.
Speak with Bonnie and she will submit the request.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Mennonite Church Canada Gathering 2025 July 2 – 5, 2025Gathering @ Rockway Mennonite Collegiate Youth Gathering @ Conrad Grebel University CollegeWhether you’re representing your congregation, a youth looking to connect with peers from across Canada, or a young adult seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone at Gathering 2025. Registration opens March 5 ·  Discover more!  ·  Gathering Schedule ·  Youth Gathering Schedule coming soon! ·  Promotional Materials – bulletin inserts, posters

 

For answers to some Frequently Asked Questions visit our page here

 

GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
at Willowgrove dining hall.
April 13 – 5 pm

Supper will be served.

Please register by April 10th at https://www.gtamennonitefestival.ca/agm .

Questions contact Karen at jandkbarber@gmail.com

 

 

Service at SCOC on Sunday Evening at 7 pm – ALL ARE WELCOME
Pastor Pieter will be speaking. Please keep him in your prayers.

 

 

 

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2025
Called to Action by the Power of the Holy Spirit
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 – 11:30 a.m. Online
Registration opens at the end of March

 

 COMMUNITY CORNER

 

 

Spring (classic chocolate and vanilla sandwich) Girl Guide cookies will be available from Bethany on Sunday, April 6.

 

 

In summary, upcoming events:

At Danforth

April
8 Ladies walking group – Bluffers Park
12  Men’s breakfast
12  Messy Church
15  Ladies walking group – Rosetta McLain
18  Good Friday service
20  Easter Potluck breakfast and service
22  Ladies walking group – Ashbridges Bay
29  Ladies walking group

May
18  Pastor Pieter’s installation

Wider Church

April
5  Fraser Lake 70 years
13 GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
26  MCEC Annual Gathering – online

Community Corner

April
6  Girl Guide cookies
27  Toronto Beach Chorale concert

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

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 30, 2025   11:00 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome

Introduction
 
Call to Worship
 
Opening Hymn:  VT #647 There is a Balm in Gilead
 
Announcements
 
Offering Prayer
 
Hymn: VT#201 Hear the Turmoil of the Nations
 
Congregational prayer time
 
Confession and words of assurance
 
Scripture reading:  Luke 16:13-15, 19-33
 
Hymn:  #745 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

Sermon:  Christ collides with our selfishness
 
Closing Hymn/Benediction:   VT #545 Here I Am, Lord

Leading Us in Worship
Sermon                               Margaret A.
Worship Leader            Sue S.
Song Leader                    Don B.
Musician                           Kathy W., Ray W.
Greeters                           Leslie S., Tessa R.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V                                      Fazal S.

Hymn of the month:  VT #201  Hear the Turmoil of the Nations

 

Adult Discussion Class

The Adult Class invites the church to view a powerful film portraying the life and martyrdom of El Salvadoran archbishop, Oscar Romero. This coming Sunday, John E. will interview our brother Edgardo R. on his reflections on this film, the Book of Acts and Venezuela.  Make this film and the Adult Class part of your Lenten journey.
The film raises many questions: 
– How do we respond to a totalitarian government?
– Is there a time to take up arms?
– Can we see what Jesus launched as a revolution?

How is it similar to an armed revolution?

How is it different?
– Where do you see yourself in this film?

If you would like to receive emails regarding what’s happening in our class, please contact Bonnie.

View Film (1hr 45mins)

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=oscar+romero+film&t=brave&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DFDHqPty2HHM

 

Confession and words of assurance

All:  Loving and merciful God,  we confess that we have sinned against you.

Leader:   We have not loved you with all our thoughts, words, and actions.

People: We have sinned through what we have chosen to do and what we have chosen to neglect.

Leader:   We have not fully accepted your love for us. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

People: We put our trust in material things, always seeking to accumulate more, ignoring the needs of those around us.

All:  We repent before each other and before you, our loving God. Please help us loosen our grip on what we have and challenge the selfishness of our society with open hands so we may better share your peace in your world, rejoicing in your name. Amen.

Leader:  Now hear these words of assurance: God tells us that we are created in God’s image. God created us for relationship with God and each other. In this, we know that God will never break our relationship. God’s steadfast love endures forever.

 

Scripture Reading
Luke 16:13-15, 19-33

¹³ No slave can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
¹⁴ The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him.
¹⁵ So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts, for what is prized by humans is an abomination in the sight of God.

The Rich Man and Lazarus
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus in like manner evil things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.
26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’
27 He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’
29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

 

 DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

There will be a brief choir practice for Easter Sunday morning this Sunday after church (March 31st). There will again be a practice during the hymn sing on Sun. April 6^th and a possible practice after the Good Friday service on April 18^th. We will be singing VT# 359 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing.  See Kathy W. if you have any questions.     All are welcome.

 

Easter Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, April 20, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

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

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

Everyone is welcome.

 

 

Good Friday service
and communion
On April 18 at 10:30 am

 

 

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, April 1st at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Birkdale (off Brimley, north of Lawrence on the west side.)

An email will go out on Monday, March 31 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.

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

April 6
Sermon                      Pieter N.
Worship leader    Erma M.
Song Leader          Sue S.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Murray L.
Hymn Sing             Kathy W.

 

April 13
Sermon                    Pieter N.
Worship leader   Margaret A.
Song Leader          Sue S.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Roger H.
Adult Class           John E.

 

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

In This Together presents a webinar series…Faithfully at Variance: Engaging with the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. Webinar #3 takes place on Sunday March 30, 6pm CT, and will include stories of Mennonite Churches that have developed “Being At Variance Statements” and why this is important. We will facilitate two break out rooms; one that will strategize an addendum to article 19, and the other to brainstorm creative witness actions/events of being “Faithfully at Variance” during the upcoming Mennonite Church Canada gathering in Kitchener/Waterloo this July. To register, go to https://inthistogethernetwork.ca/news-and-events.

Mennonite Church Canada Gathering 2025 July 2 – 5, 2025Gathering @ Rockway Mennonite Collegiate Youth Gathering @ Conrad Grebel University CollegeWhether you’re representing your congregation, a youth looking to connect with peers from across Canada, or a young adult seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone at Gathering 2025. Registration opens March 5 ·  Discover more! ·  Gathering Schedule ·  Youth Gathering Schedule coming soon! ·  Promotional Materials – bulletin inserts, posters

 

For answers to some Frequently Asked Questions visit our page here

 

 

GTA Mennonite Festival AGM

at Willowgrove dining hall.

April 13 – 5 pm
Supper will be served.
Please register by April 10th at https://www.gtamennonitefestival.ca/agm .

Questions contact Karen at jandkbarber@gmail.com

 

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2025
Called to Action by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 – 11:30 a.m. Online
Registration opens at the end of March.

 

 

COMMUNITY CORNER

Spring (classic chocolate and vanilla sandwich) Girl Guide cookies will be available from Bethany on Sunday, March 30.

 

 

In summary, upcoming events:

At Danforth

April

1 Ladies walking group – Birkdale
8 Ladies walking group – Rosetta McLain
12  Men’s breakfast
12  Messy Church
15  Ladies walking group
18  Good Friday service
20  Easter Potluck breakfast and service
22  Ladies walking group
29  Ladies walking group

 

Wider Church

March
30  In this together

April
5  Fraser Lake 70 years
13 GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
26  MCEC Annual Gathering – online

Community Corner

March
30  Girl Guide cookies

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

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 23, 2025   11:00 a.m.
Order of Service

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome

Call to Worship

Hymn: RB #552   There were ninety and nine

Confession

Words of Assurance

Announcements

Offering Prayer

Hymn: VT #653  Nothing is lost on the breath of God

Congregational Prayer

Hymn: VT #201 Hear the tumult of the Nations

Scripture Luke 15: 1-32

Sermon:  Christ Collides with our Priorities

Hymn of Response: VT #812 Sent forth by God’s Blessing

Benediction

 

Leading Us in Worship
Sermon                               Pieter N.
Worship Leader            Linda D.
Song Leader                    Ed F.
Musician                           Jessica M.
Greeters                           Vic & Mary Jane G.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V                                      Fazal S.

 

Hymn of the month:  VT #201  Hear the turmoil of the Nations

 

Adult Discussion Class

We will be studying the 3rd chapter.  Please read the first half of the chapter, pages 38 through 52.

If you would like to receive emails regarding what’s happening in our class, please contact Bonnie.

 

Call to worship

One:         Christ collides with our thoughts to condemn others.

Many:     Put them in their place.

One:         Who is more guilty of wrongdoing?

Many:     Do you condemn? Should I condemn?

All:            For your reign, O God, transform us as we worship you.

 

 

Confession and words of assurance

 All:            Loving and merciful God,  we confess that we have sinned against you.

Leader:   We have not loved you with all our thoughts, words, and actions.

People: We have sinned through what we have chosen to do and what we have chosen to neglect.

Leader:   We have not fully accepted your love for us. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

People: We are quick to pass judgment and to assume your authority to condemn others.

All:  We repent before each other and before you, our loving God. Please help us open our hearts to your love. Help us shake free from our quickness to condemn so we may better share your peace in your world, rejoicing in your name. Amen.

Leader:   Now hear these words of assurance: God tells us that we are created in God’s image. God created us for relationship with God and each other. In this, we know that God will never break our relationship. God’s steadfast love endures forever.

 

Scripture Reading

Luke 15: 1-32 (NRSVUE)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

³ So he told them this parable: ⁴ “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin
⁸ “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ ¹⁰ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
¹¹ Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. ¹³ A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. ¹⁴ When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. ¹⁶ He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. ¹⁷ But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! ¹⁸ I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ ²⁰ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. ²¹ Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ²² But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, ²⁴ for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

²⁵ “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. ²⁷ He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ ²⁸ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ ³¹ Then the father^[d] said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, March 25 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at The Boardwalk at Woodbine Beach.  We will park in the same place as when we went to see the art installation.  Coming south on Woodbine onto Lake Shore Blvd. E., turn south (towards the lake) at Northern Dancer Blvd.  Follow the road in and turn to the parking lot on the left.

An email will go out on Monday, March 24 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.

 

Good Friday service
and communion
On April 18 at 10:30 am

 

 

Easter
Potluck
Breakfast

Sunday, April 20, 2024
9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

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

 

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

Everyone is welcome.

 

 

Worship Schedule reminder

 

March 30
Message                  Margaret A.
Worship leader   Cindy R.
Song Leader          Don B.
Musicians               Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Mike D.

Adult class             Edgardo R.

April 6
Message                 Pieter N.
Worship leader  Erma M.
Song Leader         Sue S.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Murray L.

Hymn Sing            Kathy W.

 

In summary, upcoming events:

At Danforth
March
25  Ladies walking group – Boardwalk

April
1 Ladies walking group
8 Ladies walking group
12  Men’s breakfast
12  Messy Church
15  Ladies walking group
18  Good Friday service
20  Easter Potluck breakfast and service
22  Ladies walking group
29  Ladies walking group

 Wider Church
March
30  In this together

April
5  Fraser Lake 70 years
13 GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
26 MCEC Annual Gathering – online

Community Corner
March
23  Girl Guide cookies

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Pieter Niemeyer

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

 

Danforth Mennonite Church
March 16, 2025   11:00 a.m.
Order of Service

Welcome

Introduction

Call to Worship

Opening Hymn:  VT #98 Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise

Announcements

Offering Prayer

Hymn: VT#201 Hear the Turmoil of the Nations

Congregational prayer time

Confession and words of assurance

Scripture reading:  Luke 13:1-9, 31-35

Hymn:  Give the fig tree one more season

Sermon: Planting the seed

Closing hymn:  VT #156 There’s Wideness in God’s Mercy

Benediction

 

 Leading Us in Worship
Sermon                               Carol O.
Worship Leader            Sue S.
Song Leader                    Sue S.
Musicians                         Roger H.
Greeters                           Vic & Mary Jane G.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V                                      Don B.

Hymn of the month:  VT #201  Hear the turmoil of the nations

 

Adult Discussion Class

We will be studying the 2^nd chapter from the book “Radical gratitude”.

If you would like to receive emails regarding what’s happening in our class, please contact Bonnie.

 

Call to worship

One:       Christ collides with our thoughts to condemn others.

Many:    Put them in their place.

One:       Who is more guilty of wrongdoing?

Many:    Do you condemn? Should I condemn?

All:         For your reign, O God, transform us as we worship you.

 

Confession and words of assurance

All:            Loving and merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you.

Leader:   We have not loved you with all our thoughts, words, and actions.

People: We have sinned through what we have chosen to do and what we have chosen to neglect.

Leader:   We have not fully accepted your love for us. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

People: We are quick to pass judgment and to assume your authority to condemn others.

All:  We repent before each other and before you, our loving God. Please help us open our hearts to your love. Help us shake free from our quickness to condemn so we may better share your peace in your world, rejoicing in your name. Amen.

Leader:   Now hear these words of assurance: God tells us that we are created in God’s image. God created us for relationship with God and each other. In this, we know that God will never break our relationship. God’s steadfast love endures forever.

 

Scripture Reading

Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 (RSVU)

Repent or Perish
13 At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ² He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? ³ No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. ⁴ Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish just as they did.”

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
⁶ Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. ⁷ So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ ⁸ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

The Lament over Jerusalem
³¹ At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” ³² He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. ³³ Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ ³⁴ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! ³⁵ See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

 

Give the Fig Tree One More Season

Give that fig tree one more season.
I’ll prune branches, work the soil.
Let me fling manure around it.
This old tree is worth the toil.

Lord, you walked about the vineyard,
came upon this aging tree,
Found the branches bare and barren,
where the fruit should rightly be.

Give me one more year, my master,
I will tend with love and care,
I’ll awaken from these branches
figs so all may freely share.

None of us will be forsaken
by our Savior, by the Lord,
As this parable reminds us
taken from God’s holy word.

When we’re weary and forsaken,
when our lives are fruitless too,
Jesus will our hearts awaken
and restore us through and through.

 

Frank Ramirez is pastor of Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., and a prolific writer for Brethren Press, Messenger, Newsline, and a wide variety of other publications.
(Text copyright Frank Ramirez, who has given permission to share this with others. Sung to the tune of “The Servant Song,” number 307 in Hymnal: A Worship Book and 778 in Voices Together)

 

 

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Tables available to a good home

We are replacing the wooden tables in the lower hall with powder-coat steel and high-density polyethylene stacking tables.
We will be removing the old tables when the new tables arrive.  There are 4’ square, and 6’ & 8’ rectangle tables available.
If you would like a table(s), please let Bonnie know.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report: To the end of February $17,794 has been received in offerings so far this year. We received $6,517 in February. In order to meet our 2025 budget our monthly target for Sunday offerings is $9,206.
 
In February there was another $200 donated to our Food Bank fund. A further $810 has been added in March as a result of Government Rebate cheques being forwarded to our Food Bank fund.
 
Other designated donations were $100 to our Benevolence Fund and $50 to Danforth Grow hope.
 
On March 4 we enjoyed a Shrove Tuesday fellowship dinner. There was $110 thrown into the basket to cover costs. Expenses from the dinner came to $91.39.
 
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.

 

Ladies Walking group

On Tuesday, March 18 at 10:30 am (weather permitting), we will meet at Taylor Creek Park (parking lot on west side of Dawes Road).
 
An email will go out on Monday, March 17 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.

 

Worship Schedule reminder

March 23
Message                   Pieter N.
Worship leader    Linda D.
Song Leader           Dalton J.
Musicians               Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Vic & Mary Jane G.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Fazal S.

Book study             Radical Gratitude – Murray

March 30
Message                   Margaret A.
Worship leader    Cindy R.
Song Leader           Don B.
Musicians                Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Leslie S., Tessa R.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Mike D.

Adult class

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

SCOC Hymn Sing on
Sunday evening at 7 pm
March 16

All are invited

 

 

 

In This Together presents a webinar series…Faithfully at Variance: Engaging with the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. Webinar #3 takes place on Sunday March 30, 6pm CT, and will include stories of Mennonite Churches that have developed “Being At Variance Statements” and why this is important. We will facilitate two break out rooms; one that will strategize an addendum to article 19, and the other to brainstorm creative witness actions/events of being “Faithfully at Variance” during the upcoming Mennonite Church Canada gathering in Kitchener/Waterloo this July. To register, go to https://inthistogethernetwork.ca/news-and-events.

 

Mennonite Church Canada Gathering 2025 July 2 – 5, 2025Gathering @ Rockway Mennonite Collegiate Youth Gathering @ Conrad Grebel University College Whether you’re representing your congregation, a youth looking to connect with peers from across Canada, or a young adult seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone at Gathering 2025. Registration opens March 5  ·  Discover more!  ·  Gathering Schedule ·  Youth Gathering Schedule coming soon! ·  Promotional Materials – bulletin inserts, posters

 

For answers to some Frequently Asked Questions visit our page here

 

 

GTA Mennonite Festival AGM

at Willowgrove dining hall.
April 13 – 5 pm
Supper will be served.
Please register by April 10th at https://www.gtamennonitefestival.ca/agm .

Questions contact Karen at jandkbarber @ gmail.com

 

 

MCEC Annual Church Gathering 2025
Called to Action by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 – 11:30 a.m. Online
Registration opens at the end of March.

 

COMMUNITY CORNER

Spring (classic chocolate and vanilla sandwich) Girl Guide cookies will be available from Bethany on
Sunday, March 23.

 

In summary, upcoming events:

At Danforth

March
15  Messy Church
18  Ladies walking group – Taylor Creek Park
25  Ladies walking group

April
1 Ladies walking group
8 Ladies walking group
12  Men’s breakfast
12  Messy Church
15  Ladies walking group
22  Ladies walking group
29  Ladies walking group

Wider Church

March

April
5  Fraser Lake 70 years
13 GTA Mennonite Festival AGM
26  MCEC Annual Gathering – online

Community Corner

March
23  Girl Guide cookies