Live Spring Book Discussion, Tuesday, May 3, 1:30-3:00 pm

Health Council will be holding a book discussion on Made for Goodness and Why This Makes All the Difference by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Mpho Tutu, also an Anglican priest. Tutu tells touching stories from his own life, as well as horrific memories of his work in dark places of the world. From there he invites us to take on the disciplines of goodness, the practices that are key to finding fulfillment, meaning and happiness for our lives. We think this book is a fitting selection as a way of honouring a great man who most recently died.

The discussion will be held in person in the sanctuary of the church. For those who only wish to watch the discussion, you may connect to zoom https://zoom.us/j/94951669774

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Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday Mount Zion, Waterloo participated in the Eastern Synod Challenge to wave textiles items that could be donated to local agencies in the community. A huge basket of socks, towels and even some underwear was collected that will go to the Anishanabee Outreach or Marilac Place.

Also waved with enthusiasm were a collection of hand-crafted take-out bags for use in delivering meals from our newest ministry, The Mount Zion Kitchen. Thank you to Pauline Finch for constructing the bags. Thanks to all that participated. #espalmsunday2022   #myELCIC #ESynod

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Finance Report

Member contributions to our Ministry & Ministry (current) account continue to be better than planned. Results for the three-month period ending March 31 reflect a $8,373 deficit in our Ministry & Mission (current) account.  Although this is a deficit, it is $14,006 less than anticipated in our plan for this period. 

Your support of Benevolence to the Synod and other designated needs including our Adopt A Causes was $20,009. Of this amount $11,009 was received from members in support of the Synod ($4,959), and Other specific appeals ($6,050).  In addition to member support as noted, $9,000 was received from grants in support of Open Sesame. Overall, a good start to the New Year!  Thank you for your support. Read the full report here.

 

Numbers Behind the Numbers

While reading the monthly finances, you might have noticed that donations to our Ministry and Mission account have increased.

Our treasurer Richard Brubacher decided to delve into the trend a little deeper and found that 31 family groups increased their giving in 2022. That number represents one third of our contributors.

Thank you! It is this ongoing support that make all our ministries at Mount Zion possible.

 

Food Voucher Ministry

This year, the Justice through Service Committee is designating support of local food security as a kind of Adopt-a-Cause.  This will include support of our long-standing food voucher program, in which we distribute grocery cards to those in need at the door of the church. As we heard at the Annual Meeting, the demand has increased greatly in the pandemic.  In 2021, we handed out over 900 ten-dollar cards.  A gift in cards of $30 to a single person or $60 to a family, once every two months, contributes just a small portion of what they require, but it is still very much appreciated by the recipients.  Although we are not accepting any new registrants for now, and are limiting the distribution to just two mornings a month, we hope to be able to keep helping those on our list.  Please continue to donate generously to this program, to ease the hardship of many of our K-W neighbours who find themselves in need.  Mary Thompson

Help Wanted

In Mary Thompson's report (above) of the Food Voucher program, where grocery cards are distributed to those in need at the door of our church, 10 am to 1 pm on the third Tuesday and Thursday of each month. Members of the Justice through Service Committee and Health Council assist with this process, but we need more volunteers. Please call Margaret Waechter at the church office if you would like to be placed on the roster. You will receive an orientation by an experienced volunteer for this satisfying experience.

 

A Joint Musical Venture

Music Direction Sarah has shared that we are expecting musical guests on Sunday May 1. St Matthews’ choir will be joining our singers for a joint musical experience. We are looking forward to this and future joint projects with St. Matthews.

 

Mount Zion Kitchen

There are still two more opportunities to buy a yummy Thursday meal on April 21st when

Pork sausage, mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage or Vegetarian carrot loaf, mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage are on the menu for $10. April 28th when Turkey Soup or Vegetable Bean Soup will be available for $7.00. The Kitchen will then close until fall.

Because Covid cases are once again on the increase, Nurse Christine is suggesting that you come to the kitchen door and wait outside for someone to bring you your dinner.

Help Wanted

The food ministry continues to meet the needs of needy folks and we continue to serve around 160 people a week, both from the kitchen and students through Distro, with some who can afford it purchasing the meals and thus helping support the program.  We still need volunteers to help with food prep, please call the office if you have the time and the energy to spend some ‘fun time’ at the kitchen!  Thanks to Pr. Bill Brown for the wooden paddles he made that are very helpful to stir the large pots we use.  Thanks also to Pauline Finch who made 50 beautiful bags that we could use in place of the plastic bags while delivering food. 

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Mount Zion Cafe now meeting in person

The Mount Zion Cafe is meeting in person continues to meet every second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 10 am to noon, with the last meeting before Summer on June 8. We are all ready for a little socializing, so come and join us at the Mount Zion Cafe for an enjoyable morning.

 

In Our Prayers

Let us pray for George, Betty, Marjorie, Rosalie, James, Thelma and Don and Jean and their daughter Tai. Let us continue to also remember the situation in Ukraine in our prayers. We could donate through CLWR for relief efforts among those that have been impacted. Millions of people have been displaced with the humanitarian crisis deepening everyday. 

 

Reminder about Masks

With the recent uptick in local Covid cases, it is a good time to remind members that while you are anywhere in our building, a mask is required.

 

Upcoming Readings

Fri. Apr. 15 — Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Psalm 22 (1)

Hebrews 10:16-25

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 

Sunday April 17 - Festival of Easter

Acts 10:34-43

Isaiah 65:17-25

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (24)

1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Acts 10:34-43 

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