A Celebration of Pastor Philip’s Ministry  March 10

On Sunday, March 10, we will have a short celebration of Pastor Philip’s 10-year anniversary here at Mount Zion. Please plan on staying after the service for a few words and cake and coffee and when we can consider what we have experienced with him over the last ten years.

 

Wanted Soup Makers for Wednesdays in Lent – March 13

The Wednesday in Lent series continues for the next two weeks.

Mount Zion will be hosting the event next Wednesday (March 13). We are looking for volunteers to make at least 8 pots of soup, needed for those who gather for a bread and soup supper.  Please let Margaret know by Tuesday morning if you are able to cook up a batch of tasty soup.

• 6:00 pm with a Community Meal of Soup, Bread and Water

• 7:00 pm Worship and Holden Evening Prayer

• 7:15 pm Presentation -  Pastor Joanne Miller - My Journey with Prayer”

• 8:15 pm  Blessing for the Journey home

The series continues

March 20 Christ Lutheran Church (445 Anndale Rd) “Silence, Stillness, Simplicity” With Andre Choquet

 

Music Notes

This Sunday, we will celebrate Pastor Philip's tenth anniversary here at Mount Zion. Ten years ago, at his installation, he and his family sang the traditional song "Where You Will Lead."

We have pulled it out of the music files, and this Sunday, he and Cherub will sing it again along with the choir.

March 17th, being St. Patrick’s Day, will feature some Irish flavour. Be sure to listen for it!

 

The choir is busy preparing music for Holy Week and Easter. A highlight this year will be a cantata on Good Friday. No trumpets this year for Easter, but instead, the mellow sounds of an oboe.

More details to follow in the next newsletter.

 

Dear Family of Mount Zion,

It is with sadness that I convey the news that Isabella Stalkie died on March 4, 2024, after a very swift but short illness. 

There will be a celebration of her life here at Mount Zion on Saturday, April 20th at 11 am, followed by a short reception.

“Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine on her.”

 

Financial Update – February, 2024

A note from Finance

The Ministry & Mission (current) account's results for the first two months were better than budgeted by $12,317. While a deficit of $14,180 was realized, it was smaller than planned. Higher receipts and lower expenditures resulted in the deficit being $12,317 better than planned. Read the full report here

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Holy Week

March 24 -- Palm Sunday - 10 am

March 29 – Good Friday - 10 am

March 31 – Easter – 10 am

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It is not too late to be involved in our $1 A Day To Reduce Food Insecurity Lent Program. 

During This Lenten Season, It Could Do A Whole Lot For Our Food Card Ministry!

For most of us, the last time a dollar felt like major money was around 1960. But back then, we were also taught that even pennies, set aside at regular intervals, could add up to something worthwhile. It was all about creating a habit … 

So your Health Council and Justice through Service Committee are asking you to start another good habit — setting aside just $1 for each of the 47 days of Lent.

According to our average combined in-person and online attendance of about 85, if we all committed to this modest challenge, we could raise nearly $4,000 (that's $3,995, Richard!) by Easter.

What could $4000 do?

It's enough to give $60 in food cards to 66 needy families or $30 worth to 133 single people with chronic food insecurity.

Recently, Mount Zion has had to turn away recipients on our list because we ran out of food cards to give them.

And we can't add any more new recipients because there isn't enough reserve funding to sustain a more extensive program.

Why $1 a day?

We give families $60 in food cards every two months — that's $1 a day in food security that they wouldn't otherwise have. It may not seem much to us, but they always say thank you.

 

Mount Zion Women's Retreat

It's that time of year when we look ahead to Mount—Zion Women's Retreat. The dates are April 19th - 21st, and it will be held at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre, west of New Hamburg. Pastor Annette Smith will lead us in the "Voice of the Spirit" theme. The cost is $130. Registration forms can be found on the Retreat poster in the narthex. If interested, I suggest you register early, as women from other congregations plan to attend. The deadline for registration is April 1st. For more information, you may call Carol Ziegler at 519-886-6675. 

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Nurse Christine

During a recent chat with Nurse Christine, she asked me to say hello to all of you. She continues to be on leave for the time being. Please keep her in your prayers. 

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The Mount Zion Kitchen keeps on cookin'

The Mount Zion continues to make meals available to those who wish to order. Click here for the next few weeks' menus. ​

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Exercise Classes continue on Tuesdays. 

Community Support Connections Exercise Classes continue on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. These one-hour classes include cardio, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises. This is a free service.  

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Mount Zion Cafe -10 am

Meet your friends and enjoy coffee and a few activities at the Mount Zion Café, which meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Call Margaret the day before if you need transportation; she will arrange a driver or taxi.

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Annual Report

Extra copies of the 2023 Annual Report are still available for pick up in the narthex. It is also available on our website 

https://www.mzlc.ca/_files/ugd/c9da21_c6f06634967a40a7907866adf9fccc86.pdf