Pastor Philip Writes

Good morning, everyone!

I attended the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) last week as one of the representatives of the ELCIC. The Governing Board meets twice a year, and because the venue for this year’s May meeting was not available, it was held virtually. It was a great time to get my feet wet in learning about the activities of CCC and meet the folks who are involved in the organization. A new team of leadership took over as we entered another Triennium. This is the 80th year of the existence of CCC and several events are planned for the coming year.

Being the umbrella ecumenical body of the churches in Canada, it too suffers from the various issues that affect us as congregations and churches. Financial resources, volunteers and so on are an issue there too. One way they look to address these is by intentionally narrowing down where they could meaningfully spend their resources and personal. So, rather than spread themselves thin, they have taken decisions to narrow priorities and ministries. It could be a good pointer to us, too, when we make decisions on ministries. A campaign to raise resources is being planned.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) announced its new logo and tagline, inspired by a new vision statement which was developed through extensive consultation with members across the church. The vision statement was several years in the making and reads God’s grace and unconditional love call us to be a diverse, inclusive community that celebrates all and upholds life-giving relationships. To read more about the logo development, read the full statement here. Some of the values they used are very similar to those we developed as a congregation!

June is observed as Indigenous History Month in Canada and Pride Month. As a

congregation, we will also reflect on these issues. The exercise of listening to the 7 Sacred Teachings or Grandfathers’/Grandmothers’ that we began a few weeks ago will continue for another five weeks.

Fred von Heyking died on Sunday, May 12. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4260 Hessen Strasse, Wellesley.

I will be on vacation from May 29 to June 12, visiting our daughter in San Francisco. Pastor Peter Kuhnert will be the emergency contact from May 26th and the supply minister on June 2nd and June 9th.

Let us pray for Christine, Marilyn, Konrad, Mary-Helen, Sandra, Julian, George, Betty, Rosalie, James, Thelma, Helen, and the Stewart family. Let us also remember the family of Fred von Heyking, mourning his death. Let us continue to pray for peace in the world.

In Christ,

Pr. Philip    May 24, 2024

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Music Notes

I will be away on June 16th and 23rd.  Ken and I will be sailing all the way around the British Isles on a special "bucket list " trip. Kaelyn Pereira, a student of Joyce Knarr, will be playing on the 16th. I know that you will make her welcome. 

The music-making will be left in the capable hands of the Guitar Choir and members of the congregation for Worship in the Park on June 23.

Beginning on June 16, we will be using setting 10 for the summer. Setting 10 is entirely set to hymn tunes we are familiar with, which makes for easy participation during the summer when the choir is on a break and visitors are likely.  Sarah

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Mount Zion Cafe - Last coffee before summer on June 12 

The Mount Zion Cafe is unplugging the coffee pot for a few months. Be sure to attend the last Cafe before summer break on June 12. Coffee and treats start at 10 a.m. Call Margaret the day before if you need transportation; she will arrange a driver or taxi.

Briefly

• Esselyn Bell has been nominated for the 2024 Senior of the Year Award. 

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We need a quorum!

Congregational Meeting June 16 to Adopt new Constitution and Bylaws

Our newsletter has been running reminders for this very important meeting for the last couple of weeks. June 16 is approaching, and we urge you to attend, as we will need a quorum to proceed. The meeting's purpose is to Adopt a new Constitution and Bylaws document and three related policies. We will only highlight the differences during the meeting to keep the meeting short. You can pre-read the new documents at https://www.mzlc.ca/filing-cabinet

The documents being discussed are all marked “NEW”. Limited printed copies of the new Constitution and Bylaws are available in the Narthex. In case you missed it, there is more information in the last newsletter. https://www.mzlc.ca/may-17-2024  

 

Funeral Reception Reorganization – Coordinators Needed

Due to a shrinking number of available volunteers, Mount Zion is considering reorganizing the process for Funeral Receptions.

Considering the significance members attach to a traditional funeral and reception, we have developed a plan that would enable our community to continue this important ministry but with fewer volunteer hours.

Going forward, members will order the food for the reception from a caterer.  Custodial staff will set up and tear down the tables. Volunteers working in two shifts will then serve the reception and clean up as usual.

To make this all happen, we are looking for Reception Coordinators who will rally a team for the day from a list of willing volunteers and liaise with the Pastor and Margaret.

If you think that you could take on this very important role, please contact Stephanie von Schilling 519 884-5429 or email: stephanie@vonschilling.caor the office a call for more information.

 

Alfred Brunger Community Garden Update

Despite the rain we had a great turnout of gardeners.  The compost was turned, the gravity feed water system was hooked up, some tree trimming, and general tidying was done. The new apricot tree was planted using soil from our compost system that was built in 2016 from a TD Friends of the Environment Grant. It takes time to feed, monitor and nurture the soil cycle, and 8 years later we are reaping the benefit of producing enough topsoil for some of our garden. A big thank you to Bill Gastmeier for loaning his trailer to help tidy up.

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Food Card Ministry

While planning your summer vacation, please consider our Food Card Ministry. Even though we are taking some time off, the need for food support remains. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important neighbourhood ministry.

 

New Venue

Worship and Picnic in the Park

"There is something special about worshipping in the great outdoors, as long as the weather cooperates. Do you remember sharing jackets and car blankets at our last picnic in 2019? It was chilly but a heartwarming experience. Be sure to be a part of our Worship and Picnic in the Park this summer, and being a little later in the season, it is unlikely to be be chilly. Here’s what you need to know.

Date:   June 23, 2024

            Venue: New  Hillside Park, Waterloo, Picnic Shelter, 352 Marland Drive; first left off University East a wafter Weber as you head towards the Expressway.

            It’s a potluck! Bring a dish to share.

            Service starts at 10 am, followed by games and lunch

            Bring your own dishes and cutlery

Rain? In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made; if it is determined that it is not the day for a picnic outside, we will have one inside at the church.

Hope to see you there!

 

Mount Zion Members Receive Award

On May 22, members of the Black History Service and Celebration Planning Group were honoured and thankful to be the recipient of a 2024 Leading Women, Building Communities Award, an event organized by MPP Catharine Fife. The committee members are Esselyn Bell, Arlene Knight, Cynthia Simpson, Susan Brubacher, Karen Gastmeier, Sarah Cardwell, and Margaret Waechter. Pastor Philip was also officially invited but was away.

 

Queer Vespers invites you to celebrate Pride

In an evening of worship, song, & community, June 2, 7 pm, Wesley United Church, 6 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, ON.  More info Rev Michiko.  michikobownka@gmail.com

This is a gathering dedicated to creating a place of belonging and affirmation for 2SLGBTQ+ Christians. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.