Calming the Chaos
November 19, 2023 – Youth-led Service
Transforming chaos . . .
Prelude
Call to Worship – Luke 8:22-25
Welcome & Prayer
Hymn: Don’t be afraid VT 596
Luke 8:22-25
Children’s Time
Luke 8:22-25
Meditation
. . . to calm . . .
Hymn of the month: Peace to you VT 168
Question Time!
Congregational Prayer
Hymn: Still my soul VT 603
Pastor Blessing
. . . trusting in our God.
Offering and Offertory
Announcements
Luke 8:22-25
Hymn: Rain Down VT 703
Benediction
Postlude
An unsupervised nursery is available across from the washrooms for children ages 5 and under. Parents are expected to supervise their children while in the nursery.
Leading us in worship:
Youth: MYF
Supporting Adults: Darryl Drudge, Elaine Finnie, Joel Godfrey, Andrea Kennel, Joanne Schwartzentruber, Ben Winter, Pastor Sara Erb
A/V: Steve Carter & Mike Gingerich
November Coin Collection & Special Offering is in support of House of Friendship Emergency Food Hamper program, helping to provide food security to any who are struggling. For more information or to donate online please visit: https://bit.ly/40kvtAS
Today
Coffee & tea available in the fellowship hall following the service.
Christian Education (Sunday School) for all ages:
11:00 – 12 p.m. Children’s Sunday School (Age 2 – Gr. 4), basement
11:15 – 12 p.m. Jr. Youth (Gr. 5-8) & MYF (Gr. 9-12+), basement
Adult Ed. in the Fireplace Room: Building on the “What is the Bible?” series from October, continuing Nov 19, 26 on “The Bible, Sexuality & LGBTQ+.“
Zoom Coffee Time begins again today (Nov. 19). If you would like to receive the Zoom link for the next date, please contact Dawna at office@smchurch.ca or 519-634-8311.
Next Sunday November 26
9:45 a.m. Livestream and in-person worship in the sanctuary.
Scripture: Psalm 22 selections, Matthew 5:4
Speaker: Pastor Ben Cassels
Eternity Sunday. A sacred time and space to feel our grief and losses. We will remember members of the congregation as well as other family and friends beyond our congregation who have died this past year (Nov. 2022-2023). If you wish to have a name read during the service, please add their name and information to the sheet on the table in the hallway or contact the church office by this Tuesday, Nov. 21st.
Congregational Life
Thank you to John Gruhl and woodworking helpers who came to KidsLIFE on Wednesday night. There were 20 individual bookshelves built in intergenerational pairs. ~KidsLIFE planning team
The Pastor Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) would like to involve the congregation in showing our Appreciation to the pastors. From teaching and mentoring, to leading, serving, and guiding, pastors give a lot of time, energy, and heart to our congregation. We invite everyone to write a note acknowledging the things you appreciate about the pastors and the work they do. You can place your comments in the shiny box on the table by the mailboxes. ~PCRC Doris, Kim & Gladys
Last day for Care Package donations. Care Team is making packages and invites your contributions: candy, granola bars, tea, hot chocolate, post-it notes, etc. An information sheet has been placed in your church mailbox. A box for items is in the hallway.
The Christmas choir will sing Sunday morning, Dec. 17. Rehearsals: Sun. Nov. 26, 5:30 pm; Sun. Dec.3, 5:30 pm; and Sun. Dec.10. 7:00 pm. An additional rehearsal before Dec. 17 is possible. All singers are welcome.
Nov. 21 (Tues.) 4 – 5 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Pickleball.
Nov. 24 (Fri) 5:30 p.m. TGIF is a monthly casual gathering of families with children for food and fun, and is open to all. Please RSVP to Darryl at ad.drudge@gmail.com by Wed. Nov. 22nd so food can be ordered.
Dec. 6 (Wed.) Morning & afternoon – All women invited to the church to knot comforters and/or quilt. Festive potluck lunch, bring a dish to share. Drinks provided.
Dec. 9 (Sat.) 5 p.m. Annual Community Christmas Banquet. To reserve a place for yourself and any guests, please sign the list by the church mailboxes or call the church office by November 26. Please bring enough dessert to feed your family and guests. All other food for a ham dinner will be provided. Donations will be collected to cover expenses with any excess going to Breakfast Club which is co-sponsored by Hillcrest Mennonite Church and Steinmann Mennonite Church.
MYF (Grades 9-12+)
Nov. 24. 7-10 p.m. Family Dinner at Bob and Gladys Bender’s home.
Save the date: Jan 5-6, MYF Lock-In at the church.
Jr. Youth (Grades 5-8)
Nov. 23 (Thur.) 6:30-8 p.m. Volunteering at the New Hamburg Thrift Store. Meet there. Wear closed toed shoes.
Dec. 1. (Fri.) 7-11 p.m. Lock-in (Lite). An evening of God conversations, games, snacks, and fun late at night.
KidsLIFE (Grades 1-5)
Dec. 6 (Wed.), 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. All Things Christmas
Small Groups
Nov. 21 (Tues.) 10 a.m. The Adult Bible Study led by Wes Leis will meet in the fireplace room. Studying “Exploring the New Testament”. Everyone is welcome.
Nov. 23 (Thurs.) 10:00 a.m. – Women’s Bible study group meeting at the church in the Fireplace area. Read chapter 2 of “Let The Light In”. All women are welcome. Contact person – Darlene Gingerich.
Personal Notes
Congratulations to Sam Roth who is celebrating his 85th birthday on Thursday, November 23 and Laverne Gingerich who is celebrating his 84th birthday on Saturday, November 25
Remember in Prayer
Let us continue to pray for persons living with ongoing health challenges: Louise Gingerich, Tasha Steckle, Larry Wagler
This week join Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) in prayer for Crosshill Mennonite Church, Crosshill , ON.
Wider Community
Nov. 21 (Tues.) 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp’s Annual General Meeting at Tavistock Mennonite Church. Join in person or virtually, hear impact stories from Mano Watsa and Watsa Basketball Camp coaches and look ahead to 2024. Please RSVP to admin@hiddenacres.ca or 519-625-8602.
Nov. 22 (Wed.) 7:30 p.m. on Zoom Rockway Mennonite Collegiate – Annual General Meeting. Email AGM@rockway.ca to RSVP and Zoom link. Visit our AGM webpage for voting information.
Nov. 28 (Tues.) 7 p.m. Free film screening of “Before Tomorrow” at Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg. No registration necessary. Sponsored by Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships.
Nov. 29 (Wed.) 8 p.m. Canadian Mennonite presents, “Answering the Call: Three Young Pastors Reflect on Ministry,” an online discussion. Register today at: www.canadianmennonite.org/events.
Dec. 2 (Sat.) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wilmot Seniors’ Workshop, Christmas Craft Sale, 27 Beck St., Baden.
Dec. 3 (Sun.) 3 p.m. BACH VESPERS: The Spiritus Ensemble presents an intimate performance of the Messiah at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 23 Water Street North, Kitchener. Tickets at https://bit.ly/3SKfVom
Dec 3 (Sun.) 7 p.m. Advent Carol Service at St. Matthews Lutheran Church 54 Benton Street, Kitchener. Freewill Offering. For more information: https://bit.ly/3svDEO4.
Dec. 10 (Sun.) 3 p.m.. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah a 230 voice choir. Tickets at the Centre in the Square Box Office. www.centreinthesquare.com.