Hold fast!

Red Run News -- November 15, 2008

Thanks to all who helped to clean up the church grove. It looks beautiful.

We rejoice that Luke Witmer and James Weber have indicated a desire for baptism as an expression of their faith in Jesus Christ.

On November 8, Pastor Kevin asked the children to count a pile of coins he had placed on the carpet at the front of the auditorium. Even our few coins can do much when they are given to the Lord. In his message Kevin shared stories of persons who gave all they had to others and to God. After all, God is the real source of all we need to live.

On November 15, Pastor Carl challenged us to hold fast to our faith in what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. We can do this by stirring each other up to good works, by continuing to meet together, and by looking for that Day (when Jesus returns for His people). The choir sang "There Is a Green Hill Faraway."

Maryann Miozza played the violin. Bob Sauder led us in singing. In the children's time, Julia Sensenig and the children had a conversation with Buddy (a cardboard dog) about obedience school. .

Keeping our eyes open

Red Run News -- November 1, 2009

"O, Let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love." This was a line from one of the songs we sang this morning.

In our adult Sunday School classes, we discussed questions related to the passage 1 Peter 4:7-11. We reported some of these ideas during the sharing time. Following is a sampling of some other items in our discussion:

• We want to become more like Jesus

• We want to pray together with one another

• Prayer can be an outreach

• We want to share our needs openly but also know how to respect confidentiality

• Let's keep our eyes open to those God is bringing into our lives.

Pastor Melvin challenged us to use the gifts that God has given us. He talked about the gifts of music, organization, food, hospitality, mechanical skills, making peace. Mel also told the story to the children of how the Apostle Paul boldly told others about Jesus even when that meant persecution for him.

We gave thanks that Luke Witmer professes Jesus as Savior and has expressed a desire for baptism. We blessed Kerry Martin as he has received an assignment to produce a commemorative booklet celebrating the 300th anniversary (in 2010) of the first Mennonite settlement in Lancaster County. We prayed for Glenn Stauffer in Antarctica. We also remembered other loved ones as well as those among us who are sick.

Upcoming events: All are welcome to a district institute at Bowmansville Mennonite Church at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, when three local bishops will give input on faithful witness. And on Saturday, November 14, we can use your assistance at the fall clean-up day at the church beginning about 8:30 a.m. A light lunch will be served.

Looking out the window

Red Run News -- October 25, 2009

Pastor Kevin told the story of Martin the Cobbler to the children. In the message, he challenged us to look out the window. God is bringing people into our lives. Are we willing to lay aside the distractions that keep us from sharing the good news of Jesus? Are we ready to partner together in prayer? Next Sunday (November 1), let's share together in Sunday School, what God has been saying to us in the past weeks and months from this text 1 Peter 4:7-11.

Also next Sunday we look forward to a fellowship breakfast between the Sunday school class and the church service, as well as turning the clocks back one hour.

A place of hope

Red Run News -- October 18, 2009

What a rainy (and in some places, snowy) weekend!

Randy Hostetter, Bob Sauder, and Glenda Lafferty led the singing this morning. The choir sang "Sing of the Mighty One."

Ken Sensenig gave an ear of corn to each of the children. This represents the work that Mennonite Central Committee is doing to help persons farm the land when they return to their homes after a time of war. In his message Ken talked about his recent trip to Africa. In spite of human imperfections, the church is a place of hope during times of great difficulty.

All are welcome to a session "Faithful Witness in a Changing World" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church. Part of the 2009 district leadership institute, this session is open to everyone. We recognize the changes in our culture, and we also desire to be faithful to the teachings of the Scripture.

The Ready Runners will meet at the church from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, October 28, 2009.

Plan on helping out at the fall clean-up at church scheduled for Saturday, November 14. Work will begin about 8:30 a.m., and a light lunch will be served.

Dedication of Elise and Ethan

A baby dedication service is a time of celebration and hope. Today Melvin Weaver led in the dedication of Elise Brianne, daughter of Randy and JoAnne Hostetter, and Ethan Quinn, son of Kevin and Letitia Weaver. Glenda Lafferty led us in songs about the Christian home. "Happy the home where God's strong love is starting to appear, where all the children hear His frame and parents hold Him dear."

The theme of Pastor Kevin's message was "Stay wide awake in prayer" (1 Peter 4:7-11). He told the children the story of the boy who fell asleep in church and then fell out the window. The boy was revived by the Apostle Paul, the preacher at the church service. The message called us to be faithful in prayer and to keep our eyes open to the needs around us. The challenge before us: "Look, the harvest is ready." Letitia Weaver prepared a painting to remind us to look out the window to the harvest that is there.

We enjoyed a fellowship meal after the church service.

Put the Red Run Christmas program on your calendar. This is Sunday, December 13, at 7 p.m. at the church. See Julia Sensenig if you would like to help play chimes at the program. There will be three practice sessions for those who are playing chimes.

Congratulations to Michelle and Victor Sensenig on the birth of Lydia Lois on Sunday morning, October 11. (As Victor's parents, we remember that he also was born on a Sunday morning.)

We celebrate the communion service

Red Run News -- October 4, 2009

In our combined adult Sunday School class, Eugene Kreiser reported on the work of the Gideons. He gave stories of how the Gideon Bibles have impacted lives.

Randy Hostetter led us in singing. The choir sang "Jesus Paid It All."

Pastor Carl brought a message from 1 Peter 4:7-11, which is the passage we have been considering for some time as we think of a vision statement for our congregation. The focus of the message was on hospitality (v. 9). Hospitality is literally "love for the stranger." It includes food and shelter but also respect for the dignity and personhood of others. Jesus is the perfect host. Today we celebrated the communion service in anticipation of the heavenly banquet in God's eternal kingdom.

As we continue to meditate on 1 Peter 4:7-11, think of the following questions:

• What is God saying to me in this passage?
• What are my areas of interest or skill?
• What relationships is God directing me to invest in?
• What help or service could I offer?
• In what area would I appreciate help?
  

Blessings,

Carl and Julia Sensenig

The passing of Sister Sarah Horning

Red Run News -- September 27, 2009

Sarah Horning passed away this past Friday at Fairmount Homes. The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church. A viewing will be from 9 to 10 a.m. at the same place. Sarah has attended Red Run since she was carried here by her parents many years ago. Her quiet dignity has been a blessing to us.

Pastor Melvin brought a message on loving one another. We are called to love God and to love each other. At the end of the service, opportunity was given to wash each other's feet as a sign of this love.

Vitaliy has been hired as a night custodian at a school. Tina is beginning an internship at a skilled care facility.

Glenn Stauffer left yesterday to travel via Australia and New Zealand to Antarctica where he will conduct scientific research on seals for the next ten weeks.