Air-conditioning Comes to Red Run

Red Run News -- June 18, 2006

The installation of air-conditioning in the upper level of the church building began this past week and will continue this coming week. Reporting that much of the cost has been covered by donations or pledges, deacon Randy Hostetter posted details on the bulletin board in the lobby. The basement does not need air condtioning; it was decidedly colder downstairs than upstairs today.

Thanks to all who helped in Summer Bible School held at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church -- Kelly Johnson and Letitia Weaver (puppeteers), Marty Weaver (transported the puppet stage), Julia Sensenig (songleader), Tina Mickley, Karen Sensenig, Joyce Sauder (teachers). The sessions (Life Stories) of the adult class are available on tape from the Red Run library.

Bob Sauder led us in singing and Karen Sensenig in the announcement and prayer time. Esther Martin reported that she will have surgery on her eye in July. Julia Mickley shared (via a letter read by Kevin Weaver) about her experiences at Woodcrest Retreat.

Pastor Carl brought the sermon: "From Where and to Where? Direction from Our Spiritual Heritage." He identified emphases from our common Christian heritage, our Mennonite heritage, and our Evangelical heritage. What are the challenges for those of us who have been born anew into God's kingdom? We desire to follow Jesus in daily life, to live in obedience to the Bible, and to invite others into God's new community. The choir sang "Faith of Our Fathers." Afterwards we enjoyed a fellowship meal.

On July 2, Pastor Carl will teach the combined adult class. In connection with the lesson, he will also offer an explanation about Articles 17 (Discipleship and the Christian Life) and 19 (Family, Singleness, and Marriage) of our confession of faith. Also on July 2, the choir is planning to sing at the 10 a.m. service at the campground.

Blessings,

Julia and Carl

Our Spirtual DNA

Red Run News -- June 11, 2006

In the men's Sunday School class, Charles Harting shared a story from "The End of the Spear" about a tribe of people who were washed clean by the blood of Jesus and who learned to follow God's trail.

Mel Weaver conducted the service at the campground for a group of about 25 campers. This was a group that was camping together. The turnout at the campground is uncertain, ranging from none to several dozen.

Ken Sensenig preached from Romans 8:12-17 "All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." In biology, gene mapping can show how different people groups are related to each other. Likewise, those who are led by God's Spirit share a spiritual DNA. We are all related as the children of the Heavenly Father. We are children not slaves. Quoting Michael Sattler, Ken explained the two types of obedience -- that of the servant and that of the child. In closing, the choir sang, "He Hideth My Soul."

Kevin and Letitia Weaver led us in singing some rousing hymns of praise and joy such as "Sing Praises to God Who Reigns Above" and "We've a Story To Tell the Nations." Paul Gehman directed the time of announcements and prayer.

Summer Bible School is being held this week Sunday through Thursday at 7 p.m. at Bowmansville Mennonite Church.. The first contingent of campers arrive on Monday at Woodcrest where Julia Mickley and the other counselors are prepared for them after a week of training. Julia also shared that she plans to attend Earlham College in Indiana in the fall. Peter Mickley is planning to spend this summer working at a camp in Vermont.

Many of us had a good time at the ministry appreciation picnic held at the Terre Hill Park on Saturday evening. Thanks to all who worked on this. Tim Martin prepared the hamburgers and hotdogs. Rhoda Nolt and others were busy in the kitchen. Bob Sauder set up the soft ice cream machine. Bob also planned the children's games including fishing in a pool of water with magnets. The volleyball games were all close -- with the emphasis on fun rather than competition. Of course, there was a lot of good discussion too (including one group that was reflecting on the Second World War).

Can these dry bones live?

Red Run News -- June 4, 2006

Pentecost Sunday
In the combined adult class, Carl Sensenig talked about the cross of Christ as the basis for Christian unity. Four people followed with responses.
Esther Martin led the time of announcements and prayer. We prayed for Sarah Horning and Anna Weber during this time that Sarah is recovering. We prayed too for Anna Mary Burkholder's sister. Joe Miozza thanked those who remembered him in prayer during the medical testing he underwent this past week. ("By the way, they did find a brain," Joe quipped.) Julia Mickley asked us to pray for her as she makes a final decision as to which college to attend this fall and also as she begins work at Woodcrest Retreat Center this week.
Kevin and Tisha Weaver led us in singing a series of choruses concluding with the joyful "I've Got a River of Life Flowing Out from Me."
Melvin Weaver preached about the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37. He even had some dry bones to place on the table at the front of the church -- next to the lovely flowers.The judgment of God came upon Judah when Nebuchadnezzar and the might of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Could God bring life to a hopeless situation? Can God draw those bones together and give them life and breath? Yes, God is able. God's Word and God's Wind (the Holy Spirit) can indeed transform lives. The choir closed our service by singing, "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart."