The Wisdom from Above

Red Run News -- September 24, 2006

Congratulations to Randy and JoAnne Hostetter on the birth of Erin Liana on September 18.

We were blessed with a number of visitors this morning -- including some who came up from the campground. David Erb played the prelude music. The choir opened the service with a song of praise "Who Is a Pardoning God Like Thee?" Esther Martin led in a time of prayer for the concerns that were shared this morning. Kevin Weaver led us in singing "Come and Dine" and other songs.

In the sermon, Pastor Carl drew a contrast between the wisdom from above and the wisdom from below as described in James 3. At the end of the sermon, opportunity was given for those who wanted to practice footwashing.

The young adults small group will meet next Sunday evening (October 1) at the home of Kevin and Letitia Weaver.

Following Jesus

Red Run News -- September 17, 2006

The rain is over and the warm sun was shining upon us as we gathered for worship.

Continue to pray for Rhoda Nolt as she recovers from surgery. Pastor Carl is scheduled for knee surgery on Thursday. We prayed this morning for our elderly, for those who are traveling, and for those who are in distant places.

Ken and Karen Sensenig shared this morning on the words of Jesus, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." This was presented as the interplay of two stories -- that of Jesus the Messiah and that of a sixteenth century Christian, Sicke the tailor. Jesus was on a journey towards Jerusalem, where he would suffer, die, and rise again. Sicke followed Christ and was imprisoned and executed as a faithful witness. We are also invited to follow Jesus because only "the way of the cross leads home." Bob Sauder led us in singing about the cross. The choir opened the service with the hymn "O Worship the Lord" and closed with a hymn of commitment, "Follow, Follow, I Will Follow Jesus."

We are plannng for the communion service on October 1. On September 24, Pastor Carl will bring a sermon on the two kinds of wisdom (James 3:13-17). With this passage, we can examine our heart attitudes. At the end of the service on September 24, there will be opportunity to participate in footwashing as Jesus taught in John 13.

Retreat at Woodcrest

Red Run News -- September 10, 2006

What a lovely weekend for outdoor activities! We were glad to spend time with each other at our annual church retreat. On Saturday at Woodcrest Retreat some people were outfitted with pedometers to see how far they walk. Kevin Weaver created a tough frisbee golf course that the bravehearted attempted. Others lifted weights, threw bean bags and darts, tried to identify liquids by taste, and sang to a computer, which graded their attempts. In the evening, Kevin Weaver announced prizes for the activities and then talked about setting SMART goals (simple, measurable, accountable, relevant, timed). Then we broke into lively activities like bead stringing, Scrabble, Apple to Apple, or bike riding. We roasted marshmallows around a fire and Willis Burkholder created a dramatic chimney with a hollow log set upright on the fire.

At the early 9 :00 a.m. service at Red Run on Sunday morning, Charles Harting taught the Bible lesson on Abraham. The Bible is straightforward about human frailties. Abraham struggled with the issues of life even as we struggle. Yet Abraham is remembered for his faith; we can likewise choose to be people of faith. A number of persons shared promises of God that have been real to them.

At the 11 a.m. service at Woodcrest Retreat, Kevin Weaver directed us in thinking further about "aiming for perfection" in our spiritual walks. Our foundation is in God's loving purpose for each one of us in Jesus Christ and then we respond to God's call. Kevin led us on this theme through song and Scripture. A quartet shared in singing, and Julia Sensenig told an old-fashioned children's story about honesty, which should always be in style.

We enjoyed a fellowship meal together. Once again Willis Burkholder prepared delicious chicken barbecue for us. There were lots of other good foods too -- including ice cream to finish the meal.Then it was time to relax and chat or play games.We were glad for the visitors among us, some of whom formerly attended Red Run. We offer a big thank-you to Kevin and Letitia Weaver for organizing the weekend.

Congratulations to Peter Mickley who passed his driver's test. Esther Martin expressed thanks for the continued healing for her eye. Remember to continue to pray for Rhoda Nolt who is scheduled for surgery on Friday (September 15).

Blessings,

Carl and Julia

Learning to Listen

Red Run News -- September 3, 2006

The branches and leaves strewn over the parking lot reminded us of yesterday's stormy weather. Today marks the beginning of a new Sunday School year. Bob Sauder is the director for the adult and youth Sunday School classes. Ken Sensenig taught the combined Sunday School class on God's covenant with Noah. We need to know that we are in the hands of a loving God. We interspersed the study with hymns about finding our security in God's promises -- "Standing on the Promises," "In the Rifted Rock," and "Precious Promises."

Pastor Melvin Weaver preached on the text "Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1;17-27). We are called to listen carefully to God and each other, to wisely use the power of words, and to live righteous lives.

In a puppet show, Whiskers the mouse stole the cheese. The matter was settled, the cheese returned, the perpetrator repentant and forgiven, and the cheese shared among the children. (Kelly Johnson plays the part of Whiskers.)

On Friday, Anna Weber moved to a room at Fairmount Homes. Sarah Horning also has a room there. Anna Mary Musser has been living in a cottage at Fairmount for nine years.