Welcome to the Kingdom of Heaven!

Red Run News -- November 26, 2006

Ken Sensenig taught the men's class. The lesson was about how the Jews returned to their homeland under the rule of the Persian king Cyrus. We discussed the meaning of 'home," which ultimately means heaven for Christians.

Kevin and Tisha Weaver led us in songs of thanksgiving. We paused in the middle of "Count Your Blessings" to mention aloud those things for which we are thankful. We prayed for Maxine Harting, who has a doctor appointment today for an eye injury. Mel Weaver reported that he has just received word that his oldest brother has suffered a heart attack. We are glad that Shannon Lafferty has recovered from high fever she had this past week.

Pastor Carl preached from the words of Jesus: "My kingdom is not from this world" (John 18:36). Jesus has come to us from heaven above. He invites us to be part of that heavenly kingdom as we repent of our sins, are converted, and walk in a new way of life. We live under the rule of Christ and take part in that way of life described in the Sermon on the Mount. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Red and white poinsettia plants graced the pulpit area this morning. On December 3rd, 17th, and 24th, we will adjust our Sunday morning schedule. Sunday School will end at 9:30 a.m. to allow time for an Advent breakfast, a bit of food and fellowship before the church service resumes at its regular time.

The annual Christmas program will be held at Red Run on December 10 at 7:00 p.m

Let Us Give Thanks!

Red Run News -- November 19, 2006

The smells from the fellowship hall were definitely permeating the auditorium this morning, reminding us of the meal that was to follow the church service.

Joyce Sauder's Sunday School class (Nathaniel Martin, Colleen Lafferty, and Ian Martin) recited 1 John 3:16 ("This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.") They also showed us how that same verse can be signed in American sign language.

Melvin Weaver preached on "A Thankful Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We are called to have joyful, prayerful, and thankful attitudes. Mel related the story, "Suppose the stars came out one night every thousand years." What a sensation that would be! As we take the stars for granted, so we are also inclined to take many other blessings for granted. Thanksgiving Day can be a reminder to offer our thanks to God.

Bob Sauder led us in singing. The choir sang "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come." Randy Hostetter directed the time of announcements and prayer. We prayed for a number of persons who are sick, recovering from surgery, or experiencing family difficulties. Other prayer requests and announcements included the following: Roy and Tonya Campbell (Letitia Weaver's sister) from Ireland will be visting the area, Ken spoke at Slate Hill Mennonite this morning and will be at Hernley Mennonite this evening, Karen Sensenig will bring the message at Blossom Hill Mennonite next Sunday, a young grandson of Randy Hostetter's boss died unexpectedly this past week. On Monday, Anna Weber moved from the Ephrata Hospital to a room at Fairmount Homes.

We are planning an Advent Breakfast between Sunday School and the church service on December 3rd, 17th, and 24th. Our annual Christmas program will be held at the church on Sunday evening, December 10, at 7 p.m.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Red Run News -- November 12, 2006

The lesson in Sunday School was based on the spiritual renewal in Judah led by King Josiah. Teacher Charles Harting challenged the class to think about how we pass the faith to the next generation.

We acknowledged the passing of D. Wilbur Erb on Monday, November 6. Wilbur is the father of David Erb and was a founder and leader of Camp Hebron for many years. We prayed for those who are sick and we gave thanks for those who have experienced healing. Continue to pray for Anna Weber, who is in the Ephrata Hospital.

Glenda Lafferty led our singing this morning. Kevin Weaver directed the time of announcements and then read 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, a passage about the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to each Christian believer. David Erb brought the sermon this morning. He shared his own experiences in becoming a guitar player and learning first to play chords and then to play the melody of hymns. David also read Scriptures about the gifts that God gives. Whether that gift is music, teaching, prayer, encouragement, prayer, faith, or some other gift, we should not let it lie dormant but use it to strengthen each other to the glory of God.

We raked up all those fall leaves!

Red Run News -- November 5, 2006

What a lovely, crisp fall day, Saturday, November 4, proved to be. We raked the leaves and sticks in the church grove, and then enjoyed the hamburgers that Lewie Martin cooked on an outdoor fire.

During the Sunday school time, Moses King shared stories about the Bibles placed by Gideons International and how lives have been changed.

Letitia Weaver played the piano today, and Bob Sauder led us in singing. Pastor Carl brought the sermon fom Mark 10:45. Jesus came to serve and to give His life for us and calls us also to serve. Laying aside the trappings of power, let us follow Jesus as obedient servants.

All are invited to a brunch and card-making sesion to be held on Saturday, November 18, beginning at 9:30 a.m.