Jesus, Both Servant and Lord!

Red Run News -- December 31, 2006

Like all living things, the trees also have their allotted lifespans. One of the big trees in the grove has been cut down as well as some the dead parts of other trees. But we are glad for the surviving mature trees as well as the younger trees that someone had the foresight to plant.

Ken Sensenig taught the combined Sunday School class from Philippians 2. Jesus laid aside his claims to power and became a servant. Ken challenged us to think about issues of power in our own lives. After Sunday School, the bell choir played Christmas hymns as we gathered for the church service. Karen Sensenig led the time of announcements and prayer. We acknowledged the passing of Sylvan Horning, brother of Anna Weber and Sarah Horning.

Letitia Weaver played "Away in a Manger" on the old pump organ as the children brought their offering money. Pastor Carl preached from Revelation 1 "The Living Christ." The focus of the message was the reality of Jesus among his people at all times and in all circumstances. All Christians in all times and places need to grasp and live by this truth. The choir then sang "Who Is He in Yonder Stall?"

Julia Sensenig told a story to the children to show that Christmas cannot be stolen. Julia Mickley announced that she has accepted the position as lead counselor at Woodcrest Retreat Center for next summer. Kevin Weaver reminded us that valet service for car parking is available from the front door of the church building on each Sunday in January. Kevin also noted that Peter Mickley now owns a VW beetle.

We discussed further the need for a sponsor for Ukrainian family who wish to settle near relatives in Fivepointville. Vitaliy and Alla Prysakar have four-year-old twin sons Simao and Miguel. A congregational vote on the matter will be taken on January 14.

Room for a Little One

Red Run News -- December 24, 2006

Those who arrived at Red Run before 9 a.m. were greeted by the Christmas hymns being sung by the choir. David Erb taught the men's class from the first chapter of the Gospel of John. Genesis and John open with the same words -- "In the beginning." As the word of God called light into being at the Creation, so Jesus as the Word of God brings light to a broken world. In fact, Jesus is the Light that illuminates us.

Dawn Martin read a story about Kind Ox in a stable to which came Old Dog, Stray Cat, Small Mouse, and Tired Donkey. Here the baby Jesus was born. "There is always room for a little one," is a refrain from this story still echoing in my mind.

Melvin Weaver preached this morning from the Old Testament prophet Micah. Micah spoke the word of rebuke to a wayward people. Then in an oracle of hope, Micah proclaimed the coming of the great and gentle Shepherd King. This is Jesus, the One come down from heaven, the glorious Light that shines into our sinful world. In our Advent readings, we called upon the Shepherd of Israel to let His face shine upon us.

Bob Sauder shared the need for sponsorship of a family planning to emigrate from Ukraine. We will check into more details. If sponsorship of this family seems workable for our congregation, the leadership will bring a proposal for a congregational vote. Please talk to Bob Sauder or Carl Sensenig if you have any counsel on the matter at this stage of the discussion.

We were glad for all the visitors today as well as some of our members who work or study at a distance but are 'home" for the holidays. Some of these offered updates on their lives. We prayed for the sick and gave thanks for answered prayers.

From one to eighty!

Red Run News -- December 17, 2006

Paul Gehman taught the men's Sunday School class. As we walk in the Light of God, we will confess our sins and enjoy fellowship with God. Ken and Karen Sensenig led us in the readings. Perhaps the most frequent commandment in the Bible is "Do not be afraid."

Pastor Carl preached about our need for a Savior. The readings from both the Old Testament (Zephaniah 3) and the New Testament (Luke 3) show us that we are sinful and need to repent. Only as we truly understand what our Savior means for our lives and our world can we live free from a debilitating fear. God aids the oppressed, the lame, and all who are in need. He will gather us up and bring us safely home. Our final home is heaven.

Ruthie Weaver read a story about a boy who helped a woodcarver put feeling into the wooden figures of the Nativity scene.

On Saturday evening, a group of about 25 carolers from the ages of one to eighty enjoyed an evening of singing at Fairmount Homes as well as a number of other places. Residents at Fairmount Homes expressed their appreciation for the vigorous singing. Afterwards at the church, the carolers were unexpectedly spoken to by the puppets, who presented their own impromptu singing.

A pizza party for youth and young adults will be held at the home of Carl and Julia Sensenig on Tuesday, December 26. This is informal and you might want to bring a favorite game along.

Martin the Cobbler Meets Jesus

Red Run News -- December 10, 2006

The church building is decorated for the Christmas program -- skates, sleds. a fireplace, and framed pictures with silhouettes of the children of the church. Thanks to Bob and Joyce Sauder for the beautiful decorations.

The Hebrews 1 text produced some interesting discussion about angels in the adult Sunday school classes. Kevin and Lettia Weaver led us in the singing of hymns. Tim and Dawn Martin led us in the readings on this second Sunday of Advent. Esther Martin read the story about the Christmas tree that was not for sale but became a special gift. Esther also asked the children how the wisemen knew where to go. The correct answer was that they followed the star. One child suggested another plausible idea; they could just follow the tracks left by the donkey that carried Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem!

In the sermon, Ken Sensenig reflected on bridges and what they do. The Scripture readings this morning from Malachi and Luke form a bridge which connects the Old Testament to the New Testament. The connecting theme is the need for repentance. Repentance is not just a one-time event but a process of growth and maturation into the likeness of Christ. God is calling us once again to cross the bridge of repentance and to start anew.

For the evening program, candles glowed in the windows and also at the ends of the benches. Letitia Weaver directed the production of Martin the Cobbler, who discovered that by helping others he is serving Jesus. (Kevin Weaver and Randy Hostetter were the adroit puppeteers.) The chimes choir, singing choir, and children's choir all offered their contributions to the evening program. And we all enjoyed singing carols together.

Christmas Program on December 10 at 7 p.m.

Red Run News -- December 3, 2006

"Silently o'er Bethlehem come zephyrs from the sea." Those who arrive early at Red Run are blessed with the sound of Christmas music as the choir practices their songs. Then close to 9:00 a.m., Julia Sensenig asked three-year-old Micaiah Weaver if he wants to go to the Sunday School room and sing. "Let's do it!" Micaiah emphatically declares. That's how I too feel about singing at church. We were glad to see Sarah Horning at church once again.

All are invited to the Christmas program at Red Run on Sunday evening, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. Remember to invite others as well. Letitia Weaver and Joyce Sauder are organizing a puppet show ("Martin the Cobbler"), the chimes choir, and other music.

Bob Sauder taught the combined class from Colossians 1. Although it is hard to comprehend, Jesus is both divine and human and the only One who can reconcile us sinful humans to our Creator.

The four Advent candles were at the front of the church in the midst of greenery and a lighted star formed from grapevines. Today we lit the first Advent candle. With the help of the choir, we began learning a new song "Love Came Down at Christmas," which we will sing at each of the four Sundays of advent. Julia Sensenig told the story about the little donkey that carried Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Each of the children received the sheep and shepherd for a small Nativity set. Bob and Joyce Sauder led us in readings and singings.

Kevin Weaver preached on the coming again of Jesus (Luke 21:25-36). We cannot know when the end of this age will occur. However, we can fix our eyes upon Christ and keep our hearts from becoming dull. To talk about perspective, Kevin did a little visual experiment to show how our two eyes contribute to our perception of depth and distance. So we need the insight of the Scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to see aright spiritually.

We gave thanks to God for answered prayers. Last Sunday we had prayed for Maxine Harting's healing from an eye injury. Today Charles and Maxine reported the amazing recovery of her eye.