Manna from Heaven

Red Run News -- January 28, 2007

With gratitude we receive the blessings sent by God. A children's class studied about the manna sent from above. They savored the smell and taste of some freshly baked sweet muffins. Another class studied the uniqueness of each human being. After the church service, these children could be seen wearing the unique masks they had made -- including little balloons as noses.

Kevin Weaver led us in reading John 1 -- "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." We sang a song of praise -- "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" -- and a song of confident hope -- "On Christ the Solid Rock." Randy Hostetter led us in the prayer and sharing time. Ken Sensenig reminded us that today is Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday and that we are among the 1.4 million members of the Mennonite and Mennonite-related churches. We remembered Peter Sensenig who had the sermon this morning at Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, where he serves as a pastoral intern.

Pastor Carl preached on the message of Jesus to the church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29). Jesus is the One who humbled Himself and came among us in human flesh to save us from the powers of evil. He is also the righteous judge who calls all humanity to repentance. Likewise, the church lives out the nonresistant life of Jesus Christ with a faithful testimony against the sin which threatens us.

We plan for a child dedication service on February 25. The February fellowship meal is also scheduled for that day.

Be Faithful!

Red Run News -- January 21, 2007

It finally got cold and the valet car-parking service was even more appreciated. Those arriving took a second look to determine the identity of the man in the long coat and black hat. This was Marvin Nolt, who at the urging of his son Wes, had donned the top hat to look the part of an official valet.

In recognition of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Bob Sauder led us in singing "Children of the Heavenly Father." The congregation at Red Run enjoys singing, and there was no dearth of selections when Bob called on us to choose songs.

We are thankful for those among us who have experienced healing in the past week. We continue to pray for those who are sick. We prayed for Ruth Weaver, who will have an opportunity to speak about Mennonite faith to a large group of nurses. We also prayed for Karen Sensenig, who has many responsibilities as a chaplain at Lancaster General Hospital.

Kevin Weaver preached on the message to the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17). With his computer, Kevin took us on a virtual trip to Pergamum, where we saw the ancient ruins as well as artistic reconstructions of how those buildings once looked. The Christians of Pergamum lived near the "seat of Satan," close to a center of evil power. They were called to remain faithful to Christ. We are also called to be faithful to Christ and not to be enticed by the voices of our times. Kevin challenged us to be aware of how evil may seek an entrance into our lives. We can depend on Jesus to protect and sustain us.

The Crown of Life

Red Run News -- January 14, 2007

"With thankful hearts we meet, O Lord
To sing thy praise and hear thy word."
Thus we sang as we began the church service on this mild January Sunday.

Charles Harting taught the men's Sunday School class from the Gospel of John. The discussion focused on the authority of the Lord Jesus. Jo Anne Hostetter arrived in the children's class to describe how she takes care of baby Erin. The children's lesson was about the baby Moses. God takes care of all of us.

In a skit during the service, Kevin Weaver arrived with a large suitcase. It was packed with what he thought he needed for a trip. Kevin asked for guidance and Letitia pointed him to God. Then we all sang a song about divine guidance, "Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." On the journey theme, we also sang with spirit "When We All Get to Heaven."

Pastor Carl preached on "The Message to Smyrna" (Revelation 2:8-11). Smyrna was a lovely, well-planned city called the "crown of Asia." The Christians of Smyrna suffered afflictions, poverty, slander, imprisonment, and death. Yet by God's grace they could see that crown of life that belonged to them -- a crown whose beauty far exceeds that of an earthly city. The choir sang "Bless His Name."

Weavers report from Grenada

Red Run News -- January 7, 2007

Some of us admired the trunk of the oak tree that had been cut down because it was dying. I counted 112 rings which means that the oak tree was already well-established when a schoolhouse was moved to this site in 1912. (That was the beginning of a church building at Red Run.)

We welcomed Daryl, Jen, and Brent Weaver on furlough from their assignment on the Caribbean island of Grenada. Daryl and Jen shared with us during the combined Sunday school time. They did some role playing to show us what life is like for them in Grenada. We also saw a video clip of a live Nativity scene that they planned in Grenada. They also showed pictures of their friends, home, church, and school.

Paul Gehman preached from Revelation 2 "The Message to Ephesus." The church of Ephesus was dramatically born amidst great miracles as people repented of magic arts and idol worship. Jesus commended this church for cheerful patience and good works. Yet they had lost their first love. As the hymn writer asked, "Where is the blessedness I knew when first I saw the Lord?" We are called to faith in Jesus, to an overcoming life, and to partake of the tree of life. The choir sang, "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be."

A fellowship meal is scheduled for after the service on Sunday morning, January 21. On Sunday, January 14, we will take a vote whether or not to sponsor the Prysacher family from Ukraine.