Noah is born

Red Run News -- April 29, 2007

The front of today's bulletin is a beautiful display of dogwood flowers. Even better is the real dogwood tree flowering near the front door of the church. The dogwood flowers can remind us of Jesus; the petals form a cross with the resemblance of the nail wounds at the end of each petal.

Tim Martin led our time of prayer and announcements. Wes Nolt reported on his Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) trip to Montana. He traveled by bus with a group of 30 people to an area affected by wildfires. Some of the group built fences, but Wes worked on interior trim and duct work in a church building. We acknowleged the death of Thalia, a little girl who was close to the Marvin and Ellen Martin family.

Noah Elliot Weaver was born on Friday, April 27, to Kevin and Letitia. Congratulations!

During this past week, Peter Mickley served as technician in the production of My Fair Lady at Lancaster Mennonite School.

Pastor Carl preached the communion sermon. We acknowledge our own sinfulness and the saving work of Jesus Christ. In the communion service, we thank God for our salvation and we commit ourselves anew to live in the kingdom of God. Following the communion time, there was opportunity to wah feet as taught by Jesus in John 13. Kevin Weaver led us in a time of singing.

Have we met Jesus?

Red Run News -- April 22, 2007

A little bird is nesting on four blue eggs in the flower wreath hanging near the front door of the church. She is glad for the peace and quiet now that the Sunday service is over and people have gone home.

In the combined adult class, Bob Sauder took ideas for a possible elective class: the attributes of God, walking in the resurrection (based on a book by Myron Augsburger), prayer, miracles by Old Testament prophets, parables of Jesus, core values (as being developed by the Lancaster Mennonite Conference).

Esther Martin led in the time of announcements and prayer. Glenda Lafferty led us in singing. Esther Martin led us in a time of announcements and prayer. Wes Nolt returns todayfrom the MDS trip to Montana. Tomorrow Lewie Martin flies to Texas on a business trip; he will then drive home. We prayed for the health needs of persons close to us. We also prayed for those who suffer under the pain radiating from the shootings at Virginia Tech.

Paul Gehman gave the sermon this morning, "It is the Lord." We followed the disciples as they were called to leave everything and follow Jesus. Through many encounters with Jesus, the disciples learned about themselves, about life, and about Jesus. Have we met Jesus and learned of Him and declared "It is the Lord"?

We plan to celebrate communion next Sunday, April 29. Following this service, there will be an opportunity for feetwashing, as shown to us by the Lord Jesus (recorded in John 13). The following are suggested readings for families and individuals to prepare for communion: Exodus 12:1-14; Luke 22:7-26; Romans 3:21-26; and 1 Peter 2:21-25.

Joyce Sauder announced that the Christmas program theme for 2007 will be "Christmas Around the World." If you have lived, traveled, or had contacts with another culture and would like to share with us about Christmas in that culture, talk to Joyce. Kevin Weaver reminded us that today is Earth Day and that "the earth is the Lord's and everything in it."

Jesus says, "Peace to you"

Red Run News -- April 15, 2007

Saturday, April 14, was the clean-up day for the building and the church grove. At least one chain saw was busy already at 6 a.m. Most of us arrived later than that. A number of trees in the grove had been cut down due to their condition. Cutting up those trees was the special project for the day. Some of the wood was useful as lumber, but much of it had to be split for firewood.

On Sunday morning in the children's classes, one class studied the encounter of Nicodemus and Jesus. The other class studied the encounter of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Tim Martin taught the men's class. We approach God with reverence and awe and use the spiritual gifts He has given us. Bob Sauder led us in several hymns based on the lesson text (Revelation 4): "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Thou Art Worthy." Bob also took several selections of hymns from the congregation.

Randy Hostetter reported that his wife JoAnne's cousin died in a traffic accident, and we prayed for the family which faces this sudden sorrow. Maxine Harting requested prayer for her brother as he receives medical treatment. We also remembered Wes Nolt who is on an MDS trip to Montana. David Erb reported on the Celebration of Church Life held in March. He had attended a session in which several bishops led a discussion on the action by the Lancaster Conference to not approve the ordination of women. Kevin Weaver is contacting each family on how they want to participate in the May 19 Walk for Life to benefit Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services.

Melvin Weaver preached this morning on the account of Jesus appearing among his disciples and offering them peace. When we are afraid, then we can have the assurance of the presence of Jesus. He answers our prayers and we become ambassadors for him.

Remember that a communion service is scheduled for Sunday morning, April 29.

Jesus won a great victory!

Red Run News -- April 8, 2007

About 40 of us gathered on Thursday evening to reflect on the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the fellowship hall, we ate a meal of bread, soup, fruit, and cookies at tables that were tastefully decorated for the occasion. Then together we shared in communion. We went to the church sanctuary and sang hymns and read the Scriptures in a service of shadows (Tenebrae). Each time a Scripture was read and Jesus came closer to the cross and death, the room became darker. The final candle was carried away when Jesus died upon the cross, and we were left to meditate in the darkness. In silence we left the church building. (Thank you to all who took care of the many details to make this a meaningful experience for us.)

But soon it was Easter Day! Today at Red Run we sang the great hymns of the resurrection. Kevin Weaver led the songs, and Letitia accompanied on the piano. The children did sign language with the song "He's Alive Again." Pastor Carl focused our thinking on three great themes: Jesus has won a great victory over sin and death, we too shall rise from the dead, and Jesus is with us always. The choir concluded the service with a hymn of triumph "Lift Your Glad Voices."

Maxine Harting gave thanks for a good medical report. Ken Sensenig reported on the Pennsylvania Relief Sale. Karen Sensenig told us about her trip to California this coming week to visit son Konrad.

Remember that Saturday (April 14) is the day to clean in the church building and in the church grove. Come as early as you can. Bring chain saws, rakes, etc. A lunch will be provided.

A fellowship meal is scheduled for next Sunday, April 15.

Earlier on Easter Day, some of us joined in the community-wide sunrise service held at the Pine Grove Church in Bowmansville at 6 a.m. Two trumpets accompanied us as we sang Easter hymns. Jim Bright, pastor at St. Paul's UCC Church, challenged us to share our faith in the risen Christ. The Pine Grove congregation provided special music (two soloists) and also the breakfast that followed the service.

Guest Speakers from Mennonite Central Committee

Red Run News -- April 1, 2007

We began Holy Week by the celebration of Palm Sunday. On Thursday evening all are invited to come to Red Run for a Tenebrae service. We will share together in a light meal and communion service beginning at 6 p.m., followed by Scripture and meitation on the suffering of Jesus. Please note that the correct time for this service is 6 p.m.


Pastor Carl taught the combined Sunday School class on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus was God's anointed and was prepared to offer himself as the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Even in our human fickleness and limited understanding, we can shout our praises to Jesus the King. Also during the Sunday School time, Andrew Sensenig (living in College Park, Maryland) and Peter Sensenig (living in Philadelphia) brought us up tp date in what they are doing.

In connection with our district missions celebration, we had several guest speakers at Red Run this morning. Sarah Adams from Mennonite Central Committee described the ongoing battle against HIV-AIDS around the world. She described prevention and treatment projects in India, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Joe Manickam, an administator at Mennonite Central Committee, preached on the triumphal entry of Jesus. He contrasted the kingdom of God to the kingdom of this world and then challenged us to think about our loyalties. When we belong to the kingdom of God, then we bear the message of God's hope, God's peace, and God's love. In God's mission, we cross cultural boundaries, we proclaim God's word, and we keep word and deed together. Thanks to Ken Sensenig who organized this morning's service. Ken led us in praying for various needs among our families and friends.

Bob Sauder led us in singing. Wes Nolt joined with the banjo when we sang "Send the Light" and "Tell Me the Story of Jesus."

Ready Runners will meet at the church on Wednesday, April 11, from 7 to 8 p.m.

During the month of April, the librarians will have a display of books in the lobby to encourage us to read. Look for some new library materials.