Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

Red Run News -- May 27, 2007

In the men's Sunday School class this morning, Bob Sauder challenged us to become spiritual fathers to people in our lives. He referred to Larry Kreider's book "The Cry for Spiritual Fathers and Mothers." Bob also related some of his own experiences.

Joyce Sauder's class studied about Christian leaders Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers by occupation. That explains the tent that was set up in the grove.

A large group of campers from the Red Run Campground responded to our invitation to attend our service this morning.

Esther Martin led the time of announcements and prayer. We prayed for needs among our families and friends. Amy Martin asked for prayer as she enters a time in which she will be doing many hours of counseling each week as part of the field service in her graduate studies. Julia Sensenig was showing off photos of new grandson Aaron, born to Vic and Michelle in Indonesia. We prayed for Peter Sensenig who is visiting Indonesia for a few weeks.

We recognized that today is Pentecost Sunday. Led by Kevin Weaver and also the choir, we sang many songs about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Pastor Carl preached from Acts 2, "The rush of a violent wind." At the Creation, the wind (Spirit) of God brought order and beauty to a world that was dark and empty. At Pentecost, the Spirit of God gave substance to the truth that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." We cannot fully understand, much less manage, the Holy Spirit. However, if our hearts are open, we will experience renewal and new growth when the wind of God blows and the rains of God fall.

Next Sunday (June 3), we will begin a series of Sunday School lessons on Old Testament miracles. Ken Sensenig will teach the first session, and we can prepare by reading and reflecting on Exodus 14, which includes the account of the crossing of the Red Sea. We hope that these lessons will be a time of learning, conversation, and practical application.

All are invited to the picnic at Terre Hill Park on Saturday, June 2, beginning at 4 p.m. This picnic is an expression of appreciation for the ministry team at Red Run.

Walk forward into God's future!

Red Run News -- May 20, 2007

The Sunday School lesson was again from the book of Revelation. The men's class discussed what we thought heaven will be like. The women's class taught by Esther Martin actually had samples of those things that Revelation uses to describe the heavenly city: crystal, emerald, diamond, amethyst, sapphire, and pearls. In the singing that followed, Bob Sauder chose hymns about heaven: "The Unclouded Day" and "The City of Light." Bob also related how daughter Emily told him that he drives too fast; she can't see the things that they are passing. Then Bob led us in singing "Take Time To Be Holy."

Karen Sensenig led the time of prayer and announcements. The choir sang "For Christ and the Church." Ken Sensenig gave the sermon about the ascension of the risen Jesus into heaven. He shared interesting ways in which Christians celebrate Ascension Day. He also talked about the coming of Christ and how we walk forward into God's future. We enjoyed a fellowship meal together after the service this morning.

On Saturday seven persons from Red Run participated in the Walk for Life in Ephrata to benefit Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services. Others from the congregation sponsored these walkers.

All are invited to the ministry appreciation picnic to be held at the Terre Hill Park on Saturday, June 2, beginning at 4 p.m.

The parking lot of the church will be sealed on Tuesday, June 5. The lines will be repainted.That means we should not drive on the lot for a few days from June 5 to 7.

The Red Run Campground has a new owner. This summer we will hold services at the campground on certain holidays only. However, each weekend as campers register for the campground, they will receive an invitation to attend our church services.

As for my family and me . . .

We were glad for many visitors who came for the Christian Family Sunday (Mother's Day) service.

Charles Harting taught the men's class this morning about our eternal home in heaven (Revelation 21). Wes Nolt used his guitar to lead us in singing. The choir sang "By Cool Siloam's Shady Rill." Pastor Carl spoke about the three levels of interaction in our families: the heart (emotions/attitudes), the mind, and the actions. He illustrated these three levels with three building blocks and then read from Proverbs 4:20-29 ("Above all else, guard your hearts") and Ephesians 6: 4 (instructions to parents). Carl closed the sermon with the challenge of Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." To follow up on that theme, the children sang a lively, little tune, "As for my family and me, we will serve the Lord."

Love each other

Red Run News -- May 6, 2007

In the combined Sunday School class, Mel Weaver taught the lesson about the great wedding feast when Jesus takes the church to be with him forever.

Bob Sauder led us in "Crown Him with Many Crowns," a hymn based on a text from the book of Revelation. Ken Sensenig and Julia Mickley led us in a responsive reading about following Jesus in a life of discipleship.

Julia Mickley has finished her first year at Earlham College; she will serve as the lead counselor at Woodcrest Camp this summer. We acknowledged the presence of nine-day-old Noah Elliot Weaver at his first church service.

Kevin Weaver preached on the words of Jesus found in John 13:31-38. Jesus is glorified by the Heavenly Father, who also glorifies Jesus. In a powerpoint presentation, Kevin showed pictures of glory from a human perspective (sports, beauty, military strength). But in Jesus, God's glory ("Shekinah" in the Hebrew) has come to dwell among his people. Now Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for us. He will come again for us. In the meantime, he leaves us this command, "Love each other."

Next Sunday (May 13) is Mother's Day, which we also refer to as Christian Family Sunday. Pastor Carl plans to bring a sermon on "Building Godly Homes." Also remember that on May 20, we will again have a fellowship meal after the church service.

Bob Sauder is organizing six special lessons (miracles in the Old Testament) during the Sunday School time from June 3 through July 8. This is to be a time of discussion and practical application to our lives. The sessions will be taught by different persons.