From pain to praise

Red Run News -- June 24, 2007

Joyce Sauder's children class studied about David the shepherd boy. In a puppet show, David put the sheep to sleep by playing a harp and then he protected the flock against a bear.

We acknowledged the unexpected death of Victor R. Weaver in a motor vehicle accident on Monday, June 18. Victor was the father of Julia Sensenig.

Irvin L. Martin, bishop of the Bowmansville-Reading district has announced his retirement effective January 31, 2008 after he has reaches his 65th birthday.

Melvin Weaver taught the Sunday School class. God did many wondrous things through the prophet Elijah. We are also called to be faithful witnesses in an age of apostasy.

Andrew Sensenig and Tina Mickley read the 22nd Psalm. Pastor Carl preached this morning from this psalm "From Pain to Praise." The psalm has two parts: an eloquent expression of human anguish and then a hymn of praise to the Lord. This psalm gives us a reminder of the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ. It also calls us to praise in the midst of pain because we look forward to the fullness of the kingdom of God. We are part of something bigger than ourselves -- the good news of Jesus that must be told in all nations and to all generations. Bob Sauder led in hymns of praise that were selected by members of the congregation.

We are forgiven much!

Red Run News -- June 17, 2007

In the Sunday School class, David Erb reviewed biblical chronology, placed Daniel on that timeline, and then discussed several events in the life of Daniel. Earthly rulers come and go, but meaning in life comes through obedience to God.

Bob Sauder (guitar), Randy Hostetter (bass guitar), and Julia Mickley (vocal) led us in a number of songs including "Behold He Comes." The choir sang "Immortal, Invisible" and "Now Thank We All Our God."

Bob Sauder reported on the progress of the immigration of the family from Ukraine. We prayed for Julia Mickley in her work at Woodcrest and for Kerry Martin in his teaching responsibilities. We prayed for Ethel Stabler (speech therapist who provides services at Gehmans Mennonite School) who was injured in a motor vehicle accident. Peter Sensenig returned on Thursday from a trip to Indonesia.

Kevin Weaver preached from Luke 7:36 - 8:3. The Pharisee who sensed no need or forgiveness did not love Jesus. The woman who was forgiven much loved Jesus and expressed her love in extravagant ways. Likewise, when we are forgiven, our hearts and lives are changed and we want to connect with Jesus.

Thanks to all who paricipated in or assisted at the Community Bible School held at Bowmansville Mennonite Church this past week.

Let everything with breath praise the Lord!

Red Run News -- June 10, 2007

Bob Sauder taught the combined classes on some of the miracles described in the book of Joshua -- the parting of the waters of the Jordan River, the defeat of Jericho, and the sun standing still. Since God works in mysterious ways, we should not limit God in our thinking.

Maxine Harting and Julia Mickley both expressed thanks for prayers that have been answered this past week. Peter Mickley will leave this week to do maintenance work at a camp in Vermont. Tina Mickley has been accepted in grad school and expects to pursue a program in social work. Kevin Weaver led us in songs of praise including the hymn "Stand Up and Bless the Lord."

Marvin Nolt and Julia Mickley read the Scripture texts aloud. Pastor Carl preached from the story of Jesus raising to life the only son of the widow from Nain (Luke 7). This story shows us both the compassion and the power of God. Our response is an awareness that we depend upon God and a desire to praise him with our entire beings (Psalms 146 and 150). "Let everything with breath praise the Lord." The choir closed the service with the majestic hymn "Great God of Wonders."

Summer Bible School begins tonight at Bowmansville Mennonite at 7 p.m. and will be held each evening through Thursday. There are classes for all ages, including youth and adult.

Delivered from Slavery!

Red Run News -- June 3, 2007

Thanks to those who planned the Saturday evening picnic in the Terre Hill Park in appreciation for the ministry team. The hamburgers, hot dogs, and other food was a delicious prelude to the other fun activities -- volleyball, children's games, and playing in the Timbers. In one activity, the children searched for rubber frogs and worms in some slimy goo.

Ken Sensenig taught the first lesson in our series of six Sunday school lessons about Old Testament miracles. Today's lesson was about the parting of the sea so that the Israelites could escape from slavery. Many centuries later this deliverance was a source of inspiration to the slaves in America in the nineteenth century. Later it has also been compared to the deliverance of Mennonite refugees in the aftermath of the Second World War. We Christians also think of our deliverance from the bondage of sin through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Melvin Weaver preached this morning about living in the Spirit. He used a step ladder to illustrate the steps in the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.