Who is watching from that tree?

Red Run News -- August 26, 2007

Today we enjoyed a presentation by the NIC puppet theater under the direction of Joyce Sauder. NIC stands for Nathaniel, Ian, and Colleen. The story today was "The Watcher from the Tree," that is, Zaccheus. Ken Sensenig also preached about this same Bible character. The watcher in the tree became a believer eager to return his ill-gotten gain.

Kevin and Letitia Weaver led us in singing praise to Jesus. One of the hymns described Jesus as the "well of water ever springing, bread of life so rich and free."

Randy Hostetter led the time of prayer and announcements. We prayed for healing of Maxine Harting's eyesight. We prayed for Karen Sensenig who is in conversation with Habecker's Mennonite Church about a leadership position. We welcomed back Peter Mickley who had spent the summer working at a camp in northern Vermont. We rejoiced in the announcement by Glenn and Julie Stauffer that they are expecting a baby in February. On behalf of her daughter Julia (who is back in college in Indiana after a summer at Woodcrest Retreat), Tina Mickley read a letter from a parent of a Woodcrest camper who was affected by the fire this summer. This letter showed that good can come from a bad event.

On August 13, Paul Gehman began work as the chaplain at Fairmount Homes. Paul has been involved as a volunteer at Fairmount Homes for many years. We pray for Paul in this important role.

David Erb introduced a friend visiting from Ohio. Dr. Steve Price served as a pastor and a church consultant for many years in the United Methodist Church. (David and Steve share an interest in classic cars.)

As usual the church service closed at 11 a.m. And as is typical for Red Run, the energetic flow of conversation and fellowship lasted for well over an hour after the close of the service.

Many of us return to school this week. Some are going to school for the first time. We prayed a blessing upon school students and staff.

On Wednesday evening, August 22, we heard a fascinating talk by Roy Campbell, pastor of a number of congregations in the Presbyterian Church of Ireland.

Remember the camping weekend at Woodcrest Retreat on September 7-9. On Sunday, September 9, a Sunday School class will be held at Red Run Church from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The church service at Woodcrest Retreat will begin at 11 a.m. and a fellowship meal will follow.

On September 16, we are planning to hold a dedication service for Noah Elliot Weaver and his parents Kevin and Letitia. Vic and Michelle Sensenig will be on furlough from Indonesia from mid-October to mid-December. They will share at Red Run on November 4 during both the sermon time and the Sunday School time.

Run the Race!

Red Run News -- August 19, 2007

We had a large contingent of visitors from the campground. Many of these families are associated with the fire company in Penryn and were camping together.

David Erb taught the men's class and offered historical background of the Jews upon their return from exile. We also must learn what it means to recognize our guilt, repent of our sins, and turn to God.

Pastor Carl preached from Hebrews 12:1, 2 -- the race of life. We are called to throw off the hindrances that keep us from running successfully. According to the last two chapters of Hebrews, these hindrances include unbelief, bitterness, immorality, the love of money, and unsound teaching. We look to Jesus who put us in this race and will see us through to its successful conclusion. Jesus ran his race well because he looked beyond the cross to the joy of what he was accomplishing -- our salvation. Now we look beyond the troubles of life to Jesus, who will welcome us to our eternal home.

Bob Sauder gave us an update on the family that is emigrating from Ukraine. They may arrive soon.

After the church service, all who wanted to could sample a peanut snack that is made in Salatiga, Indonesia, the town where Victor and Michelle Sensenig live.

All are welcome to a prayer meeting on Wednesday, August 22, at 7 p.m. Roy Campbell, Protestant minister in Nothern Ireland, will share at this meeting. On Sunday, August 26, the children will present a puppet show "The Watcher from the Tree," and Ken Sensenig will preach about that watcher (Luke 19).

The annual church retreat at Woodcrest Retreat Center will be held on September 7-9. There are several sign-up sheets related to the retreat. One sheet is to get a count for the 12 noon fellowship meal at Woodcrest on Sunday, September 9. Another sheet is to volunteer to bring food items for that meal. There is also a sign-up sheet if you want to camp at Woodcrest.

Sensenigs return from Indonesia trip

Red Run News -- August 12, 2007

Charles Harting taught the men's class on the lesson from Ezekiel 18. This lesson is a call to repent and to take responsilbilty for our own actions.

Carl and Julia Sensenig reported on their trip to Indonesia. They displayed some photos on the table in the lobby. Bob Sauder led us in hymns about faith in God. Among these was the song "We'll Understand It Better By and By."

Pastor Carl preached from Hebrews 11 with the emphasis on the word "substance" (Greek: hypostasis) in verse 1. Our faith is grounded in the reality of the Creator God and his love expressed towards us in Jesus Christ. Carl reflected on the words of the hymn "The Solid Rock," which the choir then sang.

Esther Martin led in the time of announcements and prayer. We prayed for Maxine Harting. Because of pressure in her eye, she has spent some time at Hershey Medical Center this past week and will be returning there again this coming week. We prayed also for Marian Weaver, grandmother of Julia Sensenig and Karen Sensenig. Marian is nearly 100 years old and is approaching the end of life with great faith in God.