United in one purpose

Red Run News -- January 27, 2008

Kevin Weaver led us in singing. Tim Martin directed the time of sharing and prayer. Mel Weaver reflected on the life and passing of Amos Musser. We also acknowledged the death of Andrew Weber. Andrew was the brother of the late John Weber, husband of Anna Weber. (Anna Weber celebrates her 97th birthday this coming Thursday.)

Marvin Nolt reported that Wes Nolt and his YWAM team are headed to Kodiak Island for training. From New Zealand, Julia Mickley reports that some of the students have expressed an interest in Bible study.

Earl Fox will move this coming week to the home of his daughter and son-in-law near Reinholds.

Pastor Carl called us to be united by focusing on our purpose as a Christian church -- to glorify God, to share the good news of Jesus, and to grow in the grace of Jesus. He recounted the story of a recent Christian martyr in Turkey.

On Wednesday, January 23, Ready Runners enjoyed an evening of stories and song.

Remember the bishop ordination on Sunday, February 10, at 3 p.m. at Bowmansville Mennonite Church. Also, contact Paul Gehman if you want to attend Stewardship University on Saturday, March 1, at Lancaster Mennonite School.

In God We Trust

Red Run News -- January 20, 2008

We acknowledged the death this past Thursday of Amos Musser, close friend of Melvin, Ruthie, Kevin, and Letitia Weaver and their families. The funeral is on Tuesday at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church.

Tim Martin taught an interesting lesson on prayer to the men's class. Prayer is not only telling God what we want but also listening to what God wants for us.

The choir led us in singing "Great God of Wonders" from Life Songs (#35). The choir will sing this at the bishop ordination service on February 10 at 3 p.m. at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church. We encourage others from the congregation to join the choir for this song. You can practice on your own or come to one or all of the next three Sunday morning choir practices (8:30 a.m.). Talk to Julia Sensenig if you have any questions about this.

Bob Sauder led us in singing. Randy Hostetter joined in with the bass guitar on some of the songs. We prayed for those who are away from home or traveling and those who have taken up ministry assignments.

Paul Gehman preached the sermon this morning from the 40th psalm. God's blessings are more than we can number. Like the Israelites of old, we are warned not to put our trust in earthly things but in God and God alone. Since when is God's arm short? We can trust Him for all things and in all circumstances.

Following the fellowship meal, the children lined up some of the folding chairs and called it a train. There were several conductors, several engines choo-chooing away, and a few passengers.

Tribute to European Church Leader

Red Run News -- January 13, 2008

Charles Harting offered a tribute to Tewolde Johannes, who died unexpectedly on Friday. Tewolde, his wife, and children are personal friends of the Hartings. Tewolde's daughter Hideat had lived with the Hartings some years ago and had attended Red Run. Tewolde Johannes lived in Germany and was a leader in the dispersed Ethiopian Church in Europe -- from Norway to Greece.

Randy Hostetter led us in singing. Charles Harting and Alla Prysakar read the Scriptures this morning. Julia Sensenig talked to the children about the ways that God speaks to us. Pastor Carl preached from Isaiah 42 (the servant of the LORD) and Matthew 3 (the baptism of Jesus). The Servant of the Lord fulfills the will of God here on earth. Jesus came to fulfill all righteous -- to perfectly carry out the will of the Heavenly Father. When we receive water baptism, we commit ourselves to follow Jesus all the days of our lives.

We prayed for Julia Mickley in New Zealand. We also prayed for Tina Mickley, whose university classes begin this week. We are thankful that Vitaliy and Alla Prysakar have passed the written driver's test and were able to get their driving permits.

The Red Run Choir will sing at Fairmount Homes on Tuesday, January 15 at 7 p.m. Remember that a fellowship meal follows the church service on January 20. Those who are interested in forming a small group are invited to come to Red Run on Wednesday, January 23, at 6 p.m. Mel and Ruthie Weaver will be providing a light meal for the occasion. Ready Runners will meet at the church on Wednesday, January 23 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Pastor called as bishop

Red Run News -- January 6, 2008

In the combined Sunday School class, David Erb called us to think about how we met Jesus and how we can help each other in our Christian walks. Then we enjoyed a New Year breakfast in the fellowship hall. We reassembled in the auditorium to the strains of "Fill Me Now," played by Ellen Martin.

On this Epiphany Sunday, we turned our attention to the wisemen who came from the East. Eugene Hurst and Kerry Martin led us in a call to worship. Frank Tomczak told the story of the stargazers to the children. We sang "As with Gladness Men of Old," and the choir sang "We Three Kings." Eugene Hurst and Maryann Miozza read the Scriptures for today.

Kevin Weaver preached on the Magi as learned men from Persia who watched the stars. The Magi were seeking God, who honored them by leading them to the child Jesus. If our hearts are open, we will see Jesus in our everyday routines, and we will be able to offer our time and abilities to Him.

Pastor Carl has accepted the invitation to serve as the bishop of the Bowmansville-Reading District. Mark your calendars for the ordination service to be held Sunday afternoon, February 10, at 3:00 p.m. at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church. Carl will continue as the pastor of the Red Run congregation.

Julia Mickley flew to New Zealand yesterday. Wes Nolt has arrived in Alaska. Peter Sensenig has returned from Burkina Faso. Henry Garman asked for prayer for his nephew, who is ill. We also prayed for the Floyd Sensenig family since Floyd's death. Kevin Weaver reported that the partially fallen trees on his property have been safely brought to the ground. We remembered in our prayers the nation of Kenya which has recently been wracked by violence.

The Red Run Choir is scheduled to sing at Fairmount Homes on Tuesday, January 15, at 7 p.m. You are welcome either as a singer or a listener. Ready Runners will meet at the church on Wednesday, January 23, from 7 to 8 p.m.