Rich Towards God

Red Run News -- February 24, 2008

Mel Weaver taught the men's Sunday School class where we discussed some of the "hard" sayings of Jesus (such as taking up the cross).

Carl Good returned home from the hospital today after successful knee-replacement surgery.

We acknowledged the death of Alice Zimmerman, older sister of Anna Mary Musser. We prayed for many who are sick. Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, and Anatoli Grigorutsa played guitars and led us in singing.

Kevin Weaver spoke to the children about sharing the things that we have. His sermon theme was "Rich Towards God" based on the parable of the rich fool as recorded in Luke 12. We have a loving Heavenly Father who has our best interests in mind. What in this life must we value in order to invest in eternity?

Peter Sensenig and Christy Harrison have announced their engagement. They are planning a summer wedding.

Contact Letitia Weaver if you can help with the evening Tenebrae service on Thursday, March 20 or if you can volunteer for a two-hour slot of time at the Relief Sale in Harrisburg on April 4 and 5.

Note some of the children's artwork hanging on a wall in the basement. They did some painting at the last meeting of the Ready Runners.

A safe refuge, a delightful inheritance, and a secure hope

Red Run News -- February 17, 2008

Ken Sensenig taught the men's class on the words of Jesus about humility in Luke 14. We recounted situations where we took the "wrong" seat. We also talked about what it means to respect and care for each other.

Kevin Weaver led us in singing about God's care. Pastor Carl preached from Psalm 16, a passage that has given direction in his life for the past year. In God, we have a safe refuge, a delightful heritage, and a secure hope. In response to the sermon, the choir sang, "My Anchor Holds."

We prayed for Carl Good who is having knee surgery on Wednesday. Kevin Weaver gave greetings from Glenn, Julie, and Melanie Stauffer. Mel Weaver reported on recent fellowship he and Ruthie have had with the South Seventh Street congregation

Upcoming events: On March 2 during the sermon time, we will hear from those who attend Stewardship University. Then on March 9 Peter Sensenig will give the sermon.

Bishop for district is ordained

Red Run News -- February 10, 2008

Mel Weaver had a stewardship message "Investing in God's Purposes." Zaccheus followed the call of Jesus, but the rich young ruler did not. Abraham forsook his past and followed God to a new land. David was called from being a shepherd to being a king. Likewise, Isaiah, Amos, Jonah, Peter, and Paul each received a call to serve God in special ways. So God also calls us to seek first the kingdom of God.

Glenda Lafferty led us in hymns about God's majesty and goodness. We prayed for the many in our congregation who are sick. May God's healing and grace be upon you.

Next Sunday (February 17) we are planning for a fellowship meal after the church service.

At an afternoon service at Bowmansville Mennonite Church, J. Carl Sensenig was ordained as the bishop of the Bowmansville-Reading District. A worship team from the Gehman Mennonite Church presented prelude music with guitars, piano, and accordion. Steve Good, deacon at the South Seventh Street Mennonite Church, led the congregational singing. The Red Run Choir sang "Great God of Wonder." Richard Buckwalter, bishop of the Pequea Valley District, read Scripture emphasizing that as God calls, he also enables. Conference moderator Keith Weaver preached on the need for the churches to reach out to their neighbors. Irvin Martin, retiring bishop of our district, gave the ordination charge. Nelson Bowman, bishop of the Martindale District, led in a prayer of consecration. Three retired bishops -- Wilmer Leaman, Luke Horst, and Earl Sensenig -- offered words of encouragement. Kenneth Martin, bishop of the Weaverland District, prayed for the district ministry and closed the service.

Then whose will these things be?

Red Run News -- February 3, 2008

In the Sunday School class, Bob Sauder challenged us to think into which harvest the Lord of Harvests may be calling our congregation to work. Bob called for selections during our singing time. One hymn was based on the phrase in our lesson; "Is My Name Written There?"

In the month of February, we are having sermons centered on the theme of stewardship. Today Ken Sensenig spoke on the principle "God owns everything!" We are not the owners but the managers of what God entrusts to us. When we pass from this life, then "whose will these things be?" Ken told the stories of King Tut, whose treasures were buried with him, and William Borden, who laid up treasures in heaven. After the service, Ken treated us all to Borden cheese, produced by the company of William Borden's family.

Congratulations! A daughter Melanie Dawn was born to Glenn and Julie Stauffer on Friday, February 1. (One source claims that the little girl was named for her grandfather Mel Weaver.)

We prayed for peace in Kenya, where our Christian brothers and sisters live in the midst of violence and tension. Julia Sensenig announced that Summer Bible School at Bowmansville Mennonite Church is scheduled for June 8 to 12.

Everyone is invited to Bowmansville Mennonite Church on Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. when Pastor Carl will be ordained as the bishop for the congregations in the Bowmansville-Reading District. Light refreshments will follow the meal.

Remember that a fellowship meal is scheuled after the service at Red Run on Sunday morning, February 17.