Jesus sends us

Red Run News -- March 30, 2008

In the combined Sunday School time, Bob Sauder, David Erb, and Carl Sensenig reported from the Celebration of Church Life, the annual meeting of the congregations of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.

Kevin Weaver, accompanied by Letitia on the piano, led us in singing songs about peace. We prayed for Wes Nolt and his team in Alaska.

Pastor Carl preached from the words of Jesus, "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." Jesus came from glory as a humble servant who gave His life for us. So we as missionaries must share the precious good news of Jesus in a clear and humble way, not in a show of worldly strength but in the quiet confidence of God's presence and God's truth.

We look forward to the Friendship Community Choir and Creative Movement Team coming to Red Run next Sunday (April 6). We are also planning for a fellowship meal.

Let us be among those who believe!

Red Run News -- March 23, 2008

On Thursday evening, we shared together a meal of bread and soup in the fellowship hall of the church. Pastor Carl led us in a communion service in remembrance of the Lord Jesus who gave his life for us. Then in the auditorium we entered into a Tenebrae service as we relived the events of the final weeks of Jesus' earthly life. Thanks to all who prepared the meal and church service. We need these reminders of what the Lord has done for us.

On Easter morning we gathered once again in the joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. In the men's class, Bob Sauder introduced some interesting ideas for a Sunday School series of lessons. One of these ideas was "Explore the Core," a study of core values developed by the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.

Tim Martin led us in a time of prayer. Julia Sensenig directed us in singing the great hymns of resurrection. Melvin Weaver preached on the marvelous reality of the resurrection of Jesus. When the news of the resurrection of Jesus hit the community of disciples, what a mingling of fear and joy followed. Let us be among those who believe because there is no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved.

We welcomed the visitors among us today and prayed for those who are sick. Amy Martin requested prayer as she anticipates completing a master's degree in mental health counseling in May. Then she will be looking for a job in her field. Wes Nolt in Alaska is winding up his time of training and is entering a time of ministry in the villages on the island of St. Lawrence. Tina Mickley reported on the spring break adventures of daughter Julia in New Zealand. (Julia worked in a park during the spring break.)

Continue to pray for Vitaliy and Alla Prysakar as they are in the complicated process of getting permanent residence staus.

What events are coming up soon? On April 6 the Friendship Community Choir and Creative Movement Team will present a program at Red Run. A fellowship meal will follow. We should bring a sizable portion of food since our friends from Friendship Community will be our guests at this meal. Then on April 12 we need lots of help to work in the grove and clean the church building.

Prayer for the Vandals

Red Run News -- March 16, 2008

In the men's Sunday School class, Melvin Weaver reflected on some of the values he received from his parents -- working with neighbors, caring for each other, and the importance of church. Others in the class also shared about their spiritual heritages.

Julia Sensenig, assisted by Kevin Weaver, presented a modern-day version of the story of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). But Jesus is the true Son who fully obeys the Heavenly Father and who rides into Jerusalem toward the cross.

Ellen Martin played the prelude music. Bob Sauder and Randy Hostetter, each playing a guitar, led us in songs of praise. Tina Mickley and Willis Burkholder read the scriptures (the triumphal entry and a psalm of lament). Based on these Scriptures, Ken Sensenig preached on going "into the depths," acknowledging pain and loss. We can neither deny or evade suffering. We enter into it with the assurance of God's presence. Ken reported on his recent interactions with the Amish students and families impacted by the October 2006 shootings. The students were preparing kits for newborns for Mennonite Central Committee to distribute to needy people.

We prayed for Carl Good who is recovering at home after spending a few days in the hospital this past week. We prayed for Glenn Stauffer who defends his master's degree thesis this coming week. We also prayed for the vandals who damaged the fence and some grave stones in the cemetery.

Karen Sensenig visited this morning on her one-Sunday-a-quarter break from her pastoral responsibilities at Habecker Mennonite Church. Nathaniel Martin is a repeat winner in his age-group category in the spelling bee at Hinkletown Mennonite School. (Nathaniel's dad Tim Martin took the honors in general knowledge.) The Lancaster Sunday News included engagement announcements and photos of some with Red Run connections -- Darin Burkholder to Mary Jane Lehman and Peter Sensenig to Christy Harrison.

Visiting seminarian preaches

Red Run News -- March 9, 2008

Peter Sensenig preached from Ezekiel on the text of the dry bones brought to life. We are transformed when we meet God so that the impossible becomes not only possible but also promised. Our new life in Christ also brings new life into our hopeless situations.

Peter plans to graduate from Palmer Theological Seminary in May. He and Christy Harrison plan to wed on August 16.

Maryann Miozza opened our church service with lovely mandolin music. We prayed for the sick among us.

We are planning for a fellowship meal on Sunday, May 16, after the morning service.

Yielding to Jesus

Red Run News -- March 2, 2008

Charles Harting told some interesting stories during the Sunday School time. His grandparents were converted during a great revival in the 1930s. His grandmother Laura was under the conviction of the Holy Spirit but was still resisting the call to give her heart to Jesus. In fact, Laura chewed gum to relieve the tension and resist the call. Finally she yielded her life to Jesus. And she never chewed gum after that.

The schoolage children enjoyed following an "ant trail" which was created with red yarn on the basement floor by their teacher JoAnne Hostetter. The children followed the trail to find out what we can learn from the diligent ants.

Randy Hostetter led us in hymns about consecration to God. Willis Burkholder shared about the passing yesterday of his brother-in-law Michael Nolt.

Some of the attenders at yesterday's Stewardship University gave reports at Red Run this morning during the sermon time. Paul Gehman attended a session on aging. By reducing stress in our lives, we can age more gracefully. Eventually we all die, but death is swallowed up in victory.

Edith Gehman attended a session on global warming. She was skeptical of the concept but now realizes that we can change some things about the way we live.

Ruthie Weaver attended a session on using the gifts God has given us. While we function most effectively when we are using our gifts, God has given each of us special gifts that fit the unique place to which He has called us.

Mel Weaver attended a session on the stewardship of the Gospel. We live in a world of great diversity. We are called to always contextualize but never compromise the Gospel.

Julia Sensenig attended a session on forgiveness. The Amish families affected by the shooting at the Nickel Mines School in October 2006 used the Lord's Prayer as well as Matthew 18:19-34 as reasons why they must forgive immediately. Forgiveness opens doors and builds bridges to reconciliation.

Carl Sensenig attended a session on "coaching." A coach must listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and clarify thoughts and actions.

Blessings,

Julia and Carl Sensenig