Is it possible to obey Jesus?

Red Run News -- April 27, 2008

Randy Hostetter led us in singing some majestic hymns -- "The Lord Is King," "O Worship the Lord," and "In Thy Holy Place." The choir sang "When I Looked Up and He Looked Down."

Ken Sensenig preached on the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. The Spirit of God dwells within us and among us. The Spirit speaks to us through the Christian fellowship. The Spirit helps us see the world through new eyes. The Spirit calls us to obey the hard sayings of Jesus. The indwelling presence of Christ makes it possible to live by the ethics that Jesus taught.

The Red Run Choir is singing in the chapel at Fairmount Homes on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

"Do you believe this?" -- Jesus

Red Run News -- April 20, 2008

Bob Sauder and Randy Hostetter led us in singing with guitar accompaniment this morning. Kevin Weaver directed our prayer time.

Pastor Carl preached on the words of Jesus, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Jesus is the way that connects heaven and earth. Jesus as the truth stands in contrast to lies, to shadows, and to unfaithfulness. In relationship to God through Jesus Christ, we become truly alive. Although we die, we shall live. The question to us is "Do you believe this?"

Willis Burkholder reported and showed slides from a recent trip to Mexico. Many of the people in the area where they visited make a living by recycling items salvaged from a large dump. The Burkholders helped with a ministry that brings some basic services to these families.

Time to wash feet

Red Run News -- April 13, 2008

On Saturday, many of the members of Red Run helped in the spring cleaning of the church building and grounds. Inside some cleaned windows, and some vacuumed the floor. Outside the removal of a tree caught the most interest, and a wood-splitter produced a lot of firewood. The children were busy too. The driver of a little John Deere tractor traveled easily down the parking lot with his human cargo but had to get out and push when the slope changed to uphill. The workers enjoyed a lunch together.

On Sunday morning, Julia Sensenig led us in singing about the gift of salvation that we have in Christ. The choir sang "And Can It Be?" Carl Sensenig led us in a communion service, and Kevin Weaver preached on the abundant life in Christ. We are forgiven through Christ. Now we can be released from our hard feelings and are free to help others with their needs. An opportunity for footwashing followed the sermon.

Peter Mickley helped construct the rotating stage that will be used when Lancaster Mennonite School presents "Les Miserables." Glenn, Julie, and Melanie Stauffer will move to Montana where Glenn has enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Montana. Glenn's research will also take him to study seals in Antartica.

We rejoiced with those who have experienced healing and continued to pray for those who are experiencing ill health.

We welcome guests from Friendship Community

Red Run News -- April 6, 2008

We enjoyed the Friendship Choir and the Friendship Creative Movement Team during our worship service this morning. Milton Stoltzfus directed the singing, and a number of others led out in the creative movement. They presented songs of praise and also songs about the worth of each of us as human beings created in the image of God. I always get tears in my eyes when they sing the words of God to us, "I wanted you." Certainly God has placed each of us here for a purpose.

Today we followed the tradition of having a fellowship meal when Friendship Community singers come as our guests. The table was laden down with delicious hot dishes, salads, and desserts.