I will not forget you

Red Run News -- May 25, 2008

Kenneth Sensenig preached on the words of the Lord: "I will not forget you" (Isaiah 49:15). Although God judges sin, God also restores and blesses. In our disappointments and griefs, God is with us. Jesus promises to be with us to the end of the age. The choir followed the sermon with two hymns closely connected to the theme -- "Thou Thinkest, Lord, of Me" and "The Lord My Shepherd Is." The children sang "I'm so glad that God is good, good, good."

Wes Nolt returned on Saturday after a term of service in Alaska. Peter Mickley is on a service project in South Carolina as he concludes his senior year at Lancaster Mennonite. Joe and Maryann Miozza completed the first week of their notary shop.

We prayed for Julia Sensenig's mother, who recently had knee replacement surgery. Esther Martin called us to pray as Woodcrest Retreat Center looks for a director of development. We also remembered in prayer those affected by natural disasters in China and Myanmar. Kevin Weaver talked about ways we can connect to the communities where we live.

This was a big weekend at the Red Run Campground. About a dozen campers attended the church service at Red Run, and about 30 campers attended the service that Pastor Carl conducted at the campground.

Bible School begins on Sunday evening, June 8, at Bowmansville Mennonite. There are classes for all ages. The offering project will support the Northeastern Lancaster County Food Bank. Brinton Rutherford will teach the adult class on the core values of our conference of churches. The youth class will feature a number of special speakers.

Congratulationsto the graduates

Red Run News -- May 18, 2008

In a follow-up to the Sunday School lesson about Nehemiah, Bob Sauder led us in several hymns (such as "The Joy of the Lord") that are based on texts in the book of Nehemiah. In the singing time, Bob accompanied with the guitar, Randy Hostetter the bass guitar, Letitia Weaver the piano, while Nathaniel Martin put the songs on the overhead projector.

Melvin Weaver led in a prayer of dedication for Glenn and Julie Stauffer as they committed themselves to parenting Melanie Dawn. The Stauffers will move to Montana as Glenn pursues a Ph.D degree. Pray for them as they look for housing.

Kevin Weaver preached from the Creation account. As the highest of God's creation, we represent God here on the earth. We are called to be about the work of God and to bring glory to God and to live fruitful lives. Kevin called us to think about what it means to be responsible stewards.

We enjoyed a fellowship meal together after the service today.

This summer at Woodcrest Camp, Julia Mickley will serve as the lead resident female counselor. Small group meets at the church onThursday evening, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. The annual leadership appreciation picnic will be held at Terre Hill Park on Saturday, June 7. Mark your calendrs for the annual church retreat at Woodcrest on September 5-7.

Congratulations and Blessings to the Graduates!
Peter Mickley graduates from Lancaster Mennonite School on May 31. He plans to study engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.
Amy Martin graduated on May 9 with a master's degree in mental health counseling from Shippensburg University.
Peter Sensenig graduated on May 17 with a master's of divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary.
Glenn Stauffer completed a master’s degree in ecology from Penn State University in May.
James Mickley completed a bachelor's degree in biology at Kalamazoo College. He is enrolling in a Ph.D program at Stony Brook University , Long Island .

Spirit-filled Homes

Red Run News -- May 11, 2008

What a delight to arrive at Red Run on a bright morning in May! The grass is neatly shorn. Marty Weaver has opened the building and then pays a visit to the cemetery. A flock of turkeys -- four hens led by a gobbler -- are scratching around in the grove for last year's acorns. The oak and maple trees are approaching full leaves, but the black walnut trees are just waking up.

Today is both Mother's Day and Pentecost (commemorating the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Christian church). Kevin and Letitia Weaver led us in songs around each of these themes. The choir sang "Walk in Love," and the children sang "Filled to the Top with Joy."

Pastor Carl preached on "Spirit-filled homes." A Spirit-filled home is a place of peace, order, humility, and respect for others. True repentance involves calling upon God to change our patterns of behavior and thought so that we grow to be more like Jesus.

We welcomed Julia Mickley back after a semester abroad in New Zealand. Next Sunday (May 18) we look forward to seeing Glenn and Julie Stauffer again. Their daughter Melanie Dawn will be dedicated during the church service. And a fellowship meal will follow the service on May 18.

In our prayers, we remembered those people caught in crises in Sudan, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe. We also remembered in prayer the needs within our group as well as the needs of various family members.

Tina Mickley reported on a seminar she had taken at Stewardship University. If we are afflicted with "hurry sickness," we need to practice sabbath rest.

Peter Sensenig is anticipating receiving a Master of Divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University on Saturday, May 17.