Don't eat the quarter!

Red Run News -- June 29, 2008

We appreciate those who visit our church service at Red Run. Our visitors this morning included some who are vacationing at the neighboring campground.

David Erb taught the Sunday School class in the auditorium. Kevin Weaver continued the elective course on core values. Kevin told the story of Marcellus who gave his first allegiance to Jesus rather than to the Roman empire. We too face questions of our allegiance.

Maryann Miozza played a series of beautiful hymns on the mandolin -- including "Amazing Grace." Kevin Weaver continued the theme when he led us in singing "Marvelous Grace" and "Wonderful Grace of Jesus."

One-year-old Noah made his first trip forward during the children's offering time. "Don't eat the quarter; put it in the jar," advised four-year-old Big Brother.

Kenneth Sensenig preached on the free gift of God (eternal life). We are all servants of one thing or another. As Bob Dylan sang, "You're gonna have to serve somebody." Grace does not excuse us from righteousness; grace is what enables us to walk in the righteousness of God. The choir closed the service by singing "On and On We Walk Together."

Julia Sensenig flies from Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. this evening enroute to Indonesia to visit family there. The 8:30 a.m. choir practice will resume on Sunday, July 20.

Mel and Ruthie Weaver will return from Montana this coming week.

Congratulations to Alla Prysakar, who has passed the driver's test.

Check out the new photos in the church photo album which is in the library.

Volunteers are needed from Red Run for kitchen duty at Woodcrest Retreat Center during the week August 4th through 8th. See the sign-up sheet at the back of the church or talk to Esther Martin.

New worship band leads music

Red Run News -- June 22, 2008

The flowers at the front of the church this morning included the beautiful bird of paradise.

Ellen Martin played the prelude music. Glenda Lafferty led us in singing. Bob Sauder and Anatoli Grigorutsa accompanied on guitars and Letitia Weaver with the piano.

In his sermon, Kevin Weaver talked about how we all "miss the mark" but that God's grace brings us back to God.

Esther Martin led the time of prayer and announcements. We prayed for the Conestoga Mennonite congregation; their church building was severely damaged in a fire on June 15.

Melvin and Ruth Weaver are enroute to Montana as they are assisting Glenn, Julie, and Melanie Stauffer to relocate there.

Sarah Horning reported that her sister Anna Weber moved into Room 7 in Assisted Living at Fairmount Homes -- across the hall from Sarah.

Explore the Core

Red Run News -- June 15, 2008

Kevin Weaver began teaching an adult Sunday School elective on "Explore the Core," the core values of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference. Paul Gehman taught the adult class that is studying the standard Sunday School lesson.

Pastor Carl preached on the words of Jesus "Pray to the Lord of the harvest." As we pray, God will open doors of opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. God will also prepare our hearts. The proclamation of the gospel is God's work; we are called to be participants.

Darin Burkholder married Mary Jane Lehman on Saturday, June 14. Peter Sensenig was licensed as a pastor at the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church on Sunday afternoon, June 15. James Mickley graduated this weekend at Kalamazoo College with a degree in biology.

We had prayer for the sick and those recovering. We prayed for those affected by storms or other natural disasters. We prayed for Julia Mickley and her work a Woodcrest. We prayed for the Prysakar family as they process matters of legal staus and employment.

Picnic in the Park

Red Run News -- June 8, 2008

Summer must be here, at least according to the thermometer. On Saturday evening, many of us enjoyed the annual leadership appreciation picnic at the Terre Hill Park. The food was delicious. Even the adults were intrigued by the children's games; some adults attempted to carry an egg on a spoon. Many enjoyed the volleyball games.

On Sunday morning, Melvin Weaver spoke about the call of Jesus "Come, follow me." Jesus meets each of us where we are. In what ways do we help others hear and heed God's call? Bob Sauder led us in the songs that we chose. The choir sang "The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want."

Kevin Weaver called Julia Mickley forward for a prayer of consecration for her summer work as lead resident counselor at Woodcrest Camp. We also prayed for those who are sick among our families and friends. We prayed for Wes Nolt and Renee Weaver who are attending Engaged Encounter this week.

Whiskers the puppet had a converstion with Julia Sensenig about the Bible School that is being held at Bowmansville Mennonite Church each evening June 8 through 12. This Bible school is sponsored by the three congregations: Red Run, Bowmansville, and Gehman.

An adult Sunday School elective "Explore the Core" will begin on Sunday morning, June 15. The standard Sunday School lesson will continue to be offered in another class.

Ryan Chad was born to Jen and Daryl Weaver this past Wednesday.

In the process of moving to Montana for Glenn's further studies, Glenn and Julie Stauffer (and Melanie) have sold their home in State College and have found an apartment to rent in Montana.

Everlasting Joy Bells

Red Run News -- June 1, 2008

What a joy to gather in the peace of our little church in the wooded grove! Even a Baltimore oriole was present in the grove today.

The visitors this morning included some Ohio friends of David and Sandra Erb. Peter and Martha Schwartz and Peter's sisters Fannie and Margie form a quartet that sings gospel songs at programs in many states. They blessed us this morning with thirty minutes of joyful music focused on Jesus -- "Everlasting Joy Bells," "I Know My Name Is Written There," and many other songs.

Pastor Carl preached on the good news of Jesus Christ (Luke 4:14-21). We embrace God's truth. We love God's world. We receive God's grace.

Colleen Lafferty has requested water baptism. She believes in Jesus as her Savior and will enter a ten-lesson Bible study about what it means to follow Jesus. Julia Sensenig will be Colleen's mentor for this Bible study.

Esther Martin expressed thanks to the Lord for the improvement in her vision since recent laser surgery.

Peter Sensenig will be licensed to the ministry at Oxford Circle Mennonite Church in Philadelphia at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 15.

We look forward to Bible School at Bowmansville Mennonite Church June 8 to 12 at 7 p.m. each evening.