Old Simeon waits!

Red Run News -- December 28, 2008

On Monday evening, December 22, about a dozen members at Red Run braved the bitter cold to Christmas carol in the vicinity of the church and also in Adamstown.

On Friday, December 26, some of the children and their parents gathered at the home of Julia and Carl Sensenig to make (and eat) cookies. Quite a variety of cookie cutters were available.

During our Sunday morning prayer time, we especially remembered those for whom this holiday time is a time of sorrow.

Julie and Glenn Stauffer led us in singing about following the light of Jesus and trusting in God for the coming year. We also sang "Happy Birthday" to Anna Mary Musser who turns 90 this week.

Julia Mickley read the story "Christmas and Tomatoes" from the Mennonite, reminding us to be thankful in the simple things of life.

Tina Mickley told the story of Simeon, who waited and waited to see the Savior. How happy the aged Simeon was to see the baby Jesus! Melvin Weaver referred to the same story during the message. We look forward to many things in life, but we must especially give heed to the spiritual dimensions of our lives. We are called to follow Jesus and to seek first the Kingdom of God.

Blessings,

Carl and Julia Sensenig

Nothing is impossible with God

Red Run News -- December 21, 2008

A wintry mix lent some uncertainty to church schedules this morning. At Red Run we held services as usual. We had a few visitors from congregations where services had been canceled. We enjoyed an Advent breakfast and fellowship between Sunday School and the church service.

Ellen Martin played "The Little Drummer Boy" on the piano during the offering time. The children sang three of their Christmas program songs, and Randy Hostetter led us in singing some Christmas songs. The choir sang, "Christ Is Born in Bethlehem." Pastor Carl had a message on Mary. She is the mother of our Lord. She inspires us with her obedient faith. She reminds us that we too are blessed by God's favor. This season gives us once more the opportunity to confess our faith: "Nothing is impossible with God."

Esther Martin talked about babies during the Children's time. She showed us what is in a layette bundle that we prepare for Mennonite Central Committee to help mothers and babies throughout the world. Esther showed us what types of things Mary may have used with the infant Jesus -- including the bands of cloth known as swaddling clothes.

A New Year breakfast will be held January 4 at 9:30 a.m. between Sunday School and the church service.

It's all about Jesus!

Red Run News -- December 14, 2008

In the Children's Time today, Joyce Sauder read a story of the animals around the manger on Christmas Day. The children helped the animals to make their sounds. Glenda and Colleen Lafferty led us in reading the Scripture and then we sang some of the great hymns of Christmas.

Pastor Kevin brought a message from John 1. Through Jesus, light has come into this world. John (whose name means "God is gracious") directed others to follow Jesus. As John did, so we also declare, "It's all about Jesus!"

The big news in the Stauffer family is that Glenn is returning from his ten weeks of research in Antarctica. His daughter Melanie mastered the art of walking since Glenn has been away.

The annual Christmas program was held on Sunday evening, December 14. The children helped the puppets tell the story of Christmas. We heard songs by the children and songs by the chimes choir. These songs and stories never grow old. And we all enjoyed the music of the mandolin, autoharp, and keyboard. Afterwards we had snacks in the basement and many people lingered to fellowship. Thanks to all who made this program possible.

Next Sunday (December 21), we plan for an Advent breakfast at 9:30 a.m.

Peter Sensenig was ordained to the ministry at Oxford Circle Mennonite Church in Philadelphia on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

You eat that?!

Red Run News -- December 7, 2008

We gathered in the fellowship hall for a light breakfast between Sunday School and our church service.

Ruthie Weaver talked to the children about John the Baptist. And then John himself (played by Mel Weaver) appeared. Since John ate "locusts," each child received a homemade locust. The locust body was a date, the six legs were pieces of licorice, and the head was an M&M. Delicious!

Pastor Carl preached from Isaiah 40 "Prepare the way!" We all enjoy the cultural trappings of Christmas. But beyond that, we must examine our hearts and repent of our selfish ways and receive God's grace in Jesus Christ.

Our music this morning included a lovely rendition of "Silent Night" by Ellen Martin on the keyboard, songs led by Kevin and Letitia Weaver (including "Shout to the North"), and the hymn "To Us a Child of Hope is Born" by the Red Run choir.

Many of us remember when Ken and Selena Horning were here at Red Run. Ken was our interim pastor during 2001-02. This morning Ken was installed as an interim pastor at Alsace Christian Fellowship, a congregation in our district.

The Christmas program is next Sunday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. We are looking forward to our chimes choir as well as a return of the puppets created by artist Letitia Weaver.

If the weather changes our schedule of service, that info will be available on WDAC (and their website). If you also wish to receive a phone call on Sunday morning, please tell Mel Weaver that you want to be on the snowcall list.

Also note that there will be no fellowship meal in December. The next Advent breakfast is at 9:30 a.m. on December 21.