Listen!

Red Run News -- February 22, 2009

Congratulations to JoAnne and Randy Hostetter on the birth of their daughter Elise Brianna ("Ellie"), born on Thursday, February 19, 2009.

Bob Sauder. Randy Hostetter, and Letitia Weaver accompanied us as we sang a number of hymns, including a rousing rendition of "Victory in Jesus."

Ken Sensenig brought a message about the experiences on the Mount of Transfiguration. "Listen to him," the voice of God said concerning Jesus. Ken also spoke to the children about listening. Using actual telephones from his collection, he took us back through a history of telephones -- the cell phone, the push button phone, the rotary dial phone, and then a really old phone to call the operator. The choir responded to the sermon with the hymn: "Savior, teach me day by day, Love's sweet lesson to obey; Sweeter lesson cannot be: Loving him who first loved me."

We prayed for the sick in our families. We prayed for the Prysakars who have an interview on Friday related to the naturalization process.

Randy Hostetter posted the latest info on the air conditioning fund, which is very close to being totally paid.

Julia Sensenig will be on a trip to Indonesia from March 7 through March 19.

Remember that March 1 is another of our fellowship times between Sunday School and the church service. Our next fellowship meal is scheduled for March 15.

Sharing what God has done!

Red Run News -- February 15, 2009

A light snow whitened the ground this morning. Wes Nolt reported on his term of service with YWAM in Alaska last year. Wes had eleven weeks of discipleship training in Homer, Alaska, where he learned to listen for God's voice. He then worked in two different villages on the island of St. Lawrence. He learned to know Christians who prayed to God with great faith.

Pastor Kevin told the children about George Washington Carver, who helped people by finding so many uses for the peanut. Kevin also spoke from Psalm 30 and called us to listen for the voice of God and then to share with one other person what God is doing in our lives.

Glenda Lafferty led us in singing. The choir sang "The Lord Is King."

About 20 couples enjoyed the Valentine's Banquet held in the beautifully decorated church basement on Friday evening. Steve and Carol Good provided some music -- including a rendition of "Do You Love Me?" from Fiddler on the Roof. Eugene and Marie Lapp were the speakers for the evening. Thanks to Mel and Ruthie Weaver for organizing this and to Maryann Miozza who helped with the decorating.

Blessed are the pure in heart

Red Run News -- Februry 8, 2009

Many of us enjoy listening to the choir sing before Sunday School begins at 9 a.m. Then as Sunday School begins, we hear the children singing in the basement, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."

In the Children's Time, Letitia Weaver and Esmeralda the puppet (Julia Sensenig) held a conversation about Valentine's Day. To love means that we encourage one another.

Pastor Carl called us to know that God is strong and that God is loving (Psalm 62:11,12). That is why we can trust God completely and not rely upon ourselves.

We prayed for those who are sick.

See Randy Hostetter if you would like to attend Stewardship University at Lancaster Mennonite High School on Saturday,March 7.

Next Sunday (February 15) we look forward to hearing a report from Wes Nolt about the time he spent in Alaska. Also next Sunday we are planning for a fellowship meal after the church service.

Your Kingdom Come

Red Run News -- February 1, 2009

Charles Harting taught the combined adult class and challenged us in the area of hospitality. What attitude do we have towards the stranger?

Julia Sensenig spoke in the Children's Time about the treasures of the snow. The silent coming of the beautiful snow speaks to us of the grandeur of God.

Pastor Carl spoke on the phrase "Your Kingdom Come" from the Lord's Prayer. "Your" refers to belonging to God, the holy all-wise maker of heaven and earth. We do not comprehend God nor can we explain all the deep mysteries of life. We can respond in obedience to God's love expressed to us in Jesus Christ. We enter into the bright sunshine of a new kingdom in which we are called to live by the teachings of Jesus. We long to see the fullness of God's Kingdom and we invite others to come into this kingdom too.

We prayed for the sick among our families and friends. Sarah Horning is home after a time in the hospital. Many of Anna Weber's nieces and nephews came to Fairmount Homes to see Anna and celebrate her 98th birthday this past Saturday (January 31).

Kevin announced that he and Letitia are expecting their fourth child in August. Praise the Lord for new life!

Melvin Weaver reported on the Mennonite school administrator's convention he had attended in Pittsburgh.

The Red Run Choir will sing in the chapel at Fairmount Homes on Thursday, February 5, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend and to sing or listen.