Jesus was lifted up on the cross

Red Run News -- March 29, 2009

The Sunday School lesson was from Ezekiel -- about going deeper and deeper into the waters. We sang several songs about the waters of life.

Julia Senssenig told stories to the children from her recent trip to Asia.

Pastor Carl brought a message "We want to see Jesus" from John 12:20-33. The Greeks wanted to see Jesus. This was a sign that the good news of Jesus is for all people, both Jew and Gentile. Jesus was lifted up on the cross so that we might see him and believe in his saving power.

We don't want to miss Sunday School!

Red Run News -- March 22, 2009

Miguel and Simao came early to help with the greeting. When they arrived and went downstairs for the usual children's songs, they realized no one was yet there. They were concerned that they had missed the singing. We were glad to assure them that they had not missed it! "I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

Melvin Weaver brought a message from Ephesians 2. As Christians, we live and we die by God's grace. We had been captured by sin but are saved by the grace of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God. The choir echoed this theme by singing "Marvelous Grace." Our worship team led us in singing "These are the Days of Elijah."

The Maundy Thursday service is scheduled for April 9 with a light meal at 6 p.m. followed by a Tenebrae service commemorating the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus. There is a sign-up sheet if you want to help with the food for that evening.

Julia Sensenig is back from her trip to Indonesia. She will tell us a bit more about that next Sunday (March 29).

Clean-up day in the church and grove is on Saturday, April 25. Plan to join the fun!

Good stewards of God's gifts

Red Run News -- March 15, 2009

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." All we have -- even life itself -- belongs to the Lord and is a trust given to us to use wisely. This morning at Red Run we reflected on what it means to be good stewards.

Tina Mickley talked about having purpose in what we do in retirement. Randy Hostetter explained the cycles of the financial markets and encouraged us to trust in the Lord. Ruth Weaver shared about how we can eat well and pointed out some new additions on this subject in our church library. Edith Gehman spoke on living contentedly and giving generously. Paul Gehman alerted us to the needs among us in our communities. Kevin Weaver reported on ways to live that respect our environment.

In the children's time. Letitia Weaver told the story of St. Patrick, who proclaimed the good news of Jesus in Ireland many centuries ago. (St. Patrick's Day is on Tuesday.) We acknowledged that Nathaniel Martin has once again won the Hinkletown spelling bee.

Julia Sensenig is scheduled to return on Thursday from her trip to Asia.

Birdwatcher Randy Hostetter noted the bluebirds in the vicinity of our church. This morning Randy put up a bluebird box in the church grove.

Growing Up

Red Run News -- March 8, 2009

Willis Burkholder reported on his trip to Mexico and the ministry with those who make a living by salvaging material from a dump.

Pastor Carl brought a message on "Growing Up in Christ" (Ephesians 3:16-19). At each stage in life, we can grow spiritually and learn more of the bigness of God's love. Pastor Carl showed the children some of the gifts he received at various ages and how these gifts were helpful at that particular time of his life.

Next Sunday (March 15) we look forward to the reports from Stewardship University and also a fellowship meal meal following the church service.

Leadership Proposal

Red Run News -- March 1, 2009

With a Shepherd's care through the night and day,
Keep me close to thee lest I go astray;
Lead me safely on by thy tender love,
Through this world of sin to my home above.

Caution was in order as we drove to church this morning. A light snow had whitened the ground on this first Sunday of Lent. We enjoyed a breakfast between Sunday School and the church service. We welcomed Elise Hostetter to her first Sunday service.

Randy Hostetter led us in singing hymns, including "Lead Me On." The choir sang, "Is My Name Written There?"

Kevin Weaver told stories about King David. The children were up front to hear the story about David running away from the murderous King Saul. David escaped out a window and down a rope while his wife made it appear that David was still there in the bed. No child was quite brave enough to pull back the blanket there on the church floor. A bit of hair appeared from under the blanket. When the blanket was pulled back, there was a motley collection of objects that had given the appearance of a person.

From these stories and Psalm 25, we learned some important truths: have confidence that God will lead us, do not take revenge, ask God to instruct us, and tell others about God's goodness.

Bishop Ken Martin presented a leadership proposal to the congregation. The affirmation ballots are due back by March 15. This proposal recommends Kevin Weaver for ordination as associate pastor. The proposal also recommends a three-year extension of the license of Mel Weaver as associate pastor. (Carl Sensenig, lead pastor, and Randy Hostetter, deacon, continue in their present roles.)

We rejoiced with the Prysakar family in the good interview they had on Friday as part of the naturalization proceess. Next Sunday (March 8), Willis and Anna Mary Burkholder will talk about their time in Mexico. A fellowship meal is scheduled for March 15.