Look in the mirror

Red Run News -- August 30, 2009

Pastor Kevin brought a message from James 1:17-27. He displayed two large mirrors at the front of the church to illustrate this message. God's Word is a mirror in which we can see the truth about our lives, and then we can make those changes that God desires for us.

Pastor Kevin also read 1 Peter 4:7-11 in several translations. We had an opportunity to share what we heard in this passage. We plan to use this passage to think about a possible vision statement for our congregation. This text will be used for four consecutive sermons in our congregation: September 20 (ordination), September 27 (opportunity for footwashing after the service), October 4 (communion), and October 11 (baby dedication).

Congratulations to Andrew Sensenig, who has completed a Ph.D. degree in entomology from the University of Maryland. He is presently doing research at the University of Akron and resides at 710 Kling Street, Akron, OH 44311. By the way, after the service today, some of the children discovered a mysterious insect right outside the entrance. It has something on its back that makes it look a bit like Triceratops. We sent a picture of this insect to Andrew to see if he can identify it.

We prayed for those who are sick. We prayed for all those who are looking for jobs or internships. We remembered Ken Sensenig, who is traveling in Africa.

Keep in mind the following events in September.

• September 6 -- a fellowship breakfast (9:30 to 9:55 a.m.) between Sunday School and the church service.

• September 11-13 is the annual church retreat at Woodcrest. Special events include the Saturday evening campfire and then the Sunday noon fellowship meal chicken barbecue. The church service at Woodcrest on Sunday morning begins at 11 a.m. (We are also planning for a time of Bible study, prayer, and singing at the Red Run church from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.; Charles Harting will be teaching.)

• September 20 -- Ordination of Pastor Kevin Weaver during our regular Sunday morning service at Red Run. This will be followed by a fellowship meal.

Following Jesus

Red Run News -- August 23, 2009

Ellen Martin played songs on the keyboard as a prelude to our worship service.

Pastor Carl led a prayer for all the students and teachers who will be entering the classroom soon for the 2009-10 school year.

Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, and Glenda Lafferty, accompanied by their guitars, led us in singing -- "Put on the Garment of Praise" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." The choir sang "Wonderful Words of Life."

During the children's time, Ruthie Weaver talked about bread. We ask God for our daily bread. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Each of the children sampled a piece of freshly baked bread. Melvin Weaver followed with a sermon from John 6:48ff. What does Jesus mean when he speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood? This means to obediently follow Jesus in our daily lives in the ways of trust and peace.

Julia Mickley reported on a good summer at Woodcrest. She is entering her senior year at Earlham.

Help me to walk aright!

Red Run News -- August 16, 2009

We welcomed Ethan Quinn Weaver, age 9 days, to his first church service. We were glad to have many visitors today, including a large contingent from the neighboring campground.

Maryann Miozza played hymns on the mandolin: "Trust and Obey" and "Our God Reigns." Randy Hostetter led us in singing songs related to following God's wisdom and becoming more like Jesus.
Teach me Thy way, O Lord, teach me Thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford -- Teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight.
Lead me with heavenly light, Teach me Thy way!

Pastor Carl brought a message about King Solomon's request for wisdom from God. Yet even Solomon in his older years did not follow the Lord with his whole heart. As we mature, we should also grow in grace and not become scornful of others. By God's grace, the spirit of scoffing is cast out of our lives, and the fruit of the Spirit is implanted. We receive the wisdom from above that is pure, peaceable, and gentle.

Ethan arrives

Red Run News -- August 9, 2009

On Wednesday, August 5, the Ready Runners met at the church. The evening's activities included music and games led by Peter and Christy, who recently returned from Africa.

Ethan Weaver, son of Kevin and Letitia was born on Friday, August 7. Congratulations!

During the Sunday School time this morning, Victor and Michelle showed pictures from Indonesia. The children learned to sing an Indonesian song and then drew pictures of the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra.

Bob and Joyce Sauder introduced the fresh air child who is staying with them. Bob led us in singing today. The choir sang "Jesus Paid It All."

Ken Sensenig talked to the children on the theme "Thank God for the rain." The setting for today's Bible lesson was a time of drought. Ken brought a message on Elijah's discouragement after his triumph over the prophets of Baal. God is always present. God will sustain us. Other people will share our burdens if we permit them to do so.

Ken Sensenig will be traveling in Africa for a month.

Equipping the saints

We enjoyed a fellowship breakfast between Sunday School and the church service.

In the church service, Pastor Kevin called the children forward and explained to them the equipment he uses on his truck driving job: hardhat, fluorescent vest, keys, gloves, credit card. Then Kevin brought a message on "equipping the saints" (Ephesians 4:1-16). We are called to unity and to work at interpersonal relationships using scriptural principles.

The choir sang the hymn beginning, "Dear Lord, take up the tangled strands where we have wrought in vain . . . " During the sharing time, Ruthie Weaver said that the song spoke to her because it had been a favorite of her mother.

It's time to sign up for the annual church retreat at Woodcrest Retreat September 11-13. The sign up papers are in the church lobby. There are separate sign up sheets to indicate each of the following: you plan to camp, you plan to attend the chicken barbecue/fellowship meal at Sunday noon, you want to volunteer to bring food to that meal. We are planning for a Saturday evening campfire. Some friends from the South 7th Street congregation will join us for camping, the Sunday morning service, and the fellowship meal.

We are planning for the ordination of Pastor Kevin Weaver during the Sunday morning service on September 20