Jesus is coming again!

Red Run News -- November 29, 2009

The first Sunday of Advent 2009 turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. Bob Sauder led our singing and Tim Martin led in the time of announcements and prayer. We lit the first candle of Advent.

Especially for the children Julia Sensenig. with help from Joyce and Bob Sauder, presented a puppet show in which Esmerelda struggled with the temptation of a self-centered Christmas.

The New testament reading was Luke 21:25-36. Pastor Carl preached on the coming again of Jesus. In the mean time, we face uncertainties and perplexities. Beyond that, we see the smiling face of Jesus. Jesus says to us: "Be careful." "Watch and pray." "Lift up your heads; your redemption is drawing near."

With joy, we announce the plans for Luke Witmer and James Weber to seal their commitments to Christ through water baptism on Sunday morning, December 20.

We prayed for Esther Martin, who shared about the treatment of her eyes. Glenn Stauffer will be returning from Antarctica in about two weeks. Julia Sensenig offered a word of thanks to the teachers of the children's Sunday School classes. Peter Mickley was present, on break from his college classes. This was also Lydia Sensenig's first visit to Red Run. (Vic, Michelle, Aaron, and Lydia live in Reedsville in central Pennsylvania.)

Keep in mind the upcoming events:
December 6 -- Fellowship breakfast between Sunday School and the church service
December 13 -- Fellowship meal after the morning service
December 13 -- Christmas program at Red Run at 7 p.m.

Hold fast!

Red Run News -- November 15, 2008

Thanks to all who helped to clean up the church grove. It looks beautiful.

We rejoice that Luke Witmer and James Weber have indicated a desire for baptism as an expression of their faith in Jesus Christ.

On November 8, Pastor Kevin asked the children to count a pile of coins he had placed on the carpet at the front of the auditorium. Even our few coins can do much when they are given to the Lord. In his message Kevin shared stories of persons who gave all they had to others and to God. After all, God is the real source of all we need to live.

On November 15, Pastor Carl challenged us to hold fast to our faith in what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. We can do this by stirring each other up to good works, by continuing to meet together, and by looking for that Day (when Jesus returns for His people). The choir sang "There Is a Green Hill Faraway."

Maryann Miozza played the violin. Bob Sauder led us in singing. In the children's time, Julia Sensenig and the children had a conversation with Buddy (a cardboard dog) about obedience school. .

Keeping our eyes open

Red Run News -- November 1, 2009

"O, Let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love." This was a line from one of the songs we sang this morning.

In our adult Sunday School classes, we discussed questions related to the passage 1 Peter 4:7-11. We reported some of these ideas during the sharing time. Following is a sampling of some other items in our discussion:

• We want to become more like Jesus

• We want to pray together with one another

• Prayer can be an outreach

• We want to share our needs openly but also know how to respect confidentiality

• Let's keep our eyes open to those God is bringing into our lives.

Pastor Melvin challenged us to use the gifts that God has given us. He talked about the gifts of music, organization, food, hospitality, mechanical skills, making peace. Mel also told the story to the children of how the Apostle Paul boldly told others about Jesus even when that meant persecution for him.

We gave thanks that Luke Witmer professes Jesus as Savior and has expressed a desire for baptism. We blessed Kerry Martin as he has received an assignment to produce a commemorative booklet celebrating the 300th anniversary (in 2010) of the first Mennonite settlement in Lancaster County. We prayed for Glenn Stauffer in Antarctica. We also remembered other loved ones as well as those among us who are sick.

Upcoming events: All are welcome to a district institute at Bowmansville Mennonite Church at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, when three local bishops will give input on faithful witness. And on Saturday, November 14, we can use your assistance at the fall clean-up day at the church beginning about 8:30 a.m. A light lunch will be served.