Christ is head of the church

Red Run News -- January 24, 2010

This was a cloudy day made beautiful by the warm spirit of friendliness as we gathered for worship.We work together in unity as God's people under the lordship of Jesus Christ. This was the theme that seemed to run through all aspects of our Sunday School and church service this morning. Bob Sauder led us in singing "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say," and "I Am Thine, O Lord." The choir sang, "How Can I Keep from Singing." Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, and Glenda Lafferty led us in a number of songs, including "Light the Fire." Colleen Lafferty helped with the overhead transparencies.

The children sang a number of songs about working together. Then Joyce Sauder and Julia Sensenig presented a puppet scene in which Kermit the frog learned to accept himself as he was made (rather than trying to be a pig or horse). Pastor Carl's message from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 had two points:
1. Christ is the head of the church.
2. We are the body of Christ.
We accept the authority of the Lord Jesus and the written word of God. We receive God's forgiveness and commit ourselves to live in obedience to God. We believe that God has given gifts to us which we must use to build the body of Christ. We are happy to receive the blessings when other people exercise the gifts God has given to them. Pastor Carl closed the message with Psalm 133 and its poetic imagery of the unity of God's people and how God brings blessing and life.

Anna Weber at Fairmount Homes will celebrate her 99th birthday on January 31.

Kerry Martin is on the committee from the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society that has scheduled a lot of events throughout 2010 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the European settlement of Lancaster County. Brochures were placed in the church mailboxes.

Ready Runners will meet at the church on Thursday, January 28, for an evening of baking cookies from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you can't make it by 6 p.m., come when you are able. In addition to the Ready Runners, others are also welcome to join the fun.

Note the correct dates for some distant events: summer Bible School at Bowmansville is June 13-17. The annual church retreat at Woodcrest will be Sunday, August 15.

A few notes from the ministry team meeting this week:
We plan to add 5 minutes to the Sunday School time with the first buzzer at 9:45 and the second buzzer at 9:50 a.m. and the opening hymns of the church service at 10 a.m. We also affirmed the practice of the past year in which we often include a Children's Time in the church service.

Ken Sensenig licensed for ministry

Red Run News -- January 17, 2009

We prayed today for the people of Haiti who are suffering the after-effects of the massive earthquake. We prayed too for those, such as Mennonite Central Committee, who are providing aid.

Today Kenneth Sensenig was licensed by bishop Ken Martin as a minister of the Gospel for service with Mennonite Central Committee. The request had come from MCC as a means to enhance Ken's ministry as he travels many places on behalf of MCC, the relief and service agency of our church.

David Erb played prelude music on the piano.Glenda Lafferty led us in singing. John Lapp, retired director of Mennonite Central Committee talked about Ken Sensenig's role in bringing together the many church groups in the common purpose to help others in the name of Christ. Richard Weaver, spiritual mentor to Ken, challenged us to "true evangelical faith" that cares for the needy. Karen Sensenig read Philippians 2:5-11. Ken Martin challenged us to take on the attitude of Jesus and follow Him in the steps he took downward in service to humankind. Ken Martin then gave the ministry charge to Ken Sensenig. Ken's father Earl Sensenig led in a prayer of consecration. Ken Sensenig expressed his joy in working with people from many different cultures. Millie Nafziger, who also works with MCC, played the postlude music. We enjoyed a delicious fellowship meal in the church basement while outside it rained and rained.

Remember that our labor in the work of the Lord is not in vain.

On God's Team

Red Run News -- January 10, 2010

Pastor Kevin brought a message "I have called you by name" (Isaiah 43:1-7). God has called us to be on His team, and God will be with us in all the circumstances of our lives. God has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. That is why there is a good future for those who trust in God.

Bob Sauder and Randy Hostetter led us in singing. The songs focused on glory to God and our responsibilities as the children of God.

Continue to pray for Anna, who lives at Fairmount Homes and is approaching her 99th birthday.

We look forward to next Sunday morning (January 17) when Ken Sensenig will be licensed to the ministry for his work with Mennonite Central Committee. A fellowship meal will follow the church service.

Look up!

Red Run News -- January 3, 2010

On this cold and windy first Sunday of the new year, we shared together in a fellowship breakfast.

Melvin Weaver gave a message on the Wise Men (Matthew 2). When we are wise, we look deeply into what is important in life. Like the wise men, we can step back from our worries and look up to Jesus, who is the light of the world. During the candle-lighting, we were challenged to let our lights shine for Jesus this year.

We opened the congregational singing time with the majestic hymn "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name." The children sang, "God loved us and sent His Son." The choir sang, "O Beautiful Star." Ruthie Weaver introduced us to some new library books. Frank Tomczak read a story to the children about the first Christmas.

Marty Weaver shared with us that he is scheduled for hip replacement surgery on February 1. Let's remember to pray for Marty.

Blessings to Glenn, Julie, and Melanie Stauffer as they return this week to their home in Bozeman, Montana. Glenn recently returned from several months of scientific research on seals in Antarctica. Pray for Julia Mickley as she returns to Earlham College. Also for Peter Mickley as he returns to University of Pittsburgh and picks up a co-op assignment connected to his university studies.

We plan for a fellowship meal after the service on January 17, which is the date that Ken Sensenig will be licensed as a minister for his work with Mennonite Central Committee, the relief and development agency of our church.