God gives us rest

Red Run News -- February 21, 2010

We opened our church service by singing that energetic hymn "We're marching to Zion." Esther Martin shared a Lenten prayer that this season the story of God's wondrous love may draw us closer to God.

Pastor Melvin shared the message from the 91st Psalm. God gives us rest. God protects us. God gives us courage. God saves us. We had a number of hymns related to the theme of God's care. Bob Sauder led us in singing "Under His Wing." The choir sang. "He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock."

Esther Martin shared a childhood memory of Psalm 91. Each morning her first-grade teacher said this by memory. The students all had their heads bowed in meditation. But when Esther peeked, she could see the teacher calmly moving about, adjusting the blinds, etc., as she recited this psalm about God's care. That can be a helpful image for us as we go about our day-to-day activities.

Ready Runners will meet on Thursday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the church

We enjoyed a fellowship meal after the morning service.

Do not lose heart

Red Run News -- February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day! Before Sunday School, the children enjoyed cookies and hearts made of jello. Thanks to Glenda, Colleen, and Shannon Lafferty for these special treats.

Bob Sauder led us in singing: "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, "Near the Cross," "Fairest Lord Jesus," and "All for Jesus." The choir sang "Walk in Love."

Pastor Kevin told stories to the children of how he had lost car keys on two different occasions but he didn't lose heart. In fact, "we do not lose heart" was the theme of the morning -- based on 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2. We do what we can to work at a problem. At the same time, we recognize that some things are beyond our control. We trust God. When we trust God, our confidence is renewed. We become bold, and we share the good news of Jesus with others.

Charles Harting reported that Darla is home from Haiti. He told us about her experiences there. We are thankful for Marty's good recovery from hip surgery and that he could be present this morning. We gave thanks for Amy's new job as a counselor in a school district in Harrisburg. We prayed for the sick -- also for the Swamp Lutheran congregation who had a fire in their church building this week.

Reminder: We are planning for a fellowship meal on February 21 after the Sunday morning service.

Launch out into deep water

Red Run News -- February 7, 2010

What a lovely snowfall! We canceled Sunday School but enjoyed a fellowship breakfast before the church service. Julia Sensenig and Joyce Sauder presented a puppet performance that explained what it means to be fishers of men -- to help others to be caught by God's love. Pastor Carl spoke from that same story (Luke 5:1-11). He shared the phrases of Scripture that spoke to him this week. "Listening to the word of God." "Launch out into deep water." "Let down your nets." "Because you say so." "Do not be afraid." Trust leads to obedience which leads to more trust which leads to greater obedience.

We prayed for Marty in our Sunday service, January 31. Marty had surgery on February 1, and we are rejoicing in the good recovery he is making. Darla Harting is expected to return home today from Haiti where she was working with a medical mission team this past week.

On January 31, Ken Sensenig preached about the call of the prophet Jeremiah. Like Jeremiah, we must personally answer the call from God. "I have decided to follow Jesus." We must also go forward in faith in partnership with God.

The fellowship hall was a scene of activity on Thursday evening, January 28. Sixteen children, along with some adults, gathered to bake cookies. Some of the cookies were shared with Anna Weber who celebrated her 99th birthday on Sunday, January 31, 2010.

The Ready Runners will meet at the church on Thursday evening, February 11, 2010 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.