There is a fountain

Red Run News -- March 28, 2010

Bob Sauder led us in singing "There Is a Fountain," as we acknowledged that our forgiveness comes through the blood of Jesus. The children led us in singing "Garment of Praise." Pastor Carl explained to the children some of the events of the last week that Jesus was here on this earth: the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the washing of the disciples' feet, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. We will commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus with a Tenebrae service on Thursday evening (April 1). Then we will celebrate the resurrection on Sunday (April 4). Pastor Carl also read Philippians 2:5-11 "Jesus humbled himself." Jesus is the humble servant, the Son of God, the Savior of humankind, and the coming King.

The children collected coins and bills from the adults for Penny Power for the relief ministries of Mennonite Central Committee. This is the last Sunday before the Pennsylvania Relief Sale (April 2 and 3) in Harrisburg. The money jar is quite full and very heavy.

Our representatives gave reports from the Celebration of Church Life, the annual meeting of the congregations of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. Letitia Weaver talked about hope for the future generations. In the Middle Ages, when construction was begun on a great cathedral, the people planted trees in the vicinity so that there would be a source of wood for future generations as they continued the construction of the cathedral. Melvin Weaver brought us a challenge from Eastern Mennonite Missions that the world sees Jesus through us. Esther Martin reported on the five new congregations which have been established recently.

How can you help with Summer Bible School at Bowmansville June 13-17? There are many different jobs to do. See the sign-up papers in the church lobby.

The river of God

Red Run News -- March 21, 2010

We were blessed by a bright, sunny day on the first Sunday of the spring season.Then as we entered the church building, we were doubly blessed with the triumphant music of Easter hymns. (Choir practice is often one step ahead of the calendar.)

In the adult Sunday School class, we studied the first part of the moving story of Ruth. One of the children's classes (taught by Joyce Sauder) wrote their Bible verse in chalk on the sidewalk. They prayed in the church grove to thank God for taking care of them.

Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, and Letitia Weaver led us in singing. Some of the songs were about the river of God -- "The River Is Here" and "I've Got a River of Life." Pastor Melvin's message was about God making rivers in the desert. God leads His people and cares for them and brings them home with joy. Melvin also told the children the story of Susanna Longacre, who in colonial times was willing to help all people. We should also be kind and have the reputation of being willing to help others.

Looking ahead to next Sunday (March 28): final offering for Penny Power before the Pennsylvania relief sale, reports from the Celebration of Church Life, opportunity for footwashing at the close of the service.

Looking ahead to Easter Sunday (April 4): 9 a.m. singing in the grove, 9:30 a.m. fellowship breakfast, 10 a.m. Easter church service.

Contact Letitia Weaver if you have any music you could offer for the Tenebrae service on Thursday evening, April 1.

Everything belongs to God!

Red Run News -- March 14, 2010

We were challenged this morning with reports from those who had attended Stewardship University at Lancaster Mennonite School on March 6.

Randy Hostetter reported on efforts by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) to promote sustainable development that helps people to provide for themselves. Kevin Weaver talked about how to influence people in ways that are right. Julia Sensenig addressed how we teach values to our children. Paul Gehman described estate planning that has a godly purpose. Edith Gehman said that living simply below your means allows flexibility for the future and generosity towards others. Mel Weaver explained how new technology, especially social networking, has potential for both good and evil. Ruthie Weaver challenged us to choose life by focusing on what matters in life. Carl Sensenig called us to a time of examining our hearts during this Lent season.

We are planning for a fellowship meal after the service on March 21.

A Tenebrae service is scheduled for Thursday evening, April 1, with a light meal in the basement at 6 p.m., followed by the service in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Sign up in the foyer if can attend. You can also sign up if you want to help bring the food.

On Easter Sunday, we plan a time of singing at 9 a.m.(outside -- if weather permits). Then there will be a fellowship breakfast about 9 :30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. service which will include a children's time. (There will be no Sunday School classes on Easter Sunday.)

Jesus lives in our hearts

Red Run News -- March 7, 2010

This was a beautiful, spring-like day -- with enough white snow on the landscape to remind us of where we have come from.

In the combined Sunday School class, Pastor Kevin explained to us the proposed directory. God is interested in the entirety of our lives, and we all have gifts to use in God's mission.

Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, Glenda Lafferty, and Letitia Weaver led us in singing, including an energized version of "I'll Fly Away."

The excitement was evident when Pastor Kevin led the children in building a tent at the front of the auditorium. In the time of Moses, God dwelt in a tent. In these days, God lives in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus. What a privilege we have to draw close to God, to tell of God's wondrous deeds, and to serve God in our lives.

A card-making session led by Glenda Lafferty will be held on Saturday, March 13 -- with tea at 9:00 a.m. and card-making at 9:30 a.m.

Remember to move the clocks forward one hour next Saturday evening so that you will be on time for church on Sunday, March 14. Also next Sunday, we look forward to some reports by those of us who attended Stewardship University.

All are welcome at the celebration of church life (an annual event of the congregations of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference) to be held March 20 and 21. Saturday events are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday seminars begin at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. You can refer to the brochures that were put in the mailboxes.

On March 21, we are planning for a fellowship meal after the morning service.

Take up the cross

Red Run News -- February 28, 2010

Randy Hostetter led us in singing.

Pastor Carl talked about the call to take up the cross, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus in the way of love. Julia Sensenig talked to the children about oceans and shells. She also told about another event that often happens at the edge of the ocean -- baptism of those who believe in Jesus.

Upcoming events:
March 4 (Thursday) -- Ready Runners will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m.
March 7 -- Pastor Kevin will speak to the combined Sunday School class. There will also be a fellowship breakfast between SS and the church service