A Great Multitude

Red Run News -- April 25, 2010

Today we enjoyed a gentle springtime drizzle.

Letitia Weaver led us in singing. One of the songs was "Salvation Belongs to Our God." Ken Sensenig gave each of the children a bill and a coin from a foreign country. In his message from Revelation 7, Ken called our attention to what the apostle John saw -- a great multitude from every nation.

• God's kingdom is triumphant.

• The church is the present-day expression of God's kingdom. (What a challenge to us!)

• The fullness of God's kingdom is not here yet.

The choir sang, "Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices."

We remembered in prayer those affected by the tornadoes in the South. We also prayed for the sick, those who have suffered loss, and those among us who are traveling.

Upcoming events:

• Ready Runners at the church on Wednesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m.

• Program by students from Ephrata Mennonite at Red Run Church on Sunday, May 2, at 7 p.m.

• Mother's Day (May 9) breakfast served by men for all of us from 8:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.

Jesus Paid It All

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Red Run News -- April 11, 2010

On Saturday evening (April 10), about thirty people gathered in the fellowship hall for a time of playing games, food, and fellowship. Thanks to Willis and Anna Mary Burkholder for organizing this.

On Sunday, April 11, we celebrated the communion service. Pastor Kevin preached on the appearance of the risen Christ to the disciples in a closed room as recorded in John 20. Pastor Kevin told the children about that which should be bound (our fears) and that which should be loosed (our kindness). Jesus breathed on his disciples, signifying the new creation. Jesus is sending us with the good news to heal the brokenhearted.

Glenda Lafferty led us in hymns related to what Jesus has done for us: "Jesus Paid It All." "Are You Washed in the Blood?", and "Break Thou the Bread of Life."

We prayed for the needs among us. We gave thanks that the medical issues for Erica Stauffer have been resolved.

Note the upcoming events:
April 18 -- The Friendship Community Choir will present during our Sunday morning service -- followed by a fellowship meal.
May 2 -- High school students from Ephrata Mennonite School will present a program at 7 p.m.

A radical future

Red Run News -- April 4, 2010

On Thursday evening, April 1, we gathered for a light meal. Then we entered the auditorium for the Tenebrae service -- a solemn time of singing, hearing the Scriptures, and reflecting on the meaning of the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus. We left the building in quiet contemplation.

Easter morning dawned bright and beautiful. At 9 a.m. we sang the triumphant songs of the resurrection under the trees in the grove. Then we ate breakfast in the fellowship hall.

Julia Sensenig, dressed as Mary Magdalene, told the children what it was like to meet the risen Savior. Pastor Carl used that same story in John 20 to bring a message. Like Mary, the boundaries of our world have been shattered by the resurrection and we look with confidence to the radical future God is preparing -- a new heaven, a new earth, and glorified redeemed bodies for us that will not be subject to death or decay. Do we believe this? Randy Hostetter, Bob Sauder, Tisha Weaver, and Glenda Lafferty led us in singing. We closed the service by enthusiastically singing "Because He Lives."

Randy Hostetter reported that the Penny Power jar weighed about 24 pounds. This money was contributed to Mennonite Central Committee during the Pennsylvania Relief Sale.

Congratulations to Glenn and Julie Stauffer on the birth of Erica Lynn on April 1.

On Saturday, April 10, we are planning a game night in the fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. (or whenever you can get there). Bring your favorite games. Snacks will be provided.

On Sunday, April 11, we will celebrate the communion service.