Being fruitful

Red Run News -- May 30, 2010

We welcomed a large group of visitors from the campground on this beautiful Memorial Day weekend.

Ruthie Weaver talked to the children about sunflowers -- growing tall and being fruitful. Pastor Melvin brought a message from Ephesians 2 -- seated with Christ, walking with Christ, and standing with Christ.

Two of our members are requesting our prayers. Anna Mary Musser is recovering at the Ephrata Hospital. Carl Good is scheduled for cataract surgery on Wednesday. Bob Sauder invited input if anyone has any ideas for a Sunday School elective later this summer.

Pray for those who are traveling to school or to seminars or on vacation.

All are welcome to attend the Pastor Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, June 5, at the Terre Hill Park, beginning at 4 p.m.

Summer Bible School (sponsored jointly by the Bowmansville, Red Run, and Gehman congregations) will be held from June 13 through 17 (Sunday through Thursday) at 7 p.m. each evening.

God's Spirit is at work in our world

Red Run News -- May 23, 2010

Pentecost Sunday is a celebration that God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us in the way of truth.

The men's class, taught by Tim Martin, was about the apostle Paul, the Christian slave owner Philemon, and the runaway slave Onesimus. Paul strongly urged Philemon to do what is right but still left the final choice to Philemon. Someone in the class quoted a proverb which says, "A man convinced against his will is a man unconvinced still."

Bob Sauder led us in singing. The hymn "Come, We That Love the Lord" contains the phrase "Celestial fruit on earthly ground," which echoes the prayer that Jesus taught us, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Pastor Kevin led us in a consideration of Psalm 104:24-34. The Spirit of God called forth the Creation. Even so, we look for the work of God within us. We broke into several groups to hear the Scripture read at various stations on our church grounds as we meditated on how God's Spirit is at work in our world. At each of these stations, Letitia Weaver had also painted a cement slab to illustrate the beauty of the Creation.

Randy Hostetter reported on the birds that have nested in the birdboxes in the grove -- tufted titmouse and chickadee.

One of the small groups has completed the study "God Provides" from Crown Financial. These materials are now in the church library.

Congratulations to Julia Mickley for completing a degree at Earlham College. She majored in human development and social relations and also pottery.

Godly women: Lois and Eunice

Red Run News -- May 9, 2010

The men met early to prepare breakfast for all of us. A delicious breakfast was served in the fellowship hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thanks to all who prepared and served the breakfast. One man claimed that the Scriptures expect men to make the coffee (according to the book of He-brews).

Michelle Sensenig played the prelude music. Randy Hostetter led us in singing (including "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" and "Happy the Home When God Is There.") The children also sang a number of songs.

Pastor Carl told the children about how long ago Anna Reeves Jarvis called a day to pray for all mothers who were impacted by the Civil War and to pray that we would learn to live together in peace. In the message, Carl told about Timothy's "sincere faith" and about his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, who were both women of faith. Faith has two aspects -- believing the promises of God and remaining true to the promises we make before God.

Walk people home through the darkness

Red Run News -- May 2, 2010

In an evening, the high school students from Ephrata Mennonite School brought a lively presentation to Red Run. A skit emphasized the importance of exercising our gifts in the body of Christ. A men's quintet sang a number of songs.

In the morning service, Ellen Martin played the prelude music including the hymn "My Jesus I Love Thee." Ruthie Weaver later noted that was one of her favorite hymns. Bob Sauder opened with two hymns, one of which included the comforting line "I know thy hand will bring me safely home." Pastor Mel brought a message from the Gospel of John "Love one another." Jesus showed the disciples the full extent of his love by becoming a servant. Mel told the true family story of a little pioneer girl in the Midwest who was fearful of walking home in the dark after working at the neighbors. Love calls us to use a lantern to walk people home through the darkness. Ruthie Weaver shared a story with the children with questions and the answers: What is God like? The music team led us in singing. We prayed for one another and the needs that were especially mentioned.

Special events on Christian Family Sunday (May 9), also known as Mother's Day. The men will serve a breakfast for everybody from 8:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. A shortened Sunday School class will begin at 9:20 a.m. (combined adult class in the auditorium) with the regular church at 10 a.m. during which you will find out what is "the best gift to the next generation" (2 Timothy 1:3-7).