A quiet rest near to the heart of God

Red Run News -- October 24, 2010

Kevin and Letitia Weaver led us in singing this morning. They also presented a skit about telling others about Jesus at a bus stop.

Ken Sensenig told the children a story about life on the farm -- a farmer, a hawk, chickens, mice, and corn. Each creature sees the situation through different eyes. We must try to understand the other's point of view when we "fight."

Ken brought a message from Psalm 84 "How lovely is your dwelling place." We release ourselves into God's care like a sparrow that has found a place of rest in God's house. (We sang, "There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God.") We join together with our fellow pilgrims as we climb upward towards the city of God. (We sang "Lo, what a pleasing sight are brethren that agree!")

Proclaim the good news

Red Run News -- October 17, 2010

In the Sunday School time, Mose King told us about the Bible ministry of the Gideons. In recent years, exciting opportunities have opened for the Gideons in various nations.

Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, Letitia Weaver, and Julie Stauffer led us in singing. Pastor Carl brought a message from 2 Timothy 4:1-5. We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus, to appeal to hearts, and to rise above obstacles.

We enjoyed a fellowship meal. In the beautiful fall sunshine in the grove, Letitia Weaver and Julia Mickley took photos of many of us for the church directory.

If you want to be part of the chimes choir during the Advent season, check with Letitia Weaver. A possible practice time may be 8:30 a.m. before Sunday School.

Jesus can make us whole

Red Run News -- October 10, 2010

In Sunday School, Charles Harting reminded us that "the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy." Then I stepped out into the warm fall sunshine to see what was happening at the tent set up by Joyce Sauder's class. Unobserved, I heard the children memorizing the verse, "He who promised is faithful." I felt my heart warmed by the two-fold affirmation of God's faithfulness.

Pastor Kevin brought a message from Luke 17:11-19. We are called to have faith that Jesus can make us whole, to extend forgiveness to others, to serve God without expecting to be comfortable, and to remember that life will not continue as usual. We can apply today's lesson to our lives by thanking God for His goodness, by identifying the person we need to forgive, and by offering to serve God in a way that cuts into our comfort.

During the children's service, Kevin replaced the dead battery on a drill to illustrate how we need to be connected to Jesus in order to have power in our lives.

On October 17, a speaker from the Gideons will share in the combined Sunday school class. We are planning for a fellowship meal following the church service. Choice Books will have a display set up in the annex area for October 17 and 24.

Grace, mercy and peace

Red Run News -- October 3, 2010

In the combined adult Sunday School class, teacher Bob Sauder clearly summarized our responsibilities: accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, glorify God in every aspect of life, and show others the way to Jesus.

Julia Sensenig led us in singing hymns appropriate on the occasion of the communion service -- "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Marvelous Grace," and "Hallelujah, What a Savior!" The choir also sang "Break Thou the Bread of Life."

In the message, Pastor Melvin focused on the words "grace, mercy, and peace" in the text he read. By grace we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus taught us, "Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy." We receive the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Dawn Martin read a story about peacemaking "Guns into Plowshares." Artist Esther Augsburger created a sculpture with this title. The sculpture of a plowshare was constructed from 3000 handguns that had been collected to reduce violence in Washington D.C.

Pastor Carl led us in the communion service.

We remembered in prayer the local Christian agencies who are involved in their fall fund-raising efforts. We prayed for the sick and gave thanks for those who have experienced healing. We prayed for those who are looking for employment.

The Ready Runners will meet at the church on Thursday evening, October 7 at 6:30 p.m.