The best way to wait for Jesus

Red Run News -- November 28, 2010

Today we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent. Ellen Martin played the organ for the prelude and the offering time. Bob Sauder, Letitia Weaver, and Randy Hostetter led us in singing.

Each Sunday of Advent and Christmas, the children's time focuses on a family in mission. Today Glenda Lafferty told the story of Zach and the ministry of happiness he had in Ethiopia.

Pastor Carl had a message on the coming day (Romans 13:11-14). We are waiting on Jesus. We set aside the deeds of darkness. We clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. We follow Jesus in heartfelt obedience in our daily lives. This is the best way to wait for Jesus.

We acknowledged the passing of Esther Nolt, mother of Marvin Nolt of the Red Run congregation. We prayed for Glenn during the remaining weeks in Antarctica. We prayed for Kerry and his responsibilities on a field trip on Saturday.

Ready Runners will meet on Thursday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the church. The Christmas program is on Sunday, December 12, at 7 p.m. at the church

Choose thanksgiving instead of fear

Red Run News -- November 21, 2010

Glenda Lafferty chose songs expressing thanks to God -- "We Gather Together," "This Is My Father's World," and "Count Your Blessings." Pastor Kevin brought the message from Psalm 46, challenging us to choose confidence and thanksgiving instead of fear. Psalm 46 was prepared by the descendants of Korah, a man who perished because of his rebellion against Moses. God sees beyond the negatives in our past as He prepares to bless us now and in the future.

Ready Runners will meet on Thursday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Ready Runners will also meet to bake cookies at the church on Thursday evening , December 16.

A fellowship breakfast is scheduled between Sunday School and the church service (9:30-9:55 a.m.) on December 5. We also plan for holiday breakfasts on December 19 and January 2. Sign up in the lobby to help bring food and drink for these breakfasts.

The Christmas program will be held on Sunday evening, December 12, at 7 p.m. Be sure to pick up some invitations to give to your friends and neighbors.

The Blessing of Work

Red Run News -- November 14, 2010

Thanks to all who helped in the clean up of the grove on Saturday, November 13. The Lord blessed us with a bright and beautiful autumn day. It was good to breathe in the fresh air and stretch our muscles. Several men were running chainsaws as we cleaned up a large oak tree that had been cut down. The aging oak had been in a state of decline and was more than 140 years old.

On Sunday morning, Ellen Martin played the prelude music. Kevin and Letitia Weaver led us in singing. One of the songs "Let Them Praises Give Jehovah" paraphrases the 148th Psalm.

Pastor Carl brought a message on the Twin Blessings: Rules and Work. The God of order brought order into the primeval chaos as he separated the light from the darkness. He blessed the first human couple with the privilege of work -- maintaining the garden of Eden. We are blessed as we submit our lives to the will of our Creator. In the children's time, Pastor Carl talked about the joy of working together.

New chimes put to use

Red Run News -- November 7, 2010

Our new set of chimes was used for the first time this morning. Letitia Weaver led a practice with the chimes before Sunday School. The chimes choir enjoyed learning the Christmas song, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

We enjoyed a fellowship breakfast between Sunday School and the church service.

Bob Sauder led us in song selections. The following were suggested by persons in the congregation: "Come, Christians, Join To Sing," "Amazing Grace," "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," and "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder."

In the children's time, Pastor Melvin told the story of Naaman, Elisha, and Gehazi. At the end of the story, three-year-old Noah raised his hand in response to the question of what he had learned in this story. He summarized it as, "Don't be bad to other people."

Pastor Melvin Weaver brought the message today on "Children of Light" (Ephesians 5:1-21). Let us rise to the challenge of continuing to grow in our love and to weed out the sin in our lives. As we believe in Jesus, we become a light to the world.

On October 31, Pastor Carl brought a message from Luke 19. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Zaccheus gladly welcomed Jesus. May we do likewise.

We prayed for Shannon who was sick this morning. Joe Miozza offered thanks for our prayers during his recent hospitalization and recovery. From Antarctica, Glenn Stauffer gives thanks for the emails and photos he has received. Pray for Lewie Martin as he travels back from Indiana.

We acknowledged the passing of Eugene Horning, father-in-law of James Weber. We offer our condolences to the family.

Melvin Weaver is planning to join a Mennonite Disaster Service team traveling to the South during the week after Thanksgiving. Contact Mel if you are interested in going along.

We can use your help at the fall cleaning in the grove on Saturday morning, November 13, beginning at 8:30 a.m.. Bring rakes, leaf blowers, and brooms. A light lunch will be provided.

Sign up if the lobby to make Christmas cards on Saturday, November 20. All are welcome. Tea will be available at 9:30 a.m. and then the card-making begins at 10 a.m. If you have any questions, please contact Glenda Lafferty.