Peace on Earth

Red Run News -- December 26, 2010

During this holiday season those who have come early on Sunday mornings have enjoyed the music of the chimes choir as they rehearse for the church services.

On December 26, Ellen Martin offered music on the keyboard, including "The Little Drummer Boy." Julia Mickley spoke to the children about the life of missionaries in Cambodia. Julia Sensenig led in singing Christmas hymns, including the Christmas Song "While shpherds were watching their flocks in the night, the hills were aglow with a wonderful sight. " Pastor Carl brought a message on the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds. We give glory to God in the highest and recognize God as both our Creator and our Redeemer. The result is peace here on earth among people.

On December 19, Pastor Melvin brought a message from Matthew 1 "Name Him Emmanuel." The world into which Jesus came was not a friendly world. But Jesus is indeed God come among us to restore us to right relationship with God. Jesus makes a difference in our lives if we are willing.

We prayed for those who are sick, for those who are recovering, for those who are traveling. We gave thanks for those who God has healed. May the Lord be praised in every area of our lives.

Welcome back from Antarctica, Glenn! We prayed for Glenn and Julie Stauffer and their daughters as they return shortly to their home in Montana, where Glenn will be writing about the scientific research he has been doing.

Congratulations to Tina Mickley for completing a master's degree in social work. Andrew Sensenig is returning to Hillsboro, Kansas, but plans to lead a group of students on a study tour to Belize during January.

With expectation, we look to God to bless us in the coming year. Next Sunday on January 2, we plan for a holiday breakfast between Sunday school and the church service.

We celebrate the gift of Christmas

Red Run News -- December 12, 2010

We had a delightful Sunday evening celebrating "The Gift of Christmas." Thanks to Glenda Lafferty and Julia Sensenig for organizing this event and the many who helped in various ways. Of course, Jesus is the most wonderful gift ever. But we offer back to Jesus the sacrifice of praise -- the music that honors Him. The music included songs by the children and by bells and chimes choirs, as well as the songs offered by smaller groups of twos or threes. What a blessing to see people of all ages enter into the spirit of praise and joy. We also enjoyed singing the carols together and seeing the puppets move into place in line with the themes of the songs. Thanks to all who came out to fill the house so well on a rainy Sunday evening.

On Sunday morning, Ellen Martin played the prelude music on the keyboard -- including "Star of the East." Randy Hostetter led the singing. Dawn Martin and Nathaniel Martin read the Scriptures. Pastor Carl brought a message from Matthew 11. Here we have the account of John the Baptist asking whether or not Jesus is the promised Messiah. The answer is "yes" as shown by the miracles and wonders performed by Jesus. Like John, we are on a journey with Jesus. We cannot always see clearly, but we can know that Jesus is with us. Blessed is the one who "does not fall away on account of" Jesus. Blessed are we when we do not fall away because our own limited understanding of Jesus does not exactly match who He really is.

On Thursday, December 16, Ready Runners will meet at the church at 6:00 p.m. to bake cookies.

You are welcome to join a Christmas caroling group. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Carl and Julia Sensenig on Saturday, December 18, to carol in their neighborhood. Or meet at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Mel and Ruthie Weaver on Sunday, December 19, to carol in their neighborhood.