Ears that hear

Red Run News -- February 20, 2011

Bob Sauder, Randy Hostetter, Letitia Weaver, Glenda Lafferty and Colleen led us in a time of singing: "The Battle Belongs to the Lord," "Step by Step," and "Shine on Us."

We prayed for those who are undergoing medical tests. We prayed for family and friends who are sick.

For the children, Pastor Carl talked about the marvels of the ear. "Ears that hear and eyes that see, the Lord has made them both" (Proverbs 20:12). The message was on the parable of the sower (Mark, chapter 4). He used a clover seeder to demonstrate how a sower can broadcast the seeds. This parable illustrates the different ways in which we can hear the words of Jesus. Some hear the word, but Satan immediately snatches it away. Some hear and receive the word, but in time of hardship, they fall away. For some, the word is choked out by the worries of this life or the deceitfulness of riches. But for some, the word takes root and produces fruit in their lives.

We enjoyed a fellowship meal after the church service today.

A small group met this evening at the church. This group has been studying 7 Prayers That Will Change Your Life Forever by Stormie Omartian.

Choice Books has set up books in the annex area for this Sunday and next Sunday (February 20 and February 27). Suggested donation is 50% of the marked price.

On Sunday, March 6, plan for the following: combined adult classes in the auditorium (9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m), chimes choir practice in the basement at that same time, fellowship breakfast between Sunday school and the church service.

Anna Mary Musser passes away at 92

Red Run News -- February 13, 2011

Our oldest member, Anna Mary Musser, age 92, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011. The funeral service was held on Friday, February 11, at the Red Run Church with burial at the Bowmansville Mennonite Cemetery. In both the Sunday School classes and also the church service, we took the opportunity to share some memories of Anna Mary. Thanks to all who helped with the funeral service and the meal.

Bob Sauder opened our service today with the hymn "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." The chimes choir played "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name." Bob Sauder, Glenda Lafferty, Tisha Weaver, Randy Hostetter, and Emily Sauder led us in a time of singing -- including the song "Jesus, Be the Center." Pastor Melvin told the children the account of how 50,000 Bible commentaries were brought into what was then the Soviet Union. (This is a story in Leap of Faith by Peter Dyck.) In the message, Melvin gave an overview of the teaching of peace in the Bible and in church history.

Remember that next Sunday, February 20, we are planning for a fellowship meal following the service.

Wednesday evening, February 9, was a Ladies Night Out at the church. Mim Reiff from the Bowmansville Mennonite congregation taught us how to make creative gift bags from wallpaper samples, glue, pictures, yarn, and ribbon. We enjoyed the fellowship and refreshments. Thank you, Ruthie Weaver, for planning this fun event.

The Salt of the Earth

Red Run News -- February 6, 2011

After Sunday School, we enjoyed a fellowship breakfast. The chimes choir has made some preparation to present some music next Sunday, February 13. (For those playing the chimes, remember that practice on February 13 is at 8:30 a.m.)

Randy Hostetter led us in singing about the salvation that Jesus brings -- "Freely, Freely," "Jesus Saves!" "I Love To Tell the Story."

Pastor Kevin brought the message on the text "You are the salt of the earth." Some of the children distributed pretzels and peanuts to show that salt is good for flavoring and preserving. We repent of wrong priorities, and then we ask the Lord for boldness in sharing the gospel in a flavorful way. This witness creates a thirst for God within those in our lives.

We prayed for the people of Egypt during this time of turmoil and uncertainty.

On Sunday, January 30, Bob Sauder took song selections from the congregation. Our favorites include "Because He Lives," "I Know Whom I Have Believed," "The Old Rugged Cross," and "There Is a Redeemer." Pastor Carl brought a message from John 17 and Ephesians 4 on the responsibility of every Christian believer to protect the unity of the church. The children sang the Ten Commandments.

We said good-bye to Thomas who was with us a number of weeks. He was learning woodworking from Warren Mickley. Thomas has now returned to his studies at Oberlin College.

We rejoice that Mel Weaver was able to help the Witmers by arranging for the installation of a gas heater.

We congratulated Tina Mickley upon her graduation with a master's degree in social work from Temple University.

We plan for a fellowship meal on February 20. As we look forward to Lent and Easter, please put the following dates on your calendar:
April 3 -- The message will focus on preparing our hearts for communion
April 10 -- Friendship Community Choir will present the morning service
April 16 (Saturday) -- Clean-up in the church and the grove
April 17 (Palm Sunday) -- Communion
April 21 (Thursday) -- Light meal at 6 p.m. and Tenebrae service at 7 p.m.
April 24 -- Easter Sunday