Turning my wallet upside down

Red Run News -- March 20, 2011

A little boy took some time to make sure his purse was emptied of all coins during the offering time this morning. The moderator Bob Sauder mused, "Would I be willing to turn my wallet upside down like that and shake it?"

Julia Sensenig talked to the children about going on a trip to tell others about Jesus. She loaded herself down with things she would "need" until she could barely walk. But then she realized that telling others about Jesus need not be complicated. It can be as simple as crossing the street and talking to a neighbor. Pastor Carl brought the message from Mark 6:6-13. This is the account of Jesus sending out the disciples. Jesus instructed the disciples to travel lightly. The congregation reflected together on the question: What is the big-picture story of the Bible?

Bob Sauder, Glenda Lafferty, Randy Hostetter, Letitia Weaver, and Nathaniel Martin led us in singing.

The paper tulips that graced the table during the fellowship meal were created by the students in Joyce Sauder's class.

Our next fellowship meal is scheduled for April 10 when we are hosting the singers from Friendship Community. Lewie and Esther Martin are walking this week for No Longer Alone Ministries.

Prayers for bereaved parents

Red Run News -- March 13, 2011

Pastor Kevin led us in prayer for Ted and Janelle Clouse, who lost seven children in a fire this week in Perry County. Janelle is the niece of Marvin Martin. Marvin, Ellen, and Kerry plan to attend the funeral service on Tuesday. Kerry will serve as a pallbearer.

This morning Bob Sauder took selections for the hymns that we should sing. We sang "Amazing Grace," When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder," and "It Is Well with My Soul."

Pastor Melvin spoke to the children about "What's in a name." He told the story of a baby girl who was named by her older brothers. It was a time of war, and the brothers named the little girl Elfrieda, referring to the God of peace.

In the message, Pastor Melvin spoke from Psalm 32, one of seven penitential psalms. The psalmist cries out to God, confesses sin, and watches for God to restore. Sin will wreck our lives, but through Jesus the chain of sin is broken and we are set free.

Next Sunday (March 20), we look forward to a fellowship meal after the morning service.

On Thursday, March 24, the Ready Runners will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 26, there will be a card-making session at the church at 9:30 a.m

God takes care of us

Red Run News -- February 27, 2011

Glenda Lafferty led us in singing "Come Thou Almighty King," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "When We All Get to Heaven, "Freely, Freely," and "We Worship and Adore."

Today we thought about the words of Jesus - God takes care of the flowers of the field and the birds of the air. How much more, God will take care of us who are his beloved children. The children led us in singing two songs based on today's text. Pastor Kevin talked to the children about how God cares for the flowers. In the message he showed pictures of various birds along with the words of Jesus. We cannot serve both money and God. Everything belongs to God and we desire to use these things in a way that honors God. We were challenged to put our full trust in God.

The small group is meeting this evening at the church to continue the study on prayer.

Ready Runners will meet on Thursday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

All are invited to a Sunday evening service at Red Run on April 10 at 7 p.m. The program will be presented by a group of high school students from Ephrata Mennonite School. Daryl Weaver is the director.