Jesus is risen indeed!

Red Run News -- Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011

We celebrated Easter by singing many of the great hymns about the resurrection. Bob Sauder led us in singing. Pastor Melvin walked the children through the events of Passion Week and Easter. A dozen plastic eggs contained symbols which reminded us of these events.

Pastor Melvin brought a message on resurrection past, resurrection present, and resurrection future. We now experience the transforming grace of the living Christ even as we look forward to the final resurrection.

We prayed for those who are sick and those who are away from home.

Ready Runners will meet on Wednesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

May 8 is Christian Family Sunday (Mother's Day). Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m., followed by a half-hour Sunday School, and then the regular 10 a.m. service.

We commemorate Holy Week

Red Run News -- April 17, 2011

Thanks to all who helped to clean the church building and the grounds on Saturday. The lunch that followed included chicken barbecue from the Gehmans School fundraiser.

In commemoration of Holy Week, we are planning a Tenebrae service on Thursday, April 21, with a light meal at 6 p.m. and a service at 7 p.m.

Ellen Martin played reflective music on the keyboard, including the hymn "What Can Wash Away My Sin?" Pastor Carl talked to the children about the "Words of the Cross." He then brought a message on the text: The curtain was torn in two. By the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we can enter into the presence of God. We testified to this by sharing together in the communion emblems.

Bob Sauder, Letitia Weaver, Randy Hostetter, Miguel and Simao Prysakar led us singing about the triumphal entry and also the cross of Calvary.

The children of Red Run collected over $200 for the Mennonite Central Committee Penny Power project. During the upcoming months, the children's offerings will go toward the campaign for a pool at Woodcrest Retreat Center.

God bless Julia Mickley as she goes to Vermont to work for several months.

We prayed for the sick and gave thanks for healing. Congratulations to Marvin and Rhoda on the birth of grandson Cody Layne (son of Wes and Renae).

April 10 was a busy Sunday at Red Run. In the morning service, our guests from Friendship Community led us in worship with singing and creative movement. We enjoyed a fellowship meal together. Then in the evening service, high school students from Ephrata Mennonite School presented a program of drama and music which challenged us to the seriousness of life.

Jesus gives an example

Red Run News -- April 3, 2011

Tim Martin taught the combined adult class and Pastor Kevin taught the children while Letitia Weaver led the chimes choir practice. We enjoyed a fellowship breakfast between Sunday School and the church service.

Pastor Carl read from the Gospels to explain the practice of footwashing. He also challenged us to examine our own hearts in preparation for communion service on April 17. We take this opportunity to draw close to the heart of God. At the close of the service, we participated in footwashing, according to the example given to us by Jesus.

We look forward to next Sunday (April 10) when the folks from Friendship Community will lead our morning service.

On March 27, Pastor Kevin talked about the water of life offered by Jesus. Tina Mickley reported from Stewardship University. Melvin Weaver, Tim Martin and Letitia Weaver reported from the Celebration of Church Life.

As a congregation in the Lancaster Mennonite Conference, we share together a vision of the river of life that flows from the throne of God and brings life, healing and salvation wherever it flows.