Being generous

Red Run News -- June 26, 2011

Pastor Melvin told the story of King Ahaziah and the prophet Elijah. Melvin and Kevin also did a yard sale skit to illustrate the difference between being generous or miserly. Melvin's message this morning was from Romans 6 "Presenting yourselves to God."

We gave thanks foe God's protection on Willis Burkholder when a tree branch fell on him while he was mowing the lawn in the church grove.We prayed for those who are traveling and for those who are sick.

Marvin Martin reported that the Clouse family (his niece Janelle) has welcomed the birth of Gabriel Nelson. This is the family that had suffered the loss of their children in a devastating fire.

Next Sunday (July 3), there will be a fellowship breakfast at 9:30 a.m. between Sunday School and the church service.

Carl and Julia enjoyed the weekend in Sullivan County with Julia's family

How shall we live?

Red Run News -- June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day to all you dads. What a joy to gather at Red Run in the peaceful beauty of a well-maintained grove!

Thank you to all who attended and helped with our Summer Bible School at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church. All ages received good teaching from the Bible. In our sharing time this morning, some of the children (and others too) shared some reflections from Bible School.

We were glad that Irvin and Louise Martin were with us at this morning's service. Irvin served as the bishop of our church district from 2000 to 2008. This morning he challenged us with a message: "How then shall I live?" (based on Ezekiel 33:10 and 2 Peter 3:11). Irvin drew some conclusions in answering this question for us today: remember God's forgiveness, extend God's forgiveness, life is a struggle, live with joy, live free, control thought life, be a child of the King, be a servant, share the good news, remember that our citizenship is in heaven.

Bob Sauder led us in singing including the hymn "It is Well With My Soul," a favorite hymn of Charles Harting. We remembered Matthew in his search for a new job. We prayed for the sick.

We note the passing of Mel Martin after a lengthy illness. Mel was a good friend and hunting partner of Willis.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Red Run News -- June 12, 2011 (Pentecost)

Bob Sauder, Glenda Lafferty, Colleen Lafferty, Randy Hostetter, and Letitia Weaver led us in singing this morning. We sang some songs about the Holy Spirit since today is Pentecost, the Christian holiday celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Christian church. We also sang "Beulah Land," which is a favorite hymn of Marty Weaver.

We prayed for those who are moving this coming week. Amy is moving to her parents' home in preparation for her wedding this fall. Luke and Ruth Horst are moving from a cottage to an apartment at Landis Homes. We gave thanks that no one was injured when a tree fell on a vacated dugout after a game had been cut short by a thunderstorm. Ian's team had been playing there that evening. We continued to remember in prayer those who are sick.

Bishop Ken Martin gave the message this morning from Acts 1 and 2. Before the risen Christ ascended to heaven, he told the disciples to await the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be witnesses for Jesus. From this passage Ken encouraged us to wait on the Lord, to be witnesses for Jesus, to live in unity as God's people, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and to continue the work of Jesus. The choir closed our service with the hymn "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart."

All are welcome to Summer Bible School at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church each evening at 7 p.m. through Thursday (June 12 -16). There are classes for all ages, including an adult class. On Sunday evening, Tom Horst taught the adult class with a focus on communication.

The Cloud Rider

Red Run News -- June 5, 2011

Thanks to those who planned, provided for, and participated in the leadership appreciation picnic at the Terre Hill Park on Saturday evening. The food was great. The little airplanes had flights of varying quality. The Apple-to-Apple and Scrabble games were fairly intense. The balloons were twisted into interesting shapes. The fellowship was encouraging.

Pastor Kevin had the message this morning. The title was "The Cloud Rider" from Psalm 68:4. He showed us photos of different types of clouds using PowerPoint. The verses from Psalm 68:1-10 were superimposed on the cloud and scenery pictures. Our "cloud-riding" God deserves our deep respect and calls forth songs of praise from our hearts. As a response to the love of this awesome God, we share with those in need, father the fatherless, defend the widows, and bring the lonely into our circles.

Randy Hostetter led us in singing one of Marvin Nolt's favorite hymns, "Just As I Am."
We also sang "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "We Praise Thee, O God!", "Hark! Ten Thousand Harps and Voices," and "The Solid Rock."

During the fellowship breakfast, the congregation blessed Carl and Julia with a card and planter in honor of their 35th wedding anniversary.

Plan to attend the Community Bible School at Bowmansville Mennonite Church from Sunday evening, June 12, through Thursday evening, June 16, at 7:00 p.m. The adult classes are:
Sunday/Monday -- Tom & Thelma Horst on "Marriage, Singleness and Family"
Tuesday -- Julia Sensenig on "Stewardship of Our Health and Time"
Wednesday -- Brad Aldrich on "Parenting -- Communication with Your Elementary Aged Child"
Thursday -- Brad Aldrich on "Parenting -- Media and The Family"

On May 29, Pastor Carl brought a message on the Holy Spirit from the Gospel of John. The Holy Spirit can be described as the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of Truth, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Helper, Friend, the One who stands by our side. We sang Bob Sauder's favorite hymns: "Come, Gracious Spirit" and "By Cool Siloam's Shady Rill."

On May 22, Pastor Melvin brought a message on "Come to Him, a Living Stone." We come to Jesus, our constant companion, for refreshment and renewal. We sang Simao Prysakar's favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace." At the fellowship meal, we acknowledged the emergency medical personnel who responded when Joe Miozza had a recent medical emergency. Several of these persons were present for the meal.