We pray for safety in hurricane aftermath

Red Run News -- August 28, 2011

Many in this area faced uncertainties as hurricane Irene impacted us on her way up the eastern coast of the United States this weekend. Many homes and church buildings were without electricity. Some roads were closed by flooding. We prayed for those impacted by the storm and for the emergency personnel who are assisting people.

Fortunately, we were able to hold services at Red Run although some of us needed to take a detour to get here. Tim Martin taught the combined adult class from Chapter 2 of Jesus Matters. We considered some of the names of Jesus: Jesus, Savior, Son of God, Messiah, and Lord.

The lesson on the international Sunday School lesson was postponed for one week. Next week (September 4) Paul Gehman will teach from Ruth 4:1-10, which was the lesson scheduled for today. Bob Sauder will teach the elective class from Chapter 3 of Jesus Matters.

Also on September 4, we plan to hold a fellowship breakfast (9:30 to 9:55 a.m.) between the Sunday School class and the church service. Pastor Carl is scheduled to bring the message in the 10 a.m. service.

Melvin Weaver told the story of Mordecai and Haman to the children. Melvin brought the message from Matthew 16, "Who do you say that I am?" As Lord, Jesus calls us to a life of discipleship and self-denial. Julia Sensenig led us in singing including the hymn "I Know Whom I Have Believed," a favorite of Tina Mickley.

We acknowledged the passing of David W. Mohler who died in a lawn-mowing accident on Friday. David had served as deacon at Gehman Mennonite Church from 1978 to 2003. He had also served on the board of Freedom Gate, a ministry to assist those making the transition after release from prison.

Blessings to all who are attending school in the 2011-2012 school year!

New Life in Jesus

Red Run News -- August 21, 2011

We acknowledged the passing of Esther M. Good on August 14. Esther was a member at the Bowmansville congregation and the sister of Marty Weaver.

Today we enjoyed the great outdoors by holding our Sunday service in the Cedar Pavilion at Woodcrest Retreat Center. Bob Sauder led us in singing from the Life Songs. Pastor Carl brought a message on the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). He and Julia did a skit to illustrate the transformation effected by Jesus in the life of a woman. Those who are born anew into God's kingdom live in a world where God is bringing reconciliation and restoration.

We prayed for the many among us who are returning to the classroom in the next week or two. Some of us are at transition points in our education and face new challenges and opportunities.

After the service, we enjoyed a fellowship meal, featuring the chicken BBQ prepared by Willis and Anna Mary Burkholder.

There was some delightful on-and-off rain. But it did not interfere with the fun time on the water slide during the afternoon hours.

On Sunday, August 14, Ken Sensenig, held us all spellbound with the story of how he rescued a little raccoon from a trap. The raccoon did not know that Ken was there to help until it walked away free. Ken brought a message on the woman who desired to eat the crumbs that fell from the table (Matthew 15). Jesus showed the disciples what their narrow attitudes really looked like and then declared a blessing on the great faith of this Gentile woman. We sang "Children of the Heavenly Father," a favorite song of Melvin Weaver.

Jesus walks on the water

Red Run News -- August 7, 2011

Those who came early could hear the choir singing hymns of praise to Jesus from the Church and Sunday School Hymnal: "Jesus Saves," "Saved by Grace," "Weeping One."
Pastor Carl brought a message about Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:24-36). Jesus is present with us in the storms of life. We take courage because Jesus is near.

The early elementary Sunday School class is excited about memorization of the Bible. Some students say the verses aloud; others write the verses from memory. They earn prizes for their efforts.

We look forward to our annual church retreat at Woodcrest on Sunday, August 21, 2011. The church service is at 11 a.m. at Woodcrest, followed by a chicken BBQ/fellowship meal.

On July 31, Pastor Kevin brought a message on the feeding of the five thousand, also found in Matthew 14. He brought homemade bread which the children distributed to the the congregation. The message encouraged us to believe in Jesus, the Bread of Life, and also to care for those in need. Randy Hostetter led us in hymns about belonging to Jesus -- "Savior, Teach Me Day by Day," and "Take My Heart, O Father." We also sang "Come Gracious Spirit," a favorite hymn of Paul Gehman.