The angel appears to Mary

Red Run News -- December 18, 2011

About twelve of us caroled on Saturday evening (December 17) in the neighborhood of the church. We delivered the fruit baskets supplied by Marty Weaver. We concluded the caroling with hot dogs, hot chocolate, and cookies outdoors at Joe and Maryann Miozza's home.

In the Children's Time on December 18, Tina Mickley showed the nursing uniform her mother had worn and also shared her own childhood aspiration to be a nurse. Some of the children talked of their future plans. Tina told the story of the three trees who also had plans of their own, but God had even better plans for them. Julia Mickley read the Scripture (Luke 1:26-38) about the good plans God had for Mary. Pastor Kevin used the story of Mary to remind us to commit to obey God, expect to hear God, and expect to bless others. We also learned a lot about angels n the Bible

Next Sunday (December 25) is Christmas Day. A fellowship breakfast will be available from 9:15 to 9:55 a.m. (no Sunday School class), followed by the 10 a.m. church service, in which Ken Sensenig will share a Christmas message for all age groups.

All are welcome to a cookie baking evening at the church on Friday, January 6, 2012, at 6:30 p.m.

The most important thing -- the good news of Jesus

Red Run News -- December 4, 2011

We turn back to God. This was the theme for the second Sunday of Advent.

Colleen and Glenda Lafferty read the Scripture this morning (Mark 1:1-8). The chimes choir presented the hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." We sang "O Come, All Ye Children" during the lighting of the candles.

Excitement ran high during the Children's Time. Emily Sauder pulled into the auditorium a covered wagon carrying an itinerant preacher, a puppet played by her father Bob Sauder. (See the attached photo.) The preacher, along with his dog, faced many challenges in his call to tell others about Jesus. Even when we go through tough times, sharing the good news of Jesus is the most important thing.

Melvin Weaver brought a message about John the Baptist, who announced the coming of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. In our time, we also acknowledge Jesus as the Sovereign Lord and Savior. We confess our sins, live holy lives, tell others about Jesus, love each other, pray for each other, and help each other.

All are welcome to the Christmas program at Red Run to be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. And, if you can, bring a plate of cookies to add to the refreshments to be served that evening. Invite others to come to the program.

Ready Runners will meet on Tuesday, December 6, from 6:30 -- 7:30 p.m. for a Christmas program practice.