Mother's Day Sermon and Announcements

A MOTHER’S DAY THANK YOU!

May 10, 2020

We are going to spend some time together this morning celebrating mothers. I would like to expand that just a little bit by in fact celebrating women whether they are or were mothers or not. I am going to share with you three mothers from the Bible for a few minutes as we see how God has used and blessed mothers as recorded in scripture.

First off, I would like us to turn to Exodus 1. I am going to read the 22^nd verse, then continue reading in Chapter 2, verses 1-10. At this time, the Hebrews had become slaves in Egypt. God was blessing them and had greatly increased their numbers, and this worried Pharaoh, so Pharaoh ordered the midwives to throw all the boys born to Hebrew women into the Nile. We see one Levite woman gave birth and hid her boy as long as she could. When she knew she could hide him no more, she came up with a plan. She knew where Pharaoh’s daughter took her baths in the Nile. She would put her baby in a basket and make sure at just the right time Pharaoh’s daughter would find him. She knew Pharaoh’s daughter would instantly fall in love with him because after all he was “the most beautiful baby ever born.” Isn’t that what you mothers and dads think? Isn’t that right Kaylin and Blake? Of course, the plan worked exactly as his mother thought. God had a plan for this boy as well but that is another story. Not only did she save her boy but God in his mercy saw to it that she got to care for her son for most of the early years of his life. What an unselfish love this mother had for her son. She knew if she did nothing he would be killed for sure. But maybe she could not only save him but also give him an incredible future in Pharaoh’s house. You mothers know what sacrifices you have made for your children. God knows it as well. God also knows how important and how difficult the job of being a mother can be.

Let us move on to the next mother. This is the most unique and bizarre story in the Bible. We will be reading with I Kings 3:16-27. As we see an incredibly unique situation has occurred. Two prostitutes have had babies. One of the women apparently did something that caused her baby to die. When she noticed it, it was still nighttime, she switched her dead baby for the other woman’s live baby. We see what happened come morning. The woman whose baby truly was alive realized that the dead baby next to her was not hers. She instantly knew it was not her baby. You are not going to fool a mother about her baby. Somehow this situation was brought to the attention of King Solomon. After hearing both sides, he made a decision. Since both women claimed the live baby was theirs, he decided to cut the baby in half and each mother can have half a baby. The baby’s real mother could not bear to let her baby be killed, so she said, “No give the baby to the other woman”. But the other woman really did not want the baby, so she said yes go ahead and cut him in half. It is the only fair thing to do. When King Solomon heard this he said to give the baby to the woman whom he knew was the baby’s real mom. Once again, this baby’s mother, although she wanted her baby, wanted it to have a chance of life more than anything else. She was willing to give the baby up rather than see anything bad happen to it.

As I have begun to know the women in this church, I have come to realize this is the same way you act toward your children and grandchildren. I have heard many of you talk in glowing ways about them. As we take at least a little time today to reflect on the women who have played such a role in our lives, I would ask your indulgence for a few minutes. I have been blessed to have some amazing women in my life. A loving mom, loving grandmas and aunts, a wonderful mother-in-law. I have been blessed with a wonderful stepmom and also an incredible wife. Each one of these women have been used by God to help me learn and grow. As I have reflected on just some of the special woman in my life, I hope you are thinking of those women God has used to help you get to where you are as well.  As I said at the beginning, this is both a celebration of mothers but also special women in our lives. As I was seeking the Lord on what to share, the Lord reminded me of one special woman who I do not believe ever married or had children. She was my second-grade teacher. Her name was Miss Neff. One day at school I started feeling sick, had a fever, and as I waited for my mom to come to school to get me, Miss Neff held me and comforted me in such a reassuring way that has always stayed with me.

God uses all of you women in such an important way. And all that you do does not escape our God, which leads me to the last woman I would like us to look at this morning. We read about how God’s love for mothers is so powerful. In John 19 we read, ²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. We briefly looked at this on Easter Sunday. Jesus (God in the flesh) looked down at his loving mother and wanted to make sure she was taken care of. I am sure his mother had such hopes and dreams for her son. Even though she knew he was special in more ways than one, she, I am sure, never imagined anything like this would happen to her son. Jesus had literally been perfect and did not deserve this in any way. Children are supposed to outlive their parents, but it doesn’t always happen that way, does it? So here is Jesus’ mother doing the only thing she can do, be with him to the very end, letting Jesus know she loves him. And we see Jesus so moved by his love for his mother making sure one of his most trusted disciples takes care of her from now on. Mothers, God loves you. You hold a very special and dear place in God’s heart. We too often do not let you know how much we love you and how important you are. So, I want to say to all of the mothers watching or listening today—thank you, and to all you special women, God sees what you are doing and loves you. The stories we read from the Bible this morning show the special love mothers have for their children. It could have been written about you mothers as well. As we close, once more I would like to say thank you. God sees all the hard work you women do to make our lives worth living. May God continue to bless each and every one of the special gifts of love that you are. I pray that under these most unique of circumstances you will have a blessed Mother’s Day.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine

upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! God loves you and we love you.

See you next Sunday!

Announcements

May 17: Worship with us on facebook live at 10:00 when Larry gives the message. You can also watch this any time after the session is over. We will worship this way during all of May, or as long as the stay-at-home order is in effect.

 

Remember to get an Upper Room: May/June issues are still available in the copy room at church. Call Nancy Born-Martin if you are unable to get one, and she will be sure you get a copy. Large print and regular are available. You may also get a PDF copy of the May/June issue of UPPER ROOM on line at www.upperroom.org/covid-19

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary in a properly marked envelope.

Please let Stacie Warren or Larry Traxler know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

June 7: tentative date for the Strawberry Festival, in some form, we hope

Cancelled: May board meeting and May council meeting

We will have a board meeting on Wednesday, June 10, if possible.

The Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren made the decision this week to cancel conference in Grand Rapids. All events, theme, and officers will be at the 2021 conference in Greensboro, NC, instead. AC will be in Grand Rapids again in 2024. In working with the Grand Rapids convention people and by agreeing to meet there in 2024, Annual Conference saved over $660,000 in cancellation fees.

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936.

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Robin and Chelle Shively have a new address: 5260 E. Harbour Ct, Decatur, IL 62521

Debbie Wilson no longer uses a PO box but her street address that is in our directory.

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Joe Martina’s cousin who has COVID-19

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

Other News:

The Piatt County Fair Board made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s fair. It was to have been held June 18-21.

May 3 Sermon and Announcements

LESSONS FROM THE CROSS – PART 2

MARK 15:16-34

This is the third different gospel we have read that looks at what was being said and done while Jesus hung on the cross. Each one we have read has some similar parts to what was happening. But each of the three has some things Jesus said or did that were slightly different from the others. There are, of course, four gospels. Matthew and Mark are the most in common. They tell of the events almost identical to one another. Why are there differences between the accounts of Mark, Luke and John? We can only guess. It is possible they were there at different times and as a result saw and heard different things as they were happening. We simply do not really know. I am convinced God made sure everything was accurately recorded about everything that was said and done while Jesus was on the cross. Let us look at what Mark saw and recorded. The first few verses we read tells of Jesus’ slow journey to where he was to be crucified. On the way, we see how he was ridiculed, beaten and spit on. They even mockingly dressed him up as a king with a purple robe before they stripped him and crucified him. Once hung on the cross to die many of the things said were similar between the four gospels. But again, there are slightly different things told between Mark, Luke and John. As we saw last week, Luke went into detail about the exchange between Jesus and the two criminals crucified with him. If you remember, back to Easter Sunday, John told of the special moment Jesus shared with Mary, his mother, and how he put John in charge of her welfare from that point on. Here we read of the moments just before Jesus died. Jesus said to God the father. “My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Do you believe for a moment Jesus did not understand why this had to happen? I am convinced it was at this precise moment the sin of every single person from Adam and Eve, to those living at the moment of the crucifixion, to this present time and beyond was place on Jesus. At that very moment in time, it seemed Jesus was literally alone paying for everyone’s sin and it was overwhelming. In Proverbs 6:16-19, we read there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him—haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. For a brief moment in time, God laid every one of those sins everyone had committed, and all the sins everyone would commit in the future on Jesus as he hung on the cross. Jesus being perfect and one who could not tolerate sin in his life saw all the sin of all time and it was seemingly more than he could stand. That is what Jesus, God in the flesh, chose to do for us. If we were to read the 37^th verse in Mark, the 15^th chapter it says Jesus with a loud cry breathed his last and died. I would like us to go to John’s account one more time in John 19:30. We read, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, it is finished. With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” I believe after Jesus had the sin of the world placed on him by God the father, the loud cry talked of in Mark is actually Jesus saying IT IS FINISHED as recorded in John. Jesus did not say “it is finished” in a defeated way but triumphantly declaring to all the world to see. Satan and sin has been defeated. We no longer have to live in fear. God has paid the ultimate price for our sins once and for all. Our salvation is secure. All we must do is acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior and thank God for carrying our sins to the cross. Jesus incredibly was doing all of this out of love while dying on the cross, suffering a death he did not deserve, but chose to do for us. The victory has been won. Death has been defeated. What is the lesson God is sharing with us? There is nothing God will not do for us. Also, that Jesus gave everything he could for us, by being willing to die on the cross to take away our sins. Nothing, including this Coronavirus, can have victory over us without first passing through our God’s hands. Those of us who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have the victory in this life and the life to come. For those who have not yet allowed Jesus to be Lord of your life, now is the time. God died on the cross for you. God is reaching out to all of us who are weak and heavy laden and inviting us to come and give us rest.



Numbers 6:24-27—“May the Lod bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace.”

Announcements May 3, 2020

May 10: worship with us on facebook live at 10:00 when Larry gives the message. You can also watch this any time after the session is over. We will worship this way during all of May, or as long as the stay-at-home order is in effect.

Remember to get an Upper Room: May/June issues are available in the copy room at church. Call Nancy Born-Martin if you are unable to get one, and she will be sure you get a copy. Large print and regular are available. You may also get a PDF copy of the May/June issue of UPPER ROOM on line at www.upperroom.org/covid-19

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary in a properly marked envelope.

Please let Stacie Warren or Larry Traxler know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

June 7: tentative date for the Strawberry Festival, in some form, we hope

Cancelled: May board meeting and May council meeting

We will try to have a board meeting on Wednesday, June 10, if possible.

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month, in lieu of a food donation, please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Michelle Wright and family with the death of her father Jim McCleery; Brittany Wright and family with the death of her stepfather Rick Beldock

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Praise: Tim Laird’s last scan showed no cancer.

Clyde and Nancy Fansler thank the congregation for prayers for Sam Nall, Mindy Fansler Nall’s father-in-law. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and is on the road to recovery.

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for our Shut-ins:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

April 26 Sermon and Announcements

LESSONS FROM THE CROSS

LUKE 23:32-43

There is so much that could be discussed surrounding Jesus’ last week: the week between Palm Sunday and what we celebrate as Easter. I would like for us to look back at a couple things that actually took place while Jesus was on the cross. Jesus continued to teach all who were watching and listening even as he hung on the cross. As we see in the verses we have read this morning, a lot was going on as Jesus was hanging there on the cross. Jesus as soon as the crucifixion began asked God the Father to forgive those involved because he knew they were doing it because they had been deceived and caught up in the hysteria of the moment. There were some standing nearby the cross who were making fun of Jesus, questioning if he really is who some say he is and that he should be able to save himself. Even one of the criminals hanging on the cross next to Jesus joined in saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us,” which gets us to the lesson Jesus was teaching and what we are looking at today. The other criminal on the cross, however, warned the first one, don’t you fear God? He acknowledges, we are getting what we deserve. He was admitting to his sin before Jesus and anyone close enough to hear. Then he said something kind of bold. “Remember me, Jesus, when you come into your kingdom.” He recognized Jesus for who he was. He knew Jesus was willingly on the cross for a greater reason than himself. And what was Jesus’ response? Did Jesus say, “How dare you ask that after everything you have done!”  No Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” For those who were close enough to hear what Jesus said I cannot help but think many were saying and thinking how dare Jesus say this to this man. He has ruined so many lives and now he is thinking he can make everything alright when he knows he is about to die? But Jesus looked at his heart and he saw a man realizing how evil his life had been and what a waste his life was and how much harm he had caused others. Jesus saw genuine regret; Jesus saw genuine sorrow. This man saw Jesus for who he truly was, the Savior of the World. This man also realized Jesus could save him, not from death on the cross, but from eternal death, eternal punishment, which reminds me of something that happened in 1989. I do not know how many may have heard of or remember a man by the name of Ted Bundy. He was a serial murderer who ultimately admitted to killing over 100 people, mostly women. He ultimately was put to death in the electric chair. What made his life and death somewhat controversial, beyond what he had done, is something that happened in the last month of his life. Somehow, he began corresponding with a man named James Dobson. James Dobson was someone who founded a Christian organization called Focus on the Family. It was created to help people deal with the ups and downs of everyday life. When I began realizing I needed Jesus Christ in my life in the 80s, I began listening to a radio station in Monticello with the call letters, WVLJ. It was a Christian radio station that carried a program called Focus on the Family. I grew to respect James Dobson for his commitment to the Lord. In the fall of 1988, James Dobson went to Florida to talk to Ted Bundy while he waited on death row. Ted Bundy agreed to let James Dobson record their discussions and also agreed that he could air the interviews on his radio program. Ted Bundy confessed his sins to James Dobson and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior while on Death Row. James Dobson was criticized by many Christians for letting Ted Bundy use him. When anyone of us receives God’s gift of salvation by confessing our sins and asking Jesus to be Lord of our lives, no one else knows whether we are being honest or not. With Ted Bundy, as well as the man hanging on the cross next to Jesus, many would say how dare that they think they can escape judgment. Many professing Christians said that about Ted Bundy back in 1989. God looks at our hearts. He knows what is real and what is not. I came up with a saying that God led me to that is a lot like another old saying that has been around for a long time. The one God led me to goes like this— “You may be able to fool all of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool God any of the time.” Jesus continued to teach even as he hung dying on the cross. He wants us to know at least two important things. #1—It does not matter what we have done if we genuinely ask God to forgive us of our sins. He will. #2—It is never too late: as long as we have breath in our bodies, we can be forgiven. We read in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God loves us. Jesus died for us. Amazingly, Jesus was still teaching all who would hear even as he hung on the cross. No matter what we have done, God’s forgiveness is available, and it is real. But it is up to us. What a loving, merciful God we serve.



Let us pray. Lord, thank you for your love and mercy. Thank you for forgiving our sins no matter how great they may be. We also are so thankful that your mercy and grace of forgiveness is available as long as we have life in our bodies. Your mercy is never ending. We praise you in Jesus name. Amen.



“May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26.



We will see you next week. Be safe. God loves you and we love you. 

April 26 Announcements

May 3: worship with us on facebook live at 10:00 when Larry gives the message. You can also watch this any time after the session is over. Look for worship this way during all of May as well, or as long as the stay-at-home order is in effect.

You can find the printed text of Larry’s sermons and the announcements on cerrogordocob.com (You are here now.)

Usually these are on that web page by Monday morning.

Upper Room: New issues are available in the copy room at church. Call Nancy Born-Martin if you are unable to get one, and she will be sure you get a copy. Large print and regular are available.

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! They are coming in. Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary.

Please let Stacie or Larry know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

May 6: Mother-Daughter Banquet is cancelled.

June 7: tentative date for the Strawberry Festival

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

Donation Box through April: Camp Emmanuel

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Larry Nall; Leslie Lake; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; families of Robert Morr and Stephanie Shonkwiler; Michelle Wright and family with the death of her father Jim McCleery; Brittany Wright and family with the death of her stepfather Rick Beldock

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Welcome, Presley Dale Born who arrived on April 19, 2020. Proud parents are Kaylin and Blake Born, proud big brother is Brooks.

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for our Shut-ins:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

April 19 Sermon and Announcements

You can view the video of Larry's sermon on our facebook page:

Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren.

He will be delivering the message on facebook again next Sunday at 10:00.

WHO IS IN CONTROL??

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear;

but of power, and of love, of a sound mind.” KJV

I would like to share some thoughts on what this nation and the world has been going through. For over a month in America, longer than that for some other parts of the world. I am not going to look at where the virus came from or about how the political leaders have led throughout. I would like us to spend a few minutes on the attitude that people in this nation have shown during this virus, especially the medical leaders and some of the political leaders. Let’s think back two months ago. We knew this virus was affecting some in Europe and of course China and other parts of Asia but nothing seemed to be happening here. All that began to change first on the west coast, then on the east coast, especially New York. As we all know, as the virus spread in America, our  health leaders and Federal and State leaders soon imposed restrictions that we still have to “flatten the curve”, which gets us up to date on where we are in Illinois and America. We must get a vaccine, we must get treatments we know work, we must be able to do lots of testing. We must get the Coronavirus under control is what many of the experts and political leaders have been telling us. Man has craved control over his and her life from the very beginning. Soon after Adam and Eve were created Satan came to Eve in the form of a serpent and basically told Eve, God wants to control you and he knows if you eat from this one tree YOU will be in control (Genesis 3:1-5). It continued as we see with their first son, Cain, and it continues to this day. We want control over our lives and have this belief we can have it. After all, we are smart enough many say, and more and more I am afraid America and the world not only doesn’t believe they really need God but don’t believe there is a God. In I Corinthians 1:25 we read, “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” Many want to believe the only way we can have a comfortable life is we must be in control. If this virus has taught us anything, it is how little control we really have and how quickly we can lose what little control we may believe we do have. Last Sunday as we looked at the events from Palm Sunday to Easter, we saw this play out to the disciples. On Palm Sunday, all was good, but in four short days things seemed to spiral out of control really. But the fact is GOD WAS IN CONTROL throughout. In all honesty, what is going on in the world is a preview of what is still to come. In Luke 21:10, Jesus said nation will raise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Just so you know, “pestilence” means a fatal epidemic disease. In the last days, these things WILL happen. I am not sharing this to scare you. I am sharing this to encourage you to realize we belong to a God who is in control. He knows about everything that is happening. Did he cause this? No, I don’t think so, but clearly, he has allowed it to happen. As I have listened to some of our federal and local leaders and listened to the medical experts, I am struck by the arrogance, at times, of man. We can’t resume life in American until we have this virus under control, some are saying. When one of the governors was asked why is the virus was not seemingly as bad as we thought it might be? He said it’s not because of God or faith, it is because of us. What a sad commentary on America and the world if they really believe this. Even though we have been reminded how little control we have; man continues to want to believe it’s all up to us. We can once again control our own destiny. I am sharing this for one very honest and basic reason. I am encouraged to know I love and believe in a God who is in control. Even when the world and my life seem out of control. I serve a God who sees and understands what is going on. I am not saying God doesn’t use man to accomplish some incredible things. I believe God allows us to understand some amazing things in medicine and in other areas of life on this Earth. At the same time, we all know there are many hurting badly, as loved ones have been lost to this virus. God feels the pain as well of every single person dealing with loss at this time. However, we should not lose sight of the fact we will get through this crisis. But when it comes down to it, it won’t be in spite of God, it will be, regardless of what anyone says, because of God. We as God’s church need to walk in the fact that God is in control. The verse we looked at to begin with is what I choose to walk in. God did not give me a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind. We should be careful. We should, especially those of higher risk, take proper precautions. But we should also acknowledge before God how little control we really have. And that is not a bad thing. Because I am a child of the God that wants the best for you and me. We should be comforted by the fact he is in control and we can face life with confidence knowing that.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. I will see you next week at 10 a.m. I would encourage you to open this link and listen to a song by Big Daddy Weave, the song title is “I Know” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxV8LIkvWd0). This song speaks to this time in our life.

God will take care of you. Remember God loves you and we love you.

Larry

Announcements

April 26: worship with us on facebook live at 10:00 when Larry gives the message (You must “Like” the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren facebook page and then Larry should pop up on facebook when he comes on the air.) You can also watch this any time after the session is over.

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! They are coming in. Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary.

The mowing schedule has been emailed to those who have email addresses and snail mailed to those who don’t. It is also posted on the bulletin boards at church. Please let Carol know if you signed up but didn’t receive a schedule.

Let Stacie know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

May 6: Mother-Daughter Banquet is cancelled.

June 7: tentative date for the Strawberry Festival. We are talking about doing this differently. Details will come later.

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Robert & Laurie Morr; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Larry Nall; Leslie Lake; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; many unspoken requests; traveling mercies for those on the road; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; family of Helen Sulwer

Welcome, Presley Dale Born who arrived on April 19, 2020. Proud parents are Kaylin and Blake Born, proud big brother is Brooks.

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for our Shut-ins:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL.

62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL. 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL. 61818

 Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL. 61832

Easter Message, April 12

Below is Larry's Easter morning message.

You may also watch it on facebook, Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren.

Larry will be delivering another message on facebook live next Sunday,

April 19, at 10:00 a.m.

Join us in worship there.

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM? JOHN 20:1-9

I encouraged those of you watching last week to read John chapters 13-20. We aren’t going to read much, if any, of the verses from these chapters but I will refer to some of the events mentioned in these chapters. After the triumphal entry to Jerusalem, Jesus wanted to celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples. So, just a few days after entering Jerusalem was Passover. Jesus celebrated and commemorated Passover and used that evening to continue to teach several important things the disciples would need to know. After some intensive teaching, they left the place where they had the Passover and went to a place Jesus would often go to pray. It was there Jesus was arrested. Seemingly things were spiraling out of control. But the truth is Jesus was in total control of everything that was happening. Jesus was taken to the Jewish leaders of the day, then to the Roman officials. He was finally sentenced to die on a cross. But not until he had been beaten so severely, he was already close to death. Jesus was then ultimately hung on the cross to die. Each of the four gospels has its own unique story to tell of these events. In John we read as Jesus was dying, he wanted to make sure his mother was looked after so he gave John this task. From the very beginning of creation, God’s people have complained, God, it is not fair how you do things. We are constantly having to do things to make up for our sins. We can’t help it so why is it so hard, it is just not fair. So, after hearing thousands of years of complaining God said, okay here is what I will do. Even though Jesus had never committed a sin (unlike you and me) he was beaten, cursed at, made fun of and hung on a cross to die. God in the flesh paying the ultimate price for your sin and mine once and for all. Through all Jesus’ teachings, one of the things he kept telling all who would listen is, our time on this earth is really very short and there is life after we breathe our last. He even proved it through what he did with Lazarus, which leads us to the scripture we looked at to begin with this morning. We celebrate Easter for several reasons. Not just because God became flesh and lived on this earth just like you and me, experiencing lots of ups and downs just like us. We don’t celebrate Easter just because God paid the ultimate price for you and me on the cross he didn’t deserve. We don’t just celebrate Easter because the grave could not hold him back. Jesus rose from the grave. We read in God’s word he is currently seated at the right hand of God Almighty. Arguing your case and mine before the Father in Heaven. No, we celebrate Easter today because of all of these. God chose to make a way for you and me to be made right forever with him, which leads us to the title of this morning’s message. A very simple question for you and me, “Who do you say that I am?” In Matthew 16, verses 13-15 that question was asked of Jesus’ disciples. They gave some generic answers, but Jesus made it personal. But who do you say that I am? All these centuries later, God is still asking his creation that same question. As we close this morning, I believe Jesus is again asking you and me this question. Who do you say that I am? As we celebrate Easter today, the question remains the same, “Who do you say Jesus is?” God has made a way for you and me. He didn’t have to do it, but he chose to. Because he loves us and wants us to understand Jesus (God’s son) experienced everything and more than you and I ever will. He is reaching out this morning to us all. If you already know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, continue to stand strong and stand firm. If you have never let Jesus into your life, no is the time. He loves you and me and knows what you are going thru and will always be there for you. Let him into your heart today.

Next Sunday, we are going to take a different look at the COVID-19 and I will share some perspectives I have on it. As we close this morning, I would like to share Numbers 6:24-26  “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon  you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” God bless you. Remember God loves you and I love you. Happy Easter! Have a blessed week and I will see you next Sunday morning at 10:00.

Announcements for April 12

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! They are coming in. Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary.

The mowing schedule has been emailed to those who have email addresses and snail mailed to those who don’t. It is also posted on the bulletin boards at church. Please let Carol know if you signed up but didn’t receive a schedule.

Let Stacie know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

Donation Box through April: Camp Emmanuel

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

--Women’s Fellowship is looking for a strawberry festival chair or co-chairs.

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Robert & Laurie Morr; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Larry Nall; Leslie Lake; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; many unspoken requests; traveling mercies for those on the road; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for our Shut-ins:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL.

62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL. 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL. 61818

                                    217-871-5179

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL. 61832

April 5

We hope and pray that you are safe and healthy during this time.

Larry is on facebook live each Sunday morning at 10:00 with the sermon. Join us on Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren on facebook.

Below is the April 5 sermon text and below that are our announcements.

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A GREETING FIT FOR A KING—JOHN 12:12-19

A quick review from last week for those who watched or read last week’s message: we looked at what set the stage from all the events leading up to what we celebrate on Easter. We focused on Jesus ultimately raising Lazarus from the grave and all the other events leading up to that and also what was said and done after Lazarus was raised, which leads us to today, a day Christians call Palm Sunday. We will be looking at a few sections of the 12^th chapter of John as we continue to move closer to Jesus’ date with destiny. Even though we didn’t read all of the 11^th chapter of John, if you did you would have seen that after Lazarus was raised from the dead Jesus went to another town. If you have your Bible, I would again encourage you to follow along. I will be reading from the New International Version, John 12:1-2. We see Jesus has returned to Bethany to check in on Lazarus, Mary and Martha. It is just 6 days before the Jewish people celebrate Passover, the event dating back to Moses and the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. While Jesus was visiting, a dinner was given, probably in part as a thank you for what Jesus did for Lazarus, but also because they loved each other deeply. Jesus, the disciples, and maybe others attended this dinner.

We now pick up the event that took place on what we call Palm Sunday. We read lots of people had come to Jerusalem to celebrate The Passover. When word got out Jesus was on his way to town, many came out to meet him. Have you even been a part of an event that just happened? It wasn’t planned but for some reason things in a spontaneous way happened? That’s what happened on this day. Many who were there when Lazarus was raised from the dead, or heard about or witnessed one of the other miracles Jesus had performed. We read as he got closer to Jerusalem, they were cutting palm branches and laying them on the road in front of Jesus like a red-carpet welcome, fit for a king. The disciples didn’t understand what was going on. If you remember from last week, they didn’t want Jesus going anywhere near Jerusalem because the Jewish leaders had tried to kill him the last time he was there. But now it seems everyone loves Jesus. They were confused, yet I can’t help but think encouraged, by this apparent outpouring of love. As they all got closer and closer to Jerusalem and the crowd grew larger and louder, I can’t help but think the disciples also became more confident. They believed finally everyone understood what a special man Jesus was. They also probably felt bold enough to let everyone know we are the ones that have been with Jesus from the beginning. This was the best day of their lives and probably believed it was going to be smooth sailing from now on. But how quickly things are about to change.

In verse 19, we see not everyone liked what was happening. In fact, we read in verse 10 there is not only a plan to kill Jesus but also Lazarus as well. After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, things happen really fast. Next Sunday is Easter, the greatest day for mankind in all of history. We will be looking at the events that happen in Chapters 13 through 20 in the Book of John with our main focus on John 20:1-9. What we celebrate on Palm Sunday was the greatest day in many ways that Jesus and the disciples had ever experienced. The disciples wanted to believe the people were finally getting it, but Jesus knew what lay ahead--the event that would change the world forever. As we close our service today, I would like to share Numbers 6:24-26.

²⁴ “‘The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Be safe, God loves you. I look forward to being with you next Sunday at 10 a.m. Let’s check in on each other. I want you to know if you want to talk, I will be glad to talk with you. My phone number is 217-454-2362. God loves you. I love you. See you next week.

Announcements for April 5

April 9: 7:00 p.m. The denomination is hosting a Live Love Feast via the internet, featuring meditations, scriptures, and music. You may watch by going to www.brethren.org/lovefeast2020 and can participate if you have your own communion supplies while you watch.

The recording will be available to watch on the same website afterwards.

April 12: Easter, worship with us on facebook live 10:00 when Larry gives the message (You must “Like” the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren facebook page and then Larry should pop up on facebook when he comes on the air.) You can also watch this any time after the session is over.

Offerings: Please mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church and would rather put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary, you may do so but also please use a regular offering envelope or an envelope that you have labeled “offering.” We still need your regular offerings since we still have bills to pay. Thanks! Carol

We collected $380 for Easter boxes for the Lord’s Storehouse. Thank you, everyone!

Let Stacie know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Cancelled:

April 8: Executive Committee—Commissions, please met via phone calls or email, if needed.

April 19: All church birthday dinner

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

--Women’s Fellowship is looking for a strawberry festival chair or co-chairs.           

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Robert & Laurie Morr; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Larry Nall; Leslie Lake; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross: Denice Mosbach; Stacie Warren; many unspoken requests; traveling mercies for those on the road; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for our Shut-ins:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL.

62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL. 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL. 61818

                                    217-871-5179

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL. 61832

A Letter from David Steele, General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren:

Few events have dramatically altered global social, political, and economic realities the way the COVID-19 virus has in just a matter of weeks. To date, over a half a million cases of the virus have been documented around the world. Each country in which the Church of the Brethren has a presence has been affected. In some communities the virus has forced people to shelter at home and in others it has compounded existing needs.

I recognize that this is a time of anxiety and even fear. Yet, as persons of faith in Jesus Christ we know that death no longer holds us captive, for we are people of Christ’s resurrection.

The Psalm reminds us that though the world quakes, seas roar, and the nations rage, God is our refuge and God is our strength (Psalm 46).

I invite us to join together as a church in fasting and prayer each Friday in April. By fasting we seek to gather together spiritually before our ever-present God. We do not seek to make statements to our leaders, nor to be noticed by others, but only to center our hearts in the refuge of God’s peace. By praying we intercede for our communities that compassion may flourish, that health and safety may reign, and that the peace of Christ will surround the world.

May our prayer together be an offering to our God, and through us may God heal the nations.