January 17 Sermon and Announcements

  

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Romans 1:8-17

 

We are going to spend some time in the book of Romans. This is a letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome. In the verses we began with this morning, we see Paul is encouraging the church in Rome. The church in Rome, of course, was dealing with the Roman Empire and its leaders every day. It was a tough place to be a Christian because of the pressure put on them on a daily basis by the Emperor and his men. In spite of all that, the church has remained a witness for Christ under the most difficult conditions. Paul goes on to remind them he is praying for them on a regular basis. Paul has also pointed out how disappointed he is that he has not been able to meet with them face to face yet.

 

One of the reasons he wants to be with them in person is because he knows they can encourage one another in ways you just cannot do in a letter. Paul knows how important it is for brothers and sisters in Christ to meet on a regular basis. It gives you the chance to really know what is going on in one another’s life. Paul is also letting them know there is a lot of work to do in Rome. Paul went so far as to say there are those in Rome who are wise because they have received the gospel, but there also are those that do not have a clue. In the last two verses we read he gets right down to it. He did not want anyone to be unsure what the message of Christ really is. Paul says confidently and boldly in the 16^th verse that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He goes on to say the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He is basically throwing the challenge down to the church in Rome. Paul is saying do not be distracted by what the government leaders are saying. They do not know Jesus Christ so all they are saying is foolishness. What God is promising through Jesus Christ is not some temporary feel-good moments. God is saying not only do I want to bless you now, but I also want to bless you for eternity. But you must not lose your focus and be distracted by the things the Roman Empire is dangling in front of you. You must stay strong. The 17^th verse then points out how it is possible to keep our eyes on God in spite of everything that is going on around you. If you refuse to give in to the pressure of the moment but instead realize and fully take hold of the fact that “in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith”. We must believe in and trust in God’s word. When we do that, we will grow in godly righteousness. A righteousness we can claim because of God’s love and commitment to us. The last part of the 17^th verse makes it clear whether you come to Christ early in life or late, it does not matter. The most important thing is the “the righteous of God will live by faith.” That was a challenge for the church in Rome and it is a challenge for us right here in America as well.

 

The most important thing for the church, whether it be in Rome 2000 years ago or right here in America today, is to realize we believe in a God that cares about his people. The points Paul made in these verses are reminding us what God cares about. The importance to pray for one another; the importance to gather together as a way to support and encourage each other. God wants to remind us there will always be things trying to pull us away from God. Satan will use a variety of ways to try to have us take our eyes from God. But most importantly, if we are truly holding onto these truths, we will be victorious. We must be willing to stand up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we know God will reward our faith with eternal life. May we recommit our lives to the God who loves us and cares about us. If we will go forward with faith in God, I believe 2021 will see us reach new heights, both individually and as his church.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. is Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

The church board met on January 13 to reorganize. New Executive Committee is Carol Kussart, board chair; Shirley Wright, nurture chair; Stacie Warren, stewards chair; Nora Hanaver, witness chair.

Messenger subscriptions are due January 31. Messenger is our church magazine, giving us information about our denomination, districts, and local congregations throughout our country and the world. For $14.50, you get 10 issues annually. Please let Carol know if you would like to be a new subscriber. If you now get Messenger, Carol will assume you want to continue unless you let her know otherwise.

Carl Cable and Evelyn Traxler are both at Hickory Point Christian Village--address is 565 West Marion Ave., Forsyth, IL 62535 

Carl is in Room 309.

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link)

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Carol & Mike Seidenstricker; Brittany Wright; Sonna Hall; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Arnold & Marlene Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; ; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 340,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; all who are ill with the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of the wildfires and hurricanes; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents; our nation's government

Families of Barb Baker, Jeff Sawyer, and Lonnie Miller 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

January 10 Sermon and Announcements

 We did not have services on January 3. We are pleased that we were able to have worship again yesterday, January 10. 

GOODBYE 2020, WELCOME 2021!

Philippians 3:1-16

 

Another Christmas has come and gone. Praying the Lord brought you some good memories and blessings this holiday season. That being said, there is much to reflect on about the year 2020. As is the case, each of us has different memories and thoughts about the year that has just ended. Clearly this year had elements to it unlike any other year whether you are a young person or someone who has already been blessed with many years on this earth. We experienced things this year unlike any other year. 2020 started like most had in January. We had some snow off and on last year but if anything, we began the year as a nation in a pretty good place. Unemployment across all ages and races was at all-time lows. Most of us were simply dealing with the normal things that we always do. Here at the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren, you were dealing with what to do after Tim and Betty Sue returned to Pennsylvania. The Cerro Gordo High School and Jr. High was still getting settled into their new and improved buildings. We were dealing with our own personal ups and downs, just like always. January pretty much came and went as usual.

 

Then February arrived and during the course of that month there began to be reports of a potentially dangerous virus that was found in parts of China. It was something health leaders were keeping an eye on, but the belief still was, or maybe the hope was, it would not really affect us.

 

Then came March. At first in February and March flights between the US and China were stopped, other than Americans being allowed to come home. Then not long after that flights from Europe to the United States were stopped. The corona virus was spreading and, in an attempt, to stop it in the America, flights leaving the United States and returning from many regions of the world were stopped.

 

Then it happened. States, especially those with large cities in them, started seeing cases of the corona virus increase, as well as hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the virus. Nationwide limits were imposed during this time. If you recall it was called “15 days to stop the spread”. We obviously know now the 15 days to stop the spread did not. Restrictions were somewhat lifted in some states while other states began taking restrictions to higher levels. Illinois has been one of those states that imposed more and more restrictions during the spring.  Those of us with loved ones in retirement or nursing facilities, as well as hospitals, were not allowed to see or be with our family members, even for a brief face-to-face visit.

There was clearly legitimate reason for this. It had become clear the oldest and those with health issues were and are the most vulnerable. During all of this, in May a black man died during the course of an arrest that then sparked marches and vandalism all across this country. That continued off and on through much of the summer. Some of the other changes that happened to everyday life during this time was schools quit having students attend across the country for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Movie theatres closed, malls closed, restaurants closed, sporting events were cancelled. In other words, grocery stores and gas stations were about the only businesses allows to remain open during most of the spring. Even doctors and dentists did not see patients for much of the spring in a lot of the states in America. Finally, by summer some of the restrictions were eased. In much of the country, in more limited ways, many businesses were allowed to resume. Health issues of all kinds just did not stop because of the corona virus. Accidents still happened. Shootings, fires. In fact, some things have gotten worse because of this virus. Alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence and suicide have all increased during the corona virus, as well as unemployment. In many ways I hate to remind everyone of all of what 2020 represented, at least all the negative aspects.

 

Just to touch on a couple more things that were noteworthy, there was an election that took place in different ways than ever before. We celebrated birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Years Day as a nation much differently as well. Not everything was bad despite many of the negative things shared. Families found new ways to keep in touch with one another.  Our church chose to do services on Facebook that helped those unable to attend in person to keep up with their congregation. We saw babies welcomed into this world. There were marriages that took place. Under challenging circumstances, we as the church and we as a nation continue on.

 

We, as God’s people, need to continue to pray this nightmare and tragedy of coronavirus will soon end. There have been and there always will be difficult and challenging times in life. There is a saying that goes something like this. “Tough times do not last, tough people do.” God is calling us to continue to believe. God sees everything that has happened in the past and he sees what is going on today. The curse creation inherited when Adam and Eve ate the fruit they should not have is still in effect and will be until God says enough is enough. Never forget God loves you and knows what you are going through. God’s ultimate goal is for you and me to spend eternity with him. But we first go through the ups and downs this life provides before that day comes. Many of us have said goodbye to loved ones this year as they have gone ahead of to be with the Lord. The verses we read this morning to begin with tells that story. I pray we all humbly agree with what Paul was saying to the church in Philippi.

 

To close this morning, I hope each one of us takes to heart what Paul said in verses 13 and 14. As we leave behind 2020 and begin 2021, I pray we hold fast to these words and this message. “But one thing I do—Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

 

Happy New Year to each of you. God has great things in store for us. Just grab hold and believe. God loves you! Embrace the moment.

 

Announcements

Sundays: Sunday School 9:00; Worship 10: Please social distance and wear masks. We continue carrying our worship on facebook live. We are grateful that it reaches many people in and beyond our congregation.

January 13 New and old board members meet. Executive Committee 6:15; commissions 7:00; board 7:30

Donation Box: Utilities

 

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

******

 

 

Thank you to all who helped with the candy sales! It was very successful! At last count, we brought in $1138. A special thanks goes out to Robin Shively for all his help with the purchase of candy supplies!

 

Offering envelopes are by the copier if you would like a box for the year.

 

It is time for Messenger renewals or new subscriptions. Messenger is our denominational magazine and helps us keep up with what is going on across our country and the world in the Church of the Brethren. Included are also Bible studies and other thoughtful articles. If you do not currently subscribe and would like to, let Carol know by the end of January. If you currently subscribe, you need to do nothing to continue. The cost is $14.50 annually for 10 issues. This goes through the church, so your subscription money needs to be given to the church.

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link)

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Carol & Mike Seidenstricker; Brittany Wright; Sonna Hall; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Arnold & Marlene Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 340,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; all who are ill with the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of the wildfires and hurricanes; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents

 Families of Barb Baker, Jeff Sawyer, and Lonnie Miller

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Several Nigerian EYN (Church of the Brethren Nigeria) church buildings have been burned over the Christmas holidays, 12 people killed, and others kidnapped. Some of these church buildings had been rebuilt as recently as 3 years ago. Pray for the Nigerian people as they deal with these tragedies.

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.

 

Sermon and Announcements December 27, 2020

 

THEY FOLLOWED THE STAR

Matthew 2:1-15

 

For one more Sunday we will continue to look at the amazing things that happened when Jesus was born. Today we read about the Magi that came looking for the future king who they knew was to be born. They came to Jerusalem looking for the newborn king, knowing that was the center of the Jewish world. They obviously believed this newborn king probably was born to someone in a position of leadership. Of course when Herod heard of this, he was alarmed that men had come from so far away to pay their respects to this newborn king. He knew this must be a big deal and could present a problem to his leadership in the region. Herod called on the Jewish scholars to find out what these men from the east were talking about.

 

We looked at the question last week of whether any of the Jewish leaders still believed in the promises made thru Isaiah 700 years earlier. It would appear the answer to that question is no. It took the Magi from the east to remind the Jewish leaders of that promise from so long ago. But once they heard about the possibility they knew where to look to find the answer that the Magi and King Herod was looking for. It was King Herod who sought out the Jewish scholars to see what the Magi was talking about. When King Herod got the answer he was looking for, he called the Magi in and told them, “You will find the child in Bethlehem. Go and find him. Then send word back to me so I too can worship this newborn king.”

 

We do not know for sure how much time elapsed from when the shepherds celebrated the birth of Jesus until the wise men arrived. We do see Mary, Joseph and Jesus are now living in a house in Bethlehem. The wise men did not find him still in a manger. I cannot help but think Jesus is still a small baby. Otherwise, they probably would have gone back to Nazareth. Nazareth was obviously where Joseph and Mary’s family were from. The wise men brought three gifts to the newborn king. Each one had an important meaning.

(1)  Gold for, no doubt, a king.

(2)  Incense is often used to celebrate those who are of royalty.

(3)  Myrrh was used often for embalming, symbolizing what the Messiah would do for the people. 

 

Once the wise men paid their respects, God warned them not to go back and tell Herod where this new king was, so they went back to their country a different way. God also warned Joseph in a dream what King Herod was up to. So almost the minute the Magi left, Joseph loaded up Mary and Jesus and left for Egypt.

 

Matthew recognized, as he recorded all these events, that Hosea 11:1 talked of God’s son being called out of Egypt. God once again proved that he is in control, even when things may seem out of control. We again also see Joseph being the man called on to care for both Mary and the future Savior of the world. We see Joseph took the responsibility he had been given very seriously. No one was going to harm this boy whom God was going to use to do amazing things. One must wonder though just how Joseph felt about this boy that many would think was his boy throughout the early years of Jesus’ life. I can only imagine both the sense of pride and responsibility he had to feel. God had given Joseph the important job of being the man that would help to mold Jesus during those early years. And while Joseph knew Jesus was a special man that had come from God, he still felt early on, “Jesus is my boy, my responsibility”. Joseph probably wanted to simply enjoy the moment. We know how much Mary stored up all the things she was told and how a mother has a special bond with her child, but I cannot help but think that this was a special time for Joseph also. After all, God chose Joseph for this special world-changing moment. With all that, Joseph probably still wanted some time just to enjoy his son he has been blessed to raise.

 

There is a song by Mercy Me called “Joseph’s Lullaby” that may tell how Joseph felt about everything happening surrounding the birth of the Messiah. As we close the service today, I would like you to listen to what this song says and for those who are parents, see if you can relate to everything that is said in the song.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday at 9:30--Bible Study--all are welcome to attend.

New offering envelopes are available by the copy machine.

Please check your mail boxes.

January 10, after worship--Council Meeting

January 13--board meeting with old and new board members

Please place your offering in the locked box at the back of the sanctuary or mail to the church at PO Box 45, Cerro Gordo. Thanks you for your continued giving!

December 31--New Year's Eve

January 1, 2021--New Year's Day

Have a blessed New Year! 

Sermon December 20

 

 

I AM DOING A NEW THING.

WILL YOU MAKE ROOM?

Isaiah 43:18-19; Luke 2:1-20

 

For several weeks now we have used Isaiah as the starting point for our scripture and our message. We have read in Isaiah God’s people were told someone would come to prepare the people for what was about to happen. Then they were told the unbelievable way God would bring things about to change the world. Of all things Isaiah told them a virgin would have a child and this is how it would all begin. Continuing in Isaiah today, we see God is warning and encouraging his people to forget the past, He is going to do a new thing. God said, “I am going to change everything.” God asks the question, “Do you believe it?”

 

We move ahead to the 2^nd chapter of Luke. After 700 years God is fulfilling the promises made so long ago. After 700 years though, it is hard to tell how many had still held onto the promise made through Isaiah to God’s people. Had it been lost through the years? Had the people simply conceded that God is never going to change the way things are? What is the use believing anything will ever change?

 

So now here we are in Luke seeing how God’s timing is at work. First the Savior is to come from Bethlehem as written hundreds of years earlier in Micah 5:2. God has to see to it Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth where they lived and are at Bethlehem at just the right time. After all, God keeps his promises. Then God wanted to make sure it was recorded for all time the Savior of the world did not enter this world in the most comfortable setting. The way Jesus came into the world was a preview of how many would not make room for the Savior of the world, not just in their homes but their hearts.

 

The first to greet Jesus into the world were not kings and queens. It was not priests or other important Jewish leaders. No, it was those who maybe were not the most admired or respected in their world. The first to greet the Savior of the world were shepherds who were in a nearby field. The shepherds first had to overcome their doubts and fears of what they said and heard.

 

We at times think what some experienced in the Bible was not that hard to accept. Many of us have read or heard these stories so many times they just become easy to accept. But just as you and I would be asking ourselves, “Am I really seeing and hearing what I think or am I dreaming or what?” On this occasion, in spite of how powerful this experience was for the shepherds, this was a lot to take in. First an angel appears out of nowhere. Then, as if that were not enough, a choir of angels appear and start singing a song proclaiming what was happening. To say this is not something the shepherds experienced everyday would be an understatement. Once the angels left the shepherds, you can bet they began to talk to one another making sure they all agreed they had seen the same thing. Then once they calmed down, they probably said to each other, “Well there is one way to prove whether we have been out with the sheep too long and simply need a break or whether something really special is happening that we were the first to learn about.”

 

Not many babies are going to be born in a manger and the odds of a baby being in a manger like they were told is going to be about zero unless God is behind this. So off they go to Bethlehem. When the shepherds got there, they found everything to be just like they were told. They were so excited they told Mary and Joseph everything they had seen and heard that evening. We see that Mary stored all those things in her heart. Even though we do not know Joseph’s reaction, you have to know once again it was confirmed to him this is where God wanted him. How blessed both Mary and Joseph had to feel to be part of what God was about to do.

 

When Jesus came to the world, the world was lost in spiritual darkness, even God’s people had mostly lost their way. How much different is our world today? It would be easy to say, “What’s the use? Nothing is going to get better or change.” But the Savior of the world did come to shine light in the darkness. Jesus is still changing lives. The baby born over 2,000 years ago in that manger is still transforming lives. As we close this morning, I would like to ask two basic questions.

1.)   Do we believe God did and is still doing a new thing?

2.)   Will we, have we, made room in our hearts for the Savior of the world?

 

I pray each and every one of us is able to answer these questions yes I do and yes I have. This is the message we need to pray for the world to receive as well. Nothing will ever truly change in our lives or in our world until we make room in our hearts for Jesus.

 Larry

 

 

Sermon and Announcements December 13, 2020

 

God Keeps His Promise

Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25

 

The last two Sundays we have seen how God had set the stage for what was about to happen. God has a way of making sure His people know there is only one way the things God foretells and promises can happen. God also by virtue of the way he does things makes sure we know His hand of mercy, grace and love is at the center of what is happening. The verses we looked at this morning are part of the story most of us have read over and over again, year after year. With that being said, this is still such an incredible story to me. It never gets old, rereading it and reimagining all it means. We once again began this morning seeing that God was telling Isaiah to let the people know that help is on the way. This again is something being foretold 700 years before it would happen. Clearly Isaiah, as well as those he was speaking to, did not understand what it all meant or when it would happen. They were being told something that was humanly impossible. Yet this is what God planned to do. We fast forward to what is happening to this young woman, Mary, and the man who is planning on marrying her. What we read this morning skips ahead to Joseph’s reaction to what God’s plan is. We are not going to read at this time how Mary was told about what was about to happen. That is found in Luke 1:26-38.

 

As we see in what we read this morning, Joseph was skeptical about what was happening. Obviously, Mary had already told Joseph what Gabriel had told her, because Joseph had plans of ending the engagement and calling off the wedding. Obviously, Joseph found Mary’s story hard to believe. NEVER in history had anything like this happened before, so it is easy to understand why. Mary realized something special was happening because of the special visitor she had that delivered the message to her. That would probably get anyone’s attention if out of nowhere someone was in the room talking to us. We see Mary got almost immediate confirmation when she went to visit her relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Zechariah had been the first to be visited by Gabriel the angel. They were the first to know God was getting ready to fulfill what had been promised for 700 years. Now is the time. God is about to change things for all who by faith will believe. We do not know for sure when Mary broke the news to Joseph. It very well may have been when she got back from visiting Elizabeth and Zechariah.

 

As I try to think of how I would react, I find myself believing I would have reacted the same way Joseph did. For you women, how do you think you would have reacted if suddenly someone you had never seen before announced to you that you were going to have a baby and it was not going to be just any baby? Would you have not only told him it is impossible but also that you just cannot. Even if God can do this, I do not want the responsibility and besides that my fiancé will never believe me. Try to put yourself in Mary’s place as best you can. Then there is Joseph. From what we read, Joseph must have been so stunned when Mary told him the news, he did not know what to say to her. He apparently left her and tried to figure out what to say and do, but none of it included going through with the marriage to Mary.

While Joseph was wrestling with what to do, he also got a visit. Joseph’s visit was not the same as Zechariah or Mary where Gabriel appeared in the room with them. Joseph was talked to in a dream. All of us have probably had dreams that we remembered after we woke up. Sometimes I have had some dreams that seemed so real and when I woke up, I wondered how things would have turned out had I not woken up. Have you had dreams that seemed real at the time? Well, here is Joseph having a dream unlike any he had ever had. In this dream, he is being told about what Mary had just told him. This dream was so powerful, Joseph apparently could not avoid the message of the dream. This was not just a dream he could wake up from and go on about his life as if it never happened, as if it were not real, as if it was only a dream. Joseph, I cannot help but think, knew he had to marry Mary because God ordained the marriage. What an incredible God we have!

 

Joseph and Mary were just ordinary people. They were not people of high standing; they did not come from important families, even from a Jewish perspective. Yet they are who God chose to raise the Savior of the world. Throughout the Bible we see the truth that God keeps his promises. We also see God uses people of all types. The only requirement is that you are willing to allow God to use you. As unbelievable and unlikely as what happened to Joseph and Mary was, the one basic fact remains. A fact that has two parts. First, God keeps his promises. And secondly, God will use those who say, “Yes Lord I will”.

 

Aren’t you glad God kept his promises? The Savior of the world has come! We have been redeemed! God brought all those things about in the most incredible way. We celebrate Christmas because we know God is a God of miracles. He proves it over and over again. Will we receive the miracle God has made available to all who will receive? Next Sunday we will once again see how God officially put his plan into motion. The Christmas story never gets old to me. God reminds me how much he loves us and how nothing is impossible with Him.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday at 9:30--BIBLE STUDY. All are invited to attend.

Worship all winter this year will be in the sanctuary. We will not move to the Fellowship Hall as has been our custom.

Sunday, January 10, 2021--COUNCIL MEETING right after worship

Wednesday, January 13--BOARD MEETING. New and old board members are asked to attend as this is the reorganization meeting.

Prayer Partners: If you have not put out or picked up your presents, please do as soon as you can. New prayer partners will be in your mailboxes on December 20.

Copies of The Upper Room and Daily Bread are available.

Please place your offering in the locked wooden box at the back of the sanctuary or mail to PO Box 45, Cerro Gordo.

The women's candy sale was very successful. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way!

Donation Box this month is for The Lord's Storehouse.

First Sundays: Food donations for the food banks.

Pastor Larry Traxler: 217-454-2362

Keep in Your Prayers

 

Bud Blickenstaff; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Bertha Eveland; Betty Moore; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Bailey & Liam Martina; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 280,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; wildfire and hurricane victims; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

                       

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.

  

Sermon and Announcements December 6, 2020

 

Prepare the way, the wait is over!

Luke 1:13-17, 57-79

 

Last week we read what was predicted in Isaiah would be happening for God’s people. We saw God had a plan. A plan that would not come to pass for 700 years but now things are beginning to happen. The first thing to happen would involve God’s blessing on two people who had been faithful to the Lord but had not received the ultimate blessing that husbands and wives in good standing with God came to expect, a child. We read at long last God heard their prayers and was going to bless them with a son. He would be a special child with a special job given to him by God. By what is being told to his father, Zechariah, we can see how far God’s people had strayed. This special man would help many of God’s people return to the place they should be, including compelling the men to realize their role in the family God has placed them in. This special man of God would prepare the people for what the Lord was about to do. Zechariah was an important man among the Jewish people. He took seriously the role he played as a priest. If we would have read the 6^th verse, we would have seen both Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, had lived upright lives in the sight of God. It is even recorded they had observed all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.

 

Can you imagine what a compliment that was for both Zechariah and Elizabeth? How many people would say that about you and me? So, when Gabriel told Zechariah what his son would do for God, I can only imagine the joy and pride both he and Elizabeth ultimately felt. For years they probably wondered why God had not blessed them with a child. Probably even some of their friends and family privately thought maybe they were not exactly the people they appeared to be, but that was all about to change.

 

For those of us who have been blessed to have children, one of the most incredible times of our lives is when that child we so anxiously have waited for comes into our lives. At this time in history, it was an even bigger deal to not have children than it is in our world today, so when Gabriel told Zechariah this news, what a weight had been lifted off Zechariah and Elizabeth’s shoulders, especially when Gabriel told Zechariah just how important a role, his son John, would play in God’s kingdom. He was so overjoyed by the news they are going to have a son. I encourage you to read Luke 1:5-25, especially, to get the full understanding of everything Zechariah was being told. Did Zechariah instantly embrace everything he was being told? How do you think any one of us would have reacted? As much as I am sure Zechariah wanted to believe what he was being told, he had doubts. In verse 18 we see Zechariah was questioning what he was being told. How could it be? Because of his doubting, he would be unable to speak until after his son was born, which is where we picked up the story in verse 57. In verses 58 through 66 we see their friends and family there to share in this special moment. When they saw that suddenly Zechariah could speak again, they even asked themselves what is this child going to be? They all knew something special was about to happen. Then Zechariah said, what is called Zechariah’s song in my Bible, verses 68-79. Zechariah knew his son was not the Messiah, the Savior of the world, but he was going to have the job of preparing God’s people for what was about to happen.

 

All of us who have been, once again, blessed with children have hopes and dreams for our kids, don’t we? Our parents probably did for us as well. Sometimes those hopes and dreams come true; sometimes it does not work out quite like we had hoped. Regardless, I want to believe we have never stopped praying for our children, praying for the best. Zechariah knew God had a special plan for his son. I cannot help but think he was convinced he would play an important role for his entire life. A life he would want to believe would last a long, long time. As most of you probably know, it did not work out quite that way for John. Did John accomplish everything God had called him to do? Absolutely!

 

As we draw closer to Christmas, we will see how God continued to do things that most would have never expected, that we would believe never could happen. We are reminded in the prayer we had when we lit the advent candles—Help us to see what is important, to be who you want us to be, and to do what you would have us to do. Throughout all of history that is what God is asking of his people. Zechariah and Elizabeth answered that call, so did John. What is God asking us to do this Christmas season? Will we answer the call? Not only at Christmas but all throughout the year.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

 

December 9 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee only 

Women: if you have a prayer partner, please have her Christmas gift on the decorated table in the church basement by this coming Sunday, December 13. After worship that day, you may pick up the gift that is for you. New prayer partners will be in your mailboxes on December 20. If you participated in 2020, Carol will assume you want to participate again, unless you let her know otherwise. If you have not participated before and would like to, let Carol know so you can be included.

Thank you to all who helped with the candy making fundraiser in any way!

 

Council Meeting is postponed until January.

 

Copies of The Upper Room and Daily Bread are available.

 

Please place your offering in the plates at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Remember to check your mailboxes.

 

Thank you for wearing masks and helping contain the spread of the virus. Extra masks are at the back of the sanctuary if you don’t have one. Remember: the cloth masks are washable.

 

Donation Box: The Lord’s Storehouse

 

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link)

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

 

Keep in Your Prayers

 

Bud Blickenstaff; Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Bertha Eveland; Betty Moore; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Bailey & Liam Martina; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 280,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; wildfire and hurricane victims; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

                       

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.

 

 

 

 

First Sunday in Advent: Sermon and Announcements

November 29, 2020

 

LORD WE NEED YOUR LIGHT!

ISAIAH 9:2, ISAIAH 2:6-7

 

Thanksgiving is now over, and the Christmas season has officially begun. Isaiah 9:2 points to the fact we have need of light to show the way. If you enter a room at night without a light on, you better remember where everything is, or you could trip and fall over things and hurt yourself.

 

When Isaiah was inspired by the Holy Spirit to make the announcements, we see in the 9^th chapter of Isaiah Israel had seemingly lost its way. Something needed to happen, or God’s people would continue to wander aimlessly, at best, or else they might go so far from God in spiritual darkness they might never come back. These moments in relation to God seem to happen over and over again. It seems God’s people will get in a right relationship with God and before you know it we begin to think we have it all figured out. We seemingly say to God we are doing alright right now and will call you if we need you.  This was the place God’s people had moved to during Isaiah’s time. God was only needed on standby if the people got into trouble they could not handle. That pattern seems to repeat itself over and over again throughout history. God’s blessing is so strong, and God’s people are so thankful that everything seems to go really well for a while.

As we approach Christmas 2020, where are we? Are we, God’s people, where they were during Isaiah’s time or are we exactly where God wants us to be?

 

Christmas is one of those times of year God is calling us to reexamine lots of things in our lives. Not only should we take a look at where we are in relation to God, but we should also take some time to examine the relations we have with those closest to us, our families and friends, as well as the priorities we seem to have in life.

 

The Church throughout history has kept Christmas alive because often times we do lose our way over the course of the year. Sometimes things that started off with such promise may get off track. God knows us, his people, better than we know ourselves. God knows if we are headed the right way or if we are wandering in the darkness in desperate need of the light. No matter how close we are to God or how far we may have wandered, we all desperately need a Savior. It does not matter what your place in life may be whether you are one with plenty or one just barely getting by. We all need God’s saving grace.

 

In Isaiah 9 verses 6 and 7, God let his people know that help is on the way. Get ready, things are going to change. God’s people, as it turned out, still had about 700 years to wait until the light came to end the darkness.

 

We are so blessed to live in what many call the church age. We do not have to wait for the Savior to come. He is here, ready, and able to bring light to our darkness if we let him in. As we approach Christmas 2020, I believe this nation, this world needs the light only God can bring as much as ever before. There seems to be more wandering in darkness now than ever before. It is time for me first to examine my relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. While all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, God chooses to work through us as imperfect as we might be. So, at this Christmas where am I, Lord? Is your light shining brightly through me, or do I need you to light my way anew?

 

The people during Isaiah’s time probably did not really understand how God was going to change the world. No one understood just how God would accomplish His perfect plan for His people who desperately needed a Savior.

 

In the weeks to come, we will be reminded how God made a way for His people. What did it mean when Isaiah wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given”? God points us back to that 2^nd verse of Isaiah 9 once more. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” What a promise God has made to us. We no longer have to walk in darkness, living in the fear of death. The light of the world has come. A child is born that will take away the sins of all God’s people. But as we will see once again, God brought it all about in the most amazing and miraculous way. May we seek God’s light this Christmas to reveal what is hidden before it is too late. After all, we all do need God’s light to show the way.

Larry

Announcements Nov. 29, 2020

In-person worship starts Sunday, December 6 for those who are comfortable coming. Worship will continue on facebook live as well.

Council meeting is postponed until January.

December 9 will be executive committee only, not the full board. The board will reorganize in January after council meeting.

Daily Bread devotionals are available for pickup in the copy room. The Upper Room is at the back of the sanctuary. Also, remember the Advent devotionals are in the back of the sanctuary for you to pick up.

Witness Commission donated $100 to the Piatt County Mental Health Center. A thank you has been received from them.

Women who have prayer partners, remember to place your clearly labeled gifts on the decorated tables in the basement between December 6 and December 13. These can be picked up any time after worship on the 13^th. If you no longer want to participate in 2021 or if you haven’t participated and want to, let Carol know. Otherwise, those who are currently participating will have a new prayer partner slip in your mailbox by December 20.

Give Carol any newsletter submissions by Dec. 1 please.

Put directory information in Carol or Stacie’s mailbox or email it to them.

Pick up and pay for candy orders between 10:00 and 12:00 on December 5 please.