March 19 Sermon and Announcements

 CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 19, 2023

Who Is Jesus? – Part 4

Isaiah 53:10-12

We are going to finish our look at what Isaiah was led to tell the

Jewish people in Chapter 53. We are looking at verse 10 again

this Sunday. This time looking at the last part of verse 10. We

read, “He will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the

will of the Lord will prosper his hand.” How can this verse be

talking about Jesus? Jesus was never married so how can it be

about him when it says he will see his offspring? In Acts 17:27-

28 we read, “God did this so that men would seek him and

perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far

from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our

being. As some of your own poets have said, we are his

offspring.” So we see after Jesus went back to be with God the

Father Paul is making the case that we are his offspring by what

God did for us through Jesus. Verse 11 lets everyone know after

the suffering of his soul he will see the light of life and that

through the Savior’s righteousness many will be justified and he

will have bore their iniquities. Why has this happened? Verse

12 says he will have poured out his life unto death. He will take

the transgressions of the people upon himself. Taking their sins

and is interceding on the people’s behalf.

Now let us see what the New Testament says about these

things that we have read in verse 11 and 12. In 1 Corinthians

15:3-4 we read, “I passed onto you of first importance that

Christ died for our sins according to scriptures, that he was

buried, that he was raised on the third day.” Then we read in

Romans 5:9, “For just as through the disobedience of the one

man the many were made sinners, so also through the

obedience of the one the many will be made righteous.” In

Philippians 2:8 we read, “And being found in appearance as a

man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even

death on a cross.” Why was Jesus willing to do this? Jesus knew

his mission.

In Luke 22:37 he quotes verse 12 of Isaiah 53when he tells his

disciples, “It is written: And he was numbered with the

transgressors and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes

what is written about me is reaching it’s fulfillment.” Jesus

being God fully understood what had been told to Isaiah 700

years earlier. That his mission was to die for the transgressions

of God’s creation. Jesus also knew that that was not the end of

his job. The last part of Isaiah 53:12 says, “For he bore the sin of

many and made intersession for the transgressors.” Going back

to the New Testament we read what is said in Hebrews 7:25 we

read, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come

to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for

them. Did you notice what was said in verse 25? It says Jesus

lives to intercede for them. In other words Jesus is alive

interceding, pleading the case for you and me with God the

Father. Death did not stop him. He is alive.

Beginning next week, we will look in detail at what Jesus

willingly went through for us. We will see some of the highs and

lows of Jesus’ final weeks before his appointment with the

cross and the grave. Chapter 53 of Isaiah foretold to the

Israelites that help was on the way. We now know that the

Savior was not to be someone who would rule over earthly

kingdoms as the Israelites wanted. As Jesus told Pilate in John

18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Victory is on the way.

Not a victory that is one nation over another. Instead, victory

that is for eternity in God’s eternal kingdom.

As we have seen over the last four weeks everything God

inspired Isaiah to tell His people would and did come true. The

Savior will come to bring victory to all of God’s people. What

has always been essential is that every person must come to

the place of accepting God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.

What is also essential is to realize we have all sinned and have

need of a Savior. As we have seen matching Isaiah with the

New Testament accounts, Jesus is that Savior. May we embrace

God’s grace this Easter season with a new sense of love and

thankfulness for God is good.

Pastor Larry

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

March 28 12:00 Women’s Fellowship luncheon at East End Grill (airport). Let Carol know if you are coming and if you want to carpool (meet at 11:30 at church).

Mowing sign up list is in the back. Thank you in advance to

those who sign up. Also a sign up sheet if you are interested in attending a Sunday School class.

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for

your continued giving!

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

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) and on facebook

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon,

announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Todd Henricks; Tate Sawyer; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry

Traxler; Michelle West; Michelle’s mom; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli

Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Ron &

Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina

Wilhelm; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Carl and Wilma

Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim

Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo &

Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren;

Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus;

healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters;

victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian

Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto Rico;

Turkey/Syria earthquake

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Chicago First Church and the

Intercultural Ministries Office

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live

and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus

Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To

move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and

equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost,

find peace.

March 12 Sermon and Announcements

 CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 12, 2023

Who Is Jesus? – Part 3

Isaiah 53:7-10

As we continue our look at Who Is Jesus a little review. Two

weeks ago we read how the Messiah would come from what

would seem to be an average home. He would have nothing

special going for him that might attract people to him. Last

week we read how Jesus was rejected by most of the people he

came to minister to. How he would be verbally and mentally

abused by those same people. Yet Jesus would not abandon the

mission before him.

This week we see just how far the son of man will go to fulfill

his calling. In verse 7 we read that he was oppressed and

afflicted yet did not open his mouth, he was led like a lamb to

the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he

did not open his mouth. In Matthew 27:12, we read, “When he

was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no

answer.” Continuing with verse 13, “Pilate asked him, don’t you

hear the testimony they are bringing again you?” Verse 14,

“Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge to the great

amazement of the governor.”

In Isaiah 53:8 we read he was cut off from the land of the living

for the transgressions of my people he was stricken.” Going

back to Matthew 37 we see in verse 27-31 how the soldiers

mocked him and abused him. Jesus was led off to be killed on

the cross. Death that was reserved for only the most evil

criminals of the day. Isaiah 53:9 says he was assigned a grave

with the wicked and with the rich in his death though he had

done no violence nor was any deceit in his mouth. As Jesus

stood before Pilate a short time before the soldiers would mock

and abuse him. Also right before he would be hung on the

cross, Pilate made this pronouncement as we read in Matthew

27:24, “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but

instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his

hands in front of the crowd. I am innocent of this man’s blood

he said, it is your responsibility.” Even as Jesus hung dying on

the cross the abuse and taunting continued. In the final verse,

we read in Isaiah 53 we are told it was the Lord’s will to crush

him and cause him to suffer and though the Lord makes his life

a guilt offering he will see his offspring and prolong his days and

the will of the Lord will prosper his hand.

This morning we are going to focus on the first half of verse 10.

Last week we saw how Jesus cried out to God the Father when

all the sins of the world were placed upon him right before he

died. When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God why hast thou

forsaken me?” Just as it said in verse 10 of Isaiah 53, “It was the

Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer.” All the things

mentioned in those first 10 verses of Isaiah 57 were coming

true. In verse 3 we read he would be despised and rejected. In

verse 4 it says he would take our infirmities and carry our

sorrows. Verse 5 says we would be pierced for our

transgressions and crushed for our iniquities and by his wounds

we would be healed. Then what we read once again this

morning he would be oppressed and afflicted, led away like a

lamb to the slaughter, verse 7. Verse 8, cut off from the land of

the living for our transgressions. Verse 9, assigned a grave with

the wicked and in verse 10, “The Father God would make His

life a guilt offering.” And yet in the last half of the 10 th verse, we

see hope is on the way.

We will look at the last two verses of Isaiah 53 next Sunday, but

we see that everything promised to God’s people during

Isaiah’s time came true. It came true exactly as it had been

promised. To mention it yet again, this was given to God’s

people 700 years before it happened. The children of Israel

were looking for the Savior. There had been earlier promises

made so they were hoping he would come during their lifetime.

Yet we see that when the Savior did come to His people they

rejected Him. Jesus did not save them the way they wanted to

be saved. Throughout most of our nation’s history we have

enjoyed greater freedom than virtually any nation in the past

3000 years. Even those who have felt oppressed have enjoyed

greater opportunity than many throughout history.

So I wonder how would I have acted if I had been waiting for

the Messiah and things did not match what some of the leader I

thought I could trust had told me would happen? Would I have

been one who would have taken a step of faith and tried to

follow Jesus? Or would I have been like the Pharisees and

rejected this Messiah who did not measure up to what I was

hoping for? I cannot say it enough how God’s word proves, if

we feel we need proof, that there is a God who is in control. A

God who knows what we need before we know what we need.

A God who loved us enough to come to earth and experience

what we go through and was willing to do what we could never

do for ourselves.

Next Sunday we will finish this most significant chapter of

prophesy in the Bible. We will see just what God’s people

during Isaiah’s time was told would be the result of all that was

predicted. And we will maybe get a better understanding of

what it was to mean to those who actually saw it come true as

well as all who would come after.

May God continue to bless His word and use it to open the eyes

of those living in darkness, those who are outcast, those who

are afflicted, those who need healing, or in other words “all of us”. Amen.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

March 28 12:00 Women’s Fellowship luncheon

Mowing sign up list is in the back. Thank you in advance to

those who sign up.

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for

your continued giving!

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

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) and on facebook

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon,

announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Family of Charlotte Shively; Todd Henricks; Tate Sawyer; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry

Traxler; Michelle West; Michelle’s mom; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli

Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Ron &

Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina

Wilhelm; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Carl and Wilma

Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim

Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo &

Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren;

Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus;

healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters;

victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian

Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto Rico;

Turkey/Syria earthquake

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Chicago First Church and the

Intercultural Ministries Office

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live

and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus

Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To

move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and

equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

Our Mission Statement:

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

March 5 Sermon

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 5, 2023

 

Who Is Jesus? – Part 2

Isaiah 53:3-6

As we continue to look at Who is Jesus we saw from what we read in Isaiah and in Luke last Sunday that Jesus was not born into a prestigious family. Jesus apparently was just an average man in most every way, at least in the eyes of most people. God wanted to make sure the message that Jesus was sharing with those who would listen and observe is what drew people to himself and to God the Father.

 

This week we see the mission given Jesus was and how it was predicted most people would react to it. Jesus primary mission was to take God’s message of repentance and the opportunity of forgiveness to the Jewish people. Jesus told his disciples In Matthew 10 verse5 not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans but only to the lost sheep of Israel. Jesus himself told a Canaanite woman that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel in Matthew 15:24. So we see Jesus’ primary mission during his ministry was to the Jewish people. Yet we see the prediction in Isaiah 53:3 that Jesus would be despised and rejected by the people Jesus sought to help find salvation and forgiveness. In spite of the rejection that came his way, Jesus willingly took those sins, the suffering of the self-righteous. As well as all the wounds we feel in life. Isaiah 53:4.

 

In spite of all that, he would ultimately bring peace and healing to a world that is and was in desperate need. I will not site all the examples but time and time again the Jewish leaders challenged the message Jesus was sharing. One such example is in Matthew 22 the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus about who to give money to. Was it right to give money to the ungodly Romans by paying taxes? This was one of countless ways the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus and make sure the average Jewish person would not pay attention to him. The different examples that are throughout the gospels clearly shows that most of the Jewish leadership did just what is written of in Isaiah 53.

 

Jesus was rejected, smitten, afflicted, crushed and ultimately pierced for our transgressions, our sins. In spite of all the rejection Jesus never waivered from is mission. In Isaiah 53: 6 we see it is predicted in spite of Jesus’ message hope and salvation we would be like sheep that have gone astray/ Peter (in 1 Peter 2:23-25) quotes these verses when talking about what Jesus went through for us. In spite of the willingness to take our place and all Jesus went through for us, the insults, the rejection, our sinfulness, our willingness to be like sheep that are lead astray Jesus took all of that because of his love for each of us. The amazing thing that is also said in these verses we read this morning is that all these things that happened to the Messiah would be placed on him by God the Father. That seems to be shown to be true by what Jesus cried out as he hung on the cross. In Matthew 27 verse 46 we see Jesus saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” God the Father and God the Son willing did all these things and had all these things happen just as predicted in Isaiah to bring forgiveness and salvation to a world that often times would and does reject God’s offer of grace. Let me repeat it again. All these things that ultimately happened were predicted in Isaiah 700 years before they happened exactly as predicted.

 

As we continue to look at what was foretold in Isaiah about how God would bring salvation to all who will receive, we will continue to see how what was spoke of by Isaiah happened. Next week we will see exactly to what lengths God was willing to go to bring salvation to the world.

 

As we get closer to Easter and the most life changing events that happened in the world, may each one of us take time to search within ourselves to better understand our own relationship with the Lord. It has been said before that each one of us individually is responsible and accountable for what we believe and why we believe it. Isaiah made it clear in spite of God’s attempt to bring salvation to the world not everyone will accept it. Some will violently reject God’s hand of mercy and forgiveness. God wants a deep personal relationship with each one of us. I pray our look at who Jesus is will help us deepen that relationship. As we see how trustworthy the world of God is and we are reminded that God went through all we will ever go through and more because he loves us that much.

 

 

 

 

Scripture and Announcements for February 19

Matthew  4:1-11

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

 Announcements:

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

February 25 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Soup Supper for the community

sponsored by Witness Commission. Sign up sheet in the back.

February 28 Deadline for March newsletter submissions

March 8 Full Board Meeting

March 12 3:00 Closing service for Franklin Grove CoB

Offering plates are in the back on the tables. Thank you for your

continued giving!

Donation Box: Utilities

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) and on facebook

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon,

announcements,  calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Anna Rose Larrick family; Tate Sawyer; Jonah Martina; Jan

Bower; Larry Traxler; Michelle West; Michelle’s mom; Carolyn

Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick;

Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Debbie

Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene

Schultz; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;

Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Shawn Cain;

Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren

Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests;

Coronavirus; healthcare workers and first responders; victims of

disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church;

Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto

Rico; Turkey/Syria earthquake

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Yellow Creek congregation in Northern

IL and their 175 th anniversary this year

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live

and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus

Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To

move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and

equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost,

find peace.

Sermon for February 12, 2023

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

February 12, 2023

 

Let Us Worship – Part 3

What does it mean for you to worship?

Have you thought about what it means for you to worship? Are there certain things you do that draws you closer to the Lord? The Bible talks of five different things or ways to worship the Lord.

 

The first is to be a part of teaching the word or preaching of the word. In 1 Corinthians 4:16-17 we read: ¹⁶ Therefore I urge you to imitate me. ¹⁷ For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. Paul is teaching and preaching the in churches about Jesus and that is the first way to learn and worship the Lord.

 

The next way to worship stated in scripture is by singing songs that honor and glorify God. In Ephesians 5:19-20 we read: ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Clearly singing songs to our Lord is another way we are encouraged to worship the Lord.

The third way to worship the Lord is with our prayers. In Acts 1:13-14 it says: ¹³ When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴ They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Here we see a number of people praying for God’s will to be done after Jesus had ascended back to the Father. We know Jesus often separated for a while from his disciples to pray to God the Father, so we see prayer both as a group or congregation, as well as individually, is another way to worship the Lord.

 

Another way to worship the Lord is with our tithe. In

2 Corinthians:7-12: ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”^[a]

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 

We see the fourth way to worship the Lord by giving back to the Lord as he has blessed us.

 

The 5^th way to worship the Lord is to share in communion. As we come together to share in the bread and cup, we acknowledge to God what has been done for us through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 we read: ²³ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Another way to worship the Lord is to recognize the depth of God’s love that he was willing to go to the cross to pay for our sins and a way to do that is to share in the bread and cup.

 

There are five specific ways to worship that are shown to us in the Bible. Most of us have come to church believing that listening or sharing in the word of God is a way to worship the Lord. Most everyone believes singing songs that tell the stories of God’s love and mercy is another way to worship the Lord. Of course, prayer time is mentioned many times in scripture so we probably always have realized praying either individually or as a congregation is another way to worship the Lord, but have you realized the gifts and offerings you give to this church, to other ministries or even to those of God’s children in need is another form of worship that God honors?

 

The last one mentioned is when we share in communion. Have you considered that is also a God honoring form of worship? Sharing in communion is an intentional act of obedience established in scripture. When we share in communion, we are telling the Lord, “Thank you for taking my place on the cross. Thank you for paying the price for my sins. I love you and know I need a savior.”

 

At the very least, these are 5 different ways of worship that we are given examples of in scripture. As you have been thinking about what draws you closest to God, how many of these 5 do you most closely relate to? God wants to have a relationship with us and that is why worship is important. Families that do things together, whether it is work or play, are stronger than those who do not. God wants us to have that close relationship that will make us stronger as well. Whether you are worshipping the Lord individually or as a church family, we will be better equipped to face life’s up and downs if our faith is strong. Worship is one of the ways to build up our faith. Whether it is singing songs of praise, reading God’s word, praying, coming together to listen to God’s word, giving of offerings or sharing in communion, God is there with us building us up and reviving our spirits. So let us worship the Lord in whatever ways draws us closer to God.

Pastor Larry

 

Scripture and Announcements for January 15

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Announcements:

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

2023 Offering envelopes are available by the copy machine.

2022 Offering envelope summaries have been put in church mailboxes or mailed.

Time to get onboard the Messenger subscription club. Forms are available on the table in the back of the worship area. Current subscribers will be renewed unless you tell Carol otherwise. Please consider subscribing to your church's magazine.

Donation Box for January and February: Utilities/Heating

First Sundays: food donations for the food banks

Pastor Larry: 217-454-2362

Keep in Your Prayers:

Tate Sawyer; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Debbie Liebrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Carl & Wilma Cable; Mike & Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; covid; healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library

Military and other services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; disaster project workers;

District Prayer Calendar: Lanark congregation and those serving with Children's Disaster Services

Scripture and Announcements January 8, 2023

 Epiphany Sunday

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be Born. 

"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold ad of incense and of myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Announcements:

 

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

January 11 Board Meeting: Ex Comm 6:15; Commissions 7:00; Board 7:30

 

2023 Offering envelopes are by the copy machine.

 

2022 offering envelope donation summaries have been put in church mailboxes, if you have one, or mailed out.  Please check your church mailboxes.

 

It’s Messenger Club subscription time. Forms are available in the back on the tables. Please fill it out if you would like to subscribe. Current subscribers will be renewed unless you tell Carol otherwise.

 

Offering plates are in the back on the tables. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Utilities

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) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Tate Sawyer; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus; healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto Rico; La Place congregation

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Where our congregation might be led in the coming months; Council of District Executives meetings

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                        Our Mission Statement:

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

Happy New Year Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

January 1, 2023

 

Are you happy or sad to 2022 go?

Psalm 16:5-6

 

Happy New Year! What is your answer to the question that is asked in the sermon title? Is today just another day? I would like us in our own way, to think for a few minutes about the year 2022, what are  your thoughts? For you, your family, your friends, was it a good year? Were there any special moments this past year that will remain with you for a long time? As I continue to ask questions of a more personal kind, compared to other years how do you rate 2022? I take a bit of time of reflection when we turn the calendar from one year to another. There have been some years that I would have liked to have seen never end. There have been others that I was ready to see what a new year would bring. The fact is in many ways it may be more symbolic than real that one year is really better than another.

 

In the scripture we read today we see an acknowledgment that God is in control. The 5^th verse honestly states, “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup you have made my lot secure.” When we consider how we believe 2022 went, we need to realize God is there providing us with what we need to live life. We are also given the ability to trust and rely on God for much of what we need or we can go out on our own. It is our choice. Verse 6 says, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Notice it says the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Again, pointing out God has allowed good things, even one might say caused good things to come my way.  I do not want to say God does not allow us any ability to make things better for ourselves or our families or make things worse. God gives us a lot of options. Which ones we choose is up to us. What I am saying is each year begins and ends with God rooting us on.

 

As we take a broader look at 2022, we can reflect on things that have happened in our community, our state, our nation and in the world. Is our community in a better place today than it was at the start of 2022? How about our state, our nation, this world we live in. Each person here this morning may have a different answer for each one of these questions. We all view life in different ways. God made us uniquely different, so it is only natural that not everyone views things the same way.

 

Let’s move on to one more question about 2022. Spiritually what kind of year has 2022 been for you? As Christians this is really the most important question. Has 2022 been a year in which you have grown closer and stronger in the Lord? Or has 2022 been a year that has been a struggle because it seems there have been more questions than answers. Oftentimes health problems, financial problems and relationship problems make life difficult. Satan is always trying to tell us God does not care about what we are going through. Of course, that is a lie but that is all Satan knows how to do. So, as I mentioned all those things to consider, what do you think?

 

Looking first at the last question about how 2022 has been for you and me spiritually, what is your answer? I would like to read the last five verses of the 16^th chapter of Pslam at this time as you consider your answer.

⁷ I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,
¹⁰ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

 

If we can somehow make verse 7 and 8 our verses as we face life, every year can be a year full of promise and hope. I especially like what verse 8 says. “I have set the Lord always before me, because he is at my right hand. I will not be shaken.” Man, if we can lock these words into our hearts and minds. Nothing can or will defeat us. The second half of the verse 8 says it all, because he (God) is at my right hand I will not be shaken. What a powerful statement of faith and trust. That is where God wants us to be.

 

So, as we begin 2023, let us be honest about what may have gone right and what may have gone wrong in 2022. After we spend a little time reflecting on that though, it is time to look forward to this new year we are beginning. There may be times of great joy and there may be moments of deep sorrow. There may also be everything in between. No matter what 2023 brings our way, if we allow the Lord to help us grow spiritually to the point we can honestly say, “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” If more times than not we face every situation that comes our way with that kind of confidence, the Lord will see to it 2023 is a year of victory. Have a blessed and victorious 2023! The Lord is with you every minute of the day if we only let him.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Tuesday, January 3 9:30 Bible study resumes.

                        10:45 take down sanctuary decorations

 

January 8 worship in Fellowship Hall

 

January 11 Board Meeting

 

2023 Offering envelopes are by the copy machine.

 

January/February newsletter deadline is January 4.

 

Messenger Club subscription forms are inserts in this bulletin. Please fill it out if you would like to subscribe. Current subscribers will be renewed unless you tell Carol otherwise.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

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) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Tate Sawyer; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus; healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto Rico; La Place congregation

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the congregations and the leaders in our district.

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                        Our Mission Statement:

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