Sermon and Announcements August 3, 2025

 August 3, 2025

Worship

Revelation 19:1-8

You might remember that not long ago I raised the question what does

worship mean to you? This morning, we aren’t going to look at that

question again I am going to give you some examples of worship that

has encouraged me. Two of them Cathy and I experienced firsthand, 1

of them is an example recorded almost 25 years ago.

I will admit that singing and music get me in the mood or in an attitude

of worship better than almost anything else although I will admit the

beauty of God’s creation is right in there as well. One example in the

New Testament is when the announcement was made to the shepherds

when Jesus was born and the Heavenly Host came singing glory to God

on the highest, this compelled the Shepards to go so they could see and

worship the new born king.

In the verses we read today it doesn’t necessarily say that the great

multitude was singing but it does state they were shouting Hallelujah,

salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Which lead the 24

elders and the 4 living creatures to fall down and worship God. So

powerful music, words or events can cause the creation of God to

worship.

The first example I am sharing today is from a Christian concert that

happened on May 3 rd of this year. Stacie helped get this loaded and

now the pressure is on Cathy to bring it up. I recorded about 2 minutes

of this particular song which is entitled Hey Girl. I originally thought of

using it on Mother’s Day but went a different direction. What you

aren’t going to be able to pick up on is the conditions that evening.

What was so powerful to me that evening is that I came to realize what

our worship in the presence of God will be like when we get to Heaven

by the example, we witnessed that night.

That evening wasn’t hot by any stretch of the imagination but with how

we were dressed it wasn’t cold either. What it was rainy. It rained the

entire evening and this was an outdoor concert. Now the singers and

most of those attending were under cover but there were probably 100

or more that had paid more to be right in front of the stage. They were

out in the rain and it absolutely poured at times during the evening. In

spite of that I didn’t see 1 person give up and seek cover.

That’s the kind of love, devotion and commitment we will all have for

worship when we are face to face with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The second example is a from a concert Cathy our daughter Tara and

granddaughter Adddison as well as myself went to Thursday at the

Devon. One additional comment is the 4 of us also went to the concert

in May as well.

The song I recorded is entitled “When We Pray”, the artist is Tauren

Wells. This was just a great time joining together with fellow believers

to celebrate and also worship the Lord. Which leads to our final video I

am going to ask Cathy to play for us. This is from a concert that

happened almost 25 years ago. It isn’t a concert we attended it is a

concert I have on DVD. I have mentioned before my favorite solo

Christian artist is Michael W. Smith. This song is part of a concert in

which the tour that year was called Worship. The song that is going to

be played is Awesome God. So, let’s see what happened as he

performed this song on this evening.

I don’t know if you picked up on it or not but before Michael ever

began singing those in the audience began singing the song.

Throughout that night it seemed most weren’t there to see Michael W.

Smith they were there to praise and worship God. That is what true

worship is. It’s not about anything other than seeking and feeling the

presence of God in our lives.

In just a few minutes we all have an opportunity to Worship God in a

completely different way. While music can and does set the tone for

many when it comes to worship there are other ways to worship God

and our Savior Jesus Christ as well. One of those ways is with the bread

and cup. The communion service is one of the most powerful forms of

worship there is. This is an acknowledgement of who Jesus is and what

he has done for us. When we join together with our brothers and

sisters we are saying to the Lord, “Thank You for loving me enough to

pay the price for my sins you alone are worthy of praise.”

So, after we sing our closing hymn, we will offer God worship by sharing

in the bread and the cup. God is pleased every time we celebrate this

most important sacrament. When we come to him with an attitude of

worship and thanksgiving.

Pastor Larry

Announcements

August 10--Larry and Cathy's last Sunday with us. We will have a potluck dinner after worship with the meat and drink provided. All are welcome

                2:00-4:00 CUIC ice cream social at Born Park

August 17--Doug Larrick gives the message in song.

August 20--12:00 Women's Fellowship lunch; meal is provided

Sermon and Announcements July 27

 July 27, 2025

Joseph, a man of Faith and Integrity

The Final Chapter

Genesis 41:1,8+9,14-16,25-32,39+40

We are going to get through the remainder of Josephs incredible story

this morning. We may stay till noon to complete the story but we will

do it. Last week we left it with Joseph in prison. That’s the bad part the

good part is the warden put Joseph in charge of the entire prison.

Joseph interpreted dreams for 2 of Pharaoh’s men while they were in

prison. One was restored by Pharaoh to his former position the other

was put to death. In both cases this happened exactly how these 2

men’s dreams predicted things would happen and exactly how Joseph

said it would happen.

This catches up to what we read from Genesis 41 today. We read

Pharaoh had had a dream that was troubling him. He called in those in

the kingdom that should be able to tell him what the dream meant but

none of them were able to do so. The chief cupbearer who was in

prison with Joseph became aware of Pharaoh’s frustration and finally

remembered Joseph. He told Pharaoh how Joseph had interpreted his

and the chief baker's dreams for them and that things happened just as

Joseph had told them. So, Pharaoh calls for Joseph to be brought to

him.

Pharaoh proceeds to tell Joseph his dream and once again God gives

Joseph the wisdom to interpret the dream for Pharaoh. The dream told

of 7 years of abundant crops to be followed by 7 years of poor crops.

Do you have any idea why this is all happening to Egypt, Pharaoh and

why Joseph is the one to deliver the news? We are about to find out.

Before we get there, however, Pharaoh is so impressed by the

importance of this dream that he is determined to find someone to

create a plan for storing crops over the next 7 years so they can survive

the 7 lean years. He finds no one in all of Egypt who he fells can handle

the job until he realizes Joseph this incredibly intelligent and Blessed

man is the one for the job.

So not only is Joseph taken out of prison, but he is put in charge of

everything in Egypt. God is with Joseph in such a powerful way that this

former Hebrew slave becomes the second most powerful man in all of

Egypt.

Now it really gets even more amazing. After the seven good years in all

of the middle east a drought hits everyone. I’m not going to read from

the Bible the rest of what happens next, but you will find it in the 42 nd

thru the 47 th chapters of Genesis.

Now Jacob, Joseph's dad, becomes aware that Egypt has plenty of food

in spite of the drought that is affecting everyone in the region. Jacob

sends all of Josephs brothers except Benjamin to Egypt in hopes of

buying what they need to survive the drought. When they get to Egypt

who is it that they must talk to about buying what they need? Joseph.

Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him, after all

many years had passed by now and there would be no way Joseph

would have such a job in Egypt.

Joseph upon meeting with his brothers realizes one of his brothers is

not with them, Benjamin. Joseph asks is this all the brothers you have in

your family to which they respond one brother is back with their father

the other is “no more”. Joseph told them I want to see this youngest

brother I will sell you the grain you request but you must leave one of

your brothers here and go bring Benjamin here to me before all of you

can return back to your father. While this was going on Joseph had

some of Pharaoh’s men put back the silver in with the brothers'

possessions along with the grain Joseph had agreed to sell them. On the

way back to their father they realized they had silver in with the

possessions that should not be there. The brothers were afraid of what

their father was going to say when they told him everything that had

happened.

To fast forward the story they returned to Egypt again this time with

Benjamin and even more silver to give to Pharaoh. Joseph inquired

about their dad and eventually sent them on their way back home but

this time Joseph had pharaoh’s men plant a fancy silver cup in

Benjamin’s bag. They tracked them down and accused Benjamin of

stealing. This time Joseph demanded that their dad come to Egypt or

Benjamin will never go free. Before they left to go on back to their dad

Joseph revealed who he really was to his brothers. They were both

shocked and terrified, but Joseph assured them God made this all

happen so many lives could be saved from the drought.

Joseph said please go get our father and bring him here many years of

drought are still to come, and you can live here in peace and safety.

Ultimately all of Josephs brothers acknowledged their sin to Joseph and

said we deserve to be slaves to you but Joseph, knowing that God made

all of this happened told his brothers these powerful words. You sought

to do evil to me; but God meant it for good. What a statement of Faith

and trust Joseph delivered to his brothers.

So what, if anything, is for us to learn from Josephs life and example?

There are no less than 7 major events that happened in Josephs life.

1. He was sold into slavery by his brothers

2. He was put in charge of Potiphar’s house and all of his possessions

3. He was falsely accused of inappropriate behavior and thrown into

prison

4. While in prison the warden put him in charge of the prison

5. Because God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, he foretold

the future to Pharaoh and as a result was released from prison

and put in charge of all of Egypt

6. Joseph was reunited with all of his family, and they lived securely

in Egypt for the remainder of their lives with Pharaoh’s blessing.

7. Joseph said one of the most powerful statements and

acknowledgments that all of us at times should lay claim to

sometimes the things that happen in our lives Satan uses to try to

pull us away from God

8. We can agree with what Joseph said when he said “you intended

evil for me; but God intended good

Joseph’s life is one of the most powerful examples of what can

happen if we are people of Faith and Integrity. Time after time it

would have been easy for Joseph to give up and say what’s the use.

Know matter how hard I try to do the right thing I always seem to get

kicked in the teeth. I give up, what’s the use. But that wasn’t what

Joseph said and did. Joseph was another person who wasn’t anyone

special other than the fact he refused to give in to what Satan was

trying to do through all of these events.

Gods hand was upon him every step of the way and Joseph’s

faithfulness was ultimately rewarded. The lesson for us is to never

give up or give in to Satan’s lies. God is always with us and even

when we can’t see it God is working all things for good for those who

are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:28. So when things try to pull you down

stay strong God will you through just like he did in Josephs life.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

August 10 Larry & Cathy’s last Sunday with us—farewell

potluck meal after worship—meat and drink provided

August 17 Doug Larrick—message in song

Executive Committee and Search Committee after

worship

August 20 12:00 Women’s Lunch, meal provided

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

Keep in Your Prayers

Louis Sulwer family; Carroll Clarkson family; Randy and  Michelle West; Bill Traughber; Martha Wood; StacieWarren; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and

Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell;

Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock;

Adiline Young; Mayo Hanaver; many unspoken requests;

victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the

Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic

Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence;

military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer

Service workers; Disaster project workers; immigrants, the poor

and needy, flood victims and their families; those who will lose

insurance and Medicaid

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Charismatic Christian

Center in Chicago and for the Intercultural Ministries office.

Sermon and Announcements July 13

 

July 13, 2025

                                Joseph, a man of Faith and Integrity

           

                                             Genesis 37:1-8,16-28

 

It has probably been a while since most of us have looked at the story of Joseph. There are several men with the name of Joseph that have played important roles in Gods story, Gods relationship with mankind. In Genesis 37 we pick up on the story of one of the sons of Jacob who had an important role in shaping not only the direction of his family but the nation of Israel from this point forward.

 

Joseph was the first son born to Rachael and Jacob. Let’s quickly go back and look at first Jacob’s story then Jacob and Rachael’s. Jacob got both the birthright and the blessing that was supposed to go to Esau. The first Esau gave up willingly the second was taken from him with trickery. As a result of these actions Jacob escaped to Paddan Aram to the relatives of his mother. Esau, his brother, had vowed to kill Jacob if he ever caught up with him.

 

While in this new land he saw a young women named Rachael and fell in love with her. He spoke to her father about marriage and it was agreed if he worked for him for 7 years he could marry Rachael. There was one catch Jacob didn’t know about before he could marry Rachael Labans oldest daughter must marry. Laban tricked Jacob and after 7 years he was really marrying Leah not Rachael.

 

He ultimately also married Rachael and finally had the girl of his dreams. However, one of the most important things to a man at this time was carrying on the family name and Jacob really wanted to do this through Rachael but she seemed unable to have children. Without going any deeper into the story than we already have Rachael finally did have 2 boys, Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob’s favorite of all the sons he had been blessed with was Rachaels firstborn, Joseph.

 

Jacob was the father of 12 sons; they eventually became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. With all that being said let's get back to the story of Joseph that we read a little about in Genesis 37. We read that Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons. As a result, he gave Joseph this amazing coat that set him apart from his brothers in a very visible way. Josephs brothers were jealous of the way their father favored Joseph in many ways. Their jealousy turned into hatred. Things got worse when Joseph had a dream that told how the older brothers would bow down to their younger brother something that was unheard of in the culture of the day.

 

Instead of keeping this dream to himself he told his brothers about it which made them hate him even more. As bad as things were already Joseph had one more dream that even had not only his brothers bowing down to him but his dad as well. As far as his brothers were concerned this was the last straw, they vowed to kill Joseph first chance they got.

 

That’s where we picked up the story at the 16^th verse. The brothers didn’t kill Joseph they decided to sell him to traders on their way to Egypt instead. So, they were sure he was gone forever, and they got some money besides. What was Joseph’s biggest crimes? The love of his father that he personally had nothing to do with and being naïve. Joseph just honestly told his brothers and also his dad the dreams he had. We don’t know whether Joseph actually thought those dreams would come true or not but the fact that he had the nerve to tell his brothers and his dad these dreams were just too much for his brothers to take.

 

I don’t know how many of you might be the youngest son or daughter in your family but sometimes it seems like the youngest child gets away with a lot more than the older brothers and sisters were able to do. That may have also been the case with Joseph as well. To be perfectly clear Joseph wasn’t actually the youngest son but was the favorite because he was the first son born to Jacob by Rachael. Still he was one of the youngest sons as well.

 

We are going to follow Joseph’s story a little more next week but before we close things out today, I would like to read Genesis 38:1-6 for you. Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.the Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When the master saw the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and all that he owned, the Lord Blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

 

So we see that Joseph was a man of honesty as well as integrity. And we see the Lord blessed everything Joseph did even in this foreign land. Gods blessing clearly came as a result of his faithfulness to God in spite of everything that had happened to him. How would we have reacted if the things that had happened to Joseph happened to us? Would we have questioned God? Would we be angry at God for allowing this to happen even though he had really done nothing wrong. One might say, so that’s what I get for being honest.

 

Josephs story still has a few more twists and turns in it that we will pick up next week. Just a couple of things to think about as we wrap this up today. Can you remember a time when you told the truth about something that had no intention of hurting anyone only to have it come back to bite you? Have you ever felt the anger of someone because you seemed to be favored by someone even though you did nothing special that lead to that favoritism? That what set all this in motion for Joseph. Maybe we could say he didn’t use the best judgement with his brothers and his dad but I think it’s hard to say he was doing anything more than just telling them about his dream.

 

Next Sunday we will see what still lies ahead for this man of faith and integrity. We will see if there are things in Joseph’s life and how he faced a variety of challenges that we can apply to our own lives.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

July 15 6:00 pm Search Committee

July 21-25 VBS at the Oakley Brick CoB

July 24-26 Town rummage sales

 

We sent a total of $1940 to Heifer International. Thanks to all who gave and to Witness Commission for matching the giving.

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

The Baker family; Shirley Clarkson and family; Randy & Michelle West; Bill Traughber; Martha Wood; Stacie Warren; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell; Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; Louis & Carol Sulwer; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock; Adiline Young; Mayo Hanaver; many unspoken requests; victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence; military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers; immigrants, the poor and needy, flood victims and their families; those who will lose insurance and Medicaid

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for Camp Emmaus, campers, staff, and manager Randall Westfall.

 

 

 

Sermon and Announcements June 22

 

June 22, 2025

How’s Yours?

           

                                             Galatians 5:22+23

 

We have finally arrived at the last of the 9 fruits of the spirit and it is self control. When we think of self-control we can go off in several directions. For this to be one of the fruits of the spirit it is clear that this should be used in a positive way for the followers of Christ. So lets look at some of the ways self-control is important to not just a believer but for everyone.

 

When you think of self control what comes to mind? One of the things that comes to mind for me is food. I have heard more than one person say they just don’t have any self control when it comes to chocolate or certain snacks or their favorite food. Others may say when comes to shopping or on a more negative side alcohol or gambling. There are many things in life that challenge our self-control and it is different for every person.

 

There are clearly other places that self-control is important to have. When we are having conversations with one another things can be said that may make us want to respond a certain way that may not always be helpful. There is the old saying that encourages us to count to 10, at the very least before we respond.

 

When we are working on something or making something and nothing is going like it should be self-control can help us not make a bad situation worse. As I have been listing some of these different ways self-control can be very helpful did other examples or some different situations you have faced come to mind? There are so many ways self-control can prevent us from making a situation worse than it needs to be.

 

Many of the things I mentioned to begin with, in regard to self-control, help us to be healthier, happier people if we can limit or eliminate certain things in our lives. The things mentioned later on sometimes has to do with how we interact with one another. A couple of verses in the Bible that encourages us to have self-control when working or speaking to one another is found in James 1:19+20. There we read “My dear brothers, and I might add sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

 

Self-control can help each and everyone of us in a number of ways. Whether it’s our eating and drinking habits or the things we do or even the things we might watch on television having proper moderation, self-control, can help us keep our lives more in the balance that will help us in the long run. I believe self-control is one of the fruits of the spirit because God clearly knows that living a life where we are in control and not the things in and around us will always be best for us.

 

The only way to do that is to allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to operate in us and through us as God intends for each one of his children. As important as self-control is to our health and our well being the verse we read from James points out that possibly the most important use of self-control can be when we are dealing with one another. We started off with the sermon title How’s Yours? As we have looked at a variety of ways self-control is important to us what kind of score do you give yourself? If you’re like me you might have to admit I do okay in some areas and not as good in others. Through the power of the Holy spirit no matter what age we are we can continue to have this fruit continue to grow in our lives. Self- control is available to every child of God if you’re not quite where you would like to be ask God to help you have the self-control he wants you, us to have.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

TODAY after worship—executive committee

June 25 6:30 pm Search Committee meeting—please join us if you are interested in helping with this important work

June 29 newsletter submission deadline for July/August issue

July 2 – 6 Annual Conference

July 10 6:00 Board meeting—commissions first and then full board

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Bill Traughber; Martha Wood; Stacie Warren; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell; Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Shirley & Carroll Clarkson; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock; Adiline Young; Mayo and Darlene Hanaver; many unspoken requests; victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence; military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers; immigrants, the poor and needy

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for our congregation and for the work of the CoB Global Missions Office.

 

Sermon and Announcements May 25

 

May 25, 2025

THE DAILY DOUBLE

GALATIANS 5:22

 

This morning's message title is about the fact we are going to look at 2 of the fruits of the spirit today. I believe these 2 have some similar applications in our lives. The 2 we are looking at are kindness and goodness. When I got thinking about these two, I was led to think of it this way. Kindness is something you do or show to others and goodness is, ideally, what naturally flows out of you.

 

As I was thinking what it means to be kind or to exhibit kindness, I think of how we help each other in times of need. James 1:27 says this “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress.” In this verse we can see both the fruit of kindness and the fruit of goodness in action. It is truly an act of kindness when we act when we see others in need. What most often motivates some one to show kindness however is a goodness that is flowing out of that person as well.

 

I am sure that everyone of you can think of times when you showed kindness to someone who was going through tough times or could use some sort of encouragement. Each time you have done that it shows that the Holy Spirit led you to meet a need because it was the right thing to do. I’m sure you weren’t looking for anything in return just the joy of knowing you could help. When the fruit of the spirit, kindness, is flowing through us we find the most satisfaction when we realize God has led us to meet a need for others.

 

As we continue to grow in the Lord we are led to the understanding of what God needs us to do and be. In Colossians 3:12 we read this “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” To look at what we are considering today we are reminded to clothe ourselves with kindness. When you clothe yourself, you cover for the most part your entire body. That’s how much kindness is to be part of who we are in Christ.

 

Now let’s look closer at goodness. To begin with I said kindness is what we do and goodness is what we are. When the fruit of the spirit, goodness, is flowing through us as God intends that will be true. When we think about what it means to be good or to exhibit goodness what exactly is that like? We often describe someone as being good at this or that but what does it mean to be good as implied in Galatians 5:22? What makes a good person a good person?

 

Each of us may describe what a good person is like a little differently but we probably all have the same overall thought of what that person is like when we get right down to it. Being good and exhibiting goodness isn’t something you have to think about it just naturally flows from a man or woman of God.

 

When we recognize God for who he is he has even made a promise to us about goodness. In the 23^rd Psalm we are reminded of what God will do for us. We all know how the 23^rd starts out “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” If we fast forward to the 6^th and last verse we are promised this “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” If we begin each day acknowledging the fact the Lord is my shepherd we are saying to God, we Love you and trust you, in return God is saying to us goodness and mercy are yours to claim.

 

Why should goodness be a part of who we are? Because God has shown us goodness in ways we can’t even comprehend in return, he has given us the ability to have goodness flowing through us by the Holy Spirit. When we consider kindness and goodness, we know we are to be Gods witnesses to a world in need. Jesus Christ has given us everything we need to experience Gods kindness and goodness for ourselves. He has also given us the ability to have kindness and goodness flowing through us to others. As we continue to look at all of the fruits of the spirit we have been given, may we look at more and more ways to share these with not only our families and friends but also with a hurting world in need of kindness and goodness.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 31 9:30 Stem strawberries and then set up tables

June 1 Strawberry Festival 4:00 - 6:00

June 8 Heifer International special offering—to be matched by Witness Commission—more information next week.

 

Are you willing to be on a search committee for a pastor to succeed Larry? Please let Carol know if you feel called to be on this committee. It needs to get started soon.

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Vallen (Tracy’s granddaughter); Pat Creviston; Stacie Warren; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell; Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Shirley & Carroll Clarkson; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock; Adiline Young; Mayo and Darlene Hanaver; many unspoken requests; victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence; military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers; immigrants

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for all the historic cemeteries cared for by our churches, including the Coal Creek cemetery maintained by the Canton congregation.

 

 

Sermon and Announcements May 11

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

May 11, 2025

 

The story of the other Mary

John 12: 1-3

 

A couple of weeks ago I said on Mother’s Day we would take a look at Mary the mother of Jesus. I am not sure how good your memories are but as I was looking at Mary’s life, I came to the realization that I shared her story last year. So, this Mother’s Day we are going to look at Mary of Bethany instead.

 

In the verses we read today we see that 6 days before Passover, the Passover right before Jesus crucifixion, Jesus is in the  town near to Jerusalem of Bethany. We see that some of Jesus closest friends live there and they provide Jesus with a special dinner. In the 11^th chapter of John is where we see the story of Lazarus. For a little back ground, Mary and her sister Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother and Jesus good friend was dying, and Jesus needed to come immediately to save him. We all know the story, that Jesus stayed 2 more days where he was at before coming to Bethany, Lazarus’s home town. When Jesus had first reached the outskirts of Bethany he was meet by Martha who told him that Lazarus was dead. After talking to her for a while he sent Martha to get her sister, Mary. Ultimately Lazarus was raised from the dead and Mary’s thoughts about Jesus and his power and authority were forever changed.

 

So, getting back to what is happening in the verses we read this morning we see Jesus is having a meal with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as well as others. During their time together Mary gets up and gets some expensive perfume that she had and proceeds to wash Jesus’ feet with the perfume and dry his feet with her hair. Judas, who was the money keeper for Jesus, thought this a waste of money implying the perfume could have been sold and could have helped a lot of people. Jesus said in the 7^th verse “leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

 

Jesus was acknowledging the Love and respect Mary had for him as well as a spiritual understanding God had revealed to her of what was about  to happen to Jesus even though she didn’t really understand it at the time. Mary was always the one who would step out in faith and do things that at times others didn’t understand because she was open to the Holy Spirits leading.

 

In Luke the 10^th chapter beginning with the 38^th verse we read this, “as Jesus and his disciples were on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Martha, Martha the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

So, we again see that Mary is feeling the need to be a part of what Jesus is doing at the time and even her sister isn’t happy about how things are going at this moment. Whether these 2 dinners mentioned in Luke and John are the same or different we don’t know. There are a couple of differences in what is going on. What we see in both is the fact that Mary has such love and desire to learn from Jesus that she is willing to risk the anger and frustration of her sister to be in the middle of what is happening.

 

Mary is one of the great women of the Bible because she knew what a life changing man Jesus was. In many ways her worship and commitment to the Savior of the world was more powerful and honest than the disciples, who had spent 3 years with Jesus. Mary is a powerful example to, first of all, every woman of how love and commitment is always going to be rewarded when your priorities are in the right things and the right places.

 

To the mothers here this morning the examples of sacrifice and love no matter the cost that Mary examples are obvious in virtually every one of you. It isn’t always easy or popular to stand up for your family and the values you hold dear but with our Savior on your side you have the power to do whatever the Lord inspires you to do.

 

There are many examples of great mothers and great women in the Bible. Whether it be Moses’ mother who loved her son so much she was willing to let him go so he could live. Or Ruth that we read about 2 weeks ago whose love and devotion to her mother-in-law was so undying she would leave her home to go to a new land and worship the God she had come to respect from Naomi. Or Mary, Jesus’ mother who answered the call God placed before her without hesitation saying let it be as you say.

 

Then we have today’s example of a woman who did things as she felt led and every time someone questioned what she was doing Jesus came to her rescue. May each of you women here today continue to find inspiration and courage from these women who stood for the Lord even when people questioned them. Your church needs you; your families need you and your God needs you. Thank you for everything you have done in the past and are

 

doing now in the present. God Bless you may it be said of you what Jesus said of Mary, you have chosen what is better and it will not be taken from you.

 

Thank you, may God continue to bless you and may all of you women have a great and blessed Mothers Day.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 14 Women’s Fellowship lunch 12:00—baked potato bar—sign up sheet in the back

May 17 7:00 pm CGHS Graduation

May 18 Council meeting after worship

June 1 Strawberry Festival—sign up sheet in back for pie crusts and other food needs

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Vallen (Tracy’s granddaughter); Pat Creviston; Stacie Warren; Doris Morganthaler; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell; Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Shirley & Carroll Clarkson; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock; Adiline Young; Mayo and Darlene Hanaver; many unspoken requests; victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence; military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

 

Sermon and Announcements April 27, 2025

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

April 27, 2025

 

Ruth, a woman of honor and love

Ruth 1:3-18

 

Mother’s Day is just 2 weeks away. I was going to highlight a couple of the great women, mothers of the Bible starting next Sunday but with Walt being with us next week we will look at Ruth this week and Mary, Jesus’ mother on Mother’s Day.

 

We have looked at parts of the incredible story of Ruth before but this time we are going to look even closer at this amazing woman. We began this morning reading about Naomi. If we had begun with the first verse in chapter 1 we would have seen that Naomi and her husband Elimelech moved from Judah to Moab because of a famine. They also moved with their 2 sons. While in Moab Elimelech died leaving Naomi in a strange land with her 2 sons.

 

Naomi’s 2 sons married women from Moab during their time there. Unfortunately, Naomi’s sons died leaving Naomi with 2 daughters in laws in a land they called home but a foreign land to Naomi. Naomi decides to go back to Judah to be with family and friends that her and her husband had left behind. Naomi told her daughters in law to stay home in the land they knew and asked the Lord to grant them new husbands. Naomi Loved and respected both of these women and wanted nothing but the best for them. At first both resisted saying we will stay with you and go where you go. Eventually Orpah decided to stay in Moab but Ruth refused, promising to go with Naomi and that Naomi’s God would be her God.

 

Ruth loved and respected her mother-in-law and her deceased husband so much that she was going to go and be there for Naomi no matter where she went. At this time in history inheritance was passed down through men in Judah so Naomi wasn’t intitled to any of Elimelech’s property back in his home land. Naomi and Ruth had nothing so Naomi told Ruth to pick up the leftovers from the barley harvest that was going on telling her hopefully someone would look favorably on you.

 

A man of standing in the land noticed Ruth and asked around about who she was and what she was doing. Someone told him Naomi’s and Ruth’s story and he was impressed with Ruth’s integrity and commitment to Naomi. To the point Boaz told the field supervisors to leave some of the good stuff for Ruth to easily find. Ruth didn’t understand why Boaz was helping her so much so she asked him about it, this is what he said. In the 2^nd chapter the 12 verse Boaz said, “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come in to take refuge.” Of course, Boaz was talking about Ruth’s willingness to leave everything she knew to go with her mother-in-law to a new land.

 

If we were to read the rest of this incredible story, we would see that eventually Boaz and Ruth married. They ultimately had a son whose name was Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse who was the father of a pretty important man, King David. Ruth was a woman of a different country and a different religious background before God lead her to marry a man originally from Judah. After the death of her first husband, her love and respect for her mother-in-law lead her to a new land a new culture and a new faith. Ruth is the only non-Jewish person to have a book in the Old Testament. Just as Boaz prayed, God did reward Ruth’s faithfulness with a place in history that is as important as anyone’s. Because she was willing to leave what was familiar and comfortable God forever Blessed her. She became the great grandmother of the greatest warrior and king Israel ever had. She is also in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

What an incredible example of Love, Faith, and Trust she was and continues to be all these thousands of years later. Ruth is also an example of the fact God just asks us to be willing to be available to his calling. Even if we don’t realize that’s what God is doing.

 

Ruth is a special woman and mother who inspires women and men alike. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, daughter-in-law and mother may each of us find inspiration from this amazing woman of God. For you women, you mothers here this morning some of you might be like Naomi who made such an impact on Ruth that she refused to leave her mother in laws side. Or maybe you are like Ruth who faithfully did what she thought was right and God blessed her in incredible ways or maybe you have been to a degree like both of these women. For all you women who faithfully are making a difference I say and I know God says thank you. You may never know on this earth just what kind of an impact you are making. As best you can, just keep answering the call, as was true with Ruth, great will be your reward.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 1 Board Meeting—6:00 Commissions; 6:30 Board

May 4 Walt Wiltschek will be with us for worship; we will have a potluck dinner afterwards for all.

May 14 Women’s Fellowship lunch 12:00—baked potato bar—sign up sheet in the back

May 18 Council meeting after worship

 

--May newsletter submissions due April 30

 

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Vallen (Tracy’s granddaughter); Pat Creviston; Stacie Warren; Doris Morganthaler; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell; Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Shirley & Carroll Clarkson; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock; Adiline Young; Mayo and Darlene Hanaver; many unspoken requests; victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence; military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the District’s Ministry Leadership Development Team and all the clergy in the District.