10 Ways to Honor Your Mom and Dad

From https://www.allprodad.com/10-ways-to-honor-your-mom-and-dad/

Honor your father and mother has been a commandment that has been around with us for a long, long time. But do we continue to do that even though we are an adult? And can you set an example for your children now about how you would like to be treated when you and they are older? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” to both questions. Here are 10 ways to honor mom and dad:

1. Make your mom and dad look good.

Simply be a good man. People will make the connection. What more could parents ask for?

2. Let them know you understand what they have done for you.

Play this one by ear, because some parents have a hard time with sentimentality. But a note here, a word of thanks dropped carefully there, a card, a phone call, a hug. Just make sure they get the information. “Dad… hey… I’m not sure I ever told you how much I appreciated your encouragement when I was struggling in middle school.” “Mom… listen… You may not realize it, but I know that you pray for me every day. I wanted to say thanks…”

3. Listen to their stories.

A) You might learn something B) The act of listening is going to affirm and encourage your parents C) You have provided the gift of presence.

4. Tell them your stories.

A surprising number of people with adult children don’t know much about what’s going on in their children’s lives. Get on the phone, take them out to dinner, visit for morning coffee on the way to work. Whatever it takes, stay connected.

5. Be excited about their lives.

Who cares if you don’t get the finer nuances of shuffleboard. So what if your dad’s work as an elementary school tutor fails to excite you. Do you really think they always looked forward to listening to you back in middle school band? Get on board and show some enthusiasm – about whatever it is they’re up to.

6. Strengthen your marriage.

No matter how things worked out for your parents, their hopes and dreams for you still boil down pretty much to one thing – they want to see you happy in a marriage that works. We’ve all heard the one about “Stay together for the kids…” but how about “Make this marriage strong because it will honor our parents”?

7. Love their grandchildren.

Okay, so maybe mom and dad’s real #1 desire is to see their grandkids happy! So honor your parents by loving your kids with the kind of love that doesn’t let go, never gives up, always teaches and directs and – makes their grandparents’ hearts sing.

8. Don’t expect them to bail you out.

If your parents are at all careful about money, then you already know it bothers them to no end to see unrestrained spending and mounting debt. So handle it already. And work hard to avoid dishonoring them by looking for a bailout. Like it or not, your debt reflects negatively on them.

9. Pick up the tab once in a while.

You may not get to keep it. But, believe us when we say this, it means the world to mom and dad when you at least try.

10. Try not to run roughshod over their values.

This is a work in progress – as are we all. Kids grow up to know their own minds about politics, acceptable language, where they stand on drinking, smoking, movie ratings standards, personal choices – all sorts of things that may have shifted since they left home. It’s Okay to disagree with Mom and Dad on a variety of issues – that’s not the point. The point is to honor our parents along the way. And that can mean (sometimes) leaving your cigarettes in the drawer, serving soft drinks when they come to visit, and simply backing out the fight you know you’re going to get into over health care reform – because you never will see eye to eye on that one.

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3 Things to Know About Honoring Dishonorable Parents – Jay Rivenbark

From https://visitopendoor.com/3-things-to-know-about-honoring-dishonorable-parents-jay-rivenbark/

According to Ephesians 6:2, the fifth commandment that God gave to Moses was the first commandment with a promise attached to it. Exodus 10:12; “Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” But what if you have dishonorable parents? How do you honor them? We’ll examine the issue in three parts.

I. First, what does it mean to honor your parents? Honor means to respect and to assign high value or worth to someone. It does not mean that you will always like them or agree with them. From birth until death we are all individuals with our own thoughts, feelings and emotions. Conflict is inevitable. Honor doesn’t require us to become carbon copies of our parents but we are required to respect and honor them despite our differences.

This commandment takes effect from the time we are born until we die. We are to honor our parents even if they are no longer living.

II. Secondly, let’s look at some practical ways to honor our parents.

a. Submission to their authority even if you know more than they do. Luke 2:41-51 tells how Jesus as a twelve year old boy submitted to his parent’s authority even when they didn’t know and understand everything that he did.

b. Obey their instructions unless it violates God’s word. Colossians 3:20 instructs us to obey our parents in all things for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

c. Never verbally or physically assault them. Old Testament law required the death of anyone who violated this. God took it very seriously then and He still does today.

d. Share in everyday responsibilities. Isn’t it amazing how quickly kids learn to use smart phones and drive a car but can never seem to learn to use a vacuum cleaner or lawnmower! Deuteronomy 21:18-21 provided for the stoning of lazy and rebellious children! Wow!

e. Don’t blame them for all your problems! Take responsibility for yourself. If you had poor examples as parents, learn from their mistakes and move on.

f. Listen to their sound advice. Proverbs 1:5-7 declares the wise listen to sound advice but fools despise it. Isn’t it funny how the older we get the more we realize how wise our parents really were.

g. Always look out for their best interests. In Joshua 2:12-13 Rahab negotiated a deal that would spare not only her life but the life of her parents as well. She wasn’t content until her parents had been protected.

h. Assist them financially if it is needed and if it is desired and you are able to do so. 1 Timothy 5:3-4 tells us that it is the children’s responsibility to provide care for their aging parents and that this is pleasing to God.

i. When you become an adult, leave home! This means physically and financially. They have done their job and made their sacrifices. Their happiness is to see their children grown, productive members of society and living on their own.

j.  Remember them often and celebrate special occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other times just to say hello. One quick simple word means a lot.

k. Communicate. Talk to them, not about them. Whether in person, by phone, text or social media, stay in touch.

l. Pray for them. They have many if not more struggles and challenges than you do.

m. Forgive them. None of us are perfect. If you are a parent, you know the heavy burden of raising a child and the feelings of failure. Whether intentional or not, forgive them for their shortcomings.

III. Third, responding when a parent makes it difficult or impossible to honor them.

a. Psalm 27:10 says when (not if) my father and mother forsake me (hurt me, disappoint me, abuse me, neglect me, abandon me) the Lord will care for me.

b. Psalm 68:5 says God places the lonely individual into a family. It may be a natural family, adopted family, extended family or His church family. God desires to be everything your parents were not or are not.

c. Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone (including your parents).

d. In extremely difficult situations the best way to honor your parents may be to simply keep your distance and avoid the drama. Never stop praying for them and looking for ways to bless them. Even if the person makes it difficult to honor them as an individual, always honor their position as a parent and in doing so you’ll honor God as well.

Looking for Volunteers!

We need YOU to help run VBS! 

We need volunteers for many positions – crew leaders, station leaders, kitchen, photographer, game leader, you name it, we have a job for you!

If you would like to volunteer for VBS this year please click HERE, or email Lea McCullough at: Lea@cedarvilleumc.org. You tell us what you like to do and will find the best fit for you.

Clearances are required. If your clearance is not on file with the church, we will help you obtain them.

Hello, Friends!

A little while back I wrote the below response to some folks who were questioning why we had not yet begun in-person worship services. I have been encouraged to share it with the wider congregation. So, I am sending it your way.

Currently, our plan is to begin in-person worship services on Sunday, May 2 at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00. Depending upon what we see happening with the Covid positivity rate, we may look to hold the services outdoors, in person.
Due to limited seating capacity, we are asking everyone to sign up to attend our services. Next week, the sign up information will be sent via email and will be on our website. 
And, some things to remember when returning to in person worship:

·      Be Exposure/Symptom Free

·      Use Hand Sanitizer on Entry or Re-entry

·      Practice Social Distancing

·      Mask Over Nose AND Mouth

·      Cover Coughs & Sneezes

·      No Person-Person Contact

·      No Congregational Singing (however, you may hum the tunes or mouth the words behind your mask)
Keep watching your emails for details as we move forward. 

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The CUMC Trustees and Re-opening Committee have diligently watched the information throughout this time of Covid pandemic and sought to err on the side of caution in caring for our congregation. The United Methodist Church looks to John Wesley’s Three General Rules for the church, the first of which is “Do No Harm.” 
Because someone with the Covid-19 virus may not show any symptoms, asymptomatic people could easily have the virus and spread the virus without knowing it. And, while we may not, personally, see the effects of it, that does not mean it is not having an effect on others, especially the most vulnerable among us (but not just the most vulnerable) and those beyond us in the communities in which we circulate. And, we may never know who became infected.
My heart is for the church to be fully open and filled with the congregation and guests! My heart also calls me to “Love my Neighbor.” And, for me, this is loving my neighbor, my congregation.
I know that there are those who would say that we lack faith, that we are not trusting God to keep us safe.
The scripture that has been on my heart is from Matthew 4 – where we see Satan seeking to tempt Jesus. 

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: [Psalm 91 is quoted]“‘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.’”In other words, no need to worry about gravity, God will protect you if you jump and will not let gravity bring harm to you.
Jesus response [he quotes Deuteronomy 6:16] is what continues to echo in my head, as he quotes scripture back to Satan: 
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
We have had folks from our own congregation who have battled Covid, some were hospitalized in serious condition, two have died. During this worldwide pandemic, I have sought, not only to err on the side of caution, but also to “not put the Lord our God to the test.” 
I understand that others may feel differently, I am simply sharing where I am coming from. 
I understand that we are all getting tired of this whole thing…they are calling it Covid fatigue. I also understand the analogy that is being used sometimes in calling us to hold out for a little while longer: It is about not spiking the football on the 10 yard line; and more recently I’ve heard the 3 yard line used.
May 2 was selected as a target date to once again begin in-person worship services for those who wish to come because it gets us past Spring Break and the Easter holiday and the potential spikes that could come from them. It also allows time for more folks to be vaccinated.
When we do “open” for in-person worship on May 2 (Lord willing and Covid doesn’t rise), we will open for all three worship services, as the concerns for potential spread of the virus through touching surfaces has been pretty much eliminated.
I look forward to in-person worship at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 beginning on May 2!!
Please continue to hold me in prayer, along with the Trustess and the Re-opening Team as we continue to assess the ongoing situation with new variants of the virus and increases around the globe.
Folks, these have not been easy decisions but they have been made from hearts seeking the best interests of the heath and safety of our church family and the community in which we minister.

I love you all and look forward to our journey ahead.

Grace and peace -Pastor Sherry

Hello, Friends!

Tomorrow marks the official first day of Spring!! The days continue to get longer, the sun seems to shine brighter and warmer, and we have anxiously awaited the arrival of this season!

I am excited to announce another much anticipated event. On Sunday, May 2, we will open our doors once again to in-person worship for those who are ready and comfortable to gather in the Family Life Center and the Sanctuary for worship. (Lord willing and the Covid numbers don’t rise! )

Re-opening to in-person worship on the first Sunday in May gives us a buffer to watch for any increases in the Covid positivity rates in Chester, Montgomery, and Berks following “Spring Break” and Easter gatherings.  

Regarding our re-opening: Yes, we will continue to wear masks for some undetermined period of time. Yes, we will continue to use physically distanced seating in both the Family Life Center and the Sanctuary. Yes, we will sign up to reserve a seat. Yes, we will see each other face-to-face!!

Watch for additional communications over the next several weeks regarding signing up online or by phone.
It is with great excitement that I look forward to opening our doors for 9:30 and 11:00 in-person worship!! We will continue to live-stream both of these worship services, as well.

I was glad when they said to me,
     “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

Blessings!
Pastor Sherry

Cedarville Church Family – I am passing along this email sent from Bishop Peggy Johnson.

Hello, friends!

Today I am sharing with you an email that I received from one of our members. May you be blessed as you live out it’s instructions.
– Pastor Sherry 

Good Morning and welcome to Flight 2021. 

We are prepared to take off into the New Year. 

Please make sure your Positive Attitude and Gratitude are secured and locked in the upright position. 

All self-destruct devices: pity, anger, selfishness and resentment should be turned off at this time. 

All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. 

Should you lose your positive Attitude under pressure during this flight, reach up and pull down a prayer.

Prayers will automatically be activated by Faith. 

Once your Faith is activated, you can assist other passengers who are of little faith. 

There will BE NO BAGGAGE allowed on this flight. 

God, our Captain has cleared us for take-off. 

Destination – GREATNESS! 

Wishing you a New Year filled with new HOPE, new JOY and new BEGINNINGS! 

Welcome to 2021!!! And, Happy New Year!!! 

Be Blessed!!!!

Dear Cedarville Church Family – 

As we journey into this new year, may we walk, faithfully, in the footsteps of the One who calls to us, saying, “Follow Me.”

In 2021, may we resolve to be More Like Jesus in every way!

Blessings and peace for this new year!
Pastor Sherry

Dear Friends – 

As we continue in this journey through Advent – the season of waiting; and through this season of Covid – also a season of waiting, may we hear the word of the angel to the shepherds, “…the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

This good news does not disappear because we are going through difficult days, or weeks, or even months. This good news is for all of our days and weeks and months. This good news is for the entirety of our lives! 

As we move towards Christmas Eve, know that even though we are unable to gather together in person for worship services at the church, we WILL celebrate this “good news of great joy” together. 

Contrary to previous communications, we have decided NOT to hold anything in our church parking lot on Christmas Eve. Instead, we are dedicated to creating and offering meaningful, live-streamed Christmas Eve services (one Contemporary at 6:00 p.m., one Traditional at 8:00 p.m.) so that families can, instead, remain safely at home and gather together around the TV or Computer screen and worship together as the services take you into the Family Life Center (6:00 service) or into the Sanctuary (8:00 service) at Cedarville. 

In the midst of the disappointment, frustration, exasperation, infuriation, and sadness that this season of Covid has brought, I do hope that the Do-It-Yourself Christmas Ornament for 2020 (below) and the We Three Kings Pandemic Parody (below) offer some gentle humor and lift your spirits a bit.

Advent peace, hope, joy, and love

Pastor Sherry