Senior Pastor Daryl Evans Assoc Pastor Brian King Youth Pastor Josh Medlin

701 N. 7th St. Fairbury, IL

815-692-2654 fbcfairbury@gmail.com www.fbcfairbury.com

Sunday School: 8:45 am

Worship: 10 am

Deacons Alan Dunahee

Mark Haab, Jerry Huddleston,

Ken Masuda, Wayne Nelson,

Dave Taylor

2018

Your Cross

. . Laid on him the cross,

to carry it behind Jesus.

Luke 23:26

A number of years ago we began a tradition in Fairbury

of having a Cross Walk on Good Friday. This event is very

simple: a wooden cross is carried down the streets and through-

out town and anyone who wants to come can follow the cross.

This event helps us focus and remember the cross of Jesus

Christ our Savior. But what does it mean to carry the cross?

In Scripture, we see in Simon's carrying the cross a picture of the work of the

church throughout all generations; she is the cross-bearer after Jesus. Notice, that

Jesus does not suffer so as to prevent your suffering. He bears a cross, not that you

may escape it, but that you may endure it. Christ exempts you from sin, but not from

sorrow. Remember that and expect to suffer. But let us comfort ourselves with this

thought, that in our case, as in Simon's, it is not our cross but Christ's cross that we

carry. When you are persecuted for your piety, when your faith makes you the target

of cruel jokes, then remember it is not your cross, it is Christ's cross; and what a privi-

lege it is to carry the cross of our Lord Jesus!

You carry the cross after Him. You have blessed company; your path is marked

with the footprints of your Lord. The mark of His blood-red shoulder is upon that

heavy burden. It is His cross, and He goes before you as a shepherd goes before his

sheep. Take up your cross daily, and follow Him.

Do not forget, also, that you bear this cross in partnership. It is the opinion of

some that Simon only carried one end of the cross, and not the whole of it. That is

very possible. Christ may have carried the heavier part, against the transverse beam,

and Simon may have borne the lighter end. Certainly, that is the case with you; you

only carry the light end of the cross Christ bore the heavier end.

And remember, though Simon had to bear the cross for only a

short while, it gave him lasting honor. Even so, the cross we carry is

only for a little while at most, and then we shall receive the crown, the

glory. Surely we should love the cross and, instead of shrinking from

it, count it very dear, for it works out for us an eternal weight of glory

beyond all comparison.

Blessings to you during Holy Week,

Pastor Daryl

From the Office of Assoc Pastor Brian

How Big Is Your Box?

Do you remember, as a child, when your parents bought a new appliance like a fridge, stove or washer and dryer and how it always came in a big cardboard box? What did they do

with the empty box? Well sometimes they gave it to you to play with. I know at our house, we would turn it upside down and cut out a couple of

windows and a door. We had an indoor clubhouse. For hours, we played in there and maybe would take crayons

or even some paint and put a door knob on the door and shutters to dress up the windows. We even had the door so it could shut to keep out an unwanted brother or sister.

Of course, the bigger the box the more we could do inside. My sister could bring in her “easy bake oven”. I

would bring in my little trucks and tractors. But I realized, even as a small boy, hey, there is not much room in here to

move around. I found out quickly I was somewhat contained and learned that I needed to make my box bigger. I did feel safe and even secure in my G E refrigerator box. This was my space

and I liked it. I got to the point that my little box was comfortable and cozy.

How many times in our own lives do we feel the same way? We don’t like change, we have grown accustomed to being in our little box and we do not want to leave the comforts of

what feels like home.

Change can be hard and making new choices we are not used to makes us feel very un-

comfortable.

Jesus called to Peter to take that first step, that step of bold faith, where he had never

gone before, but changed his life forever. We all have steps in our lives of uncertainty, but I be-lieve now more than ever it is a time to break out of our little boxes and call on the NAME of JESUS to lead us to where we have never been before. Let’s cry out for a new boldness where

there is no limits for what God wants to do in us, our church and our communities.

I believe that we are right at the threshold of seeing the mighty power of God do some-

thing here at FBC that we have never seen before. Will you today make a commitment to God and say, I choose this day, to no longer live in my little box, but to break out and let God have

complete control of me. WOW!!! Can you just imagine what that would be like? More of God and less of me, surrendering myself so I do not have to live in that little box anymore.

Lesley and I are so very blessed to be here with you all and could not be more joy filled in

what God is doing in our midst. We love you all and believing for great and mighty things will continue beyond what we can ever imagine. We are thankful that God is expanding our lives

and to have you all as family!!

Enjoy what awaits us…God plans are not ours.

Pastor B

rian

Medlin’s Ministry Message

What an incredible month we have had in Student ministries in the month of March! At the end of last month, we started our series, “Forgiveness is just the front Porch”. After

the first week, I could tell God was planning to do big things with this series. In our junior high small groups after the first night of this series, we saw kids asking about salvation, oth-

ers making commitments to read God’s word, and others committing to inviting friends! During my time with the Lord after the first week, I felt God calling me to invite our junior

high group to a time of Communion at the end of our second week. Now if you have ever been around a group of junior higher that are pumped full of slushies, you may question whether or not this was a good plan. However, we went ahead with the idea anyway and

the leaders and I tried to set a serious and reverent tone for the night. That night we talked about the joy available if we meet with the Lord and 6 kids accepted Christ into their

lives!!! In my small group, 3 of our boys prayed, one after another after another to accept Jesus as their savior! It was truly a joyful night as our students accepted Jesus! Since then,

we have been continuing our series with a lesson on sharing our faith and our final lesson of the series was on committing to meet with other believers! God has been pouring out blessings on us this month and it has been fun to be in the adventure that is following

Christ.

After our series was finished with the Junior high, we kept the excitement rolling

with our 6th grade Sneak Peak night! This was by far the biggest group we have ever had at JV since I have been pastoring here! We had 57 kids come to JV that night and they had a

blast! We had a tribal wars night where we had 4 teams equipped with flags and headbands that competed all night long to see who the best team was! Eventually the red team won after a long night of competition! We had a blast and our new 6th graders are hyped to enter

into JV when Awana finishes!

As for our Highschool group, we have some big things happening with them as well!

Although youth group was cancelled on the 11th due to the wild game feed, we had a great night on the 18th and decided to go to a movie on the 25th! We went to Steak N’ Shake and

to the AMC theatre and watched the “I can only imagine” movie together! Not only that but our group will be leaving Thursday the 29th to go to the Winter Jam Concert in Peoria to worship with big artists like Kari Jobe, Skillet, and Newsong.

Looking Back

At the end of the month of March, I want to remind everyone

Camp signup for Student Life is ending! Sign up as soon as you can

so that I can get all the preparations for camp taken care of! Also, for

those signed up for Student Life we will be having our Pancake and Sausage Fundraiser

after church and all those who are going are expected to serve that day!

April 15th -Pancake and Sausage fundraiser May 5th – Junior High Trampoline Park Trip

July 16-20th Student Life Camp

Looking Forward

Ushers: Any questions/changes can be directed to Dave Buchanan (815-848-1057).

April: Nate Addis, Matt Davis, Rob Folk, Paul Mason, Curtis Meiss,

Delmar Platz, Kevin Ricketts, Rick Young

Easter: 8:30 am Nate Addis, Matt Davis, Joe Delaney, Rob Folk, Memo Gomez, Paul Mason,

Delmar Platz, Kevin Ricketts

10 am Dennis Brummitt, Larry Boruff, Dave Buchanan, Curtis Meiss, Johnny Moore,

Ivan Miller, Kyle Miller, Rick Young

Greeters: Any questions/changes can be directed to Sue Gero (815-692-3232).

April 1 Easter 8:30 am Worship: George & Sue Gero, Aaron & Jeni Gerber

10 am Worship: Joe / Donna Delaney, Arnold & Nancy Ifft

April 8 SS & Worship: Mary Streitmatter, Barb Taylor, Malachi Bradley

Worship Only: Evelyn Yoder

(Sub: Sue Gero)

April 15 SS & Worship: Betty J Lawrence, Al & Mary Beth Slagel, Connie Haas

(Sub: Sue Gero)

April 22 SS & Worship: Linda Hoffman, Joy Mason

Worship Only: Darryl & Peggy Stiles

(Sub: Dawn Metz)

April 29 SS Only: Rita Meiss Worship Only: George & Sue Gero

SS & Worship: Jerry & Kathie Huddleston

(Sub: Mark Strike)

Children’s Church: Any questions/changes can be directed to Nicole Ricketts (309-287-4840).

Pre-K/Kdg Elementary

April 1 Easter —— ——

April 8 Jenna Brucker Destiny Rothert

April 15 Joni Kilgus Tiffany Cooley

April 22 Dana Champlain Dede Traub

April 29 Kim Haab Dana Kafer

Nursery: Any questions/changes should be directed to Kendra Broquard (309-242-3538).

Sunday School Worship / Front Only

—— April 1 8:30 am Lassiter Family

Easter 10 am Jarrod/Kendra Broquard

Arla Wheeler April 8 Amy Bachtold

Rachel Bachtold April 15 Brynn Stephens

Kendra Broquard April 22 Courtney Johnson

Tanya Rothert April 29 Barb Taylor

April

Dean & Nina Lassiter

4-01-1972 (46 yrs)

Chris Meiss—3

Dick Horine - 4

Rob Broquard - 5

Harry Johnson II - 5

Cody Steidinger - 5

Harry & Lisa Fosdick

4-05-1986 (32 yrs)

Karl & Mary Herder

4-07-1990 (28 yrs)

Katelyn Steidinger - 8

Darlene Hodges - 10

Ray Popejoy - 10

Steven Vaughan - 12

Kyle Kaskavage - 13

Chuck Mueller - 13

Jerry Huddleston - 14

Malachi Bradley - 15

Mike McWhorter - 15

Gingie McWhorter - 16

Sam & Patsy Stephens

4-16-1988 (30 yrs)

Connor Haab - 18

Dalton Steidinger - 18

Janet Halsey - 19

Don Schmid - 19

John Jacob Traub - 20

Kay Gouge - 21

Jeff Schweizer - 21

Mary Streitmatter - 21

John Jacob & Kristin Traub

4-21-2005 (13 yrs)

Sharee Lemerand - 22

Mike Thyne - 23

Rob & Linda Broquard

4-23-1982

Larry & Rhonda Steidinger

4-24-1980 (38 yrs)

Kelli Folk - 25

Kayla Livengood - 25

Kaden Davis - 26

Mary Edelman - 26

Sydney Rothert - 26

Steve & Mary Beth Crews

4-26-1986 (32 yrs)

Kent Kafer - 27

Robert Lawrence - 27

Rob Folk - 28

Rosemary Medina - 28

Arnold & Nancy Ifft

4-28-1957 (61 yrs)

Karl Herder - 29

Crew Addis - 30

Brenda Mueller - 30

Peyton Rigsby - 30

Thank you to our church family for the Prayer Shawl, flowers, cards

and prayers at the passing of Jeff’s dad. They are much appreciated!

Jeff & Heather Schweizer and Family

Thanks to all who brought a dessert to the Wild Game Feed

Adult Discipleship Committee

Community Meal is the 2nd & 4th Monday April 9 & 23

“Life does not cease to be funny when people die

anymore than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.”

…. George Bernard Shaw

Start giving us names of your 2018 GRADUATES. It’s hard

to believe that another school year is coming to a close but in

less than 8 weeks another class will be let loose into the world. High School—

College—Continuing Ed are the names we are wanting.

Clothing Exchange Dates are May 9,10, 11 from 9am - 5 pm.

VBS is scheduled for June 11-15 Mark your calendar and plan to HELP.

Church Business Meeting: Monday, April 9 @ 7 pm. All members are

encouraged to come and get involved in the workings of your church.

Christian Day at the Ballpark Sunday, June 3 1:15 pm

St Louis Cardinals VS Pittsburg Pirates

TAKE NOTE —- EARLY This Year

Join us for the 28th Annual Christian Day

at the Ballpark when the Cardinals host

Pittsburg, presented by Thrivent Financial.

This year’s post-game speaker is former

Cardinals All Star outfielder, MVP & 1982

World Series Champion, Willie McGee.

The price for a ticket/gas for van will be approx $25-30.

If interested in going or for more info, contact Marcus Maier at

309.532.0154 (Cell) 815.657.8372 (Home)

mpmaier91@gmail.com

Several of us in our church congregation are interested in starting a church choir. The goal would be to sing every few months and/or give relief to our Praise Bands on any given Sunday. Musical selections, regular practice time, etc. will need to be worked out; however, we need members who are committed to making this work.

Like to sing to the Glory of God? If so we need you!

Please contact Marcus Maier at

309-532-0154 (cell); 815-657-8372 (home)

or by email at mpmaier91@gmail.com

if you are interested.

Secret Church at FBC Friday April 27 @ 6:00PM

What is Secret Church? The idea behind Secret Church comes from time David Platt spent teaching and ministering among

underground Asian house-churches. Due to hostility from the government, from the surrounding commu-

nity, and even from their own family, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are forced to gather in secret, sometimes at the risk of their lives.

The plight of our persecuted brothers and sisters also explains why prayer for the persecuted church is a major part of every Secret Church gathering. We remember those who cannot meet

openly, asking God to sustain their faith, to change the hearts and the actions of their persecu-tors, and to use their witness for the spread of the gospel.

THIS YEAR'S TOPIC

The apostle Paul was astonished that some followers of Christ in his day were “turning to a dif-

ferent gospel,” and he pleaded with them not to be deceived by those who wanted to “distort the gospel of Christ.” These warnings given to the church in the first century are just as relevant to-

day for the church in the twenty-first century.

For the good of our souls and for the sake of the church’s mission, followers of Christ need to

ask, “What false gospels are being taught today?” and “How can I recognize the true gospel among so many counterfeits?” Answering these questions will be the aim of Secret Church 18, “Cults and Counterfeit Gospels.”

We will consider the claims of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and other groups that claim to teach the truth. We will also explore more subtle distortions of the gospel, including prosperity

teaching that is rampant across the church. In the end, our goal is to walk away from this Secret Church not only enabled to discern false gospels, but also equipped to share the true gospel with

people around us and with peoples around the world.

Sign up Now on the green card in the bulletin or contact the office !!!

There is no cost but there will be a donation basket to offset costs.

Don’t miss this!!