First Class

Posted:  May 2nd, 2012 (3:47pm)

Sunday morning found Collene and I sitting in the Minneapolis airport waiting for our plane.  We had checked in early and were enjoying some time to talk after a full Sabbath when I heard my name called.  I sauntered up to the desk and was greeted by a very friendly flight attendant.  She asked me if I was willing to change seats.  She had two people whom she needed to get into coach class.  Our new seats would be across the isle from each other.  She assured me that they were better seats.  I accepted.  We now had tickets that said “priority boarding.” more

Keep It Simple

Posted:  April 15th, 2012 (9:43am)

There are three main components to our being.  The first is our thoughts, the second is our words, and the third is our actions.  The most important of the three is our thoughts.  They have the power to shape the man, the woman or the child.  The Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  Proverbs 23:7   So guarding the thoughts is a primary Christian duty.  When we allow negativity, discouragement, or bitterness, to run free in our heads it will not only drag us down, but the people around us as well, because it won’t be long before what we are thinking, we are talking.  Jesus himself said,  ”Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. more

Get In Line

Posted:  April 3rd, 2012 (2:39pm)

After 25 years, its about time!  Four children, many guests, and one cat who probably needs de-clawed, have all contributed to the need.  It has served us well, but with stained fabric and drooping buttons, it’s about to leave the Kelly house.  I don’t feel a bit bad about the money that I’m getting ready to spend, except that I probably should have done it sooner.  My wife has chosen not to be embarrassed when we have people over, and as always, has just tried to make them feel comfortable in our very lived-in home. more

Waking Up

Posted:  March 22nd, 2012 (3:13pm)

I’m not a sleep scientist, but I have some informed opinions about waking up.  As the father of four I have determined that if allowed, children would totally rearrange the natural cycles of life.  They would sleep half of the day and stay up half of the night.  This might seem a benign adolescent preference and not worthy of  parental adjustment, but I have found my life and theirs tending towards disorder when this practice is encouraged.  So I have determined within a reasonable margin of error how much “luxury sleep,” as I am now calling it, someone with the name of Kelly should have and created a MGUB.  That stands for a Must Get Up By time. more

Formulas

Posted:  March 14th, 2012 (7:38am)

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with arithmetic.  We love to conquer real life problems with equations that we understand, like how to figure the square footage of a wall that we are going to paint.   But we recoil at the idea of stretching our minds around advanced mathematical problems and concepts, especially if we are going to be graded.  So what’s the problem with math? more

Walking Through The Door

Posted:  March 2nd, 2012 (11:46am)

Today is a great day!  As I write, my two collegiate sons are motoring their way  from Southern Adventist University  to our house.  For one brief week we will have all four of our children from ages 12 to 21 under our roof, and we are looking forward to it!  In anticipation of their return I have been reflecting on their life as PKs (preachers kids).  It hasn’t been very typical.  The only move they remember making is from the parsonage to our current residence.  You see this Sabbath begins my 19th year as a pastor of the Cicero Church.  That means the only home church they have ever known is Cicero.  They love their church!  They made me  promise that if I ever took a call to minister somewhere else they could stay here and finish out their young adult lives at Indiana Academy.   This is their home.  Thank you for making it such a wonderful place for them. more

Don’t Be Late

Posted:  February 28th, 2012 (4:19pm)

Yesterday, while checking out in an area store,  I had the unfortunate experience of being party to an embarrassing conversation.  Over the years I have trained myself not to look at commotions in public places.  It’s just a little way to protect people’s dignity.  But whether or I looked or not, I could not get away from the unpleasantness of the moment. A prospective employee was receiving a verbal tongue lashing from his prospective boss.  He was about 15 minutes late to his interview and the manager wanted to know why. Unfortunately he didn’t have a good answer.  He was definitely dressed for the occasion, but  the interview didn’t take place.  He was fired before he was hired. more

Get Rich Quick

Posted:  February 24th, 2012 (5:02pm)

What is it with us humans?  It seems like we’re suckers for the same old lies with different faces.  The idea that we can, “Get rich quick,” or “Lose weight fast,” appeals to us.   Of course every body knows there’s “No free lunch,” but sometimes it seems like there is. Why are we perpetual optimist for the Devil’s lies? more

Parent-Pastors

Posted:  February 21st, 2012 (5:08pm)

We live in an age of specialization.  In some senses it is fantastic.   But there is a not-so-subtle downside to living in an age of experts.  The problem is that it excuses the ordinary person from playing their part,  developing their skills and talents, and making their contribution.  And much of what goes on in life is still very ordinary.  No where is this more true than in parenting. more

It’s Worth It

Posted:  February 12th, 2012 (9:48am)

Jesus said that a house divided against itself cannot stand.  Have you ever thought about why it works that way?    Could it be  that He wanted us to see the vast array of forces united against us and help us understand the power of a togetherness?  The inference is that two people united in His name can stand up and win!  I like that! more

Hang On

Posted:  February 9th, 2012 (9:49am)

One of the Devil’s best tools is discouragement.  He piles up all of life’s troubles and then heaps on our worries and fears.  Now that last category is the heaviest.  We naturally come to life afraid.  It doesn’t go away just because we “grow up.”  Instead we just start managing our fears. If we look carefully at our life we can see some of the not-so-subtle habits we have developed that keep our fears at bay. Some are good, but some aren’t.  So what are we to do? more

Legacy

Posted:  February 7th, 2012 (10:29am)

Not long ago I watched the old classic on John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church.  I was struck by the fact that at the end of his life a friend asked him about his wealth.  He noted that he owned four silver spoons.  So what did he leave behind?   What did the people of England, America, and many other countries have because of his life?  They had the groundwork for one of the most disciplined, focused, and achieving societies in all the world.  The industry, thrift, self denial, and good will of Jesus can’t be matched.   The cornerstone of this legacy was a living, principled, and practical relationship to Christ.  The fringe benefits  of  Wesley’s legacy will not be fully understood until eternity. more

Returning To Christ

Posted:  February 6th, 2012 (1:57pm)

As Christians we are locked in a battle with Satan – at least we should be.  He would prefer that we be distracted, unfocussed, and disorganized.  He knows that when band together in humility and dependence on God, his kingdom will suffer loss.  Each person who puts Jesus first can work harmoniously and effectively along side another Christian.  You add a few more people and you have a band,  you add a few more and you have a troop, and if you keep adding, you get an army. more

Social Experimentation

Posted:  April 11th, 2011 (2:45pm)

I am fortunate.  I grew up in an age when society’s tested and true value system was still in place.  My childhood was in the formative years of the cultural revolution that is just now rocking our society.  There have always been problems, but lawlessness and it’s resulting social diseases were in their infancy in the 60′s and 70′s. Not anymore.
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Raising Girls

Posted:  April 8th, 2011 (8:11am)

I just heard one the most practical radio programs on Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey.  It was and interview with Dannah Gresh regarding her book “Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl.”  If you have any interest in maintaining the purity, Christian identity and the personal self respect of your daughter, granddaughter etc, then I would highly encourage you to purchase this book and listen to the podcast of today’s radio broadcast. more

Posted:  April 4th, 2011 (2:45pm)

People doing God’s work are swimming upstream.  If you’ve ever done this you know it is a difficult task, but God is establishing His church around the world, and even here in Indiana.  This morning I read a chapter in the book Acts of the Apostles, by Ellen White entitled, “Laboring Under Difficulties.”  What an encouragement!  Can you imagine a man more dedicated that Paul?  His enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone – some liked it and some didn’t.  He energy was renewed by his connection to Jesus.  Paul loved Him. more

Back Home

Posted:  March 25th, 2011 (7:31am)

It’s hard to imagine that two weeks could go by so fast.  I arrived home yesterday after a very unrestful night sleeping on a cot in the O Hare International Airport.  In spite of how my trip ended, I have such wonderful memories of  serving with the almost 90 people who made the trip to ST. Lucia.  (By the way I slept on a concrete floor for over 10 days) more

As we come to the end of February, monumental paradigm shift is before the Cicero Church.

Posted:  February 16th, 2011 (9:01am)

Dear Friend, this web site is one of several providential convergences in the family life of the Cicero church.  As we enter the month of March not only will this web site be grand central station for communicating to our own church, it will be a portal to those who access the ministry of this congregation through the world wide web. more

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  May 10th, 2012 (10:25am)

This Sabbath, Pastor Kelly will be back with us and speaking about, “The Road to Freedom”. Our worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by a fellowship lunch. The meal this Sabbath is our general church potluck when all our church family meets and eats together. Come and join us!

TOWN HALL MEETING

Posted:  May 7th, 2012 (8:51am)

Tonight at 7:00 o’clock the Indiana Conference departmental directors and officers will be at our church for a town hall style meeting. Everyone is encouraged to come and hear reports and ask questions that you may have.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  May 3rd, 2012 (9:13pm)

This Sabbath Pastor Aaron Clark will be speaking during our 11 o’clock worship hour. His sermon is entitled, “Seasons, Seasoning, Seasoned”.

Special Information Meeting

Posted:  May 1st, 2012 (1:42pm)

This Wednesday evening, at 6:50 p.m. we will have a special information meeting during prayer meeting where Pastor Kelly will outline the mission and direction the finance committee and board have voted to go over the next couple of years. Please come and lend your support to our church.

Pathfinder Investiture Program

Posted:  May 1st, 2012 (1:09pm)

You are invited to join the Pathfinders this coming Friday evening, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. as they have their Investiture service. This will be in the church sanctuary.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  April 19th, 2012 (2:13pm)

This Sabbath Pastor Kelly will continue his “Rock Solid” sermon series with, “Save the Date”. If you would like a copy of this series, just list your name on the clipboard provided in the lobby. DVD’s available upon request also.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  April 11th, 2012 (1:50pm)

This Sabbath concludes our spring week of prayer. Our guest speaker for this week, Elder Blaine Fults, will also be speaking during our 11:00 o’clock hour on Sabbath morning.
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Week of Prayer

Posted:  April 5th, 2012 (3:14pm)

This Sabbath evening begins our church and school spring Week of Prayer. Each evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. we will meet. On Sabbath and Sunday evenings, our pastors will be speaking. Monday through the following Sabbath worship hour we will have a guest speaker, Pastor Blaine Fults. Next Sabbath evening at 7:00 p.m. we will have the Hinsdale Men’s Chorus to conclude the week.

Finance Committee Meeting

Posted:  March 19th, 2012 (7:45am)

There will be a meeting of the finance committee tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  March 15th, 2012 (10:18am)

This Sabbath Pastor Kelly will continue his series on the ten commandments entitled, “Rock Solid”. You may pick up copies of the CDs on the table in the foyer or request a DVD from the church office. These messages may also be viewed on our website.

Bulletin

Posted:  March 15th, 2012 (10:15am)

Due to the size of this weeks bulletin it is not able to be posted on the website. The same issue occurred two weeks ago. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for those who are accustomed to viewing the bulletin before Sabbath.

Latest Sermons Posted

Posted:  March 12th, 2012 (6:48pm)

The latest sermon videos (through Sabbath, March 10) have been posted to our website in the Media section.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  March 8th, 2012 (3:39pm)

This Sabbath, Pastor Kelly will begin a new series on the ten commandments entitled, “Rock Solid”. Our Sabbath School begins at 9:30 a.m. and our worship at 11:00 a.m. Everyone welcome. more

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  February 29th, 2012 (11:04am)

This Sabbath Pastor Aaron Clark will be speaking during our 11:00 o’clock hour. Pathfinders will be participants in the worship service today on this Pathfinder Sabbath.

Mid-Week Service

Posted:  February 27th, 2012 (2:44pm)

Remember our mid-week service Wednesday evening at 6:50 p.m. Adventurers begins at 6:30 p.m. and we will start our service 20 minutes later at 6:50 p.m.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  February 23rd, 2012 (12:57pm)

This Sabbath Pastor Ron Kelly will conclude his “Built to Last” sermon series with “Seductive Sand”. Copies of these messages may be found on the table in the church foyer.

Hurst to Speak on Sabbath

Posted:  February 16th, 2012 (9:46am)

This Sabbath, we will have Elder Van Hurst, our Indiana Conference President, as our worship service speaker. Worship begins at 11 a.m. on Sabbath morning. Sabbath School begins at 9:30 a.m. Everyone welcome.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Posted:  February 14th, 2012 (12:59pm)

Have you told your special someone that you love them today? Remember our dearest and best Friend Jesus! He will never leave or forsake us… yet He was willing to leave heaven and His Father’s side to come to this earth, live and die so that we could live! Amazing love! How can we ever repay Him for all He’s done for us! Today would be a good time to tell Him of your boundless love for Him!

Hope For Live TV

Posted:  February 13th, 2012 (1:29pm)

Be sure and check out our new website for Hope for Life television. It is: hfltv.com There you can watch the sermons which have been downloaded into the system.

Sabbath Worship

Posted:  February 10th, 2012 (10:30am)

Tomorrow, February 11 at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Kelly will continue his “Built to Last” series with, “If Your Marriage were a Car”. You are invited to come and learn more ways on how to strengthen your marriage. Copies of the past three messages in this series are available at the greeters desk in the church lobby.

“A New & Living Way” – Hymn Sing

Posted:  February 9th, 2012 (12:55pm)

You are cordially invited to join us for our musical program, “A New & Living Way” on Saturday evening, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cicero SDA Church at 24445 SR 19, Cicero, IN. Besides music there will be character re-enactments of the Apostle Paul, John the Revelator and Hiram Edson. Bring your friends and enjoy the program.

Vespers & Church Business Meeting

Posted:  January 19th, 2012 (12:29pm)

This Sabbath, January 21, we will have sundown vespers beginning at 5:30 p.m. and immediately following will have a church business meeting.

Is the Sabbath at Risk?

Posted:  December 29th, 2011 (4:17pm)

Friday night, January 6, at 6:30 p.m. Elder Richard O’Ffill will be speaking at the Cicero SDA Church. His topic for the evening will be, “Is the Sabbath at Risk?”
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Christmas Eve Service

Posted:  December 15th, 2011 (1:54pm)

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are not going to be having the Christmas Eve service this year. Please join together with your families to reflect on Christ’s gift to us!

Night of Hope

Posted:  December 1st, 2011 (12:24pm)

You are invited to encounter a night of Christmas music and reflection presented by Indiana Academy and the Cicero Seventh-day Adventist Church at 7:00 p.m. This will be taped and shown on Christmas Eve at 2:30 p.m. and again on Christmas day at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 40.

Rediscover Revelation

Posted:  November 10th, 2011 (1:04pm)

This Sabbath at 5:00 p.m. we will have a concluding meeting in our Rediscover Revelation meetings that are being held nightly this week. Following this meeting we will tour the renovated white house next door; have a pounding party of Toni, and then transition to the IA gym for a social together.

Men’s Ministry Sabbath

Posted:  October 4th, 2011 (12:54pm)

On Sabbath, October 22, Elder Jay Gallimore, President of the Michigan Conference, will be at the Cicero SDA Church presenting several presentations especially for men. All men are encouraged to take advantage of this day and the items presented. Lunch and supper will be provided. After lunch there will be several seminars and a closing presentation by Elder Gallimore.

Our Sympathies Extended

Posted:  October 4th, 2011 (12:49pm)

Jerry Heavner, brother to Beverly Van Meter and Barbara Overdorf passed away, Sunday, October 2, in Coral Springs, Florida. He attended Indiana Academy and was a member of the Cicero Church at one time. We would like to extend our sympathies to these ladies and their families.

Fall Festival

Posted:  October 4th, 2011 (12:46pm)

This Sunday, October 9, from 3 – 5 p.m. our annual FALL FESTIVAL will be held at the elementary school. Come prepared to have fun and enjoy lots of food.

Memorial Service Planned

Posted:  September 29th, 2011 (11:11am)

A memorial service is planned for Jean Perloff, mother of Ron Benvenutti. It will be on October 12 at 6 p.m. at the Shirley Brothers Mortuary & Crematory, Fishers-Castleton Chapel; 9900 Allisonville RD, Fishers, IN. Our sympathies are extended to Ron and his family in this time of loss. Please keep Ron and family in your prayers.

Sympathy Extended

Posted:  September 15th, 2011 (11:08am)

Goldie Bogar, Bonnie Hicks mother, passed away on Tuesday, September 13 in Chattanooga, TN. We would like to extend our sympathies to Bonnie, Bill and their family as they go through this time of loss.

Death Notice

Posted:  July 14th, 2011 (2:10pm)

Friday morning, July 8, Everett Walston, died. He is the grandfather of Les Neal. His funeral services were last week.

Abundant Living Seminar

Posted:  July 14th, 2011 (2:06pm)

On Sabbath, July 23, Flavio Prestes will be with us for our church service and following our fellowship luncheon, he will be presenting a seminar on Biblical healthy living.

Indiana Conference Elders Seminar

Posted:  July 1st, 2011 (4:45pm)

A small group seminar for all Indiana Conference Elders will be held September 17 at the Carmel SDA Church from 3–6:00 p.m. Please call and register with Sheri DeWitt at the Conference office (317-844-6201) if you would like to attend.

Abundant Living Seminar

Posted:  July 1st, 2011 (4:44pm)

On July 30, Flavio Prestes, an MDiv student from Andrews University, will be having our sermon for the worship service. After the potluck he will conduct a healthy living seminar on living the abundant life – a biblical approach. Plan now to make this part of your Sabbath experience.

Indiana Academy Registration

Posted:  July 1st, 2011 (4:41pm)

Indiana Academy registration for village students is August 11; dorm students registration is August 14, with classes beginning on August 15.

Elementary School Registration

Posted:  July 1st, 2011 (4:40pm)

Our Cicero Elementary School’s first day of classes will
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School Board Meeting.

Posted:  July 1st, 2011 (4:39pm)

Our next school board meeting will be August 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Elder’s Meeting

Posted:  June 20th, 2011 (1:06pm)

All Elders are asked to come to a meeting on June 29 following our prayer meeting. We have several things to go over.

Communion Sabbath

Posted:  June 20th, 2011 (1:04pm)

This Sabbath, June 25, we will be celebrating our quarterly communion service. Please be prayerful as we consider this service and come together.

Summer Prayer Meeting Time

Posted:  June 20th, 2011 (1:02pm)

Just a reminder that our summer prayer meetings begin at 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. We look forward to seeing you then.

School Financial Aid Applications

Posted:  June 20th, 2011 (1:01pm)

Anyone who needs financial aid for their children to attend the elementary school or IA need to have their financial aid applications into the office by today, June 20.

Prayer Meeting Summer Time Change

Posted:  June 2nd, 2011 (1:35pm)

Our prayer meeting will begin at 7:20 p.m. during our summer months. This schedule will start next Wednesday, June 8.

School Financial Aid

Posted:  June 2nd, 2011 (1:32pm)

Those students needing some financial assistance to attend the elementary school or academy need to fill out a financial aid application and return to Pastor Clark by June 20. You may get an application from Pastor Clark or pick up one at the church office.

Sabbath Afternoon Concert

Posted:  May 12th, 2011 (12:56pm)

On Sabbath, May 14, at 2:30 p.m., “Jim Ashley and Friends” will be having a musical concert in the church. Come and enjoy the music.

India Share Him Team

Posted:  May 2nd, 2011 (10:50am)

Our India “Share Him” team all made it safely to India and are in the midst of their meetings. Please pray for them daily that God would be with them and use them to His honor and glory. There is a 9 1/2 hour time difference (they are ahead of us), so when we are in our morning hours they are in their meetings. Please continue to pray for their health and safety as well. Thank you.

Bob Weisner’s 90th birthday luncheon

Posted:  May 2nd, 2011 (10:47am)

Following our worship service, May 7, everyone is invited to bring food and join in the fellowship meal. We want to make this a special luncheon for Bob Weisner, who is celebrating his 90th birthday.

Nominating Committee

Posted:  March 30th, 2011 (11:40am)

We will be having our first nominating committee this Sunday morning, April 3, at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.  Committee members, please make note and we’ll look forward to seeing you then.

Maranatha Potluck Supper

Posted:  March 30th, 2011 (11:36am)

Everyone is invited to join in a sandwich and salad potluck supper in the fellowship hall on April 3 at 4:30 p.m.  We will be sharing the blessings received on our St. Lucia maranatha trip as well as watching a slide presentation from there.  This is open to all our church family and not just those who went on the trip. We know those of you who stayed behind were supporting and praying for us.  Come let’s enjoy the evening together.

Church Board Meeting

Posted:  March 30th, 2011 (11:20am)

The church board will be meeting, Monday evening, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Friday Evening Vespers

Posted:  March 30th, 2011 (11:08am)

The Butterfly Effect. What you do with your life DOES make a difference. EVERYTHING YOU DO MATTERS. EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, EVERY ACTION YOU TAKE…MATTERS. A presentation, and report by the students of Indiana Academy about the Honduras trip. Don’t miss this. It will inspire and challenge you. Friday evening vespers in the Indiana Academy chapel at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8.

Memorial Service

Posted:  March 28th, 2011 (3:25pm)

The memorial service for Art Richards will be held at 3 p.m. on Sabbath, April 9, at the Cicero SDA Church with Pastor Kelly officiating.

Notice

Posted:  March 16th, 2011 (1:09pm)

Sunday morning, March 13, Art Richards (Sibyl’s husband and Mary Ann Smith’s father) passed away.  Plans for his service will be announced shortly.  Please remember Sibyl, Mary Ann, Alan, Alex and their family in your prayers.

Communion Service

Posted:  March 10th, 2011 (7:05pm)

On Sabbath, April 9, we will be celebrating our quarterly communion service during the worship hour.  Senior Pastor Ron Kelly will be speaking and leading out in this service.

Error in Notification E-Mails

Posted:  March 10th, 2011 (7:49am)

The links to the SDA Church website and to the Subscribe page at the bottom of the e-mails subscribers receive when there is a new Announcement or a new entry in the Pastor’s Blog were incorrect and pointed to the development version of the website instead of to the production version. more

Vespers

Posted:  March 9th, 2011 (5:12pm)

This Sabbath evening, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. the Spring Valley Academy Band will be presenting a musical vespers at the church.

E-Mail Subscriptions

Posted:  March 5th, 2011 (12:44pm)

Several problems with the e-mail subscription process have been fixed. more

New Website is Live

Posted:  March 4th, 2011 (6:37pm)

Welcome to our new website. We are still in a testing phase so if you find any problems, please report them to our webmaster.