Cleo Anderson

Cleo Anderson serves in the priesthood office of Elder in the Community of Christ.  He was ordained to this office in 1962, after serving in the Aaronic priesthood office of Priest.

Cleo has served in several leadership positions, both in his congregations as well as in the Central IL district, including:  Church School Director, Presiding Elder, Young Adult Leader, and on the Brush Creek Campground Development Committee.

Cleo, and his wife Sybil, currently live in Sherman IL.  They have 3 adult children:  Mark (Plant City FL); Paul (Springfield IL); and Debra (Lamoni IA). They also have 2 granddaughters, Becki and Melanie, Hawaii).

Cleo has been active in community service activities, including work with:  Scouts, PTA, Little League baseball, Springfield Yellow Bike program.  He has been recognized numerous times, including:

• the Governor's recognition for services to mentally challenged youth
• recognition for establishment of case coordinating committee - public, private and volunteer sector in over 50 counties.
• recognition for chairing study on autism
• recognition for chairing committee on development of curriculum on sex education for public schools
• recognition for chairing development of rules and requirements for PL 94-142 - education of handicapped children.
• recognition for programs established to place children waiting for adoption.

Current church responsibilities include:  Pastor, Ministry to the sick, cutting grass, scooping snow and maintaining the church building.

Cleo has a BA from Graceland College as a Religion Major, and a Masters from Indiana University in Social Service Administration.  He has found that is 35 years of experience in social service programs have been a wonderful preparation for his ministry.

He has provide ministry throughout the congregations of Central IL District, as well as in Southeast Ohio.

Cleo's favorite quote is:  "it can be done".  As he proclaims Jesus Christ, Cleo remembers that "one's thoughts, actions involvement, and willingness to take risks speaks louder than words concerning their knowledge and understanding of the Christian message".