We continue to pray for Tom and family as the grieve the passing of Marie.  Funeral services are Monday at 11am, with a visitation just prior at 10am at Cedar Hills Community Church.

OBITUARY

Clara “Marie” Couser Hill, 78, of Fairfax, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, in her home. Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Cedar Hills Community Church. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Czech National Cemetery. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre are assisting the family at this time.

Marie was born on January 4, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of William H Couser and Elizabeth A Shafer. She graduated from Central City High School and went on to receive her associate’s degree in Bookkeeping at Kirkwood, where she met her husband, Tom. She worked as the Office Manager/Bookkeeper at Krob Elevator for more than 30 years. She enjoyed participating in ladies groups at the church as well as the Veteran’s groups. She loved old westerns shows, and watching Caitlyn Clark in all of her games. She also loved to read. But her greatest joy was her family.

Clara is survived by her loving husband Tom Hill; her sister Linda Couser Joslin; daughter Renee (David) Dittmar and son Robert Hill; grandchildren Zach and Jacob Dittmar, Andrew, Dalton and Dallas Hill; and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

WEEKEND TO REMEMBER – April 9-11, 2027 Marriage Conference at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown (700 Grand Ave). Hotel Fees are not included with the purchase of a ticket. Tickets are $350/person, but 50% off with the code SAVE50 through 9/21. There are also special rates for pastors and military. Link for more info and to register.

STILL: A Women’s Retreat at Baumgartner’s Backbone Lodge

Still Held. Still Hopeful. Still Standing.

Ladies of Cedar Hills – give yourself the gift of a weekend away to rest, reconnect, and be refreshed in God’s presence. Join us as we slow down, draw closer to God and one another, and remember His faithfulness in every season.

Together, we’ll enjoy relaxation, worship, learning, laughter, meaningful conversation, great food, and simply being together. As our church continues to grow in discipleship, we’ll explore what it means to remain close to Jesus, grow in our faith, and walk alongside others.

 Baumgartner’s Backbone Lodge
Strawberry Point, Iowa

 Friday, February 26–Sunday, February 28, 2027

 Weekend Cost: $200

Payment Schedule:
$100 deposit due October 15, 2026
$100 remaining balance due February 1, 2027

Your weekend includes lodging, meals, retreat activities, transportation to and from the event, and worship.

Please use SignUpGenius to reserve your spot:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054BABAD2DA1FE3-65571630-still
Space is limited, so don’t wait to register!

Come as you are. Bring your comfy clothes, your Bible, and an open heart. Whether you need rest, encouragement, connection, or simply time to breathe, this weekend is for you.

Sometimes we need to step away from the noise long enough to remember:

God is still faithful.
God is still working.
God is still holding us.
And we are still becoming who He has called us to be.

We can’t wait to share this meaningful weekend with you.

The Women’s Ministry Team

Spend 5 minutes each week speaking with God and listening to His response these questions.

Week 33 (September 13) – What keeps me from being a better witness of Jesus to my family? Coworkers? Strangers?

Week 32 (September 6) – Where have I seen God’s power transform my life?

Week 31 (August 30) – Describe how God sees you when you have not been good enough? Why does God see you this way?

Week 30 (August 23) – God, what are you doing? God, how do I join in?

Week 29 (August 16) – What keeps me from practicing hospitality with my neighbors and coworkers?

Week 28 (August 9) – Who is my low hanging fruit?

Week 27 (August 2) – What would help me be more comfortable as a witness for Jesus?

Week 26 (July 26) – Who in our community (Which body part?) are you most likely to exclude from your flock? How can you love them in a practical  way?

Week 25 (July 19) – What has God called you to do?

Week 24 (July 12) – How have you been hurt and hurt others by not handling conflict well? What are one or two ways you can handle conflict better going forward?

Week 23 (July 5) – What is the group (class, type, category, etc.) of people who I find the most annoying (bothersome, dumb, infuriating, etc)? 

Week 22 (June 28) – What’s the worst that could happen if you admitted your worst to someone?  What’s the best that could happen?

Week 21 (June 21) – What keeps me from going deeper in community?

Week 20 (June 14) – God, What should I give?

Week 19 (June 7) – How are you currently sowing your time, treasures and talents? How is God calling you to sow them more generously? How have you been enriched by generously sowing time, talent and treasures in others?

Week 18 (May 31) – Which of these nine issues do you find most challenging? Why?

• Maintaining an abundance mindset. I have more than enough.
• Maintaining contentment. I am satisfied. 
• Maintaining margin. (Simplicity) I am not burdened by too much. (Overloaded)
• Maintaining focus on heavenly treasure. I am seeking God’s kingdom first.
• Maintaining a heart that is refreshed. I am making the world larger with my giving.
• Maintaining a commitment to share. I am not hoarding.
• Maintaining a desire to see everyone flourish. I am never a fan of decay.
• Maintaining the posture of welcome. I am not excluding others. 
• Maintaining life in the Spirit. I am not living according to the flesh.

Week 17 (May 24) – What are my favorite things?

Week 16 (May 17) – God has given me these good and perfect gifts:__________________________________

Week 15 (May 10) – How do my feelings (worries, exhaustion, anxiety, fear, boredom, apathy…) hinder my worship of God?

Week 14 (May 3) –  Where do I find delight?

Week 13 (April 26) – What prevents me from getting deeper rest?

Week 12 (April 19) – When you stop ‘doing’, what feelings, worries and doubts do you experience?

Week 11 (April 12) – What prevents me from getting peaceful rest?

Week 10 (April 5) –  How does the resurrection of Jesus give me hope where I need it most?

Week 9 (March 29) – How am I living out my purpose, calling and identity in Christ?  What does it look like to offer myself as a living sacrifice?

Week 8 (March 22) – What is my usual response/behavior when I am frustrated?

Week 7 (March 15) – What desires control me? What clutters my soul?

Week 6 (March 8) – What passion is God stirring in your heart as you fast this week?  Why haven’t I seen God’s power do ________?

Week 5 (March 1) – What does it mean to offer my body as a living sacrifice?

Week 4 (February 22)- How do I react to the invitation to fast?
Skip a meal and then journal. What happened? (If I did not skip a meal, journal about why I did not.)

Week 3 (February 15 ) – Where have you seen friction (suffering) transform you in a positive way?

Week 2 (February 8) – What is the relationship between abiding, loving, obeying, and bearing fruit in your life?

Week 1 (February 1) – Where am I reluctant or resistant to change?

Dear Cedar Hills family,

The many prayers offered on her behalf brought comfort and peace during her final days and continue to sustain us as we grieve. We are deeply touched by the generous charitable donations made in her memory, the cards and messages of encouragement, the meals provided, and the countless acts of service that eased our burdens during this difficult time.

Our mother cherished her faith and her church family, and we know she would have been humbled and grateful for the care and kindness shown to our family.

While our hearts continue to miss her deeply, we find comfort in knowing we do not walk this journey alone. Thank you for surrounding us with your prayers, friendship, and support. Your thoughtfulness has meant more to us than words can adequately express.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Todd and Ryan Aarhus, and Kylene, Chad and Ashleigh Dunham

Please continue to pray for the family and friends of Phyllis Baker. We celebrate that she is at rest in the arms of Jesus!  A private graveside ceremony for family will be held September 1.

Phyllis Arlene Baker, 101, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully at her home on August 28th, 2026. A private graveside service will be held September 1st, 2026 at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Phyllis was born July 20, 1925, to Lester and Mabel (Seiler) Wilke in Carroll, Iowa. She graduated from Carroll High School and later attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Phyllis married Roy Jay Baker on January 25, 1954, in Carroll, Iowa. Both Phyllis and Roy were members of Cedar Hills Community Church for more than 60 years.

She enjoyed volunteering with her husband at St. Luke’s Hospital, Life Investors (TransAmerica), and Cedar Hills Community Church. Phyllis also enjoyed traveling, she had been to all 50 states along with many international destinations. She loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Susanne (Orin) Wakefield; five grandsons, two great grandchildren, and two step-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, and her son David.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Hills Community Church.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries

You Belong: An Orientation to God’s Family at Cedar Hills

NEXT CLASS BEGINS: August 23, 2026

We make deeper connections with God and each other when we belong. In “You Belong” you will also discover how God heals brokenness and restores all he created through a community of people who love one another. Together we will grow hospitality, authenticity, forgiveness, and restoration that transforms us and our neighbors!

You Belong is a six week class that meets on Sundays at 9:45am. Anyone is welcome to attend even if they do not wish to become members.

At the end of the class, students can choose to pursue membership.  Following the class, you will meet with an elder to affirm your faith in Jesus, and then we publicly receive into a membership at a worship service (date TBD).

SCHEDULE

• Week 1 – Created for Community
• Week 2 – How the Gospel Shapes Community
• Week 3 – A Community of Forgiveness and Restoration
• Week 4 – Authentic Community
• Week 5 – How Community Shapes Us
• Week 6 – Grace-filled Community

Nursery for ages 0-36 months is available at this same time, as well as classes for children of all ages.

No registration is needed, but letting us know you’re coming is helpful. You can do that by contacting the office below.