Disciples Making Disciples: Christian Identity

Disciples Making Disciples: Christian Identity

We are called to make disciples who make disciples and we use Discipleship Maps to help us live out this calling. These maps explore twelve essential qualities of a disciple who makes disciples.

The fifth essential is Christian Identity. Disciples reflect on their identity in Christ, claiming their baptism and recognizing Jesus as their only comfort in life and in death.

Identity is a hot button issue these days. Identity is our answer to the question: “Who am I?” We spend a lifetime trying to sort this out and if we fail we call it an identity crisis.

For disciples, identity is not primarily shaped by our family, or our race, or our gender, or our occupation or education or marital status or any personal preferences. Our identity is in Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20a).

Christian identity is how God sees us through Jesus Christ. It is God’s answer to a disciple’s question, “Who am I?” Because Christian identity is a divinely proclaimed reality, it supersedes all the other identities and identity markers that a person or a group may have.

This identity shifts the focus from inward to outward, redirecting our purpose from serving ourselves to serving God and others. This dramatic change is made possible only by the work of Jesus. “For by grace you have been saved through faith… For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians. 2:8a, 10).

Because we are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,” we now live for God and others. While worldly identity defines us according to personal characteristics, Christian identity defines us according to God’s design. It defines us as we truly are meant to be according to God’s Word.

We are God’s workmanship!

Pastor Kent

Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.

Lead Pastor Succession Plan – FAQs


The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document answers many of the questions associated with Pastor Kent’s retirement plans. It also covers details of the succession planning activities that will be followed to hire our new Lead Pastor. Please review this document to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, any member of the Consistory will be glad to address other thoughts or concerns.

Elder Question & Answer Sessions

Sundays, Nov 1 and 8 the Elders will be available at the tables in the Gathering Space to answer any questions, 9:30-11:00am.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is never a perfect time for a pastoral transition. However, Cedar Hills is in a season of health, stability, and vitality–both in the congregation and the staff.  We are well-positioned for a time of transition:

  • Leaders are moving their ministries forward.
  • New members continue to join.
  • Disciples are growing new disciples.
  • Volunteer participation is high.
  • Small group ministry is expanding.
  • Outreach to our neighbors and community continues to grow.

For Pastor Kent, it feels like the right time for him to move into retirement. The timing of this transition will provide new opportunities for he and Mary to travel and spend time with family.

FAQs

What has happened so far?

Over the past year, Cedar Hills’ leadership has thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared for the transition to a new Lead Pastor. Cedar Hills’ staff and Consistory have engaged with Chemistry Staffing or coaching on Succession Planning. Working together, Chemistry Staffing and our leadership team have evaluated and outlined the requirements and ideal strengths for the Lead Pastor role at Cedar Hills.

Why did the leadership team decide to work with a consulting firm to conduct the search?

Over the past year, Cedar Hills’ leadership has thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared for the transition to a new Lead Pastor. Cedar Hills’ staff and Consistory have engaged with Chemistry Staffing for coaching on Succession Planning. Working together, Chemistry Staffing and our leadership team have evaluated and outlined the requirements and ideal strengths for the Lead Pastor role at Cedar Hills.

Who is Chemistry Staffing?

Chemistry Staffing helps healthy churches and pastors find each other. Chemistry assists churches in becoming healthier through consulting and planning and helps pastors become healthier through training and coaching. Chemistry has been a great partner in helping us prepare a plan. We believe that they will also be a great help with the search and evaluation process.

What is the process for choosing a Lead Pastor?

Many months ago, we started with prayer and an admission of complete dependence on God to lead in the selection of our new pastor. This is critically important and will continue to be a key part of everyone’s responsibility. We humbly ask everyone to pray for all those impacted by this change, including Pastor Kent and Mary, our Cedar Hills family, staff and Consistory, Chemistry Staffing and search team, and the person God will call to be our new Lead Pastor. Specifically, the hiring process that we envision is as follows:

  • We will be working in partnership with Chemistry Staffing and the Upper Mississippi Valley (UMV) Network throughout the search process, including the development of the Lead Pastor job profile.
  • Chemistry Staffing will release this profile in late January 2027.
  • Chemistry Staffing will recruit candidates and conduct the initial screening and interview process, evaluating candidates in areas such as theology, ministry experience, leadership, personality, skills, education, and overall fit with Cedar Hills.  Theological and denominational alignment will also be evaluated by Upper Mississippi Valley Network representatives.
  • Candidates who make it through Chemistry’s screening will be presented to our Cedar Hills Pastoral Search Team (see below), who will conduct additional phone/Zoom interviews.
  • If our Pastoral Search Team discerns that one or more candidates should move forward, they will notify both Chemistry and the Cedar Hills consistory.
    • The consistory and staff will be invited to interview the candidate(s).
    • Any finalist, along with their family, will be invited to visit Cedar Hills to preach and to answer any questions from the congregation.
  • The Pastoral Search Team will recommend the successful candidate to the Consistory for approval and to the congregation for affirmation.
  • If affirmed, we will extend an offer to that person for the Lead Pastor position.
Who is serving on the Pastoral Search Team?

We have enlisted a diverse team of nine Cedar Hills members to evaluate the candidates whom Chemistry Staffing believes would be a good fit to be our new Lead Pastor.  We are excited that they have agreed to serve.  These members are:

  • Scott Drzycimski (co-leader)
  • Nancy Josifek (co-leader)
  • Beth Brown
  • Randy Fox
  • Dan Hakken
  • Andrew Moen
  • EJ O’Donnell-Lines
  • Sonya Schneekloth
  • Lindsey Steinkamp

Pastor Kent will not be an active member of this Pastoral Search Team. Instead, he will be an advisor to the search team as needed and will make himself available to anyone whom the team identifies as a potential candidate.

Are there any other staffing changes as part of this process?

Based on conversations with the staff, we do not anticipate any changes at this time. That said, as with any organizational leadership changes, it is no uncommon to see staff members make a transition during or immediately following this process.

When does Pastor Kent plan to transition out of the Lead Pastor role?

We anticipate that Pastor Kent will continue as our Lead Pastor until the Fall of 2027. Of course, this will ultimately depend on how the process goes. We will do our best to communicate updates as we gain clarity.

What happens if we haven’t hired a Lead Pastor before Pastor Kent leaves this role?

While Pastor Kent is excited about the new opportunities that will arise with his retirement, he remains flexible and at peace with the exact timing of the transition. If the situation does arise and Pastor Kent needs to leave before we have hired a new Lead Pastor, we will initially address this in conversation with Pastor Steve and Pastor Leah, followed by conversations with the Upper Mississippi Valley Network of the Alliance, as necessary.

How long will this whole process take?

We are preparing for a 12-18 month process overall, praying that it will be shorter, and completely trusting that God will lead the right person to step into the Lead Pastor role at the right time.

What will pastor Kent do next?

Pastor Kent’s initial priority will be to take at least a six-month sabbatical from Cedar Hills to explore external areas of ministry (e.g. writing, pulpit fill, counseling, etc.) while also relaxing and becoming accustomed to a new routine. Pastor Kent’s intentions are to return to Cedar Hills as a member, once his sabbatical is done.

Will internal candidates be considered for the Lead Pastor role?

Absolutely. However, we have already talked with key potential internal candidates and none have been called at this time. However, if things change in the process, internal candidates will be encouraged to apply and will undergo the same assessment, interviews, and discernment process as an external candidate.

What else can I do for the church and for Pastor Kent during this transition?
  • Pray for Chemistry Staffing and the Pastoral Search Team, Pastor Kent and Mary, the staff, the church, the community, and the person whom God is preparing to lead us.
  • Please continue to be the church where hope is found, unified, and passionate about disciples making disciples.
  • Please continue to support Cedar Hills’ ministry with your attendance, volunteer service and financial gifts.
How will updates be communicated to the church?
  • Website: We will update this page regularly with new FAQs or details as we walk through this process.
  • Sunday Bulletin: A link to this information will be provided via email as part of the weekly Sunday bulletin. We will also provide hard copies upon request.
  • Informational Meetings: We are planning for two face-to-face informational meetings to address remaining questions. As we approach the final stages of this process, we will communicate in-person during Sunday worship regarding any updates.
How can I submit a question to the Pastoral Search Team?

Please use the form below to submit any written questions to the office. We will do our best to have the appropriate person respond promptly, as well as update the FAQs as necessary. However, please re-review the FAQs before submitting your questions, as we will update this page with any new frequently asked questions (FAQs) that we receive.

 

Journal Prompts

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

Week 41 (November 8) – Intentionality: How do I purposefully order my life around God’s way? Interruptibility: How can I be more willing to stop and meet a need when I see it?

Week 40 (November 1) – What ordinary, everyday people or places come to my mind as opportunities for service?  Do I associate service with more distant contexts rather than my closest relationships and immediate surroundings? Why? How have I experienced the tension between serving for recognition verses serving out of genuine love?

Week 39 (October 25) – Am I driven to do God’s will? How is God’s will like food to me? Where is my favorite watering hole?

Week 38 (October 18) – What is God calling me to do right now, in this season? Why do I feel called in that way?

Week 37 (October 11) – When I think of Sunday mornings, where do I see myself using my spiritual gifts to serve the church body?

Week 36 (October 4) – Where do I see fruit?

Week 35 (September 27) – What is my gift? What is my calling (place and time)?

Week 34 (September 20) – Who will I serve?

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 me when I have not been good enough? Why does God see me 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?) am I most likely to exclude from my flock? How can I love them in a practical  way?

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

Week 24 (July 12) – How have I been hurt and hurt others by not handling conflict well? What are one or two ways I 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 I admitted my 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 am I currently sowing my time, treasures and talents? How is God calling me to sow them more generously? How have I been enriched by generously sowing time, talent and treasures in others?

Week 18 (May 31) – Which of these nine issues do I 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 I stop ‘doing’, what feelings, worries and doubts do I 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?

The Holidays at Cedar Hills

November 22 – Angel Tree – grab a tag off the tree in the Gathering Space and buy a toy for a local Angel tree child.

November 25, 6:30pm – Thanksgiving Eve Worship: a light-hearted and family friendly worship service. Held in the Gathering Space.

November 29 – Advent Begins. Services at 8:30am and 11am. We will light the traditional Advent candles in worship.

December 6, 4:00pm – Advent By Candlelight – a women’s event with elegant Christmas-themed tables, desserts, and a program to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Pre-registration required

December 13, 6:30pm Journey Youth – Christmas Movie Night For 6th-12th grade students. Invite a friend.

December 20– “Joy” Sunday – come to worship in your Christmas attire–ugly sweaters, Christmas ties, or dress up and take family photos at our special photo area.  Regular service times. No Sunday classes.  Bring your favorite “JOY” food – anything that brings you joy – to share!

December 20 – Journey Youth Christmas Party – 6pm-8pm. A special Christmas celebration for 6th-12th grade students.

December 24 – Christmas Eve worship services at 3pm and 5pm A celebration of Jesus’ birth with candles and carols.

December 25 – Christmas Day.  No worship services.

December 27 – Regular worship services at 8:30am and 11am. No Sunday classes.

2026 Annual Report

From Pastor Kent: 2026 State of the Church

What face comes to mind when you think about the future of the church? What face represents the people you love, the next generation of disciples, and so much more. The past year offered many opportunities to reflect on the future of Cedar Hills.

Two things struck me as abundantly clear:

1. I am deeply grateful for you! You are the future of the church and I love serving with you. I love what I do and I love doing it with you!

2. The best is yet to come! Life brings changes and those changes bring grief but also opportunity. God has plans for our futures – big plans!

As we look forward to the new year, I hope that we all have the faces of the people we love in mind. And I hope that some – many – of those faces represent the next generation. They are the future of our congregation and the reason we are committed to make disciples who make disciples.

God wants to do so much more!
Pastor Kent

Men's small group meets on Monday nights at A Place for Friends off Edgewood Road.

Care Ministry

God has blessed us with the opportunity to meet weekly with residents at Irving Point Assisted Living Center and at Harmony Nursing Home. Also, God has led us to begin a Men’s Small Group with some  wonderful guys! We meet Monday evenings at A Place for Friends. ~Randy Fox, Care Ambassador

We meet weekly with residents at Harmony House nursing home.
Irving Point is an assisted living center.
Musicians leading at 11am service.

Worship Ministry

Worship teams continue to grow in musicianship and discernment as they listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in worship and learn to ebb and flow with where God is leading them during the worship services. ~ Pastor Leah Carolan

Lala Ladies Lori Tonsfeldt, Audrey Reid, and Ina Boeke
The Lala Ladies helped celebrate Phyllis Baker's 100th birthday

Lala Ladies

A Mission outreach group from Cedar Hills: Ina Boeke, Audrey Reid, and Lori Tonsfeldt travel to 18-20 assisted living homes each month to perform a special musical program!

Small Group Connections

A group from our women’s ministry recently attended the  Beth Moore conference in Des Moines. The ladies returned home deeply encouraged in their faith and grateful for the opportunity to grow closer as sisters in Christ. ~ Lindsey Ungs, Connection Architect

A group of ladies from Cedar Hills on retreat together.
Attending the Beth Moore conference in Des Moines

Days for Girls

Our Cedar Rapids team has been providing reusable menstrual kits since 2014. Over 16,000 kits have been shared both abroad and locally for women and girls in need. With these kits, girls will not need to miss school, and women will not need to miss work because of their monthly cycles.

Days for Girls sewing workshop in the Gathering Space
Distributing the Days for Girls kits around the world.
Our youngest Cedar Hills members and their helpers in the nursery.

Nursery

Youth helpers connect with the Nursery kids and provides a fun opportunity to serve!

Faith, Family & Fun

Our Faith, Family & Fun event was watching and outdoor movie and sharing snacks!

Open Hands Food Pantry volunteers serve alongside one another throughout the week.

Open Hands Food Pantry

Faithful, hard-working volunteers keep the pantry stocked to serve hundreds of families in need. The pantry is open two days every week, but volunteers work to stock the pantry almost every day! The volunteers are the heart of the pantry—they are the reason for its success!

Women's Ministry leadership team

Women’s Ministry

The Women’s Ministry Leadership Team coordinates and lead multiple women’s clases, events, retreats and activities throughout the year.

Line-Dancing Event

Advent by Candlelight

Women gather for the annual Advent By Candlelight event to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season.

Enjoying a hayrack ride at Club House, thanks to Bob Brecke!

Cedar Kids Clubhouse

Our hayrack ride is always a hit and we enjoy many special hands-on activities to learn about the Bible and Jesus love for us!

Sunday classes meet throughout the school year for ages Kdgn-5th grade.

Sunday Class Kids

Pre-K through 5th graders are learning how to fish for men and be disciples who make other disciples. ~ Cathy Poole, Children’s Sunday Class Director

Youth & Young Adults

One essential to growing in your faith as a teenagers is exploring what you believe. This summer some of our youth explored the mountains in Colorado and were challenged to reach new heights physically and spiritually.

~ Pastor Steve Poole, Director of Youth & Young Adults

Enjoying the scenary at Rocky Mountain High youth conference in Colorado.

Children’s Church

My children’s church crew surprised me with a birthday party. Totally caught me off guard, but it was absolutely the best birthday ever!

They had been planning this for a month and wanted to express their gratitude. I feel so blessed to be a part of a ministry that is kind and loving. I have also had some of my middle school girls helping out as leaders, which has been amazing to witness. God is indeed moving through the children’s ministry. 

~ Frankline Tshombe, Children’s Worship Director

Miss Franky gets celebrated by the children's church.
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." ~Hebrews 6:10
Noah's Ark Preschool students enjoying the 57th year of the preschool!

Noah’s Ark Preschool

Noah’s Ark Preschool celebrated its 57th year! We see God working in our preschool every day through the love,  growth, and joy of our students.  We believe serving these  children is a God-given calling and are blessed to share His love and light.

~ Megan Wilden, Director of Noah’s Ark Preschool

Cedar Hills Consistory

2026 Deacons
Bruce Boldt (chair)
Justina Conrad
Carol Davison
Amy Geiger
Carmen Gronewold
Matt Johnson
Beth Larson
Sonya Schneekloth

2026 Elders
Kent Landhuis, Pres.
Joanne Lodge
Dan Hakken, Vice Pres.
Gary Mills
Beth Brown
Steve Poole
Gabe Dorrell
Gary Sager
Randy Fox

CONSISTORY NOMINATIONS

Bobby and Mel Dahm with their children Briar (right) and Canon (left)

2027 Deacon Nominee

Bobby Dahm

The more I am engaged in Cedar Hills the more I am enlightened, refreshed, and empowered to abide in Jesus. I’m learning that less is more in my journey to becoming a disciple of Jesus. Less time spent learning the ways of this world and more time learning the ways of Jesus.

Jeff Graham, deacon nominee

2027 Deacon Nominee

Jeff Graham

The support I receive from the community at Cedar Hills Community Church has helped me abide in Jesus. The messages on Sunday mornings, Bible study discussions, and general conversation with fellow members have all contributed to my journey.

Nora Herny, deacon nominee

2027 Elder Nominee

Nora Herny

What helps me abide with Jesus is reflecting on the absolute  knowledge that He loves me and is with me always! Praying, worshipping together with fellow believers, I praise God with a grateful heart.

E.J. and Alicia O'Donnell Lines with children Sophia (left) and Lilia (right)

2027 Elder Nominee

E.J. O’Donnell-Lines

Our family has been faced with many challenges over the last few years. That’s what eventually brought us to Cedar Hills. There is so much hate and division in the world today that I feel compelled to change in a positive way. Jesus gave us the ultimate example of what it means to live life with compassion and love for others.  I’m doing my best to live out my life using that example and that drive helps me to abide in Jesus Christ.

ANNUAL BUDGET SUMMARY

2026 Status and 2027 Budget Plan

As of the end of September:

    • 2026 expense budget: $683,708
    • 2026 actual expenses: $695,351
    • 2026 total donations: $716,353
    • Building Our Future Balance: $111,823

  • The 2027 budget is increasing 9%, mostly due to succession planning, planned loan payments for parking lot, staff increases (3% increase and health insurance increases).
  • Ministry teams were very diligent in managing their planned budgets to help limit the overall budget increase.
  • Parking lot resurfacing is planned for late spring to early summer 2027.
  • Missions increased 4% over 2026.

Every gift matters and we appreciate your generosity!

CEDAR HILLS MISSIONS

  • Open Hands Food Pantry
  • Bridgehaven
  • Beth Larson, Brno, in Czech Republic
  • Campus Crusade for Christ – Katie Smith
  • Lake View Camps
  • Indiana YFC-Abbi Lackey
  • Power of Women and Children
  • Geneva Campus Ministries – Brett Erickson
  • Words of Hope – Radio Ministry
  • RCA Foreign Ministry – Blaine Newhouse in Bahrain
  • Salvation Army – Local Needs
  • Serve the City – Care Network
  • Guatemala Mission Trip
  • La La Ladies
  • Days for Girls
  • Matthew 25
  • Benevolence/Gap Ministries
  • Alliance Mission Shares

Disciples Making Disciples: Bible Reading

Disciples Making Disciples: Bible Reading

Jesus said, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”(Matthew 28:18-20).

We are called to make disciples who make disciples and we recently received a Discipleship Map to help us live out this calling. This tool is one of many gifts of our belonging to The Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC). This map explores twelve essential qualities of a disciple who makes disciples.

The fourth essential is Bible Reading for Devotion. A disciple practices simple methods of reading the Bible for devotional purposes. This practice shifts the focus from simply “getting into the Word” to “letting the Word get into you” which transforms a daily checklist into a spiritual rhythm.

Getting into the Word treats the Bible like a destination, a task to complete, or information to master. The goal too easily becomes finishing a chapter or checking off a reading plan. Getting the Word into you treats Scripture like daily nourishment, letting it take root to reshape your character from the inside out.

  • Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” 
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
  • James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

God is the Potter, we are the clay. When we read the Bible, God shapes us. This is how God grows disciples who make disciples. (Dig deeper here!)

May the Lord be with you,

Pastor Kent

Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.

Sanctuary Choir

Join the choir! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays, 6:45pm in the Lime Room (right hallway, all the way to the end).  Choir is open to high school age and up.  If you know your voice part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) that is helpful! But we can also help you find your voice part by range.

Practice Recordings on YouTube

FALL CHOIR

November

  • Wednesday, Nov 11: Rehearsal @ 6 :45pm
  • Wednesday, Nov 18: Rehearsal @ 6 :45pm
  • Wednesday, Nov 25: NO Rehearsal (Thanksgiving Eve)

December

  • Wednesday, Dec 2: Rehearsal @ 6:45 pm in the Worship Center
  • Sunday, Dec 6: Warm-up at 7:55am, sing at 8:30am Service
  • Wednesday, Dec 9: Rehearsal @ 6:45 pm
  • Wednesday Dec 16: Rehearsal @ 6:45 pm in the Worship Center
  • Sunday, Dec 20: Warm-up at 7:55am, sing at 8:30am Service (JOY SUNDAY! Wear Christmas attire, ugly sweaters, etc.)
Questions? Contact Stuart Geiger

 

 

Welcome New Members!

Congrats to our newest members! They completed the 6-week “You Belong” course to become members of Cedar Hills. If a new member has not yet been baptized, they can choose to be baptized the Sunday they join and so we got to celebrate three baptisms Sunday as well.

“You Belong” is offered twice a year for anyone who wants to know more about Cedar Hills, what it means to be a Christian, and to pursue church membership. If you’d like to receive information on when the next session is, contact the church office.

November with the Lala Ladies!


With the month of November brings the question: What are you thankful for? Whether it is about your faith, or family or whatever, we all need to give thanks to the many wonderful blessings we have each and every day.

The La La Ladies are very thankful for the ten years we have been blessed by all our Care Centers, the staffs and especially the beautiful residents who grace us with their smiles and hugs each month. We hope you can join us at one of these centers and may the blessings of thankfulness be heard in our message.

November 3
      1:30p – Trailside by Thomas Park
      3:00p – Thomas Grove
November 4 
      1:30p – Colonial Manor in Amana
      2:4p5 – Lakeview Village
November 5
      1:00p – Promise House in Hiawatha
      2:45p – Prairie Hills
November 6
      1:00p – Summit Point in Marion
      2:30p – Hallmar
November 11
      12:45p – Milestones of Marion
      2:30p – Views of Marion
November 12
      1:30p – Keystone Cedars
      3:00p – Keystone Place
November 17
      1:30p – Boyson Heights
      3:00p – Terrace Glen
November 18
      1:30p – Meadowview
      3:00p – The Gardens
November 19
      1:30p – Stoney Meadows
      3:30p – Keystone Place Forevermore in North Liberty

Advent By Candlelight 2026

REGISTER NOW

Dear Sisters in Christ,

You’re warmly invited to our annual Advent by Candlelight gathering — a cherished evening of beauty, worship, and togetherness as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ.

🕯️ Advent by Candlelight: Abide & Adore 

📅 Sunday, December 6 

🕓 Doors open at 3:30 PM | Program begins at 4:00 PM 

📍 Cedar Hills Community Church

Join the women of Cedar Hills for an evening of abiding and adoring, featuring beautifully decorated Christmas tables, inspiring music, and a heartfelt message from our guest speaker, Julie Lefebure. Our prayer is that this gathering offers you a moment of peace, reflection, and renewed hope in the midst of a busy season.  (Our young women ages 11 and up are welcome to attend alongside their moms–such a meaningful way to share this tradition together.)

✨ Registration is required — please register to reserve your spot and help us prepare a meaningful evening. You may register in two ways:

  1. Online:https://cedarhills.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/571/responses/new 
  2. In person: Sign‑up sheets will be available in the Gathering Space on Nov 1, 8, and 15.
  3. We are looking for men to help with short shifts before and after the event (sign-up sheet is in the Gathering Space).
  4. Hostesses: It is not too late to sign up as a hostess if anyone feels called.

🎄 Donation Request 

This year, we are honored to support Angel Tree — a ministry that shares the love of Christ with children and families in need. Your generosity will help provide a Christmas meal for the family and supplies for Angel Tree summer camp for the children.

Non‑perishable items: 

  • Instant mashed potatoes 
  • Stuffing mix 
  • Green beans 
  • Corn 
  • Carrots 
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Canned/packet gravy
  • Chicken broth
  • Macaroni & cheese
  • Corn bread mix
  • Peanut butter
  • Pie crust 
  • Pie filling (apple/cherry/pumpkin) 
  • Hot chocolate mix 
  • Reusable grocery bags
  • Beach / Bath full size towel 
  • Toothpaste – full size 
  • Toothbrush 
  • Body Wash or Soap 
  • Shampoo 
  • Comb or Brush 
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
  • Deodorant

Other ways to give: 

If you have any questions or would like to host a table, please reach out to the Women’s Ministry team at CedarHillsWomensMinistry@gmail.com or to Carmen Gronewold at 319-721-0107. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you.

With joy and anticipation,
Cedar Hills Women’s Ministry

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We exist to make disciples who make disciples.