You Belong: An Orientation to God’s Family at Cedar Hills
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 beginning November 2. 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).
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.
Joan Marcella Grave, 59, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Bickford of Marion. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Memorial services will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Cedar Hills Community Church, located at 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Private committal services will take place at a later date.
Joan was born on November 13, 1965, in Dubuque, IA, one of eight children to Herbert and Jane (Derga) Hahn. Joan grew up on their family farm near Dyersville, Iowa. Joan took pride in the hard work she did on the farm and carried it to many aspects of her life.
Joan was united in marriage to Duane Alan Grave on March 12, 1988, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together, they raised their three children in Marion, Iowa: Kristina Grave (Loesel), Jacob Grave, and Alexi Grave (Culbertson).
Joan was a loving stay-at-home mom, before serving as a paraprofessional for many years. She had a compassionate heart for her students. Joan was an excellent cook and enjoyed spending time in nature with her family doing activities like boating, hiking, and kayaking. She loved her family dogs, “Mitch”, “Masey”, and “Riley”. Joan was known to love Christmas, Hallmark, and giving gifts. She will be remembered as a caring friend and family member.
Joan is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Duane Grave; children, Kristina (Mitch) Loesel, Jacob (Gladis) Grave, and Alexi (Justin) Culbertson; grandchildren, Shelsyn Ponce Grave, Fernanda Padilla Grave, and Alex Figueroa Grave; mother-in-law, Donna Grave; seven siblings, Glen (Karen) Hahn, Joyce (Charlie) Harris, Jill (Virgil) Recker, Judi (Ron) Simon, Gary Hahn, Jennifer Hahn, and Jessica Hahn (Scott) Bries; many nieces and nephews; as well as many wonderful friends.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1983 and her mother in 2023, along with her grandparents, father-in-law Marvin Grave, and several aunts and uncles.
In recognition of Joan’s love of flowers, if inclined, floral contributions may be sent to the funeral home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Marcella Grave, please visit our flower store.
Join us in praying for the family and friends of Marlin Swartzendruber as they remember and celebrate his life and arrival into the arms of Jesus.
VISITATON: Oct. 9 at 11am, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories
4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
FUNERAL: Oct. 9 at 12pm, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with a luncheon to follow in the family center. 4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
LIVESTREAM of the funeral service will start at 12pm on Thursday, Oct. 9. VIEW LIVESTREAM
Marlin Paul Swartzendruber (89) peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Marlin was born February 18, 1936, to Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber on a farm. north of Wellman, IA, during a blizzard. The doctor was blocked by snow covered roads, so He rode on a horse drawn sleigh over the covered fences. Ella died when Marlin was 4 years old. When his older brother D Dale graduated and left home, Marlin became chief cook at 9 years old. Orval woke Marlin up at 5:30 to do chores in the milkhouse and with the livestock. Marlin would then prepare breakfast, clean the kitchen, and walk a quarter mile to school. He would then repeat chores after school and prepare supper. Marlin was taught to drive by his Aunt Esther so by age 12, he often enjoyed driving his grandparents to church. Marlin attended kindergarten through eighth grade in a one room schoolhouse and ninth grade in Parnell, IA. Orval and Marlin moved to a farm south of Homestead where he attended Williamsburg H.S. He played football in his junior and senior years.
After graduation Marlin took a job with John Wetjen as a carpenter in 1954. After five years they went into a partnership. In 1971, Marlin bought out the business, and it became Swartzendruber Lumber and Construction Company. As is fitting for a carpenter, Marlin built his own house in Amana, IA. He started construction on his house in 1957 and worked on it daily before and after work and on Saturdays until completion in 1958.
Marlin married Judy (Metz) at Christ Church Presbyterian in Cedar Rapids in 1960. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Marlin served the church by being a deacon, an elder, and a building committee member. Together they raised three daughters and operated the company business until its closing in 2007. In his retirement he started a hobby of woodworking with a turning lathe. He created many beautiful bowls and other creations. He also built four glider swings for his family. Marlin, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for his family, his quick wit when you least expected it and his unwavering work ethic. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
Marlin is survived by his wife Judy (Metz) Swartzendruber, his three daughters Debra (Daniel) Fick of Coralville, IA, Diane (Brian) Gunderson of Fond du Lac, WI, Dawn (Robert) Newberry of Urbandale, IA, six grandchildren, Allison Bernard, (Kyle) of Iowa City, Benjamin Fick (Mattie) of North Liberty, IA, Andrew Gunderson (Alison) of Fond du Lac, WI, Nathan Gunderson (Amy) of Appleton, WI, Jacob Newberry of Ankeny, IA, Sophie Newberry of Las Vegas, NV, and five great grandchildren, Eleanor and Emma Jo Bernard, Azalia, Ezra, and Zane Gunderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber and his brother D Dale Swartzendruber.
We are thankful for the loving care given to our family by Iowa City Hospice and The Summit of Coralville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Hills Community Church, 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, and/or Iowa City Hospice, 1526 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240.
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
October
Free meal “The Neighbors Table” at Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church. Monthly on the last Thursday of the month.
Thursday, Sept 25, 4:30pm-6:30pm
An RSVP is helpful so they can plan for numbers. RSVP ONLINE
SEE FULL FLIER – print and distribute
If you want to join in our journey of reading through the Bible in 2025, joining at the New Testament point is a great spot!
Readings are a few chapters every day, followed by an awesome podcast from the Bible Recap to help you understand what you just read.
JOIN THE CEDAR HILLS NEW TESTAMENT GROUP
If you are already a part of the group reading through the entire Bible this year, you do not need to join the New Testament group.
Today’s message will reference this Tim Keller sermon – we wanted to share the link with you! “God Our Lover” by Tim Keller
LALA LADIES – This small group of Cedar Hills musicians travels around to the Care Centers in Cedar Rapids and Marion, bringing smiles to residents with their music. This group includes Ina Boeke, Lori Tonsfeldt, and Audrey Reid. In September, they will feature Country Music!
SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE
September 9
September 10
September 11
September 15
September 16
September 17
September 18
September 23
September 24
September 25
I saw a news flash today that RFK Jr, age 71, completed 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in under six minutes. I thought, “How is that possible?”
Answer: RFK Jr. apparently still works out. A lot. He is the kind of guy who keeps growing physically.
If growing physically strong and healthy requires continued effort, what about spiritual growth?
We are the kind of people who keep growing spiritually. We keep discovering new truths. We keep drawing near to God. We keep following Jesus into new territory.
We know that healthy things grow. Here are three reasons why we are the kind of people who keep growing:
And if that is not motivation enough, remember that God’s Word is not static or stale, it is “living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) God is still working today – in all of us – to bring not just life, but abundant life. (John 10:10) So, keep growing.
As Steve shared in his sermon last week, practice “Shema-ing” in a Sunday class, small group, or in your personal Bible Study. LISTEN HERE
May the Lord be with you,
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
