Cedar Chips, November 2021

A Story of Restoration

A Story of Restoration

Steve’s sermon last Sunday really got to me. I can’t stop wondering about a question he raised. What if we are the innkeeper, and what if Jesus keeps bringing us hurting people, and what if Jesus supplies us with everything we need to restore the hurting? Think about that as you read this story of restoration from Luke 10:27-37:

Just then a man stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?”

Jesus answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?”

He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”

“Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you will live.”

Looking for a loophole, the man asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?”

Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.”

“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’”

“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”

“The one who treated him kindly,” the man responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

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

    Cedar Chips, November 2021

    Restoration

    Restoration

    As I reflect on restoration I am once again drawn to share about our latest house project. Cathy and I recently refinished some of the wood floors in our house. When we wrapped that project up we decided the stairs looked like finished hardwood under the carpet so we decided to rip it up. As Cathy peeled off the carpet, we found out two things; first, that they use a LOT of staples to attach the carpet and second, two of our steps didn’t match the original wood. Wow! What we thought might be a simple refinish project just became much more challenging. I think this is like the Christian life. As God peels back the layers of sin in our lives we find the restoration project is much more difficult than anticipated. God peels back our superficial sins and we find underlying selfishness and self-centeredness that was hidden under those surface level sins. Personally, the more closely I follow God, the more time I spend in His Word and prayer, the more I become aware that like these steps I have real problems. I have a flesh deeply corrupted by sin. God’s restoration process has begun, but will not reach completion until one day I receive a new body, one that is not corrupted by sin. Paul describes God’s restoration project of us this way in Romans 6:4-5: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

    Our hope for complete restoration lies IN our hope in Jesus Christ. Our hope is in the power of His death and resurrection. This is why our Apostles’ Creed ends with more than the forgiveness of sins. It also includes resurrection and eternal life!

    I believe in…

    “the communion of saints,

    the forgiveness of sins,

    the resurrection of the body,

    and the life everlasting. Amen.”

    Steve Poole
    Director of Youth & Young Adults

    What did you think of this article? Let us know.

      Uncategorized

      “Jesus on Every Page” – a new series

      “Jesus on Every Page” – a new 5-week series begins Sunday, Oct. 24.  This will be a broad look at the Bible and it’s layout – History, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels and Epistles and how they all work together to bring us the complete story of God’s love and redemption of His chosen people.

      If you are new to the Bible, this is a great overview of how God’s Word is woven together and speaks through various times and ages.

      We worship on Sundays at 8:30am and 11am, with classes for all ages in between services at 9:45am.  More About Worship

      Many at Cedar Hills have been following a 1-year reading plan to read through the entire Bible called “The Bible Recap”.  Each day’s reading is paired with a short 6-10 minute podcast to explain the daily readings and offer daily “God shots” – a quick take-away from the reading. To learn more about this awesome program, go here.  It’s never too late to start reading!

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      Operation Christmas Child 2021

      We participate yearly in an exciting ministry called Operation Christmas Child.  Partnering with Samaritans Purse, we pack shoeboxes with gifts and supplies for children around the world and Samaritan’s Purse delivers the boxes along with the good news of Jesus!

      OCC boxes will be available at Cedar Hills beginning Oct. 24 and are due to the church Nov. 14. You can also use any shoebox! It does not have to be the ‘official’ box.  How to pack a shoebox.

      Here is how it works:

      The Amazing Journey of a Simple Shoebox Gift

      Begins with You and Results in Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication

      Packing

      From children to seniors, people pack shoebox gifts each year to bless children in need around the world. Parents often use the project to teach their kids about giving. Year-round volunteers support these efforts across the country.

      Collecting

      Churches and groups of all sizes collect boxes from their communities. Some churches also serve as drop-off locations for shoeboxes the 2nd week of November every year.

      Shipping

      Thousands of volunteers serve annually inspecting and preparing shoeboxes for international shipping. Every hour work stops for a few minutes to pray for the children who will receive the boxes.

      Worldwide Distribution

      Long before shoeboxes arrive in more than 100 countries, volunteer National Leadership Teams train pastors and community leaders who want to share the message of the Gospel and bless children. The leaders learn how to host child-friendly outreach events, and how to implement The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program.

      Outreach Events

      Pastors around the world host outreach events in places where people may not know Christ and invite them to follow Him. Other churches use the boxes as resources for outreach in orphanages and other at-risk areas. In many places, they also offer The Greatest Gift, a Gospel story booklet Samaritan’s Purse developed for shoebox recipients, and invite children to participate in The Greatest Journey discipleship program.

      Discipleship & Multiplication

      As a result of what they learn in The Greatest Journey, boys and girls grow in Christ and share with friends and family. The students also invite others to their graduations where the Gospel is shared. This often brings parents, siblings, and friends to accept Christ and become active members in the local church. Families are reached, churches grow, new churches are started, and communities are transformed. Go Deeper ￫

      News

      Dynamic Videos We Want You to See!

      Those participating in the 6 week small group curriculum have been buzzing how effective these three videos have been in showing just how easy it is to share you testimony – without making it intimidating or difficult.

      Take a look! All three videos are part of the Life Shared Video Series on Right Now Media. (If you’ve never created a Right Now Media account with Cedar Hills, you can do so here: create account)

      EPISODE 1 – Join His Heart

      EPISODE 2 – You’re Invited

      EPISODE 3 – Take a Step

      Cedar Chips

      Hogging the Legos

      HOGGING THE LEGOS

      Boy 1: “Mooooooom! He just kicked me in the leg!”

      Me: “Are you bleeding?”

      Boy 1: “No.”

      Me: “Send your brother in here so I can talk to him.”

      Other brother begrudgingly appears.

      Me: “Why did you kick your brother?”

      Boy 2: “He pushed me off the chair first!”

      Me to Boy 1: “Is this true?”

      Boy 1: “He was trying to steal my Legos! He started it.”

      Boy 2: “He’s hogging the Legos and never lets me play with them!”

      And on and on and on… until finally:

      Me: “I want you two to look each other in the eye, say ‘I’m sorry’ and then other say ‘I forgive you.’”

      They hate that part, but it usually settles the argument and life goes on as before. Even if they don’t mean it, the mere words “I forgive you” end the dispute.

      I cannot count the number of similar conversations I have daily like this. The beautiful part is that childhood disputes *usually* are that simple. A fight, some words are tossed, an apology, and back to playing like normal.

      I don’t know when adulthood-sized arguments start to work their way into life. The drama is amped up, the injuries more severe, the grudges held longer, the wounds are deepened, and the reconciling conversations are held off for days, months, years… if ever at all. Maybe it’s the absence of a grand ‘mom’ figure in the picture to put us back in line. Or maybe in our maturity we toss off the need to be held accountable to a ‘higher power’ like mom who would normally step in. Maybe we grow more stubborn in our ways and master the art of revenge and quiet stewing.

      But I do know forgiveness still isn’t an option. As adults, we are accountable to Christ who commands us, “Forgive as you are forgiven.” It’s a serious offense.

      I, Leah, in all my detestable ways of sinning and turning away from God… have been FORGIVEN.  No drama, no grudge, no revenge. No stewing in the corner or years of silence.  Freely offered by a loving God.

      Wounds run deep but, I believe in the restorative power and grace of God—for even the deepest wounds and most egregious offenses.  Just say it. “I forgive you.” Even if you don’t mean it. Say it again. “I forgive you.” Every time you are reminded of the hurt. “I forgive you” again and again and again until it becomes easier.  1x, 7x, 70×7 times….

      Leah Carolan
      Director of Worship & Media

       

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

        Cedar Chips

        Forgiveness Through Jesus’ Work

        Forgiveness Through Jesus’ Work

        In high school I spent many hours late into the night with my good friends Drew and David. We had fun getting into and escaping trouble together. Sometimes Drew drove the getaway car, other times I did. David hardly ever drove. Because we spent so much time together, my parents considered them brothers of mine.

        In college it continued and we started venturing into the world. I met Lindsey and Drew seemed happy for me but I know he was wanting to find his special lady, too. When I asked Lindsey to marry me, she tasked me with finding six groomsmen! David accepted the best man role, but I didn’t hear back from Drew. As the wedding drew near, he declined stating that he wouldn’t be able to make it. It hurt, but we were wrapped up in plans and I had to find another friend to stand in.

        Later in life he revealed to me he’d become addicted to heavy drug use and didn’t want to pay for the tux. Now he was in a 12-step rehab program, confessing much worse offenses than this. The best part however was he had found Jesus! I was so glad to hear this and was happy to forgive him. At that point I had recently come back to my faith. If I hadn’t known forgiveness through Jesus’ work, I may have “forgiven” him out loud, but perhaps not truly “in my heart.” He’s since gotten married and we were able to attend and send him off to California a few years back.

        Karl Ungs
        Leader of Parenting Together

         

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

          Uncategorized

          When Tired, Take a Nap

          When Tired, Take a Nap

          I’m wired for self-critique, judgment, and condemnation. I’m not sure why, but I am hard on myself. One evidence of this is a denial of my need for rest. The tape playing in my head tells me, ” can keep going, push a little more, don’t quit yet.”

          If you phone me early in the morning, rouse me from a deep sleep, and then ask, “Did I wake you?” My knee-jerk reaction would be, “No, I’m awake.” Ditto if you catch me napping. Just resting my eyes.

          Truth is, I get tired. Sometimes very tired. And that makes me normal. One of my favorite verses in the last couple of exhausting years has been Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

          I’ve been seeking rest recently from the burden of self-condemnation. We are the kind of people who believe in forgiveness. The most difficult person to forgive can be ourselves.

          We are also the kind of people called to love our neighbors as ourselves. My mentor Ray always reminded me that we can not love our neighbors boldly until we love ourselves properly. Proper self-love is free from self-condemnation and shame.

          The path to forgiveness for many of us begins with recognizing that we are far more loved – even in our brokenness – than we ever realized. We are forgiven. If God forgives us then we should feel free to forgive ourselves and that should lighten our burden.

          So, when tired, take a nap.

          Kent Landhuis
          Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

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

            Small Groups, Women's Ministry

            Zamboni

            ****Update: This group meets Thursdays at noon at Newbo City Market.****

            Zamboni is a group for women to discuss work and faith over a relaxed lunch hour.  We meet at the Newbo City Market, but this location may change down the road.  The goal is to stay near the downtown area as a central location for everyone.

            This group is open to all women! Come and go as your lunch hour and work plans allow.  Contact Lindsey Ungs using the form below for more information or any questions.

            Contact Lindsey

              Funeral

              Mal Gould Funeral

              Mal Gould Funeral

              Funeral & Visitation

              The visitation and funeral for Mal Gould will be Friday, Sept. 17.  The visitation will be at 3:30pm, with the funeral starting at 4:30pm.  The service will also be broadcast on Facebook on our live stream page: http://www.facebook.com/cedarhillscommunitychurch/live starting just a few minutes prior to the service.

              The family is asking for face masks to be required of all in attendance.

              Obituary

              Malverin “Mal” Gould, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Heritage Specialty Care Center on Monday, August 30, 2021.

              Mal was born March 19, 1940, in Ottawa, Kansas to Glenn and Osa Gould. He was a proud Air Force veteran and served from 1958-1962, where he was a B-47 Bomber Jet engine tester.

              Upon his return from the Air Force, Mal married his former wife Joan Spitzer, and together they had their son Jon and daughter Kelly. Mal then worked at Moore Business Forms until 1975, when he started his own print shop called Kalona Graphic.

              In 1979 Mal met the love of his life and future wife, Lila. They were joined in marriage on January 5, 1980. Together Mal and Lila loved traveling and spent many years moving around the U.S., making homes in Florida, New Mexico, Michigan, and many other states.

              In their later years, Mal and Lila settled in Iowa where Mal spent 12 years working at Hy-Vee Drugstore. Mal loved chatting with his coworkers and customers, and they all became a second family to him.

              Besides his time at Hy-Vee, Mal loved woodworking and carving, taking care of his backyard birds, and reading books. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and a proud member of Cedar Hills Community Church.

              Mal is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lila; his son, Jon (Brenda) Gould and his daughter, Kelly (Michelle) Gould; stepsons Gary (Rita) Yoder, Randy Yoder, and Larry Yoder; his brother Jim Gould; as well as 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many cousins.

              Mal was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law Ada Mitchell; four brothers-in-law, Dellis Schrock, Leroy Schrock, Percy   Austin, and Bill Cannon; and his daughter-in-law Julie Yoder.

              Mal’s final resting place will be in the Serenity Gardens at Cedar Memorial. The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at Mercy Hospital as well as the staff at Heritage.

              Love. Belong. Serve.