Cedar Chips, December 2021 Chips

Physical Connection Leads to Heart Growth

Physical Connection Leads to Heart Growth

This year of connection has been inspiring. Some of the most beautiful moments that were relayed to me from small group leaders in the church are moments that cannot yet be shared. That’s because some of those sweet moments are a response by individuals to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to draw nearer to God, even if the person does not yet know Jesus.

In small groups all across our church, there are a number of people that are just now feeling safe enough to ask questions about God. Tough questions that have kept them from God most of their lives.

For some, they are opening up to their small group members about things that have been hidden from most people in their lives.

For others, they are coming to a new perspective or realization that what they once held dear is no longer so important in their life. God is working in their heart. As their perspective changes it is like scales falling from their eyes, and underneath the Truth is starting to take shape in their heart.

Like the Grinch, I have a larger heart this year because of what I’ve seen and heard from our small group leaders.

Merry Christmas,

Lindsey Ungs
Connection & Communication Architect

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

    December 2021 Chips

    Deeper Connection

    Deeper Connection

    “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25

    I’ve been wondering lately, if we can stimulate one another to love and good works when we don’t meet together? I’m sure we can encourage one another in isolation but it seems so much easier when we spend time together. Consider my men’s small group as a case study.

    After taking a short break in 2020, our group resumed meeting together in person. Sometimes we simply check in with each other. Sometimes we do a Bible Study. Sometimes we go out for burgers. The key: we come together.

    When we gather stuff comes out. Some tell about their latest challenge. Some share exciting news. Some report on their past. Some show off new tattoos. Some ask for prayer. Some listen without saying much. Some give opinions on current events. Some offer words of wisdom. Some give encouragement.

    Meeting together creates space for connection. For men – generally – connection is not easy, but slowly we open up our lives to each other when we hang out. And now, looking back over the past year, I see deeper connections and realize that we have spurred one another on!

    My small group is one of my connection bright spots from 2021. It started with meeting together.

    Kent Landhuis
    Pastor of Teaching & Leadership

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

      Advent, Christmas, Event, News

      Dec. 12 Ugly Sweater Sunday

      Sunday, Dec. 12th come adorned in your best or worst Christmas attire–ugly sweaters, Christmas ties, Christmas PJS, or Christmas best.  The choir will be singing at 1st service and the kids will be singing at 2nd service.

      STAFF CONTEST

      Vote for the best ‘nativity’ costume in the Gathering Space by putting cash or check in that staff member’s “Red Kettle” – a friendly competition that supports the Salvation Army.  And the winning staff member gets bragging rights for the rest of the year! 🙂

      Advent, Christmas, Holiday, News

      Enter the Nativity

      “Enter the Nativity” – a new 5-week series begins Sunday, Nov. 28.  This series covers the season of Advent (the 4-week preparation for Christmas), Christmas Eve, and the Sunday after Christmas.

      We will look at the different characters of the Christmas story – Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, the angels, Jesus and the Magi and discover together the grand invitation we each are extended to come and behold the Messiah.

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

      Christmas Eve services will be held Dec. 24 at 3pm, 5pm & 7pm.  The 5pm services will also be live on Facebook.  Nursery care for ages 0-36mo provided at 3 & 5pm.  More about Christmas Eve.

      Advent, Christmas, Missions Team, News, Volunteers Needed

      Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army

      Only two shifts left to fill!

      The 7-8pm shift is open at both locations!
      See link to online sign-up below.

       

      SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS – Over the next six weeks, Salvation Army will work to raise more than half its operating budget for the upcoming year. These funds will show the love of Jesus through feeding the hungry, keeping families in their homes and providing critical youth services. Cedar Hills has a long history of supporting the Salvation Army’s ministry in Linn County.

      Again this year, you can help by taking a bell ringing shift.

      This year, we’re ringing the bells at the Johnson Ave Hy-Vee and 16th Avenue Fareway from 10am to 8pm on Saturday, December 4.  You can sign up today or next Sunday in the Gathering Space, or go to RegisterToRing.com and search for the group code “CHCC” to signup online. If that date doesn’t work, reach out to Scott Drzycimski (319-540-2356) to get a time slot that works for you.

      Pro tip: This is a great way for your small group to serve together.

      Uncategorized

      Ice Skating – Nov. 21 for Faith, Family & Fun

      Did you have fun at Bloomsbury Farm in October? Our next Faith, Family and Fun outing is a public skate at ImOn Ice Arena, Sunday, Nov. 21, 1:30-3:30.  Our discount rate is $5 and includes the cost of skate rental. *Children ages 0-2 skate FREE. The regular cost is $9 for admission + skate rental, so this is a good deal.

      Download and print the waiver ahead of time.

      LOCATION: 1100 Rockford Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

      Faith, Family & Fun events are for the entire Cedar Hills church family that we hold once a month.

      Contact Kathryn Pisch using the form below with any questions!

        Advent, Advent By Candlelight, Christmas, Event, Music, News

        “The Women of the Christmas Story” – Advent By Candlelight 2021

        Registration is now closed for this event.

        Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4pm.  Doors will open at 3:30pm.

        Join the women of Cedar Hills with a special “The Women of the Christmas Story” presentation at Advent By Candlelight.

        Enjoy beautifully decorated Christmas tables, a special message with guest speaker Courtney Mesiner and music by the Lala Ladies.

        Pre-registration is required.

        Participants are asked to bring a donation to support Bridgehaven. Current needs: dish soap, laundry detergent, household cleaners, paper towels, hand soap, baby wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and snack food items. (All items must be new and unopened.)

        The highlight of Advent By Candlelight is the intricately decorated tables and details put in by each table hostess.  Doors open at 3:30pm so participants can come and explore the room and enjoy the decorations before the event begins.

        Guest Speaker

        Screen+Shot+2021-02-24+at+9.40.15+AM.jpg
        Courtney Misener

        We welcome Courtney Misener as our special guest speaker this year.  Courtney is am a writer, speaker, and emotional health rebel. She is an advocate for emotional wellness and truth telling and tackles unhealthy emotional behaviors that give us a seat on the crazy train.  She self-describes herself as “a rockstar/pastor’s wife and the head negotiator and biggest fan for their three very spunky boys.”  Between football games, hip-hop dance recitals and work, she enjoys rapping, car karaoke, dancing  in grocery store aisles, and generally doing everything in her power to embarrass her kids.

        (taken from www.courtneymisener.com)\

        Special Music

        Music will be provided by the Lala Ladies – a trio of ladies who regularly perform and provide music in the greater Cedar Rapids area, all with connections to Cedar Hills!  This trio formed about 3 years ago and began with a ministry to local nursing homes and care facilities.

        Past year’s table decorations

        Love. Belong. Serve.