The City-Wide Youth Prayer & Worship event is open to all youth through the greater Cedar Rapids area.
Join us at 6:30pm at Cedar Hills Community Church for worship, prayer and testimonies.
The Gospel Is Not Optional
The Gospel is not Optional
There is some debate about which season is more important: Christmas or Easter? Of course, we are the kind of people who believe that both are vital and neither is optional.
But if you had to rank them, what would you say? Most theologians lean toward Easter because it represents the grand climax of the Gospel – Jesus lived and died and rose again. This is true and essential.
Some people claim that religion is obsolete because it does not work. And, I suppose, that depends on what a person expects religion to do. I’m thankful that the gospel never becomes obsolete. A recent blog by Russ Lackey explains why:
The gospel does not exist to make people happier, nicer, or more functional. It announces something far stranger: that God justifies the ungodly. It declares forgiveness not as therapeutic reassurance but as a verdict spoken over people who cannot secure it for themselves.
In a culture shaped by achievement, expressive individualism, and relentless self-optimization, this claim cannot be replaced. Wellness cultures still demand improvement. Therapeutic frameworks assume progress. Many contemporary spiritualities offer meaning without judgment and comfort without reckoning.
The gospel does not do any of this. It names sin without collapsing into shame and announces forgiveness without requiring self-exoneration. No algorithm, mindfulness practice, or spiritual technique dares to absolve.
This is why the gospel endures even when religion becomes optional.
Jesus lived and died and rose again. That truth never wears out and never loses its power. Praise God!
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
To read more, go here: When Religion Becomes Obsolete, Christ Does Not.
Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.
Deep Waters
Deep Waters
It is said that water covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface, and only 3% of it is fresh, with much of that locked in ice. Isn’t that interesting? There is no doubt that water is vital and essential for our overall well-being. Doctors often remind us that drinking enough water keeps us hydrated.
In Genesis 1:6, it says, “And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’” Then in verse 7, “So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it.”
I don’t know about you, but I cannot swim. Ironically, though, I really enjoy being in the water–just not deep water. My fear is that the waves and tides might sweep me away. I always get nervous about going too deep because I don’t know what lies ahead. This tension between the fear and love for water is something I have lived with my entire life.
But what if I told you that God sometimes calls us into deeper waters–not so we can drown, but so we can rise above the waves and tides? As I have matured in my faith, I see God calling me into even deeper waters. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” This assurance from God is both calming and, at times, a little frightening.
Maybe you’re like me and feel God calling you into deeper waters. For me, it has meant walking by faith and not by sight remembering that the same God who made the waters will see me through to the other side. I have had to lay my fears of deep waters at His feet and embark on the journey.
Being in deep water has brought a sense of awe and even excitement. I am reminded that no matter how high the waves and tides rise, God is with me.
Frankline “Franky” Tshombe
Children’s Church Leader
Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry, or learn something new? Let Frankline 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
SPRING CHOIR
April
- SING Sunday, April 5 at 8:30am service (7:55am warmup)
- Wednesday, April 8 – 6:45pm Rehearsal
- Wednesday, April 15 – 6:45pm Rehearsal
- SING Sunday, April 19 at 8:30am service (7:55am warm-up)
Questions? Contact Stuart Geiger
GriefShare Begins April 7
GRIEF SHARE GROUP – Designed for anyone dealing with grief from the loss of a loved one. GriefShare helps individuals walk through the grieving process and heal from the pain. Join the new group, Tuesday evenings, starting Tues, April 7, 6:30-8pm in the Resource Center (Library). Leaders are Tony Tonsfeldt and Bridgit Humphreys. SIGN-UP ONLINE
Disciples Bear Fruit
Disciples Bear Fruit
Every congregation faces pressure to succeed. Success has historically been measured by the congregation’s budget and attendance. (Bucks and butts.) These measures might be helpful for a church management business. We are not in that business. We are in the disciple-making business. Jesus said, “Go make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). We measure success by making disciples.
I just read a blog about the tension between success (achievement) and fruitfulness. I found it helpful: “There’s a real difference between our achievements and our fruitfulness, between our successes and the actual good that we bring into the world. What we achieve brings us success… and gives us a feeling of being worthwhile, singular, and important. We’ve done something. We’ve left a mark. We’ve been recognized.”
Success is measured by achievement. Fruitfulness is measured differently: “Achievement is not the same thing as fruitfulness. Our achievements are things we have accomplished. Our fruitfulness is the positive, long-term effect these achievements have on others. Achievement doesn’t automatically mean fruitfulness.”
Jesus never told us to achieve but he did tell us to bear fruit. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me” (John 15:5).
Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16).
Jesus said, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit… every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit” (Matthew 7:16-17).
Disciples bear fruit – that is success. One last word from my blogger friend: “Fruit comes from abiding; success comes from striving. One is done to impress others, the other to bless others.”
Go abide, bear fruit, and bless somebody.
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.
Disciples Making Disciples
Disciples Making Disciples
How often do you think about discipleship? How much of your ambition is aimed at becoming a better disciple of Jesus? How much time do you invest in training to be like Jesus?
As a congregation we describe our mission as making disciples who make disciples. We set out this year to abide with Jesus as essential to growing. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15) We are the kind of people who focus less on lesser things and more on greater things – the greatest thing we can focus on is to become more like Jesus.
The New Testament uses the word ‘disciple’ 273 times. Jesus talks about making disciples constantly. So, how are we doing? This question actually boils down to another: How are you doing?
To discover more about your journey and to dig deeper into discipleship I recommend this wonderful sermon by Jon Tyson.
Blessings as you grow.
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry or learn something new? Let Kent know.
Easter Choir
EASTER CHOIR – Choir rehearsals for the Lent / Easter season have begun! New voices are always welcome! Rehearsals will be immediately after the Lent worship services (around 7:05pm) in the Lime (Journey) classrooms. Please contact Stuart Geiger for more information.
Cedar Hills Gardens
HELP GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL – Do you enjoy gardening, love serving others, or simply want to be part of something meaningful? If so, you can make a big difference! Through our partnership with Feed Iowa First, we offer 35 garden plots where families can grow their own food—and so much more than vegetables grows here. This garden is about connection, community, and care. This mission thrives because of volunteers, willing to get their hands a little dirty or cheer on those who do! Volunteers help with assigning plots, welcoming and assisting families at the start of the season, answering questions, troubleshooting along the way, and—most importantly—building relationships between our church and the families we serve. Contact Bruce Boldt, or the church office.
Boot Scootin’ Night in Walford
BOOT SCOOTIN’ NIGHT – Saturday, March 28, 7:00-9:00pm at Knapp Creek Event Center in Walford – Ladies and families-pull out your boots and join us for a fun evening of dancing! Whether you enjoy line dancing, the two-step, or just moving to the music, everyone is welcome. Bring the whole family and join us for dancing, music, laughter, and great conversation. Admission is $5 per attendee. Come show your moves!