Cedar Chips, May 2020 Chips, Noah's Ark

Noah’s Ark Preschool May 2020 Update

Having to write this in April for May is getting pretty tricky.  Not sure if we will be in school or not. Information about school in May will be sent via email to parents as we know the plans.

Summer School is being prepared and changes will occur in this program to help with physical distancing while still making it a fun and safe program.

Our staff is using this time away as an opportunity to refresh and relicense themselves for next year. Our teachers are doing their Continuing Education hours on-line and renewing our required licensing classes.  We will be ready to start the next year with all of these requirements in our back pockets!

We are in the process of identifying a new lead teacher for our older class for next year along with an assistant.

Miss Jan has decided to step down from teaching for next year.  She has blessed our school for the last 26 years.  Replacing her will be difficult.  Jan will still be at school as our Curriculum Coordinator and substitute teacher.

Miss Lori has decided to devote more time to her other job and is also saying goodbye.  She has been employed at Noah’s Ark since 2006.  Her dedication and love for our school has been tremendous.

Noah’s Ark Staff and Board would like to thank all our families that are supporting us during this time of separation; be it with prayers, photos, emails or tuition payments.  We are truly bless by all of you!  What a way to celebrate our 50th year of School!

If you would like to apply for either of the teaching opportunities for next year, please email at:  www.noahsarkcr.org

Kris Crowther
Director of Noah’s Ark Preschool

 

 

Cedar Chips, Love. Belong. Serve., May 2020 Cedar Chips, May 2020 Chips, News

Belonging, in a Pandemic

Belonging, in a Pandemic

My in-laws suggested we “borrow” their cat for the duration of the pandemic, so the kids would have a pet to play with. It seemed like a great idea the more we thought about it. The cat, Joey, is incredible with kids, allowing them to drag him around and hold him (from every angle). We bought all the supplies needed and planned to pick him up the next day, all without revealing the surprise to the kids. It was at this point that I shared the idea with my friend Jessica (who is in our small group). She quickly reminded me that she has a severe cat allergy, a detail I had placed in the recesses of my brain.

Over a 12 hour period, Karl and I had to make a decision about what to do. We already had all the supplies. Also, Joey’s visit was our Easter gift to the kids. Many thoughts ran through my mind. Would there really be pet dander in our house when we can see each other again, months from now? How bad is her allergy? Should I really toss my plans just for this?

After praying about it, I had a new perspective enter my mind. Am I prioritizing a thing (a pet) over a person? This thought stuck with me for several hours. Even though I was still angry about having to cancel our “Easter surprise,” I decided to prioritize our relationship over a pet (that wasn’t even ours).

We prioritize our small group relationships in-part because it provides us with belonging and connection, even in a pandemic. It’s where we live out the sanctification process. Sometimes that process is ugly or involves anger and sometimes it is joyful. Over the last 5 years, we have gotten on each other’s nerves, sometimes to the point of not speaking to each other for a short time. But that’s the reality of being broken humans in a close relationship. The beauty is that we get to give and receive hospitality, authenticity, forgiveness, and restoration in the regular flow of life.

Since social distancing began, our small group continues to meet. We use Zoom and the Marco Polo app. We’ve recently begun having the guys and gals meet on separate nights, using Zoom. This way the “other” parent can put the kids to bed. Being able to see each other’s faces and nonverbal gestures is helpful for maintaining close relationships. Belonging and connection are possible, even in a pandemic.

Lindsey Ungs
Connection & Communication Architect

Cedar Chips, Journey, May 2020 Chips, News

Journey Update – May 2020

Journey Student Ministry

ZOOM!  I never imagined when 2020 began that a group video chatting program named Zoom would play such a large role in my life and ministry.  This time of COVID-19 stay home order has upended my life.  Youth group?! How do you do that? I want to just give you a brief glimpse into a youth group Zoom meeting.

Our youth group is so blessed to have many talented musicians. During this time we have been encouraged by lyrics calling us to peace confronting our fear with faith. This time of worship has a ook different.  Worshiping together, to pre-recorded videos of Ben leading worship, to now doing worship LIVE on Zoom.  Our spirits lifted up together, even when we are in different physical locations.

In a Zoom meeting we chat about how all these changes, and the unknown is affecting us.  We offer encouraging words and prayers for each other. Our current series is “You Can’t Quarantine the Gospel.” We pray. We care. We share.  We are praying together for our friends, family and those in need. We are talking about how we can care for our friends and family well and how Christians have been known for centuries for how they care in times of crisis.  We share, learn how to share, the hope of the Gospel, which shines brighter than ever, providing hope in this crisis.

Finally, our Zoom meetings involve playing games!  We have played screen games like, “Did they Peep it?”  A game in which student earn points by correctly guessing if flavor of Peep was real or fake.  (Do they make bacon flavored Peeps?)  But our favorite game has been a scavenger hunt game, where students earn points by getting things from around their house; a bug, tallest tower of toilet paper, previously chewed gum…  The best part is that we are together, we belong, and for just a little while we forget that we are cooped up at home!

Steve Poole
Director of Student Ministry

 

 

 

Cedar Chips, Love. Belong. Serve., May 2020 Chips, News, Uncategorized

Do You Have a Friend?

Mary and I miss you. We like some time to ourselves but this current isolation is making us stir-crazy. We hope to see you in person soon!

One of our quarantine escapes has been watching the show Everwood. Everyone in this show is looking for connection. They want, and need, friends. It made me think, everyone needs a friend. That made me think of songs about friendship.

  • You’ve got a friend in me.
  • Friends are friends forever.
  • What a friend we have in Jesus.
  • We’ll get by with a little help from our friends.
  • Come on let me tell you about my best friend.
  • Thank you for being my friend.

Maybe this time of isolation will help us realize how much we belong. Or don’t belong. How much we long for the same thing the gang from Cheers wanted. “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Proverbs 17:17 describes the love of a good friend. “Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”

Proverbs 18:24 offers a warning and an encouragement. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Do you have a friend?

Love. Belong. Serve.

Winner! Pastor Kent

Pastor Kent

P.S. You’ve Got a Friend In Me link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukD8zj6ngVY

 

 

COVID-19, Noah's Ark

Noah’s Ark End-of-the-Year Recap

We wanted to give you all an update of what’s happening in Noah’s Ark preschool.

This year Noah’s Ark celebrated their 50th year of ministry!

Forty-eight students were enrolled this past year, an increase from the previous years.

We want to highlight that Jan Fink and Lori Larson are both retiring this year and so we celebrate their many years of combined teaching with our children.  Jan will continue on next year as a curriculum coordinator with the school.  So there are two staff openings if anyone is interested in applying!  Contact the preschool office if that is the case.

Noah’s Ark Preschool did close in March along with all the other area schools.  With that, the teachers were also furloughed and able to receive unemployment.  Keep them in your prayers, would you?  The staff is still volunteering their time to deliver activity packets to all the children. These will be delivered the first week of May.  We love their hearts – one teacher said, “We don’t do this for the money. It’s all about the kids.”

At this time, there will be so summer school but the plans for summer school in July are proceeding. 13 students are signed up for the July session.

Looking ahead to next Fall, we already have 35 already enrolled for next year!  Enrollment is open and more information can be found on their website: www.noahsarkcr.org   There are still openings in the 3 year old classes.

We are so grateful for the continued ministry of Noah’s Ark.  Enjoy this highlight video from the past year:

Cedar Chips, Consistory, COVID-19, May 2020 Chips, News

Note from Consistory

Note from Consistory:

Although Governor Reynolds has issued a proclamation allowing churches to open their doors starting May 1, the leadership at Cedar Hills has decided that our services will remain online only for now. The reason for this decision is to honor and protect the health and well-being of our members, attendees, and community. You are important to us!

We are excited to meet together again in person soon and we will be discerning on a week by week basis if we can reopen safely. We believe in the value of public worship and we want to assure you that when our building reopens, increased hygiene practices and social distancing protocols will be implemented.

As we move forward, we ask you to pray that we would have wisdom as we make these important decisions and ask for grace and patience as we adapt to the coming changes.

Blessings,
The Consistory

Bright Spot, COVID-19, News, Open Hands Food Pantry

Food Pantry Receives $500 gift

We are excited to announce the addition of two new wire basket carts on wheels for the distribution of bread in our Open Hands Food Pantry!

The pantry regularly receives donations of bread from local Hy-Vee stores.  Until now, the bread has stored in boxes in the pantry and had to be unpacked and placed on tables every time the pantry opened.  The two new carts allow volunteer to both display and store the bread more efficiently and allow food pantry patrons easier access to bread and perishable donations.

This is due to a generous gift from Jeff Bezos to Feeding America, with $500 of that gift directed to us through HACAP.

The Open Hands Food Pantry is remaining open during the COVID-19.   We’ve temporarily adapted the hours to Mondays 5-6pm, and Wednesdays 10am-12pm.  Visitors to the pantry can visit once per calendar month.

Caring Hands, Communication, COVID-19, Family and Children Ministry, News

Sunday, April 26 Live at 11am

We’ll be live streaming on Facebook at 11am. Here is everything you need for today’s worship service:

Links for 4-26-20
Sunday, April 26, 2020

Video Highlights:

Cedar Hills Kids:

News:

  • Staff Update: If you wish to know more about Kyle and Alisse French’s next adventure into church planting and support their mission, visit http://www.supportkyletfrench.com/  May God bless them richly in this next step in their journey!
  • If you wish to send a special Thank You card or gift to Kyle and family, their address is: 357 Boyson Rd NE; Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
  • Updated Food Pantry Hours – The Open Hands Food Pantry changing hours or operation temporarily. They now be open only Mondays 5-6pm and Wednesdays 10-12pm… Read more
  • Caring Hands Project – During this difficult time, a Cedar Hills team has been working on a project to help address needs in the community. If you are not in need, we ask that you consider helping us to meet the needs of the community… Read more
  • Coffee Hour – Sundays 10am in Zoom
    Join us before the live service stream! Keep your coffee fresh (and your germs stale) at our digital coffee hour on Sundays, 10am in the Zoom app, just before the live service stream at 11am… Read more
  • Wednesday Prayer Meetings
    In the Zoom app, Wednesdays at 6:30pm.  We are excited to see how we can continue to develop this tool moving forward as we lift up the needs of our community. Read more
  • Cedar Hills Family Facebook group
    If you are on Facebook and call Cedar Hills home, you’ll want to join this group. Be sure to answer the ‘screener’ questions so we don’t decline your request to join!
  • The Cedar Hills App
    Download the Cedar Hills app. Use it for mobile giving, submitting prayer requests, the Bible, weather updates, and insider information.  Download now
  • If you would like a copy of the Upper Room Devotional sent to you, please send an email request to Jennifer at office@cedarhillscr.org.

 

Uncategorized

4-12-20 Worship Live 11am

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Video Highlights:

News:

The Cedar Hills App
Download the Cedar Hills app. Use it for mobile giving, submitting prayer requests, the Bible, weather updates, and insider information. Download now
COVID-19, News, Open Hands Food Pantry

Updated Food Pantry Hours

The Food Pantry is cutting back hours temporarily until the COVID-19 pandemic is lessened.

We will now be open only Mondays 5-6pm and Wednesdays 10-12pm.  We will be closed on Fridays.

We thank everyone who continues to volunteer and donate to our pantry!  We have not been hit with a lack of resources – just less visitors to our pantry to where it makes sense to cut back our hours temporarily.

Love. Belong. Serve.