Cedar Chips, Easter, News

Rising With Jesus

I love Easter for lots of reasons. But, one of the big ones is the chance to work with all our fine musicians that call Cedar Hills home. Between the special choir that gathers to sing at the 8:30 and 9:45 services and the large ‘worship jam’ group that leads at the 11am, we may have 70+ musicians involved on Easter Sunday. This is huge! And it’s so much fun!

Why all the effort? Why all the special rehearsals? Why all the people?

On Easter, we celebrate that our Lord and Savior has conquered the grave! We celebrate that the sting of death, the chains of death no longer have a grip on us. For those who love and follow Jesus, death is not the final say. Our bodies may perish, but they will rise again with Jesus.

As a kid, I used to ponder this moment. I knew we died and went to heaven, but the concept of our
renewed bodies at the second coming always gave me spooky daydreams of bodies coming out of the ground all creepy-like, like a zombie movie.

This is not Easter.

On Easter, Jesus shows us what it looks like to rise. He is not a zombie. He is fully alive in a glorified body that looks and is like a real body, only better! And we, too, will rise and get our cool glorified bodies. Real and better. Jesus is coming to restore all things. To make things new—the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. We, as the saints, will rule in glory with Jesus. The separation between heaven and earth will no longer exist. We won’t need sunshine —Jesus’ light will light up everything we need to
see. And our bodies are perfected and new. We will rise with Jesus and it will be glorious! THIS is why we celebrate!

Leah
Director of Worship & Media

Cedar Chips, News, Noah's Ark

Noah’s Ark – April 2019 Update

Telling a preschooler the real Easter story is a delicate matter. No bunnies or colorful eggs, just felt pieces to show the story. We tell the whole story, scary parts and all. We begin by saying, this is the most important story ever and it’s a real story.

We discuss, all the time, if a story we read is real or make believe. Most of them can tell you the real story about a little baby born in Bethlehem, but now that boy is a grown man, already a hard concept to imagine for a young mind. Then, we talk about how some people hated Jesus. What?! They thought he was a good guy. Yes, he is a very good guy, but mean people wanted to hurt him. They ask, “Why?” Well, Jesus told everyone that he was the Son of God and he performed miracles, but some people were threatened by his power and wanted to kill him. “What? Like really kill him?” they ask. Yes, they beat him badly and nailed his hands and feet to a cross. He hung there until he died.

Their eyes are as big as saucers and the room is very quiet.

Then, Jesus’ friends wrapped his body and put him in a tomb with a huge rock in front so no one would
bother him. His friends were very sad; they went to the tomb three days later, but the stone had been
rolled away! This is the good part! An angel appeared and told them that Jesus was risen and he was not in the tomb.

What?! Now their heads are spinning trying to think how that happened.

We tell them that God raised Jesus from the dead; he was seen by many people; and then he went to heaven and now sits with God. We finish the story telling them that Jesus was sent by God to die for all our sins, every one of us.

“Wait, what?! We are part of this story?!” Yes, we are all sinners and Jesus died for us. Young minds blown!

John 3:16-“For this is the way God loved the world: He gave His one and only son, so that  everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.”

Leslie Clauson
Director of Noah’s Ark Preschool

Cedar Chips, News

The Resurrection and Christian Mission

The Resurrection and Christian Mission
by Timothy Keller
from https://timothykeller.com/blog/2009/4/1/the-resurrection-and-christian-mission

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of
the age.” ~ Matthew 28:18-20

The famous “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:18-20 is almost studied in isolation from the rest of the chapter. We can only understand it fully when we remember that this charge to the church is from the risen Christ. One way to do this is to look earlier in the chapter at the angel’s claim—He is not here! And in response ask “All right, then where is the risen Christ?” Matthew 28:18-20 is the answer. Where is the Christ, now that he is risen?

First, he is at the right hand of God. “All authority is given to me” (v. 18). He is not merely ‘in heaven looking down.’ Rather, he is now in a position to exercise power in the world and history. He is spreading his kingdom-authority in the world through the ministry of the church.

Second, he is in the ministry of the gospel. “Go and make disciples” (v.19). As the gospel is preached, it changes men and women into disciples. This life-changing ministry is intimately connected to the risen Christ. (All authority is given to me, therefore go…) In Ephesians 2:17, Paul goes so far as to say to the
Ephesians that “Christ came and preached…to you” through the physical incarnate Christ never went to Asia Minor. Paul means that in the preaching of the gospel, Jesus comes to us.

Third, he is in the community of his people. “Surely I am with you” (v.20). When the risen Christ says, “I am with you” he uses a second person plural. The risen Christ is with ‘you-all.’ This is not a promise to the individual Christian, but to the community of believers. In Luke 24, the disciples on the road to Emmaus only discerned Christ ‘in the breaking of the bread.’ Luke is probably drawing a reference to the Lord’s Supper. In the corporate worship of the church, Christ comes into focus. In the ministry of  Christians to one another, loving, serving, confronting, comforting one another, using the spiritual gifts from the hand of the risen Christ—we experience his presence.

Lastly, he is waiting for us at the end of history. “I am with you…to the very end of the age” (v.20). The
old KJV translation says, “I am with you unto the end of the world.”

To the English reader that may seem to have a spatial reference; (i.e. “I’ll be with you no matter where you go in the world.”) but actually the word has to do with time. Jesus is thus promising to be the ‘happy ending’ of the world’s history and our personal history. Christians move out into a violent world as agents of peace, into a broken world as agents of reconciliation, into a needy world as servants of the poor. We do so knowing that it is God’s will to eventually end all war and division, all poverty and injustice. The resurrection of Christ assures us that God will redeem not just souls but bodies, and will bring about a new heaven and a new earth. As the risen Christ, he stands not just with us in our present time, but he waits at the end of history to heal and renew everything. That is his promise; therefore, we will not
fear.

Cross Training/Sunday School, Family and Children Ministry, Marriage and Family, News, VBS, Worship

Kids and Easter… Everything you need to know

We’re so excited for Easter! It’s a BIG Sunday around here for sure.  We know that sometimes when you’re visiting a new place, there are the extra details of “What do I do with my kids?” and “What should I expect?” and the anxiety of the unknown. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions!

FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

There is plenty of space in the back of the Worship Center for car seats, strollers, and rocking babes in arms.  We have tables and chairs around the back of the Worship Center that are nice spread out on – these are a favorite of many families so arrive early if you want to claim a table! 🙂  An audio feed of the service will be running in the Gathering Space (our lobby area) — we do ask you to be sensitive to others in the service and exit the Worship Center if your child is crying or making a lot of noise.  Changing tables are available in the handicap stall of both the women’s and men’s restrooms as well as the nursery.  Extra diapers and supplies are available in the nursery if you need them.  There is a child-size toilet in the nursery for the young ones who are potty training.

AGES 0-2

A nursery is available for children ages 0-2yrs at all three Easter services.  The nursery is not staffed, but parents are always welcome to step out of the services and sit with their child in the nursery.

AGES 3YRS – 3RD GRADE

At 8:30am and 9:45am, there is a special time in the worship services called “the Children’s Message” where the children are invited to the front of the stage for a short age-appropriate message, prayer, and a special gift bag. They are then dismissed back to their parents for the remainder of the service.

At the 11am service, children ages 3 years to 3rd grade are invited to attend a special time of worship called “Explorers”. Children begin in the large service with their families. After the opening worship songs, the children are dismissed to room 135 to attend a special time of worship created for them.  Volunteers walk the children back to the room, but parents are always welcome to tag along to see the room or help their child feel more comfortable.  The children are then picked up in that same room following the conclusion of the service.

Sunday School

There is no Sunday School on Easter Sunday.  On regular Sundays, classes for all ages run from 9:45-10:45, as well as the nursery for ages 0-2yrs.

Family & Children Ministry

To learn more about our ministries for families and children, visit here.

We Love Kids

Our church is laid back enough that we’re not bothered by children! They are just as much a part of the Body of Christ as adults. If they want to dance during the worship, let them dance! If you need to go in and out of the service to attend to them, that’s okay! We’re used to it! No big deal.   We just want you go be comfortable and able to parent your kids however you feel you need to.

VBS

This summer we have an exciting VBS (Vacation Bible School) program planned for July 14-18. VBS is for kids ages 3 to 5th grade. Learn more here.

Questions?

Ask away!

Bright Spot, News, Transform the Corridor, Volunteers Needed

National Volunteer Month

Did you know April is National Volunteer Month? At Cedar Hills, we are blessed with many volunteers who find great joy in serving the Lord with the varied gifts, talents and passions and we believe everyone is called and wired to find their specific role in serving the church.

We compiled the lists and starting Sunday, April 7, you can stop by the volunteering table and write a “Thank You” to a volunteer who is currently serving Cedar Hills.  All the supplies are provided! Won’t you take a few moments to bless the heart of another in our church family and thank them for their time?

Haven’t found a place to serve yet? We’ll also have a list of current needs and openings in our volunteer base.  Who knows? Maybe God will lead you into your area of passion and ministry with just the right fit.

Jesus answered, “The most important one is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

Volunteering is one way to follow both commandments at the same time!  Through serving others you are showing your love to God by sharing His love with those in need.  Love God – Love Others.  BUT did you know that volunteering also shows your love for yourself which is part of God’s commandment as well?  He wants us to live full lives that honor Him, and volunteering is one of the ways we can do that.

Benefits of volunteering: 15 ways to feel healthier and happier

Community, loneliness, and bonding

  1. Volunteering builds community
  2. Volunteering ends loneliness
  3. Volunteering increases socializing
  4. Volunteering build bonds, creates friends

Mental health and happiness in volunteers

  1. Volunteering develops emotional stability
  2. Volunteering improves self-esteem
  3. Volunteering helps those most affected by mental illness

Overall Health Improvements

  1. Volunteering promotes longevity
  2. Volunteering reduces risk of Alzheimer’s
  3. Volunteering leads to graceful aging
  4. Volunteering burns that suborn belly fat

Future goals and career opportunities

  1. Volunteering improves school and college experience
  2. Volunteering provides better job prospects
  3. Volunteering develops corporate communities
  4. Volunteering adds fun to your years

How can I get involved:

In the church?

  1. Take the Spiritual Gifts survey to identify the gifts God has given you
  2. Fill out your profile in the Cedar Hill’s CCB to identify your gifts AND your passions
  3. Stop by the table in the Gathering Space to see the opportunities available and sign up to serve.

In the community?

  1. Contact an agency that matches your passions and ask about the opportunities to serve.
  2. Sign up on a volunteer app or website. There are several available, but to show how easy it is to learn about volunteering opportunities in the community, we will focus on the United Way’s website called “Volunteer Now”.
    1. Got to the Website https://unitedwayofeastcentraliowa.galaxydigital.com/
    2. Create an account
    3. Once you are logged in you can:
      1. Browse agencies and tag them as favorites – you will receive notification when a new volunteer opportunity is posted for your favorite agencies
      2. Respond (sign up to volunteer) to a need
Bright Spot, Fundraiser, Journey, News, Open Table

Palm Sunday Pancakes!

PALM SUNDAY PANCAKES

Support the Journey Youth Group and plan to eat breakfast at the church Sunday, April 14, serving from 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Free-will donations support the activities and trips of our Youth Group, making ministry activities, trips and evangelism training more affordable for everyone.

The regular coffee shop will not be open, but percolator coffee will be available with the breakfast. Feel free to bring your own to-go cup to enjoy coffee in the services. 🙂

This meal will also be the “Open Table” of the month.  If you wish to connect with others who call Cedar Hills home, this is a great event to attend.

News, Uncategorized

Construction on Stoney Point

Dear Church,

There’s a lot of construction happening around the church building! Stoney Point road will be closed from 1st Ave to Granite Ridge Ct. starting at 7:00 AM Monday, April 1, thus closing access to the church on Stoney Point Road. Our only access for about 5 weeks will be E Ave entrance. Those from the south will need to go around. There will be no access from Cherry Hill Park entrance to Granite Ridge.

After that it should be open again.

On June 6, they will be closing off the Stoney Point and E Ave intersection (putting in a roundabout) , but it sounds like we should be able to access both driveways of the church parking lot.

Uncategorized

Family Adventure Goes to the Harlem Globetrotters

Not only do we get to look forward to the coming Spring, April will also be Family Adventure’s outing to see the Harlem Globetrotters! Join us on April 12th, with the game starting at 7pm in the U.S. Cellular Center! Want to go? Each ticket is only $10 a person, and includes going down on the court to high-five the Globetrotters coming back out after the halftime intermission.

If your planning on making it out, please RSVP by April 10th with Kyle French and payment can be collected at the time of the event.

Visit the Facebook event. 

Funeral, News

Sally Donnan Funeral Arrangements

Please keep the Donnan family in your prayers. Sally Donnan passed away on Wed, March 20.

Service

Monday, March 25 at Cedar Hills Community Church at 10:30 AM
Luncheon to follow service.

Obituary

Sally Ann Donnan, 87, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2018 at Westridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will be held at Cedar Hills Community Church at 10:30am on Monday, March 25, 2019 with Pastor Kent Landhuis officiating.  A luncheon will be provided immediately following the service. A private family inurnment will be held.  Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is caring for Sally and her family later that day.

Sally Ann Day was born in Iowa City on December 19, 1931, the daughter of John D. and Marion (Fair) Day.  She was united in marriage to Douglas D. Donnan on April 30, 1960 in Cedar Rapids.  Sally worked as a secretary for St. Luke’s School of Nursing, later she worked at Collins Radio as a secretary. Sally also worked as a legal secretary later in life.  In her earlier years she enjoyed vacationing in Minnesota, fishing with her husband and children.  She enjoyed reading, having lunch and up until last week was still meeting with her group of longtime friends.  Sally has been a member of Cedar Hills Community Church since 1962, she was an avid prayer warrior and loved her Lord. Her faith was her pillar and strength, and she shared it often with others. Sally had a strong relationship with chocolate and always may sure she had treats for the staff at the care center. Sally’s greatest passion and joy was spending time with her grandchildren and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Paul and brother, Elliott “Shady” Day.

Left to cherish Sally’s memories are her daughter, Lisa (Pat) Kress of Hiawatha; six grandchildren, Courtnie Bartosh, Connor Bartosh, Grant Donnan, Michael Donnan, Kailey (Matthew, Olivia, Camilla) Hill and Sarah Kress.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Hills Community Church or Susan G. Komen Foundation in Sally’s name.

The family would like to especially thank Westridge Care Center, new friends that Sally made there, and the wonderful care they gave her. For that we are truly grateful.

 

Love. Belong. Serve.