Cedar Chips, News, Transform the Corridor

Back to Basics – Cedar Chips

Last month I asked, “If God decided to thoroughly and dramatically change something or someone in the Cedar Valley Corridor in which we live—what kind of change would God bring?”

What is your answer? What transformation would you like to see God bring?

I have lots of answers, but right this moment I am thinking about the transformation that comes when disciples of Jesus reach out with the love of Jesus to make another disciple. This might be a first-time commitment to follow Jesus or a disciple who is ready to grow deeper. Any growth that moves someone closer to Jesus, geeks me out.

This vision of transformation is actually back to the basics of why we do ministry. Our vision for ministry is to make disciples who make disciples in the everyday stuff of life. We are called to “go make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20) and whenever that happens, I am thrilled. Here are some more basics of our vision that you might inspire us to press into the transformation that God wants to bring.

Basic Identity: WHO we are One church. Many places. Following Jesus.
 We are one church, a people loved by God (Luke 15)
 We exist in many places to share the love of God everywhere we go. (John 3:16)
 We follow Jesus in the everyday stuff of life. (Luke 9:23)

Basic Value: Our compelling WHY Because God loves us, we love.
 We Love God Deeply.
 We Love Ourselves Properly.
 We Love Our Neighbors Boldly.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37).

Basic Calling: WHAT we do We make disciples who make disciples in the everyday stuff of life. (Matthew 4:18-20)
 Seek
 Love
 Grow
 Serve

Basic Strategy: the HOW
Large group celebrations (Corporate Worship) that gather us to give life. Small groups and Missional Communities that go out to spread life. Celebrations shape people through gospel-centered worship. Small groups create safe places for relational connection and missional expression. Life transformation and vitality emerge when disciples are connected in both small and large groups – breathing in and out. (Acts 20:20-21, MSG)

Go Make Disciples,
Pastor Kent

News

Keith Muller Funeral/Visitation

Keith Bernard Muller Keith Bernard Muller

September 28, 1946 – July 28, 2018

Keith Muller went home to be with his Lord (Jesus) on July 28, 2018 at the age of 71 years.

A visitation will be held at Cedar Hills Community Church on Wednesday, from 4 until 7 p.m. Funeral services: 11 a.m., Thursday, with visitation after 10 a.m. Teahen Funeral Home and Cremation Service are attending the family.

Service: 11 a.m. on Thursday, Cedar Hills Community Church.  Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral  with an hour visitation one hour prior. Teahen Funeral Home and Cremation Service are attending the family.

He was born to Jacob and Tillie Muller and grew up in Aplington, Iowa, with his brother Terry. In 1968 until 1969, he bravely served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged he made his home in Cedar Rapids. Keith married the love of his life, Suzanne “Sue” and together they raised three sons, Justin, Ryan and Casey.

Their family expanded to include daughters-in-law, Melissa, Kara and Cathy and grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, Alicia, Jakob and Jenna Muller.

Keith leaves a legacy of faith to his loving family. He had a strong belief that “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” *John 3:16.  Keith showed by example how to live and how to die for Christ.

Instead of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

Fall Kick-Off, News

Register for the 2018-2019 season of ministry

The Fall Kick-off of classes and ministries is Sunday, Aug. 19.  Sunday school Cross Training classes will resume then at 9:45am, in between the two worship services.  Everyone is invited to our Fall open house on Sunday, Aug 12 to locate classrooms, meet teachers, and enjoy a brunch together.  Help us plan for the Fall by pre-registering for classes online, including children, youth and adults.

Register Online

Classes Offered

Ages 0 – 5th Grade (Register now)

  • Nursery: Staff by volunteers at the 11am service
  • 3 & 4-yr olds: Karly Barnard, Deb DeHaan, and Mary Landhuis
  • Kindergarten: Paula Stevens and Diane Potter
  • 1st Grade: Jana Houghkirk and Tracy Spicer-Ehrman
  • 2nd & 3rd Grade: Melissa Oberembt and Jill Henry
  • 4th & 5th Grade: Alisse French, Matt Johnson, and Matt Houghkirk

6th Grade – 12th Grade (Register now)

  • Junior High (6th-8th Grade – Sunday Mornings): Jeremy Van Genderen
  • FaithQuest (for 8th Grade pursuing membership – Sunday Mornings): Lois Deerberg
  • Senior High (9th-12th – Sunday mornings): Tamara Strecker
  • Journey (6th Grade – 12th Grade – Sunday Evenings)

Adult Classes

Saturate: Alan Crandall & team (Register Now)
God wants us to be so saturated with Jesus that His love will overflow in our daily lives so that everyone we meet, everywhere we go, can experience the good news of Jesus and be transformed. This class is both for current members or friends, and those who wish to become members.

See Jesus: See God: Joanne Lodge (Register Now)
In John 14:9 Jesus said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father.“ Come; get to know Jesus and get to know the Father through an indepth study of the book of Matthew.

Comfort in Life and Death: Ray VanderWiel & Kent Landhuis (Register Now)
The Heidelberg catechism asks the question: What is your only comfort in Life and in death? Come to this class and explore the Biblical answer to this question as we discuss life and death questions raised in the Heidelberg Catechism.

Parenting Community: Karl & Lindsey Ungs, and Gary Mills (Register Now)
Parenting is a big job and parents can use a lot of help along the way. This community will encourage conversations with parents—young and old—to help everyone fulfill their calling as parents.

News

Paul Botine – Celebration of Life

Paul BotinePlease pray for Judi and family in the passing of her husband, Paul.  A celebration of life is planned for Monday night, 4-7pm at Cedar Hills in the Gathering Space.

Obituary

Paul Botine, 73, of Cedar Rapids went to be with the Lord on Monday July 16th, 2018.

Paul was born December 4th, 1944 in Pocahontas, Iowa, the son of John Edward and Minnie Kramer Botine. He graduated from Pocahontas Public High School in 1963. After high school Paul enlisted in the US Army. On December 8, 1967 Paul married his high school sweetheart, Judi Luft. They made their first home in Spencer, Iowa where Paul began his career in industrial sales. The job eventually led them to Cedar Rapids where he worked until his retirement.

Survivors include his wife of 50 ½ years, Judi, his children, Troy, Travis (Amy) Botine, April (Kurt) Aarhus, 5 grandchildren, Brookelyn and Bradyn Botine, Kaitlyn (Ryan) Spellerberg, Alexis and Kylee Aarhus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors, cleaning the cars, and working in their yard. He took great pride in everything he did.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Hospital, Linn Manor, and Hospice Compassus for the love, care, and attention given to Paul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul’s memory may be directed to the family.  Donations may also be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, East Central Iowa Chapter.

News

Lonnie Ondracek Funeral

Lonnie L. OndracekLonnie L. Ondracek, 78, of Blairstown, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Visitation: 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2018, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Cedar Hills Community Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Iowa.

FULL Obituary

Love. Belong. Serve.