Don’t Choose Milk
Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media
Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies… because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation… Colossians 1:19-22
We’ve been reflecting on “the word made flesh” all month and my prayer is that the truths described in Colossians 1 have become more real to you. We have every spiritual blessing in Jesus, which brings us joy and peace beyond measure. May you know the peace and joy made possible in Jesus! The Lord be with you, Pastor KentOn Saturday, Dec. 9 Cedar Hills rang bells at both the Johnson Ave Hy-Vee store and the 16th Ave Fareway.
for the Salvation Army! Thank you to the many volunteers, musical acts, and even Elvis! who helped ring the bells that day.
We’ve been talking about the Word Made Flesh – one of the prophetic names we use to talk about Jesus in the season of Advent. Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel, God with Us. Word Made Flesh. Jesus.
All of these names feel sacred and holy. They contain parts of God’s identity and how He has revealed Himself to us.
We know him by other names as well:
There is so much contained in God’s names! So much truth and holiness and identity.
His name is sacred.
And so I’ll be honest – my spirit is completely grieved when I hear my Christian brothers and sister flippantly using the OMG phrase or saying “Oh my God” in every story they tell.
It is a scheme of the enemy if I’ve ever seen one. If it were not, the world would be using phrases like, “Oh my Buddha” or “Oh my Satan” or “O my Molech.” But they don’t. There is only one god’s name that gets used flippantly… and it is the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob – the one true God. Our God. The enemy is smart and goes about like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour. He has tricked many.
What does Scripture say about God’s name?
There is debate among many online about this particular phrase… is it sin or not sin? My thoughts… does it matter? I would rather err on the side of righteousness any day than grieve my heavenly Father with my speech.
Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media
A nine-week Financial Peace University class will begin January 18, 2024 and go until March 14.
The class will meet at the church on Thursdays from 6:30p-7:30p in the Gray Resource Room. The church has kits available for purchase.
To register, contact Carmen Gronewold at (319) 721-0107 Carmen.Gronewold2@hilton.com
Please continue to pray for the family and friends of Pat Goodwood as they grieve her passing.
VISITATION
4-7 PM, Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home
FUNERAL
11:00 AM, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Cedar Hills Community Church. (Another light visitation beforehand at 10am)
Patricia (Pat) Ann Garwood, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away November 5, 2023. Visitation: . Funeral Service: in Cedar Rapids. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. In honoring Pat’s wishes, the family encourages everyone to dress casually for the visitation and service.
Pat was born on April 1, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Lester and Helen (Parents) Melsha. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids. Pat was united in marriage to Dennis Edward “Red” Garwood on April 22, 1963. He preceded her in death in 2015. Pat was a cafeteria worker for the Cedar Rapids Schools. She also worked at Flowerama and was self employed as a floral designer. Pat was a member of Cedar Hills Community Church. She was an animal lover. Pat enjoyed flowers, sewing, and making crafts. Most of all she loved her family and enjoyed attending their activities.
Survivors include her children Gary (Joanne) Kohl of Cedar Rapids, Tracey (David) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, and Terry (Jeff) Stadler of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Brandon, Kristie (Danny), Jason (Kirsten), Michael (Rachel), Lindsey (Matt), and Robbie (Kelsie), great-grandchildren Rylee, Evan, Olivia, Hannah, Charlotte, Clete, Elsie, Benjamin, Lucy, and Isaac, special friend and neighbor Connie Brown, and her beloved dog Baylee.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and daughter Beth Ann Garwood.
Memorials may be directed to Cedar Hills Community Church.
MY FAVORITE THINGS – October 26 at 6pm join the Women in Fellowship & Faith at the home of Lindsey Steinkamp (2093 49th St; Marion, IA 52302).
Bring two of your “favorite things” to the party. They should be two of the same item, no more than $10 each (they may cost less and be something homemade or handmade).
Plan for small bites and fellowship, followed by favorite things exchange. See the Facebook event for more info or text Lindsey at 319-640-9147.
CONGREGATIONAL CELEBRATION– Sunday, November 12 at the end of each service we will review next year’s budget, elect new board members and celebrate what God is doing at Cedar Hills!
We will also be installing Steve Poole and Leah Carolan as new ordained pastors in the Alliance of Reformed Churches.
And there will be cake!