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Toasted Graham (Celery Overtones)

TOASTED GRAHAM (CELERY OVERTONES) 

Banana Foster Flambe. Pumpkin Caramel Latte. Spiced Chai Cyclone Crazy.  Sweet Strawberries and Cream Vanilla Shake.

These are all flavored coffee options.  Don’t those sound delicious?  Is there anything in that list you want to try?

When you make a cup of coffee, the first thing you do is not taste it. Instead, you smell it while the coffee is brewing. Smell is the first thing that triggers the brain that this cup of coffee is going to be GOOD. Like, super yummy good.  The aromas waiver in the air until the brewing process is complete.

Sometimes when we brew coffee in the office, the delicious-ness strikes the noses of everyone in the vicinity and people will start to ask, “Mmmm… what is that wonderful smell?”

And then finally… that first sip.

I don’t know if you’re as crazy about coffee as I am, but if you are, you’ve also learned that flavored coffees can be a HUGE disappointment.  That wonderful aroma that filled your nostrils a few minutes ago? That wonderful smell that tickled your taste buds in anticipation? It’s just not there when you take the first sip.  In the world of food and flavors, *usually* the smells and tastes are in alignment. But flavored coffees?  They are often out of sync.

Out of sync—what I smelled isn’t what I tasted.  This disappointment does something to the brain.  That chocolate truffle? It tastes like dirty water.  That pumpkin pie?  Just cheap weak coffee.  This Starbucks Toasted Graham that’s currently in my cup as I type? I swear it has overtones of celery. Yuck. Weird. (I’m still going to drink, by the way…)

I think our Christian lives can be so much like flavored coffees.  Sometimes the initial impression we give is like a vibrant and wonderful smell.  But when you really get to know us, there is a disappointment. We’re not as ‘holy’ or ‘spiritual’ or ‘mature’ as we once let on.  We’re sinful. Our character has major defects.  Our workday’s lifestyle doesn’t match our Sunday morning devotion. We are out of sync.

But every now and then you encounter a Christian who’s life and outer shell match the inside.  They’re devotion is pure.  Their workday lifestyle matches their Sunday lifestyle.  Their character oozes the character of Christ.  They are REAL.  They are in sync.

But they are also a rare-breed.

There are only a few flavored coffees I’ve found that are in sync.  They are also a rare breed. But when that taste and that smell are in complete alignment, it is bliss. My brain doesn’t feel tricked—instead it is in a state of joy.

I want to be that type of Christian—that brings a state of joy and honesty that doesn’t trick someone’s brain or bring disappointment.

Flawed, but honest about the flaws.  Sinful, but quick to run to forgiveness and offer forgiveness.  In step, in sync, with my Savior. I’m not there, yet!

Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media

 

Did you enjoy this article? Did you laugh, cry, or learn something new?  Let Leah know.

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    Pray For Me


    Pray For Me is a rich prayer movement that pairs adults (Prayer Champions) with students, children and families to actively pray for them.  We’ll be watching a short video today about what this all entails, but you can begin signing up today to be paired with a Prayer Champion or become a Prayer Champion for someone else.

    Starting in May, we will be releasing more information and the books that accompanying this exciting opportunity!

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    Club House Movie Night

    May 7, 3:30-5:30pm –> MOVIE NIGHT!

    The Cedar Kids Club House is having a special movie and pizza night for their final meeting of this school year.  Students in grades 2-5 are invited Sunday, May 7 to watch Inside Out and enjoy pizza from 3:30-5:30pm (an hour earlier than normal!).

    Club House is a youth ministry for students in 2nd-5th grade and meets on the 1st Sunday of the month October-May.

    Want to register for next year? GO HERE

    Funeral

    Dave Wise Funeral

    September 17, 1958 – April 17, 2023

    Please continue to pray for the family and friends of Dave Wise as they grieve his passing.

    SERVICE INFORMATION

    A visitation will be held at Murdoch Funeral Home on Sunday, April 23, 2-6pm.  Another visitation will be 9:30-11am at Cedar Hills on Monday morning, just prior to the 11am funeral service.  A luncheon will follow the service at Cedar Hills.  Directions to Cedar Hills

    OBITUARY

    David “Dave” Wise, 64, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died unexpectedly Monday, April 17, 2023. A visitation will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood in Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Cedar Hills Community Church in Cedar Rapids, with an additional visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

    Dave was born September 17, 1958, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Manny and Dorothy (Amos) Wise. He graduated from Jefferson High School, Class of 1977, where he made All-State and All-American in baseball and football. Dave was inducted into the Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. He played baseball at Muscatine Community College, and later was awarded a full-ride scholarship to play baseball at the University of Wyoming. Dave also earned his degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. He worked as the manager of sales at EBSCO from 1990-2003, and later started the Kids Directory – now known as the Corridor Family Guide. Dave enjoyed golfing at courses in Cedar Rapids and Amana with his best friend, Jeff Fleck. Dave loved being surrounded by his family and friends. Above all else, he cherished being a grandpa to his wonderful grandchildren.

    Survivors include his children, Jessica Wise of Cedar Rapids, Nicole Wise of Ames, Iowa, and Bob Wise of Marion, Iowa; grandchildren, Aubrey, Ava, Myra, Clare, and Sadie; brother, Randy (Brenda) Wise; nieces and nephews, Ryan, Chris, Michelle, and Matt; and significant other of many years, Debbie Erenberger of Walford, Iowa.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Manny and Dorothy Wise.
    Memorials may be directed to the family.

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    Church Picnic May 21

    ALL CHURCH PICNIC

    The entire church is invited to the E Ave Morgan Creek Pavilion Sunday, May 21 at 5pm for a church picnic and grill-out. We’ll provide burgers, hotdogs and drinks.  Bring a side to share.  Grill-master Steve will be manning the grills. 🙂

    The new playground and pavilion are accessible from E Ave, just west of the church.  All ages are encouraged to attend.  Bring a lawn chair and your favorite outdoor games.

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    The Prayers of the Apostles

    A Sermon Series April 23-May 28

    The prayers of the Apostles are prayers taken directly from Scripture – the written prayers of the New Testament that were written by Jesus followers and the Apostle Paul.

    These prayers are a great pattern for us to follow as we continue to learn how to pray and want to expand our prayer vocabulary.  They are deep and rich Scriptures.

    There are roughly 40 in total. The prayers were written for the people, whether to use them or said on the people’s behalf.

    Inspired by the Spirit, they focus on God and center on cultivating goodness and blessings among God’s people.

    DOWNLOAD PDF of the Apostolic Prayers

    Funeral

    Nanci Iiams – Funeral Details

    Please continue to pray for the family and friends of Nanci Iiams as they grieve her passing.

    The visitation is Tuesday, March 14 from 5-7pm at Cedar Hills. And the funeral is Wednesday, March 15 at 10:30am, followed by a luncheon at the church.

    OBITUARY

    Nanci Viola Iiams, 75, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her loving family, Friday, March 10, 2023, at Hiawatha Care Center, Hiawatha, Iowa. Visitation: 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Cedar Hills Community Church, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the church. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

    Nanci was born on November 22, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa to Frank and Mary (VanHaaften) Johnson. She married Russell Wayne Iiams on May 9, 1964, in Peru, Iowa. The couple was married 44 years before Russell passed away in 2008. Nanci made custom draperies for 42 years. Faith, family, and friends were always very important to Nanci. She loved to entertain, and everyone was always welcome. She was a very active member of the Cedar Hills Community Church. Nanci will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

    Survivors include her son, Terry (Teresa) Iiams; daughter, Stacy Iiams (Stephanie Robertson); son, Dustin Iiams; grandchildren, Jenifer (John) Christopherson, and Katie (Domingo) Vega, Megan Iiams, Joshua Iiams (Bailey Main), and Josh (Madi) Allen; great-grandchildren, Joslyn Christopherson, Jax Christopherson, Carson Vega, Reese Vega, and Aria Allen; sisters, Darlene (Gene) Miller, Joy Miller, and Rosemary (Kerry) McDaniel.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Iiams; beloved father and mother, Frank and Mary Johnson; and brother, Tom Johnson.

    Nanci’s family would like to thank everyone at the Hiawatha Care Center and Milestones Adult Day Care for their compassionate care.

    Memorials may be directed to her family.

     

    Funeral, Uncategorized

    Colene Brewer – Funeral Details

    Colene Kay BrewerColene Brewer passed away on Tuesday, February 21. Please pray for her family in their time of grief.

    Funeral Arrangements

    Saturday, March 4 at Cedar Hills Community Church  |  map  |
    • 9:15a-10:45a Visitation
    • 11:00a Service
    • Luncheon to follow in the Gathering Space at Cedar Hills
    *If you would like to join the Hospitality Team in helping in the kitchen or providing bars/cookies or a salad, contact Jennifer in the church office. 319-396-6608 or Email

    Obituary

    Colene Kay Brewer, 84, of Cedar Rapids died Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospital. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Cedar Hills Community Church. Friends may visit with the family after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the church.  Burial will be in Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.  Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Colene and her family.

    Colene is survived by two sons, Michael E. Van Dee of Williamsburg and Marc A. (Julie) Van Dee of Marengo; seven grandchildren, Cody (Maliah) Van Dee of Ely, Kala (Kody) Miller of Webster, Samuel Van Dee of Cedar Rapids, and Joshua, William, Madaline and Zachary Van Dee all of Parnell; two great-grandchildren, Tucker and McKinley; two step-daughters, Debbie (Roman) Routhe of Cedar Rapids and their daughters, McKenzie (Brady) Anderson of Fort Meyers, FL and Katie Routhe of Cedar Rapids, and Christine (Randy) Kray of Lisbon and their sons, Michal (Sammy) Kray of Mount Vernon and their children, Theo and Liam, Marshall (Nichole) Kray of Marion; sisters, Patricia Ritchie, Cindy Van Dee and Diane (Bill) Glenn; and brother, Dennis (Carman) Van Dee.

    Colene was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brothers, Kenneth and Ronald Van Dee.

    Colene was born on February 16, 1939 on the family farm in Iowa County near Millersburg and was the first child of Charles and Marjorie Van Dee.  She attended a country elementary school and graduated in 1957 from English Valley High School, where she was active in music and cheer leading.  Colene attended Ottumwa Heights College and received her Teacher Certification in Elementary Education. She began her first teaching position at the BGM Elementary School. Colene then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Drake University, Des Moines while teaching.

    Colene married Ronald Brewer in Cedar Rapids and after retirement they purchased a Class A Motor home, and began going south in the winter.  She and Ronald loved camping in the summer with family and friends. Colene will be missed.

    Memorials may be directed to Cedar Hills Community Church in memory of Colene Brewer.

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    Cricut Workshop – March 25

    Do you own a Cricut but haven’t quite figured out how to use it yet? Saturday, March 25 Hailey Griffin will be holding a free workshop to teach you how to use your Cricut machine and software.

    We’ll go through your machine,  accessories, materials, Cricut Design Space and answer any questions that you may have. Then we will go through an Easter project with the things that we have learned.

    WHEN
    Sat., March 25th @ 9am-11am

    SUPPLIES NEEDED
    Cricut machine, tools and cutting mat. Laptop or tablet, scissors,
    power cord, and cardstock in 4 different colors (Spring colors).

    WHERE
    In the Teal Classroom at Cedar Hills Community Church

    RSVP
    If you’re interested, please RSVP by March 15th by emailing Hailey Griffin with subject line “Cricut Class” (You should receive an email back from Hailey in a couple days with some follow up information. If you don’t, please resend the email. Thanks and hope to see you at the workshop.)

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    Pasta of the Prairie and Noah’s Ark!

    PASTA OF THE PRAIRIE – Support Noah’s Ark Preschool AND a small business in our church !

    Pasta of the Prairie is own by Tyler and Lindsey Steinkamp. They started creating pasta out of a love of good food and trying new things. After taking a trip to Italy where they learned how to make pasta by hand, they brought back new flavors and ideas back home to Iowa.

    This locally-made pasta includes a variety of easy-to-make pastas, meal kits, soup mixes, and pasta salad mixes!

    Watch for the display fundraiser in the Gathering Space on Sunday, February 12.  Pasta can be purchased at the display, or ordered online to be delivered to the preschool. Be sure to use promo code “NOAH” to save on shipping and for your order to be delivered to the preschool/church.  Order by Saturday, February 18. *Pick-up your order after Monday February 20 at the preschool