God is at work at Cedar Hills! We have many “bright spots” to celebrate, as well as exciting changes ahead. Check out all the updates below!
⭐Bright Spots⭐
- 49 people have joined our church since last November and are already plugged in to ministries.
- We have had great “crisis response” due to seven funerals so far this year, and we rejoice that these people are in heaven with our Lord. We pulled together to share meals, support, and share God’s love with families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
- The Food Pantry continues to provide food to those in need, and we have supported several families with a place to stay and be refreshed through Family Promise.
- Many volunteers have helped with room arrangement, maintenance, and snow removal.
- Our Lenten meals were a great opportunity to meet new people and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord.
These are only a FEW of the blessings we see daily.
➼Planning for our Future➼
Staffing Transitions & Succession Planning
Our church continues to experience staffing changes for a variety of reasons. Change can be hard, but God is working and the consistory is dedicated to making this an exciting time for Cedar Hills Community Church. Many of our staff members have stayed much longer than the average for church ministry; what a blessing!
Be assured discernment is happening and a plan is in place for each change. Additionally, a Succession Planning team has been created to proactively plan for staffing changes in the future and enable easier staff transitions.
Specific Role Updates:
Youth and Young Adult Ministry – (40 hour/week)
Jeremy Van Genderen has accepted a pastoral position in Allison, Iowa starting June 1. He and his family have been with us for 8 years. We had hoped for more time to hire a new leader and allow that person to work with Jeremy, but God’s timing is not
our timing. To ensure the youth and young adult ministry is supported through the transition, Jeremy and his team are planning ahead for the summer and fall programming. As we look to hire a new Youth Director, the job description is currently being tweaked and a plan is in place to have someone hired for fall. Our Cedar Hills vision is Disciples Making Disciples, and Jeremy is ready to heed the call of Matthew 28 to go and make disciples! Please join us for services on May 19 when Jeremy will give his final sermon at Cedar Hills.
Missional and Program Coordinator – (20 hour/week)
A new part-time position was created to help oversee our vision for disciples making disciples. This position will prioritize the recruitment, training and implementation necessary to accelerate the development of strong missional communities. Working
collaboratively with all Cedar Hills staff members and ministries, this person will help to align strategies, ministry outputs and create sustainable documentation for future use. We are excited to announce that Lindsey Ungs accepted the position and she started on May 2.
Maintenance and Operations Coordinator – (10 hour/week)
This part-time position opened due to the unexpected death of Paul Donnan. This role is charged with keeping the church building and facilities in a clean, orderly, safe and functioning condition. He/she will recruit, train, and schedule volunteer support and coordinate outside resources as needed to complete projects. For more information, check the church website or contact the church office. THANK YOU to Julie Schoettmer who has been “acting” in this role for the past few months.
Custodian – (20 hour/week)
In an effort to cover Paul’s work after his death, Julie and Jessi Schoettmer have been covering the maintenance/custodial/event set-up responsibilities. Consistory decided that sustaining a part-time custodial position was important for the maintenance of the church. We are happy to report that Jessi Schoettmer has accepted the position.
Noah’s Ark Director
As reported in February, Leslie Clauson submitted her resignation as the director of Noah’s Ark Preschool. Since this announcement, the Noah’s Ark board has moved ahead with their search for a new director. We are happy to announce that Kris
Crowther has accepted the position and started her role on April 15.
Pastor of Care and Visitation
Pastor Alan has asked for our prayers regarding his retirement. He plans to remain a vital member of our Cedar Hills family, but will be stepping down from his official pastoral role within the next year. Discussions have started regarding this role and
filling it upon Alan’s retirement.
❓What can you do❓
- Celebrate that God is at work at Cedar Hills! What an exciting time as we wait to see God’s plan.
- Continue to help out to fill in gaps during transitions. Ask what you can do. Volunteer. Check in the church office for ways you can serve.
- Please pray with the Consistory for God’s direction in the decision-making process.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a good God, and we come to you with grateful hearts for the many blessings you lavish on us. Thank you for the many talented people you have brought to Cedar Hills, and for their willingness to share your love. Thank you for the many volunteers who take up the call to be your hands and feet, and those who are disciples who reach out to Transform the Corridor.
Bless those who are leaving roles and taking up new ones. Let them feel our love and support as they take on new challenges. Help us to remember your commission in Matthew 28 to “Go and make disciples.” May they be witnesses where you plant them.
As a church, we seek to follow you, Lord, and we ask that you guide our decision-making as we work through transitions with staff. Send us applicants who have a passion to further our mission of creating Missional Communities. We ask to hear your voice and search out your will as we plan ahead for the future of Cedar Hills. Help us to pursue unity in this time of change, and keep our focus on You. Show us how we can support each other and fill in gaps during leadership changes. Most of all, help us to remember that You are a loving and faithful God who sees the whole story and promises to work all things together for good.
Thank you for the great plans you have to reach out through Cedar Hills in the upcoming days and years. Thank you for each day we have to serve you. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, your Son, Amen.
Coming this Fall
Please pray for Steve, Cathy, and their children, Abby and Christopher, as they relocate to Cedar Rapids. Steve will begin his ministry here August 11! Thanks to all who helped in this process and thanks for your prayers!!! God has blessed us!