Category Archives: News

News, Open Hands Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday

The first Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Sunday! Bring an item for the pantry this Sunday morning. Items can be placed in the bin under the Mission Table or placed outside the Food pantry doors (down the left hallway, just past the fireplace area).

Last year, our food pantry served almost 12,000 in the greater Cedar Rapids area. Thank you for your support and generosity!

To pantry is open Mondays 5-6pm, Wednesdays 10am-12pm and Fridays 10am-12pm and can be visited once per calendar month.  If you are in need of food, please do not hesitate to stop by!

“I would like to give a BIG ‘thank-you’ to everyone who has supported the Open Hands Food Pantry in 2019. Those who worked in the pantry, hauled food, gave donations of food and money, and for every prayer that was said for us. This past year we served a total of 11,800 people and a total of 3,693 families. None of this would have happened without you!”

Darlene DeVries,
Open Hands Food Pantry Leader

 

Journey, News

Rocky Mountain High Youth Conference!

Rocky Mountain High is almost here!

For the “BEST” registration options, sign up by Sunday, February 2, 2020.

  • Rocky Mountain High is an transformational summer retreat organized by the RCA. We would love to have ALL our students (entering 9th-12th grades) join us on this trip.
  • The cost will be $200/student.  This does not include the Recreation Plus costs.  This does not need to be paid at registration, but will be due after our fundraising is completed.
  • Registration can be completed online now!  Our deadline for getting registrations online is Sunday, February 2nd.  On February 3rd, Steve (Director Youth & Young Adults) will be sending in our group’s registration, this is to ensure that we get our #1 choices for Rec Plus. Late registrations can be added until May 15th.
  • Register online at https://apps.synodyouth.org/form/rmh or just get more info at https://synodyouth.org/rocky-mountain-high/
  • Please contact Steve Poole if you would like more information.

News

Fear of Stillness and the Mindful Christian

PictureWe’ve been looking at different fears we hold and putting them in line with the truth of the Gospel.  This Sunday, we’ll look at the fear of stillness.  What does it mean to be still? And why is it so hard?

In Kent’s message, he’ll mention this beautiful blog by Irene Kraegel on being a ‘Mindful Christian’.  She writes,

“Mindfulness is clear-sighted attention to the present moment, making it a great gift to the Christian believer who desires a deeper relationship with God. When we cultivate the ability to pay attention, we cultivate the ability to see God and receive his good gifts in each moment. We also cultivate the ability to be fully present to those around us.”

Intrigued? Take a look.

Funeral, News

Gwyneth Aarhus Funeral

We are sad to announce the passing of Gwyn Aarhus, a faithful member of Cedar Hills Community Church. Please keep his wife Harriet and the Aarhus and Dunham families in your prayers.

Visitation is Sunday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home 2-5pm.  The funeral will be Monday, Dec. 23 at 11am at the church followed by a luncheon.

Obituary from CedarMemorial.com

Gwyneth K. Aarhus, 82 of Cedar Rapids died Thursday December 19, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital.  Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at the Cedar Hills Community Church. Rev Kent Landhuis will officiate. Entombment in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Sunday at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2 to 5 PM.

Survivors include his wife Harriet, a daughter Kylene (Chad) Dunham of Hiawatha; two sons Todd of Ankeny and Ryan of Robins; two brothers DuWayne (Laura) of Walker and Collin (Barbara) of Center Point. He is also survived by a granddaughter Ashleigh Dunham of Hiawatha and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gwyneth was born on April 21, 1937 in Iowa City the son of Bernard and Gladys (Narveson) Aarhus. He married Harriet A. Doty on August 13, 1961 in Cedar Rapids.

Gwyneth was an electrician at Link Belt Speeder, later at FMC and most recently at Cedar Rapids Inc. retiring in 2001 after many years of service.

He was a faithful member of the Cedar Hills Community Church, a lifetime member of the NRA, and proudly served in the Marines. He enjoyed hunting, target practice with his kids, and doing yard work. Gwyneth and Harriet traveled and visited all 50 states. He also enjoyed motorcycles, drag racing, car shows, and especially the time spent with his many friends and beloved family. He will forever be remembered as a wonderful and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Cedar Hills Community Church. If giving online, choose “Memorial Gift” from the ‘fund’ menu.

Advent, Capital Campaign, Fundraiser, Holiday, News, Worship

Christmas Tie Challenge!

Wear a Christmas Tie on Sunday, Dec. 22!

An anonymous donor is challenging everyone to wear a Christmas Tie on Sunday, December 22nd.  Ten dollars will be donated to the Capital Campaign for every tie worn that day, man, woman or child! Wear a tie with or without your ugly sweater and support your church.  This could even become an annual event if there is enough interest this year.  Look for a special tally sheet in the Gathering Space to mark that you’ve worn a tie!

Sunday, Dec. 22 is “Joy” Sunday at Cedar Hills.  In addition to coming dressed in our favorite holiday attire and ugly sweaters, the children will be singing at the 11am service, choir will be singing at the 8:30am service, and members of the Cedar Rapids Orchestra will be provided music during the continental breakfast.

And also a reminder that another donor is matching one-time gifts to the campaign, up to $5000, through Dec. 31.  Learn more about our Grow the Good Capital Campaign.

Breakfast will be served throughout the morning and there are no Sunday Classes that Sunday.  The staff will be competing for the “Ugliest Sweater” award! Donations given to vote for your favorite staff sweater will go towards the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

It just keeps getting better! 🙂