You Belong: An Orientation to God’s Family at Cedar Hills
We make deeper connections with God and each other when we belong. In “You Belong” you will also discover how God heals brokenness and restores all he created through a community of people who love one another. Together we will grow hospitality, authenticity, forgiveness, and restoration that transforms us and our neighbors!
You Belong is a six week class that meets on Sundays at 9:45am beginning November 2. Anyone is welcome to attend even if they do not wish to become members.
At the end of the class, students can choose to pursue membership. Following the class, you will meet with an elder to affirm your faith in Jesus, and then we publicly receive into a membership at a worship service (date TBD).
Nursery for ages 0-36 months is available at this same time, as well as classes for children of all ages.
No registration is needed, but letting us know you’re coming is helpful. You can do that by contacting the office below.
Join us in praying for the family and friends of Marlin Swartzendruber as they remember and celebrate his life and arrival into the arms of Jesus.
VISITATON: Oct. 9 at 11am, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories
4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
FUNERAL: Oct. 9 at 12pm, Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with a luncheon to follow in the family center. 4200 1s Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
LIVESTREAM of the funeral service will start at 12pm on Thursday, Oct. 9. VIEW LIVESTREAM
Marlin Paul Swartzendruber (89) peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Marlin was born February 18, 1936, to Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber on a farm. north of Wellman, IA, during a blizzard. The doctor was blocked by snow covered roads, so He rode on a horse drawn sleigh over the covered fences. Ella died when Marlin was 4 years old. When his older brother D Dale graduated and left home, Marlin became chief cook at 9 years old. Orval woke Marlin up at 5:30 to do chores in the milkhouse and with the livestock. Marlin would then prepare breakfast, clean the kitchen, and walk a quarter mile to school. He would then repeat chores after school and prepare supper. Marlin was taught to drive by his Aunt Esther so by age 12, he often enjoyed driving his grandparents to church. Marlin attended kindergarten through eighth grade in a one room schoolhouse and ninth grade in Parnell, IA. Orval and Marlin moved to a farm south of Homestead where he attended Williamsburg H.S. He played football in his junior and senior years.
After graduation Marlin took a job with John Wetjen as a carpenter in 1954. After five years they went into a partnership. In 1971, Marlin bought out the business, and it became Swartzendruber Lumber and Construction Company. As is fitting for a carpenter, Marlin built his own house in Amana, IA. He started construction on his house in 1957 and worked on it daily before and after work and on Saturdays until completion in 1958.
Marlin married Judy (Metz) at Christ Church Presbyterian in Cedar Rapids in 1960. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Marlin served the church by being a deacon, an elder, and a building committee member. Together they raised three daughters and operated the company business until its closing in 2007. In his retirement he started a hobby of woodworking with a turning lathe. He created many beautiful bowls and other creations. He also built four glider swings for his family. Marlin, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for his family, his quick wit when you least expected it and his unwavering work ethic. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
Marlin is survived by his wife Judy (Metz) Swartzendruber, his three daughters Debra (Daniel) Fick of Coralville, IA, Diane (Brian) Gunderson of Fond du Lac, WI, Dawn (Robert) Newberry of Urbandale, IA, six grandchildren, Allison Bernard, (Kyle) of Iowa City, Benjamin Fick (Mattie) of North Liberty, IA, Andrew Gunderson (Alison) of Fond du Lac, WI, Nathan Gunderson (Amy) of Appleton, WI, Jacob Newberry of Ankeny, IA, Sophie Newberry of Las Vegas, NV, and five great grandchildren, Eleanor and Emma Jo Bernard, Azalia, Ezra, and Zane Gunderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Ella (Gingerich) Swartzendruber and his brother D Dale Swartzendruber.
We are thankful for the loving care given to our family by Iowa City Hospice and The Summit of Coralville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Hills Community Church, 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, and/or Iowa City Hospice, 1526 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240.
Free meal “The Neighbors Table” at Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church. Monthly on the last Thursday of the month.
Thursday, Sept 25, 4:30pm-6:30pm
An RSVP is helpful so they can plan for numbers. RSVP ONLINE
SEE FULL FLIER – print and distribute
Today’s message will reference this Tim Keller sermon – we wanted to share the link with you! “God Our Lover” by Tim Keller
LALA LADIES – This small group of Cedar Hills musicians travels around to the Care Centers in Cedar Rapids and Marion, bringing smiles to residents with their music. This group includes Ina Boeke, Lori Tonsfeldt, and Audrey Reid. In September, they will feature Country Music!
SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE
September 9
September 10
September 11
September 15
September 16
September 17
September 18
September 23
September 24
September 25
I saw a news flash today that RFK Jr, age 71, completed 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in under six minutes. I thought, “How is that possible?”
Answer: RFK Jr. apparently still works out. A lot. He is the kind of guy who keeps growing physically.
If growing physically strong and healthy requires continued effort, what about spiritual growth?
We are the kind of people who keep growing spiritually. We keep discovering new truths. We keep drawing near to God. We keep following Jesus into new territory.
We know that healthy things grow. Here are three reasons why we are the kind of people who keep growing:
And if that is not motivation enough, remember that God’s Word is not static or stale, it is “living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) God is still working today – in all of us – to bring not just life, but abundant life. (John 10:10) So, keep growing.
As Steve shared in his sermon last week, practice “Shema-ing” in a Sunday class, small group, or in your personal Bible Study. LISTEN HERE
May the Lord be with you,
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
📍 Bloomsbury Farm
📅 Saturday, August 2nd, 5-7 pm
⏰ Food served 5–6 PM | Program with formal ask 6–7 PM
🎆 Fireworks to follow!
🎟️ Ticket includes access to 25+ family-friendly activities on the farm—this is the perfect event for all ages! Bloomsbury Farm opens 3-9pm with fireworks that evening.
BAKING FOR A CAUSE – June 22 in the Gathering Space. Enjoy coffee, tea, sweet treats, and floral arrangements all available by free-will donation with 100% of the proceeds going to support this family on mission. We need YOU to help make a difference! Here’s how you can help: Sign up to bake | Donate flowers | Setup and serving
Once upon a time I had a request for a Proverbs 18:10 song, which led me on a bunny trail to writing a whole bunch of Proverbs 18:10 songs in lots of different translations. Is God a tower or fortress? Are we the godly or righteous? Do we run to him or run in him?
The way each translation captures this idea differs just so slightly, and really stirred my curiosity about this verse and broadened my idea of God.
Here’s a short playlist of all my songs on this verse:
Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media
