ANGEL TREE UPDATE: Cedar Hills had the opportunity to bless 25 area kids, who have incarcerated parents, with Christmas gifts. Caregivers commented, “I’ve never felt love like this before. I’ve never felt like I belong as much as I do when I walk through these doors.” This week, we received a letter from an incarcerated parent saying thank you! Thank you for sharing Jesus’ love, Church!
Every few months, a community I’m a part of holds a scripture memory challenge. We have one week to memorize whatever passage of scripture we want. How long the passage is, which book, the subject–those are all up to us.
Every time they hold this challenge, I try to work my way through a Psalm and have worked up to Psalm 4. I like this Psalm. It has a nice progression of feelings and emotions.
It opens with despair:
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
And ends in quiet rest:
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
The journey in between these two phrases is a wild ride of remembering and declaring promises of God’s faithfulness to his righteous ones. Promises of light, protection and his attuned ear when we cry.
I like this Psalm, because it follows a workable pattern of the human heart toward God: first despair, and then remembering who God is to remind ourselves of His faithfulness, and then relief and hope when we again remember his goodness to us, enough so that we can find rest for another day.
Many of the Psalms model this pattern, which is probably why it’s my favorite book to use when I am lamenting or depressed. The question, “Answer me, God!!!” is a cry of my heart to say, “I can’t see or hear you right now and I’m alone and scared.” I’m convinced God loves the question. He is not bothered by the asking nor the heart, but is excited to again show Himself and His goodness all over again.
Want to memorize Psalm 4 with me? I finished up putting it to music this past week and have it playing on repeat.
Leah Carolan
Pastor of Worship & Media
MONDAY MEN’S CONNECTION – All men are invited Mondays at 6pm to for drinks and trivia. The group rotates between different area bars and pubs. Check the weekly bulletin for the most updated location! Contact Gary Sager for details.
The Holidays are over and the winter blues have set in. We are dreaming of a mini vacation, some me-time with the ladies of Cedar Hills in a cozy place with TWO hot tubs, media room, and lots of places to read, reflect and Feast on the word of God.The Women in Fellowship & Faith team invite you to join us at “FEAST RETREAT – Taste & See the Goodness of God” at the beautiful Robbins Nest AirBNB in Monmouth, Illinois. The retreat will begin Friday, April 4th at 6pm and conclude Sunday, April 6th at 10am. Come enjoy a beautiful space with plenty of time to Feast on the word of God, food and beverages, quiet time to rejuvenate and to laugh with a few surprises mixed in!
Cost is $175 for the entire event, including accommodations, food and beverage, access to the Lifeway “Feast” seminar hosted online by Kristi McLelland with worship leader Laura Cooksey and fabulous breakout sessions facilitated by Lindsey Steinkamp and the women’s ministry team.
The first 20 women to respond will be registered for the event. Once, 20 spots are filled we will open a wait list. RESPOND NOW (As of 2/5/25, there are only 5 spots left).
Payment of $175 will be due by 2/15/2024 to Carmen Gronewold. Once we have your registration information, we will communicate the payment options available!
Here’s how it works:
The food pantry will be closed Monday, Jan 20 in observance of MLK Day. We will be open on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at our scheduled time of 10am-12pm.
Thursday, Jan. 23 the ladies will be gathering at the Barrel House in Marion. Appetizers begin at 6pm and music bingo at 7pm.
BARREL HOUSE WEBSITE
295 Tower Terrace Rd, Marion, IA 52302
Women of all ages are invite for fun and fellowship. Stay up to date with all our women’s ministry events by joining our Facebook group.
Join the Women’s Ministry Facebook Group
Come watch the big game on the big screen at Cedar Hills! We’ll gather around 5:15 in the Gathering Space for the 5:30pm kick-off.
We’ll provide drinks and walking tacos – feel free to bring a side dish to share and some table games. Casual come-and-go event.
Kids and all ages welcome!
Order subs for the big game! The Journey youth prepare your sub orders fresh on the day of the game for pickup after either service.
Subs are $7 each and directly fund trips, conferences and activities for our middle school and high school youth.
Complete your order online and pay using our online payment system, or bring your payment to the church office.
Print your order form and return to the church office by Wednesday, Feb. 5. Cash or check for payment.
Tuesday mornings 10am. This women’s Bible study is led by gifted Bible teacher Joanne Lodge and is open to women of all ages. The group is currently studying Philippians.
New participants are welcome to jump in at any time during the study – no registration required.
When: Tuesdays at 10am
Where: Teal Room
Teacher: Joanne Lodge
Materials needed: Bible and paper for notes if desired.