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Cedar Blog, Uncategorized

We Are the Kind of People Who Keep Growing

We Are the Kind of People Who Keep Growing

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:

  1. God said, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
  2. Jesus said, “Abide in me and you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:1-5)
  3. We are called to learn and share God’s truths every day “When we rise up and when we lie down, when we sit at home and and when we walk along the way.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-8)

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

Did you enjoy this article? Let Kent know.

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    Ministry Highlight: Lala Ladies

    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. This month they will feature Gospel Music and be joined by Jerry De Penning and Tony Tonsfeldt. Here are a few upcoming dates:

    Mon, Aug 18

    • 1:00pm LaLa Ladies @ St. Luke’s West
    • 2:30pm LaLa Ladies @ Cottage Place

    Tues, Aug 19

    • 1:00pm LaLa Ladies @ Summit Point in Marion
    • 2:30pm LaLa Ladies @ Hallmar

    Wed, Aug 20

    • 1:00pm LaLa Ladies @Villages of Marion (By Thomas Park)
    • 2:30pm LaLa Ladies @ Views of Marion

    Thurs, Aug 21

    • 1:00pm LaLa Ladies @ Irving Place
    • 2:30pm LaLa Ladies @ Harmony on 1st Ave
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    Care Network and Bloomsbury Farm!

    Care Network Fundraiser
    at Bloomsbury Farm!

    The countdown is on for our biggest summer event yet— “Light Up the Night: Stories of Hope and Sparks of Change” at Bloomsbury Farm—and we are thrilled for what God is doing through this gathering of hearts!
    This evening is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of stories, connection, and kingdom impact as we continue our partnership walking alongside those in our community with Christ-centered care.

    EVENT DETAILS:

    📍 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.

    PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

    Purchasing tickets online using this link.  Or mention “CareNetworkCR” at the gate—25% of each ticket purchased supports the Care Network.
    Cedar Blog, Uncategorized

    Verse Obsession

    Verse Obsession

    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

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

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      CHOSEN Event Volunteers

      June 1-8 we will be partnering with World Vision for a special Chosen event.  As a church, we’ll be signing up to sponsor children in Guatemala, but instead of us choosing a child, the child gets to choose YOU.

      To make this event successful, we are in need to volunteers to help out in the Gathering Space.  There are multiple opportunities, including the Saturdays before the big events and different times throughout the Sunday mornings of June 1 and June 8.

      Sign-Up to Volunteer.

      Volunteer Roles:

      • Welcome Host // First point of contact for the lobby experience to help the line move smoothly and quickly. This role initiates the sign-up process.
      • Sign Up Roamer // Helps sponsors sign up and receive their Chosen code (via a World Vision iPad) so they can take their Chosen photo. Help congregants fill out all needed information and keep the line moving.
      • Photobooth Host // Capture the Chosen code tied to the new sponsor’s contact information and take a photo of the sponsor (and family).
      • Line Host // Keep the line moving quickly and smoothly and direct congregants to the next available photo booth or space at the Reveal Wall (Reveal weekend only).
      • Reveal Host // Reveal Weekend only. Help sponsors find their Reveal Chosen envelope with information about the child that chose them as their sponsor!

      As a volunteer, you’ll be given an orange t-shirt (to wear during your shift), training, and a specific role for your shift. In addition:

      1.  All volunteers will be assigned specific roles upon arrival.
      2.  You’ll still get to attend a worship service.
      3.  World Vision requires volunteers to sign a waiver HERE prior to arrival (minors must have form completed by a parent).
      4. Watch the Training videos:


      Consider volunteering today and making this event a wonderful one!

      Sign-Up to Volunteer.

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      Men’s Bible Studies & Small Groups

      MONDAYS

      • Bible Study at 6:30pm – with Randy Fox.  Currently meeting at A Place For Friends at 212 Edgewood Rd NW and is next door to Roscoe’s Pizza.
      • Men’s Connection & Trivia at 6:30pm –  with Gary Sager.  This group usually meets at Whiskey River in Palo but it is best to double check the bulletin for location information.

      WEDNESDAYS

      • Bible Study at 6:30am – with Alan Crandall.  Meets at the Crandall home: 231 McKinsie Ct NE., Cedar Rapids, IA
      • Bible Study at 8:00am – with George Young and Gary Mills, Gathering Space @ Cedar Hills Church (every other week), includes work projects.
      • Bible Study at 6:30pm – with Pastor Kent, meeting at Cedar Hills in the Red Room
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      Women’s Ministry – Thursday Throwdown

      WOMEN’S MINISTRY IS HEADED TO THURSDAY THROWDOWN

      Thursday Throwdown @ Koru Aronia Berry Farm (1685 U Ave, Homestead, IA)  – Thursday, May 29, 5:00pm-9:00pm. Join us at Thursday Throwdown with Bryce Janey Duo at Koru.

      Typically, there is a food truck and drinks for purchase.  It will be a fun night of live music and fellowship in a beautiful setting. Bring a chair, we typically sit in the grass area.

      As we get closer, we will coordinate carpools.

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      Graduate Recognition


      GRADUATE RECOGNITION SUNDAY –        Sunday, May 18 we will recognize all of our high school, degree, college (and beyond!) graduates with a special presentation.

      If you are celebrating a graduation this year, please submit your information online by Sunday, May 11 to be recognized at our celebration. There will be cake!

      COMPLETE THE INFO FORM – Due May 11