Posts from June 2016

10 Items

Faith in Action Sunday

by Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein

Faith in Action ~ Sunday, June 26 Sounds of sand paper rubbing against recently cut wood, the smell of Snickerdoodles freshly baked, and the clicking of knitting needles putting yarn in a pattern, these were all happening as we gathered on our first Faith in Action Sunday.  Whether one was five years old or sixty […]

Our Prayer

by Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein

God, may we hear your prayer, that we may all claim one another as beautiful and beloved siblings in your great family. May we hear your desperate cries for love and celebration of all of our bodies as sacred creations of yours, modeled in your image, in the beautiful diversity of colors, shapes, genders, sexual […]

Prayer Vigil – Sunday, June 12 – 7:30 p.m.

by Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein

In response to the shooting in Orlando earlier this morning, there will be a prayer vigil at Belle’s Basix, 3916 1st Avenue, CR, at 7:30 p.m.  Come and join together as we offer affirmation, care and support to our LGBTQ community here in Cedar Rapids and offer prayers for the Orlando community.

Prayers for the Orlando Community and Beyond

by Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein

News continues to unfold as details of the shooting in an Orlando night club become known.  50 people are confirmed dead; 50+ more are injured.  Hundreds affected by this tragedy.  Let us offer our prayers for: those who mourn the death of loved ones and friends, for first responders and medical care teams, for those […]

Faith in Action ~ Sunday, June 26

On Sunday, June 26, we are going to put that into practice in a literal and real way as we gather together that morning.  After a short time of song and prayer, we will break into small groups and work on a variety of community service projects.  Many will happen here in our building; some […]

Sweetening the Deal ~ Summer Financial Health Challenge

On Sunday, June 5,  containers of M&M’s were distributed and the Stewardship Committee asks in return is that the containers come back filled with a financial gift, above and beyond your pledged or normal giving amount, to help us Sweetening the Deal over the summer months.  Additional containers are available in the main entryway. Bring […]

Celebrating The Reverend Robert “Bob” Bromley

Come and join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of ordination of The Reverend Robert “Bob” Bromley on Sunday, June 5, at 9:30 a.m.   The Reverend Jonna Jensen, Associate Conference Minister of the Iowa Conference of the United Church of Christ, will be speaking.  Special music will feature a solo by Greg Sohl. […]

Cedar Rapids Pride – Saturday, June 4

Join Hope United Church of Christ at Cedar Rapids Pride Event this Saturday at Belle’s Basix, 3916 1st Avenue, Cedar Rapids, from 12:000 – 6:00 p.m. We are there as an official Open and Affirming Church of the United Church of Christ, where Jesus welcomed all people … and so do we! See you there!

Nursery Staff Supervisor Named

As part of our 2016 vision, the congregation approved the part-time Nursery Supervisor in order that Hope United Church of Christ would offer more consistent personnel in our nursery on Sunday mornings.  This will help us provide a more welcoming presence to our babies, toddlers and parents.  We are pleased to announce that Allison Gruwell […]