New Members Welcomed to Hope United Church of Christ

On Sunday, November 26, Hope United Church of Christ welcomed three new members to our faith community. They are:

 Casey Suzanne Guet resides at 2406 2^nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids, with her wife, Rebecca Colleen Hinds. Casey and Rebecca moved to the Cedar Rapids area in the late summer of 2016 when Rebecca was called as the minister of People’s Church Unitarian Universalist.

Casey was born in Roanoke, VA, and celebrates her birthday on April 16. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity Degree. She served as a student intern at Brighton Allston Congregational Church, Brighton, MA, and served as a student minister at Charleston Universalist Unitarian Church. While at Charleston UUA, she helped with children’s camp, an LGBT art show, and Pride Run.

She discovered Hope United Church of Christ through our participation in the Cedar Rapids’ Pride Event where Susan Hodin was handing out bookmarks.

Writing poems and prayers, reading classic literature (especially Russian works), enjoying video games, hiking, and enjoying food are some of Casey’s favorite things.

Here is what she shared about herself, “I love to laugh. I believe God has helped me through the difficult times in life and God is a presence of love and compassion.”

Jean L. Henchal calls 8520 Grand Oaks Drive NE, Cedar Rapids. She is a life-long resident of the Cedar Rapids area. She will celebrate her birthday next month on December 28. She has three adult children: Michael, Carol, and Judy. Jean retired from her work at Kirkwood Community College in 1996.  Her days are now filled decorating her yard, enjoying baking and doing some sewing.

Jean attended Eden United Church of Christ for more than 70, having begun attending there when she was just five years old. She was active in the choir and tending their garden there. She also served on Consistory and as Financial Secretary. When she needed a church home she “came to Hope and really loved it.”

“I enjoy my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I love traveling to see my son and oldest daughter. My youngest daughter comes to visit every two or three weeks,” writes Jean, in regards to her love that she has for her family.

Virginia J. Johnson lives at 4561 Maureen Drive SE, #35, Cedar Rapids. She moved this area in 2003 in order to be near relatives.  Virginia has one adult son, Bob.

Born in Chicago Heights, IL, Virginia celebrates her birthday on July 28. Prior to retirement, Virginia worked for fourteen years for the Cedar Rapids School System as a bus aide. In her retirement she enjoys reading.

Virginia has always been a part of the United Church of Christ, having been baptized at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Grant Park, IL, where she then was a member for 30 years.