Lew Miller, 1960-1969
John Glover, 1970-1973
Bill Riley, 1974-1975
John Tanner, 1976-1981
Ed Gregory, 1982-1999
Bob Bartram, 2000-2001
Mark Crotinger, 2003-2005
Dan Wiersema, 2006
John Glover, 1970-1973
Bill Riley, 1974-1975
John Tanner, 1976-1981
Ed Gregory, 1982-1999
Bob Bartram, 2000-2001
Mark Crotinger, 2003-2005
Dan Wiersema, 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lew Miller pastorate
Jan. 24, 1960 - Aug. 25, 1969
-1960-
• Training Union was organized on Feb. 28, 1960, and Arthur Carter was elected director.
• Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) / Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) was organized March 18, 1960. Theda Hurn was elected president.
• Dan Castleberry became choir director in July 1960, serving until December 1964, when the family moved to Kansas City, Mo. They returned in March 1966 and Dan became leader of the youth choir, a position he held for 12 years.
-1961-
• Church pews, Baldwin organ, etc., were purchased for new building on Feb. 27, 1961.
• Vacation Bible School was held June 5-16, 1961, with 112 enrolled.
• Orla Gray became church librarian in August 1961. The “Bawl Room” at the back of the sanctuary/auditorium became first permanent location for a library in 1969. In 1988-1989, the library moved to its current location, a combination library/Ladies III classroom.
• Church news letter “Lew’s News” began publication in August 1961. It later became known as “The Scarlet Thread.”
-1962-
• Mission Bible School started in Bertram in July 1962, a direct result of a home Bible Study held in December 1961 at the Pete Hurn home. Sixty children were enrolled.
• First Christmas banquet held at the Ox Yoke Inn in Amana on Dec. 12, 1962.
-1963-
• For the only time in its history, the church was split into two Sunday schools on Feb. 20, 1963, due to overcrowding. Don Gray was superintendent at the time. Sunday school was held at 8:30 and 11 a.m., with morning worship at 9:45. This solved the problem of Sunday school class being held in the furnace room behind the library! (Below: Sunday school classes met in the auditorium with curtained partitions.)
• Community service “Spiritual Uplift” (brief phone sermon) was launched by Pastor Miller and continued for more than five years.
• Immanuel was constituted as a church on Dec. 15, 1963.
-1964-
• Bible Study started in the spring at the Don Herr home in Marion.
• Pastor Miller left April 13, 1964, for a five-week crusade in Australia.
• Cliff Gilleland, son-in-law of Floyd and Katherine Manwiller, was licensed to preach in July 1964.
-1965-
• Immanuel adopted constitution and bylaws in January 1965.
• First youth committee was formed in January 1965; Sunshine Mission services were held with the youth.
• Royal Ambassadors (RAs) started in March 1965.
• Bible Study started in March 1965 at Collins Radio during the noon hour and also at the John Lafler home.
• Bible Study started in September 1965 at the Dr. Forrest Edkins home in Columbus Junction. It later became a church. Dr. Edkins was the father of Cynthia Gregory, whose husband, Ed Gregory, was Immanuel pastor from 1982-1999.
• Adult Training Union began first of many Halloween parties. The Izaak Walton Hall was the scene of many pranks, among them being the time the moose over the fireplace was singed.
• Bible Study began Dec. 17, 1965, at the Sunshine Mission.
-1966-
• Bible Study began in May 1966 at Mount Zion Church.
• Air conditioners were installed in August 1966.
• Missionary Oz Quick from Taiwan was here in November 1966 to launch a Foreign Mission appeal. This played an important role in Pastor Miller’s later decision to leave Immanuel and become a missionary to Taiwan.
-1967-
• The Sunshine Mission ended in downtown Cedar Rapids in April 1967 due to urban renewal.
-1968-
• Junior deacons were elected in March 1968.
• GA Coronation was held in May 1968, with eight young ladies presented emblems in recognition of their work of advancement in mission study.
• Sad hearts were made glad … A $5,000 insurance policy, of which Immanuel was named beneficiary following the death of member Dennis Williams in an auto accident in August 1968, paved the way for chimes to be purchased and installed over the baptistery.
-1969-
• On Jan. 19, 1969, following the evening service, Pastor Miller announced his resignation, effective Aug. 25, 1969. He had applied for service to the Foreign Mission Board and he and Joanna were appointed for service to Taiwan in May.
• In May 1969, a revival was held, with Dr. R. G. Lee presenting his world-famous sermon “Pay-Day-Some Day.”
• First ordination of deacons was held in June 1969, with George Branstetter and Walter Schulz receiving the “laying on of hands.”
John Glover pastorate
1970-1973
John and Janelle Glover moved onto the mission field at Immanuel on June 14, 1970. The Glover family, which included Kyle, Robin, Tim and Johnny Jo, moved here from Russellville, Mo. They served three years, resigning July 15, 1973, and moving to Amarillo, Texas. In 2003, John was serving as interim pastor at Salem Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Mo. As of 2007, they were members of Cornerstone Baptist in Jefferson City. Home address is 1016 Tanya Lynn Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Janelle died Oct. 26, 2007, at age 80. John died in 2013 at age 86.
During these years:
• A clothing ministry led by Carol Herr was begun
• A young musical group known as the 2:20 Singers was formed and Samantha and Bill Ulmer were members
• First church picture album directory was produced
• Small back parking lot was constructed
• VBS was held for two weeks in June 1972 and 212 were enrolled
• Bertram VBS had 80 enrolled
• Youth group took choir trip to St. Louis for three days in July 1972
• RAs held a campout in July 1972 at Wildcat Bluffs Country Park near Urbana
• Tim Cleary became Immanuel’s minister of youth and music in April 1972. He served until March 1974. He and wife Tam and daughter Stacy moved here from Walnut Park Baptist Church in St. Louis.
Bill Riley pastorate
June 1974 – October 1975
Bill and Patsy Riley, sons Terry, Garry and Larry and daughter Valerie came to Immanuel from Temple Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo.
• During this time:
• VBS was reduced to one week because of the energy crisis
• The first annual church-wide Labor Day picnic was held in September 1974 at the Bever Park pavilion in southeast Cedar Rapids. The rolling pin throw for the ladies was initiated, with Mrs. Frances Lisenbee the winner. The men participated in horseshoes and Joe Rohlena and George Winn were champs.
• Jim Luders was licensed to preach in November 1974; Rodney Ochs in January 1975
• A Sunday school class was established at Jane Boyd Community House
• Miss America 1975 Shirley Cothran spoke during two rallies at Immanuel on April 27, 1975
• Mike Herndon became Immanuel’s associate pastor and youth minister in June 1975. He served until October 1975. He and wife Gwen and sons Shanon and Eric moved here from Springfield, Mo.
• Forty-seven young people and sponsors attended Youth Training Week at the Glorietta Baptist Assembly in New Mexico in June 1975.
• Bus evangelism ministry started in July 1975
• Preaching services began at Geneva Tower in August 1975. Rodney Ochs brought the message, Don Gray led the singing and Ruth Channel played the piano.
• Radio ministry started in September 1975
John Tanner pastorate
May 12, 1976 – May 24, 1981
John Tanner’s first service was a prayer meeting on May 12, 1976. His wife, Patsy, and their daughters, Amy and Jenny, joined him on June 1.
During this time:
-1976-
• Bob Harrington, chaplain of Bourbon Street, came to Cedar Rapids in June 1976 under the joint effort of the Cedar Rapids Christian School and Immanuel
• First Sunday school Workers Appreciation Banquet was in July 1976 at the church, with Dan McBride, contemporary Christian humorist as guest speaker
• Jan Livingston became church secretary in August 1976.
• White Baptist hymnals were purchased in December 1976 by Winifred Waggoner in memory of her husband, Kenneth.
-1977-
• Larry Henry became Immanuel’s associate pastor on June 13, 1977. A Texan, his wife, Donna, and son, Jeffrey, later joined him. He served until May 1980.
• The Sunday school sponsored a Teacher Training Retreat at Hickory Lodge, Camp Wyoming, on Sept. 9-10, 1977.
• Blue carpet was installed in the auditorium and the walls were painted a mellow gold in October 1977.
-1978-
• Associational Lock-In / all-night youth party was held in January 1978 at the Ellis YMCA.
• On March 23, 1978, Easter activities began on Maundy Thursday with a Passover meal presented by Sol Rosen, pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The meal was presented in Orthodox Jewish manner but interpreted in a Christian perspective. Joint Good Friday services were held at Edgewood Baptist Church, with participation from area Baptist churches. Pastor Tanner brought the message. The Easter sunrise service that Sunday had low attendance due to a snow storm the previous evening.
• Blue velvet drapes were hung in the baptistery in March 1978.
• Spring-Harvest Revival with Pentecostal Evangelist Terry Bell began April 5, 1978, and featured a Czech Festival Prospect dinner, with Ernie Kosek as head chef.
• A mission work for a church plant in northeast Cedar Rapids got underway in spring 1978 through the combined efforts of Pastor John Tanner, Associate Pastor Larry Henry and other Immanuel members. First services were May 27, 1979, at Nixon Elementary School. In August 1980, Pastor Tanner and Missions Committee chairman Ed Nissen negotiated with Skogman Land Corporation to purchase 5.38 acres in the Northbrook Addition on Boyson Road, bordering the town of Hiawatha. Price was $79,000. Its name, Hiawatha Baptist Mission, was changed to Northbrook Baptist Chapel and later, Northbrook Baptist Church. Rev. Paul Plavnick, a converted Jew, became Northbrook Chapel’s first full-time pastor in August 1981. The church was constituted, becoming an independent standing unit, on March 17, 1993. On Dec. 18, 1994, Immanuel held a special corporation meeting to transfer property title and assumption of mortgage to Northbrook. On April 1, 1995, Northbrook fully assumed mortgage on its property.
• Youth choir tour to Colorado was June 9-18, 1978, with musical presentation of “Bright New Wings.” Chaperones were Ormal and Pat Williams, Don and Carol Herr, Dan and Jean Castleberry and Larry Henry. Dan Castleberry was youth choir director.
• Mildred Frantz resigned as adult choir director in June 1978; Mary Brockman took the helm.
• RAs reawakened in October 1978, led by Don Herr and Don Vyskocil.
• Immanuel entered coed volleyball teams in the city league in October 1978.
• The Action Program was implemented Oct. 15, 1978.
• A 959 club began on Dec. 24, 1978. It consisted of studying God’s word a minimum of 9 minutes, 59 seconds each day.
-1979-
• City-wide Good Friday services held April 13, 1979, at Immanuel, featuring Mount Zion choirs, with the Rev. Goodson of Edgewood Baptist Church giving the message.
• Immanuel assumed responsibility of supporting through prayer Bill and Garlinda Hyde of Shellsburg. The Hydes had been accepted as foreign missionaries in Manila, Philippines, where they would teach in a Christian school.
• Cushions were added to the church pews in May 1979.
• The curtains in the auditorium were a May 1979 gift of the Bill Stout family.
• Two college students, Scott Singerman from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, and Gretchen Glazer from the University of Hawaii, Hilo, were summer missionaries during June 1979. They assisted the youth and Associate Pastor Larry Henry in five backyard Bible clubs. They also attended Youth Week at Windermere in Roach, Mo., along with 21 youth and three adult sponsors.
• Samantha Ulmer became director of the adult choir and John Pomeroy took over the youth choir in September 1979.
• The Wednesday night schedule was renewed in September 1979, with 5:45 p.m. for the meal; 6:30 for youth and children’s choir and puppeteer practice with Mildred Frantz, while parents sat in on the pastor’s Sunday School class, Bible study or the study on cults led by Don Gray; and 7:30 for prayer meeting / adult Bible study and children’s mission classes.
• Immanuel’s 20-year celebration was combined with a fall revival on Oct. 24-28, 1979.
• The Seeker’s Ladies I class sponsored a church-wide Christmas project, collecting gifts for five families who otherwise might not have a Merry Christmas.
• Grand opening of Lottie Moon Post Office was Dec. 9, 1979. It was started under the direction of Lynn Frantz through the fourth through sixth grade Church Training group.
• First youth-sponsored Senior Citizens Banquet held in December 1979.
-1980-
• The Spurrlows, a nationally-known Florida-based gospel singing group, presented a concert during the evening service Feb. 24, 1980.
• Youth Lock-in held March 14, 1980, at the Ellis YMCA, with Jeff Buscher and a team of college students from William Jewell College providing inspiration.
• Family Life Conference held March 28-29, 1980, and led by Robert McKinney with Yoke-fellows of Mid-America in Liberty, Mo.
• Church endorsed participation in the Lowell Lundstrom Crusade, a special city-wide revival, held May 18-25, 1980, at the Five Seasons Center.
• Chris Wales of Sulphur, La., was invited to serve as Immanuel’s Summer Youth and Missions Associate in June 1980. He was a graduate of McNeese State College, had served on the Glorietta staff and had held two youth directorships and an interim pastorate.
• VBS concluded after 2 weeks on June 27, 1980, with an enrollment of 242 – there were 12 public professions of faith made and more than 50 children enrolled who were not involved in Sunday school.
• WMU – Women’s Missionary Union was reorganized Oct. 30, 1980, with Ruth Channell as director.
• A seven-part series of films, “Focus on the Family,’’ was shown during Sunday evening worship beginning Nov. 2, 1980.
-1981-
• The Rev. and Mrs. Ross Harmonson were first time visitors to Immanuel on March 15, 1981, coming to Cedar Rapids from Spencer (Iowa) Baptist Church. In 1984, he was our Associational Missionary. He is now retired and lives in Spencer.
Ed Gregory pastorate
April 18, 1982 – June 27, 1999
During Ed’s 17 years:
-1982-
• The Summer 1982 All-Iowa Tour, featuring the church youth choir Genesis performed the musical “Believer” at five churches and one nursing home. Carr Taliaferro was director. His wife, Sherry, Don Herr and Pat Fowler were assistants.
• A $3,000 fund drive was conducted in August 1982 to refurbish the church sign.
• A summer music workshop, comprised of Immanuel’s college and career classes, presented a choral music drama, “Acts.” It was directed by Dan Castleberry.
• The Audio-Visual committee (David Church, Jim Fowler and Don Herr) installed a sound reinforcement system with point source speakers in the main sanctuary and choir loft. Cost was $4,000.
• Immanuel and nine other churches and chapels joined together on Dec. 11, 1982, to form the Northeast Iowa Southern Baptist Association. Towns included Anamosa, Dubuque, Independence, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. The area also covered about a dozen counties in northeast Iowa.
• Lottie Moon Post Office was taken over by the GA’s and RA’s in December 1982. Two Christmas cards could be mailed for the price of one, with proceeds going to Foreign Missions.
-1983-
• A weekend retreat for the adult choir was held Jan. 28-30, 1983. Led by Brother Bob Woolley, state music secretary with the Missouri Baptist Convention, the choir presented the musical, “Sermon in Song” during Sunday evening services.
• Children’s choirs presented “Kid’s Praise” on March 13, 1983, with “Psalty,” a talking hymnal who teaches children to praise Jesus through song.
• Food Bank ministry under WMU sponsorship began March 13, 1983. Director was Charla Osborne.
• Youth retreat at Camp Wapsi was April 29-30, 1983. A study on cults was led by Gary Leazer of the Home Mission Board in Atlanta, Ga. Pastor Gregory followed up with a program on Baptist doctrine.
• Immanuel’s missionaries to the Philippines, Bill and Garlinda Hyde, and sons were honored June 1, 1983 as Iowa’s “Missionaries in Residence.” They resided in Cedar Rapids for a year, with the church securing a house and furnishings for the family.
• The Sanctuary Choir presented “Ring the Bells” at Immanuel on Dec. 11, 1983, and also at Lindale Plaza.
-1984-
• Pastor Gregory led Winter Bible Study (formerly January Bible Study) on “Doctrine of the Holy Spirit” in February 1984.
• As part of Church Training, Children and Youth Bible Drills and Youth Speakers Tournament began in Spring 1984. State winners were Children’s drill: Joe Gregory, Matthew Borg, Darin Ulmer, Sean Walters; Youth drill: Cyndy Gregory, Shelly Hardymon; Speaker Tournament: Dannette Brooks.
• WMU sponsored a Mother-Daughter Banquet on May 11, 1984. Bertha Briles displayed her collection of dolls; some were antiques.
• State WMU Retreat April 14-15, 1984, at Colfax, with Garlinda Hyde as guest speaker.
• Spring Revival was May 20-25, 1984, with emphasis on evangelism. It was led by Pastor Darryl Ridgely of Bel Air Baptist Church, Keokuk, who presented the message, and Chuck Moeller, who directed the music.
• 25th anniversary celebration was Oct. 13-14, 1984; a pre-anniversary revival was held Oct. 10-12 by Immanuel’s first pastor, Lew Miller.
• Acteen program activated under the leadership of Karen DeShon.
-1985-
• New ministry for Laotian families in the Cedar Rapids area began. Worship services were held before Sunday school.
• A special business was called Aug. 25, 1985, to present, discuss and vote on first three phases of the Proposed Long Range Planning Committee’s report.
• Nine people were appointed to a task force for the Southern Baptist Convention “Good News America” campaign, involving a People Search and Scripture Distribution to be conducted in October. In April, purchase of 1,000 special New Testaments was approved for use in campaign. Appointed were: Bill Junell, Outreach Director, chairman; Dan Kelley, Sunday school director; George Branstetter, Adult Sunday school Division Director; Bob Redhair, Adult II Sunday school Division director; Robert Whitaker, Adult I Sunday school Division director; Roger Edkin, Single Youth Adult Director; Ormal Williams, Youth Division Director; Emma Severson, Children's Division director; Marge Whitaker, Preschool director.
• Charles “Chuck” Moeller became associate pastor after being unanimously recommended by the Associate Pastor Search Committee on Aug. 7. He served five years. Chuck and his wife Bette and some members of their family are currently serving with the International Mission Board in Russia.
• Church offices were remodeled: secretary’s office became the associate pastor’s office; pastor’s office became the secretary’s office; room next to the pastor’s office became the new pastor’s office. All remodeling plus new carpet, furnishings, cost about $2500.
• Six 30” x 96” tables for the Fellowship Hall and ceiling fans for the auditorium were purchased.
• A 20’ x 24’ garage was built in the back parking lot at the church.
• Elected to serve one-year terms as associate deacons effective Oct. 1, 1985, were Roger Edkin, Larry Stacy and Norman Usher. Elected to three-year terms as active deacons were Paul Hutchings, Marion Livingston, Jim Fowler and Ormal Williams.
-1986-
• VCR and television set purchased to view videos currently available from the foreign and home mission boards and the Sunday School Board for purposes of training, education and promotion in all areas of the church.
• Computer package purchased, not to exceed $5400
• Repairs were made to the roof of the educational wing and to the church parking lot
• Second stove purchased for church kitchen
• Mission 1986 Youth Tour to Harper Woods Baptist Chapel in Harper Woods, Mich., was held June 21-28, 1986.
• Deacon ordination for Norm Usher was Sept. 21, 1986. He was elected to serve three years.
• George Ford and Jeff Wheeler elected to serve as associate deacons; deacons elected to active status in October 1986 were George Branstetter, Dan Kelley, Rodney Ochs, Don Gray and George Connell.
-1987-
• Air-conditioning system remodeled.
-1988-
• Reading Room / AV Storage / Library remodeled at cost of $750. The wall between the reading room and audio visual storage was removed to increase size of reading room and Lewis Barton’s Sunday school room, with the library using the same enlarged room. The former library is now utilized as audiovisual storage.
• Halls were painted; new carpet and vinyl base molding was installed in the main level halls and foyer.
• Spring Revival led by Evangelist Estus Pirkle and music director Ted Burden
• Schedule changes were adopted for church year beginning Oct. 2, 1988: Sundays – 4:30 p.m. Heart Praise, 5 p.m. youth mission organizations, 5:30 p.m. youth choir, 5:45 p.m. church training, 7 p.m. worship service; Wednesdays – 6:30-7:20 p.m. prayer meeting/Bible study, 7:30-8:30 p.m. adult choir.
• Deacon ordination for Jeff Wheeler and George Ford was Oct. 9, 1988.
• Mid-winter Bible study led by Dr. David Skinner
• Former Pastor Lew Miller led the December Revival
-1989-
• The furnace used to heat the fellowship hall was replaced due to defective heat exchangers.
• Other purchases included garage door opener, van and powered step and indoor bulletin board.
• Women’s dressing room was modified to serve as prayer league room.
• Member Lewis Barton was called to serve as interim pastor of Immanuel’s sister church, Northbrook, through Jan. 7, 1990. Paul Plavnick resigned as Northbrook’s pastor effective July 31.
• Notice was given by Chuck Moeller to resign as Immanuel’s associate pastor effective Jan. 7, 1990.
-1990-
• The roof of the education wing and breezeway was repaired by Martin and Associates Roofing Co. to the tune of $15,775.
• A new ministry began between Immanuel and the Cedar Rapids Korean Bible Study Fellowship.
• Jim Noethe was licensed to preach.
• R.F. Cravens, pastor of Immanuel’s mission church, Bethel Baptist, in Independence, resigned effective March 5, 1990.
-1991-
• Two hundred blue Baptist Hymnals (1991 edition) were purchased in memory of Bob Redhair.
• Chairs were purchased for use by the Ladies III Sunday school class that meets in the library in honor of Vaughna Wetherington.
• A special meeting was called July 10 to discuss bids for roof replacement at the front entrance of the church, with and without a canopy. A bid of $45,000 for a hip roof was approved.
• The kitchen was remodeled at a cost of $17,100.
• The furnace used to heat the hallway was replaced.
• James Michael “Mike” Davis was ordained a deacon.
-1992-
• Nick Phillips became associate pastor of Immanuel following a special vote on June 10, 1992. He served until 1998.
• A student ministry at Kirkwood Community College began under Nick Phillips’ supervision. It involved Inter-Varsity, an existing on-campus ministry that Immanuel would sponsor and supervise.
• More chairs were purchased for use by the Ladies III Sunday school class in memory of Naomi Lewis.
• The nursery was wired for sound, with speakers installed in four rooms in the nursery wing, so workers could hear activities in the auditorium.
• Deacon ordination held for Roger Edkin and John Moore.
• An account was set up to provide $25 monthly support to Jeff Buscher, who was serving as a volunteer U-2 missionary in Wyoming.
• Ten 8-foot tables were purchased for use in the fellowship hall.
• New carpet was installed in offices of the pastor and associate pastor.
• The hallway ceiling was repaired.
• A ladies seminar, “Praise under Pressure,” was held Sept. 25-26, 1992. It was led by Barbara Lee Johnson, author of “Pathway to Prayer” and “Count It All Joy.”
-1993-
• Carpeting was replaced in two nursery rooms.
• Four emergency lights were installed at various locations in the church at the request of the city fire marshal.
• The Trustees were given authorization to spend up to $5,000 for preliminary stages of correcting water flow problem around the church property and up to $1,000 to purchase emergency water handling equipment.
• Radio Ministries, at a cost of $2400, was added to the budget – to purchase an advertising package with Cedar Rapids radio station KTOF.
• An outreach event, the Hunters Wild Game Dinner was held Jan. 23, 1993, at Immanuel. Meat included venison, goose, rabbit and other wild game. Featured speaker was Wally Hilgenberg, a former football player with the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and University of Iowa Hawkeyes.
• Greg Buchanan presented a harp concert March 12, 1993.
-1994-
• A ministry at West Ridge Care Center in northwest Cedar Rapids started.
• An “English as a Second Language” class began.
• An ad hoc committee (Dan Kelley, Mike Davis, Sharon Pomeroy, Ken Livingston and Carol Phillips) was appointed to look into a children’s worship service
• A Telex Sound Enhancement System, with a transmitter and five receivers with headsets, was purchased for use by the hearing impaired.
• Improvements were made to the first and second grade classrooms – included painting, window blinds and valances, coat racks, bulletin board.
• Ray Rettig was ordained a deacon.
• Two children’s programs were begun: Teamkid for grades 1-6; Mission Friends for ages 2-5.
• Second annual Hunters Wild Game Dinner held Jan. 22, 1994. This time it was held at the Armory and featured Bob Randall, head baseball coach for the Iowa State Cyclones.
• Covenant Players performed May 29, 1994.
-1995-
• The Lottie Moon Foreign Missions offering was $6,417, exceeding goal of $5,000.
• A love offering was given to Dustin Tower to assist with expenses at a Youth Leadership Conference in Israel.
• Women’s seminar, “Women Found Faithful,” held Sept. 8-9, 1995, at Immanuel.
• Fall Festival of Marriage, an enrichment retreat for married and engaged couples, was held Oct. 6-8, 1995, at Five Seasons Hotel in Cedar Rapids. Associate Pastor Nick Phillips was instrumental in having it come to Cedar Rapids. It was facilitated by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
• The constitution service of the Baptist Convention of Iowa was held Oct. 20, 1995. The Iowa Southern Baptist Fellowship was formed in 1972.
-1996-
• A new mission work began, with a group of Sudanese using the church facility on Sunday afternoons.
• The pilot light on the furnace for the nursery was replaced after going out four times in one month. Installed was a pilot-less ignition system
• Ken Livingston was ordained a deacon.
• A Children’s Church was established in July 1996. Marsha DeLay became director.
• Immanuel paid a $450 adoption fee and provided basic household necessities to participate in Lutheran Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family of the Somalian Refugees program. Immanuel’s Somalian family arrived July 25.
• Baptist work in Manchester was started – Manchester Baptist Fellowship, with backyard Bible studies held during the summer.
-1997-
• Church year was changed from beginning Oct. 1 to Sept. 1.
• A special offering was undertaken to fund parking lot repairs. A total of $22,700 was necessary.
• Immanuel hosted a Life Action Ministries Crusade Nov. 30-Dec. 10, 1997.
• A security system was installed.
• A special ad hoc committee was formed to study possible replacement of the piano and / or organ. Committee members: Mike Davis, Joyce Gordon, Donna Harriss, John Moore, Jeff Wheeler.
-1998-
• Associate Pastor Nick Phillips resigned effective July 5, 1998. A special day of appreciation was held for him and his family, with a love offering taken, on June 28.
• Greg Buchanan presented a harp concert June 30, 1998.
• A maple tree, damaged due to storms, was removed.
• Larry Wartsbaugh, associational missionary for the Great Rivers and Northeast Iowa Southern Baptist associations, resigned effective Sept. 15, 1998, after serving 10 years. He accepted a call from the Fox Valley Baptist Association west of Chicago.
• New drapes and shades for the sanctuary, baptistery and men and women’s dressing rooms were purchased.
• Christian singer Cathy Biggers from the Nashville area performed Sept. 6, 1998.
• Women’s seminar, “Life Is A Journey … Travel Light,” presented by Jeannette Clift George, was held Sept. 18-19, 1998, at Immanuel.
• The singing group, “Living Sacrifice,” from Kirksville, Mo., performed Oct. 25, 1998.
• A day of recognition was held for Pastor Gerald and Pam Van Doorn in celebration of their fifth anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church, Independence.
• A commercial dishwasher was purchased.
• A 1994 Dodge van was purchased, replacing a 1988 model.
• The Manchester mission project was discussed at length. It was determined the work there would continue until calendar year ended, then reevaluate status of the ministry.
• Recommendation was approved to: replace current organ with Allen organ model MDS-8 in medium-dark oak finish; replace current piano with Young Chang 6’1” Grand Piano model PG185 in polished brown mahogany finish; and purchase portable keyboard with MIDI (digital). A fund replacement goal of $35,000 was raised.
• Additional purchases included carpeting in the Library/Ladies III Sunday school classroom and crib and toddler rooms; update of office computer system and software, stair treads for steps in the educational building, blinds for second and third grade classrooms.
• Debbie Tindall became church secretary in spring 1998.
• West Ridge Care Center ministries continue under the leadership of Jim Noethe.
-1999-
• Improvements were made to the window and seating area in the foyer.
• An HP flatbed scanner and color printer were purchased.
• Reevaluation of Manchester mission project determined it would continue as a personal ministry of Marion Livingston and Ed and Lillian Roustio. About 10 to 11 people besides themselves meet on Thursday nights at the Evangelical Free Church building in Manchester.
• A marriage seminar, “Toward a Growing Marriage,” was held the first part of March at Immanuel. It was presented by Gary Chapman, author of “The Five Love Languages.”
• Deacon Ordination was held for Don Delay and Bob Smythe.
• Pastor Ed Gregory submitted his resignation June 6, to be effective at the conclusion of services on June 27. On July 1, 1999, he became associate executive director/Mission Team leader of the Baptist Convention of Iowa in Des Moines.
• Ken Livingston was licensed to the Gospel Ministry in December 1999.
Bob Bartram pastorate
Aug. 24, 2000 – May 1, 2001
Between the time of Pastor Gregory’s departure and Pastor Bartram’s arrival:
• Dr. Jim Perkins became the new associational ministry for the Northeast Iowa area, serving from 2000 to 2003. He and his family lived for awhile in Dunkerton before moving to Fairfax. In 2003, he returned to pastoral ministry in Colorado.
• Up to $15,000 was contributed to Words of Life Ministries / Steve Hyde for purchase of a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• A $3,000 one-time contribution was given to the Cooperative Program.
During Pastor Bartram’s time:
• There were 16 baptisms.
• Carpeting was replaced in the sanctuary, hallway/foyer area and offices; vinyl flooring in main floor bathrooms was replaced; carpeting was installed in preschool rooms; blinds and curtains were purchased for offices, incandescent lights were installed in the hallway and foyer; office furniture was replaced in pastor’s office.
• An increase of $2500 was added to the music fund to pay for booking The Steeles, a professional Southern Baptist group, at Immanuel on April 29, 2001.
• Jim Meader was ordained a deacon.
• Financial assistance was given to seminary students Sheila Hauder at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ken Livingston at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Jason Reed at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Reed provided pulpit supply at Immanuel occasionally.
• Recognition given of 20th anniversary of Bethel Baptist Church, Independence, and discussion of constituting the church.
• Replacement of existing roof on education building, purchase of supplies and additional shelving for the library.
Dr. Mark Crotinger pastorate
July 27, 2003 – Aug. 28, 2005
During this time:
-2003-
• Homemade Ice Cream Social and welcoming party for the Crotinger family was held Aug. 3, 2003.
• Labor Day picnic was a pre-Labor Day event, being held on Aug. 31 at Cherry Hill Park. It took Pastor Mark over an hour to find the park, even with directions.
• A clump of cottonwood trees were removed west of the garage
• Parking lot was resealed
• 40th anniversary of when Immanuel constituted as a church in 1963 was held Oct. 11-12, 2003.
-2004-
• A youth intern position was established in 2004 to assist the church in building a youth ministry. Josh Miller, son of David Miller, filled the unpaid position.
• Canoe Trip was held June 12, 2004, at Pinicon Ridge Park.
• Swim Party for children and youth held Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, at Don and Jeri Snyder home, 6306 Hillcrest Rd. SW.
• Ronnie Reynolds, new director of missions for Northeast Association, preached at Immanuel Aug. 22, 2004.
• Fall Festival held Oct. 16, 2004.
-2005-
• Recognition given to high school graduates Jessica Allard and Mark Moore.
• Baby shower for Shelly and son Levi Thompson was held May 10, 2005.
• Furnace was replaced in the nursing wing
• Audio visual and sound system upgrades are underway.
• Youth program began, with Andrew Strohm and Missy Crotinger at the helm, but was forced to discontinue due to employment constraints.
• New church sponsorship of Friends Baptist in Waterloo initiated by Ronnie Reynolds, director of missions. The church has since become Shiloh Baptist, formerly of Cedar Falls, and led by Pastor Darin Ulmer.
• Five youth and three adults from Immanuel traveled to Cheyenne, Wyo., for a World Changers ministry project, June 18-25, 2005. Youth were Jasmine Butler, Rachel Church, Renee Bilsland, Jordan Ahrendsen and Brett Zimmerman. Adults were Bianca Butler, Mike Ahrendsen and David Church.
• Geneva Tower worship services held at 9:15 a.m. July 10, 2005, with Dr. Ed and Lillian Roustio at the helm. Dr. Roustio’s message was taken from 1 John 2: 15-17.
• Vacation Bible School held July 24-29, 2005. Crews coming from Tennessee and Oklahoma to assist.
• Open discussion with Pastor Mark on his decision to leave Immanuel was held during August business meeting
• Missy Crotinger gave presentation of her Kenya Mission Trip on Aug. 7, 2005.
• Special music was presented by the Crotinger family on Aug. 21, 2005.
• Last day for Pastor Mark and Terry Crotinger was Aug. 28, 2005. Special music was provided by Jani Ford and Leanne Hendrix. The church family presented them with a friendship quilt (made by Nona Deal) signed by members, a scrapbook of memories and a video presentation.
• Duties as chairman of financial committee were handed over from David Church to Joyce Hardymon.
Dan Wiersema pastorate
July 4, 2006
Dan and wife Londa and their daughter, Lily, came to Immanuel from First Baptist Church, Dunkerton, Iowa. He was introduced to the congregation June 4 and presented a message from 2 Timothy 3: 16-17, “Our Guide to Good Works Ahead.” A special meeting was called June 7.
During this time:
-2006-
• Marriage Enrichment week July 24-28, 2006, at Immanuel.
• Ice Cream Social held Aug. 13, 2006.
• Pre-Labor Day Picnic held Aug. 28, 2006, at Cherry Hill Park.
• Women’s Fitness Class, “Devotion in Motion,” a 10-week program led by Londa Wiersema, began Sept. 7, 2006. It was held on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
• On Mission Celebration held Sept. 16-20, 2006, at Immanuel.
• Five-week New Members / Inquirers class, led by Pastor Dan, began Sunday morning, Sept. 17, 2006.
• Opening Night of AWANA (Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed) for children ages 3 through the sixth grade was Oct. 11, 2006. It meets on Wednesday evenings during the school year.
• Pastor Appreciation Month during October 2006, with a dessert social held Oct. 29.
• Card shower given for Ed and Lillian Roustio in October 2006. They had moved to Massachusetts during the summer to be closer to family.
• Joint Thanksgiving Worship Service with the Korean Baptists was held Nov. 19, 2006.
• Family Christmas Party held Dec. 2, 2006, at Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek Park.
-2007-
• Movie night, “The Pistol – The Birth of a Legend,” and chili dog supper was held at Immanuel Jan. 20, 2007.
• Annual Souper Bowl Party held Feb. 4, 2007. Winners in the soup competition were Breanna Parr, MaDonna Walkner and Traci Noethe.
• Ping Pong Tournament, a fundraiser for World Changers, was held March 17, 2007.
• A monodrama of “Sarah” from Genesis 11-23 was presented by Lora Schneider on March 18, 2007.
• AWANA Grand Prix held April 14, 2007.
• Recognition given to high school graduates Whitley Allard, Renee Bilsland, Holly Linkemann, Josiah McClurg and Kelsey Stiegelmeyer.
• VBS “Game Day Central” held July 9-13, 2007, with carnival kick-off held July 7.
• Young at Heart group took a Great River Tours boat trip on Sept. 20, 2007. Activities included lunch at the Cracker Barrel in Davenport and tour of the Buffalo Bill Museum.
• Greg Buchanan presented harp concert Oct. 7, 2007.
• Work day was Oct. 27, 2007.
• Family Christmas Party held at Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek Park, on Dec. 1, 2007.
• Parents’ Day Out, sponsored by the church library, was Dec. 1.
• Seminary Extension (college-level) classes in I and II Timothy led by David Church started Sunday afternoon, Dec. 2, 2007.
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service held Dec. 24, 2007.
-2008-
• Movie Night, “Facing the Giants” held Jan. 26, 2008.
• Second annual Souper Bowl event held Feb. 3, 2008.
Baby Shower held Saturday, March 8, 2008, at Immanuel for Lauren Rose, daughter of Lisa and Milton Schulte, born Jan. 23, 2008, and William Lawrance, son of Stephanie and Gilbert Nash, born Feb. 4, 2008.
• Informational outreach meeting was March 12, 2008.
• Good Friday service was held at Immanuel on March 21, 2008. Easter services were March 23 and included sunrise service, breakfast, Sunday school and regular morning worship.
• Crown Financial Ministries presented financial seminar, “Journey to True Financial Freedom” at Immanuel on March 29, 2008.
• Fifth Sunday Fellowship was held March 30 at First Baptist, Dunkerton. All churches in the Northeast Iowa Southern Baptist Association are invited to participate.
• AWANA Grand Prix held April 12, 2008. AWANA Awards Night was May 14, 2008.
• Parental Dedication held May 18, 2008.
• High school graduates were recognized May 25, 2008 – Kaitlin Allard, Michelle Ecker and Drew Stiegelmeyer.
• Memorial Day Breakfast held at Immanuel May 26, 2008.
• Registration for Summer Children’s Choir began May 28, 2008, with choir practices held on Wednesday nights during June, July and mid-August.
• World Changers stayed closer to home this year, serving in Sioux City, Iowa from June 7-14, 2008.
• Immanuel becomes host site for American Red Cross and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief units following extensive flooding in mid-June 2008.
• Immanuel and First Baptist in Humboldt, Tenn., began a five-year partnership toward a new church start in North Liberty. A Day Camp and Block Party were held June 26-28, 2008.
• Immanuel’s Little Lambs Children’s Choir gave a choral presentation Sunday morning, July 6, 2008. Soloist was Micah McClurg.
• Living Sacrifice gospel quartet presented concert Sunday evening, July 6, 2008.
• VBS “Outrigger Island” held Aug. 4-8, 2008, with carnival kick-off held Aug. 2.
• New ministry, “Shepherds Bowl” started by Cheryl Church in August 2008. Purpose of the ministry is to prepare and freeze meals which will then be distributed as needed.
• Ad Hoc committee formed to prepare for Immanuel’s 50th anniversary in 2009. Members are Don and Carol Herr, Dan and Peg Kelley, Bob and Shelly Thompson, Jim and Cathy Luders and Pastor Dan. Dates set for Sept. 12-13, 2009. Immanuel was formed Sept. 11, 1959.
• Two new Sunday school classes were added Oct. 19, 2008 - Heart’s Desire for young ladies led by Londa Wiersema and Family Matters for young couples led by Jeff Wheeler.
• Fall Festival held Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at Immanuel.
• Pastor Dan was elected president of the Baptist Convention of Iowa at its 13th annual meeting Nov. 14-15, 2008, in Des Moines.
• Joint morning worship service and fellowship meal with Korean Baptists held Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008.
• Family Christmas party held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek Park.
-2009-
• Ministry Expansion Team formed in January 2009. Members are Carol Herr, Kelly Taylor, Bethany Wheeler, George Branstetter, Jay Hardymon, Bob Kenward, Jeff Wheeler and Pastor Dan. In February, the group began working on recommendations to add an associate pastor and enhance the church facility. In August, a review was provided to the congregation. Pastor Dan noted Immanuel could be a sponsoring church for a church plant in North Liberty, with financial means coming from other sources. The Missions Committee and Ministry Expansion Team will work on a recommendation to present to the church body.
• Youth sledding party, with Immanuel and First Baptist/Dunkerton, was Jan. 17, 2009, at Shawnee Park.
• Annual Souper Bowl Party held Feb. 1, 2009.
• Photographs were taken by Olan Mills Studio for Church Photo Directory on Feb. 6-7, 2009.
• Men’s Bible study group, Ironmen, started; led by Pastor Dan in the church fellowship hall from 6 to 7 a.m. on Thursdays.
• Youth Mission Trip to Friendship Baptist Center in Des Moines was March 21, 2009.
• The Tennessee Ladies Chorus presented special music during worship March 29, 2009, at Immanuel. They also performed at the Evangelism Conference March 27-28 at Northbrook Baptist.
• High school graduates were honored in May 2009 – Moriah McClurg, Adam Bilsland, Amanda Noethe and Bethany Wheeler.
• Card shower held for Vivian Lambert, longtime member and shut-in, in celebration of her 93rd birthday on June 16, 2009.
• Annual Voices of Hope Patriotic Concert held June 30, July 1-2 at New Covenant Bible Church. Participating Immanuel members were Gladys Bays and Sue Sheetz.
• The K-3 Kids gave a presentation in song at beginning of worship Sunday, Aug. 30.
• On Mission Celebration held Sunday, Sept. 20, through Wednesday, Sept. 23.
• Sermons by Pastor Dan Wiersema are available on cassette or CD, a continuous ministry of Don Herr.
• The church approved sponsorship of Tim Rees as church planter in North Liberty at its business meeting Sunday night, Sept. 27.
• Senior Adult Rally held Oct. 3 at Crestwood Baptist Church in Des Moines. A few attended from Immanuel.
• Young at Heart group met for Breakfast at the Amana Colonies Friday, Oct. 16.
Church workday Saturday, Oct. 24.
• Fall Festival held Friday, Oct. 30, at Immanuel.
• Baptist Convention of Iowa annual meeting Nov. 6-7 in Des Moines. Pastor Dan declined to serve a second term as president. Vice-president Ted Keys takes over as president.
Church workday Saturday, Nov. 14.
• Joint Thanksgiving service and fellowship meal with Korean Baptists held Sunday, Nov. 15. Special music presented by Byung Chul Park. It was superb!
• It was announced during the November business meeting for the month of October that Darin Ulmer, former pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Cedar Falls/Waterloo as well as a former member of Immanuel/Cedar Rapids, is now pastor of the Marion Community Baptist Church.
• Fifth Sunday Fellowship held at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at First Baptist Church, Dunkerton.
• Family Christmas Party held at Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek, from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Very few were in attendance.
• First Sunday Fellowship on Dec. 6.
• Young at Heart group met at home of Don and Carol Herr for Open House on Thursday, Dec. 10.
• Sisters Mary Lou McFadden, Leanne Hendrix and Judy presented special music Sunday morning, Dec. 20.
• There were 42 individuals to become members of Immanuel during 2009, including Emily Crouch, a Coe student; Robert & Lorraine Kappmeyer, Michael McConnell, Jake McGreevy and Heidi Schloss (married in 2010), Bill McFadden, Ella Wiese Moore, Julie Nelson, Tim and Kim Rees (NAMB missionaries/church planters in North Liberty), Mark Scank, Dan and Cassie Schloss, Rick and Patty Schloss and Dean Swalley.
• Christmas musical, "Song of Wonder" presented during evening worship service, Sunday, Dec. 20.
• Christmas Eve service, Thursday, Dec. 24.
-2010-
•First Sunday Fellowship held Jan. 3, which was also Jim Luders' 61st birthday.
•Sunday Evening series during January began Jan. 3. Session title: "Gaining Greater Understanding of the Bible." Singing before and after, with Pastor Dan singing first verse of "Dwelling in Beulah Land" for Jimmy's birthday.
•Second annual church sledding party with Immanuel and First Baptist / Dunkerton was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10.
• Young at Heart potluck at church, Thursday, Jan. 21.
•Fellowship Meal Sunday, Jan. 24, followed by fourth session of "Gaining Greater Understanding of the Bible," then business meeting for December 2009.
•Baptist Convention of Iowa Men's Retreat held Jan. 29-30 at Boone, IA. Those attending from Immanuel were: Pastor Dan.
•Souper Bowl Party, 4 p.m. Feb. 7, in church fellowship hall. Features soup competition, watching the Super Bowl, and halftime video presentation featuring quarterbacks Chad Pennington of the Miami Dolphins and Carson Palmer of the Cincinnati Bengals.
•Winter Bible Study Series: "Stories for Life: Parables of the Kingdom" begins Feb. 14 and continues for 8 weeks.
•February business meeting was held Feb. 28 and included January's financial report plus additional discussion on several new things. Among them: (1) Transfer of Sue Sheetz' membership to a church in Jacksonville, Fla., was accepted. (2) Transfer of the designated account Special Projects - Handbells was approved and renamed Special Projects - Church Sign. There is currently $5,313 in the account. (3) Approval was given to the administrative expansion team to set up a new designated account (for funds over and above tithe) for three-fold improvement projects, which will include (A) preschool furniture not to exceed $4,000; (B) front door not to exceed $5,000 plus handicap accessibility for +/- $2500; (C) handicapped accessible (or some facsimile of) restroom in the hallway storage room (formerly old library and bawl room) not to exceed $12,000. As funds become available each project will be completed in order given. There is some report an anonymous gift of $4,000 will be given toward the preschool furniture project.
•Youth Bowling and Pizza Party was Saturday, March 6.
•Women of Faith held March 12-13 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines. Several from Immanuel attended the women's ministry event.
•Young at Heart group meet Thursday, March 18, for afternoon fellowship at Don & Carol Herr's home.
•Fellowship Meal 5 p.m. March 28 at church. Bring dessert to share.
•Good Friday service, 6:30 p.m. April 2, at Immanuel.
•Easter services April 4. Sonrise service 7:30 a.m., breakfast 8:30 a.m., Sunday school 9:30 a.m., Worship service 10:45 a.m. at Immanuel.
•Spa for the Soul" Ladies Tea, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at Immanuel.
•AWANA Events - Help-U-Build Grand Prix Workshop held from 9 a.m.-noon April 10; Chalk Talk presentation by Amy Cook, chalk artist, 7:20 p.m. April 14; 2010 Grand Prix held 9:30 a.m. April 17.
•Second year of Awana completed in April. Bob Kenward again at the helm as commander; Carol Herr served as Puggles director, Kelly Taylor led the Cubbies, The Sparks (K-2nd grade) was headed by Melinda Westphalen. The Truth & Training (3rd-6th grade) was led by Londa Wiersema. Trek Clubbers were led by Fred and Marty McClurg and Steve Parr. Jeff Wheeler was in charge of games.
•Work Day at church, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 1.
•Church coed softball league begins May 4 and concludes Aug. 3. Games are held Tuesday evenings.
•Young at Heart potluck at the church, noon May 20.
•Memorial Day Breakfast, 8-9 a.m. Monday, May 31, at the church fellowship hall.
•High School graduates - Rachel Church, Jake McGreevy and Breanna Parr
•Children's Choir for Grades K-6 held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 23 through July 28. Bonnie Parr is the director.
•Young at Heart group meet for lunch at Farmer's Daughter's Market on Miller Road in Hiawatha on Thursday, June 24.
•VBS Promotional Canvassing in North Liberty Wednesday, July 7, and Saturday, July 10.
•Sunday Evening Bible Study, "What Does the Bible Say About our Emotions?" on July 11.
•Vacation Bible School held in North Liberty evenings of July 14-16.
•Young at Heart group gather at Clyde and Nona Deal's home in Hiawatha on Friday afternoon, July 23, for homemade ice cream.
•July financial report shows receipts coming in were more than expenses for a change, totaling $1,992 profit.
•Vacation Bible School, "Saddle Ridge Ranch" for ages 3 to adult, was held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, through Friday, Aug. 6.
•Final softball game held Tuesday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. at Cleveland Park #2.
•Bethany Wheeler played her harp during offertory on Sunday morning, Aug. 8.
•Beginning of special studies during evening services Aug. 8. I of III - "Is the Jehovah's Witness my Brother?"
•II of III evening studies, "Is the Mormon my Brother?" on Aug. 15
•Young at Heart group took guided tour of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art on Thursday, Aug. 19, followed by lunch at Ryan's.
•Pre-Labor Day church picnic held after morning services Aug. 29 at Cherry Hill Park.
•5th Sunday Fellowship held at Immauel at 5 p.m. Aug. 29
•Safety training for children's and youth ministries, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30
•First Sunday Fellowship held Sept. 5 at Immanuel.
•AWANA Club begins Wednesday evening, 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 8. Bob Kenward retains title of Commander Bob.
•Base Camp - An Introduction to International Missions seminar will be held Friday evening, Sept. 10, and Saturday morning, Sept. 11, at Immanuel. It will be presented by Steve and Dottie Babcock from Tennessee, who formerly served as missionaries in West Africa with the International Mission Board.
•Annual Meeting of Northeast Iowa Southern Baptist Association, 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at Immanuel.
•The adult Christmas musical, "Joy has Dawned," will be presented in four installments during Sunday morning worship services leading up to Christmas. Practice begins the Sunday after Labor Day.
•Potluck fellowship for Young at Heart held at noon Thursday, Sept. 16, at Immanuel.
•New members: Trina Murray and Bob Olson.
•Fellowship Meal will be 5 p.m. Sept. 26.
•Only current Immanuel members are on email list.
•Young at Heart group met Tuesday, Oct. 19, for lunch at Maria's Tea Room in Czech Village.
•Sunday evening Bible Study, "God and Gambling" Oct. 24.
•Fifth Sunday Fellowship held Oct. 31 at Northbrook Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids. Pastor Eric Schumacher's sermon centered around "Reformation Day" - scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, to the glory of God alone.
•Evening services Nov. 7 were "Preparing for Change: What We Can See of the Road Ahead as Southern Baptists in Iowa." It included highlights from the 2010 annual meeting of the Baptist Convention of Iowa held Nov. 5-6 in Des Moines.
•Youth Bowling Fellowship for 6th to 12th graders is Saturday, Nov. 13.
•Joint Thanksgiving Dinner with the Koreans is Nov. 14.
•Sunday evening Bible Study on "The End Times: A Survey of Views and Common Ground" gets underway Nov. 14.
•Young at Heart group meets for potluck at the church fellowship hall on Thursday, Nov. 18, at noon. Guest speaker is Brian Nahazel and Lucky.
•Thanksgiving service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24.
•New members in 2010 include Martin and Rose Dwyer, Kyle Dwyer, Casey Dwyer, Noah Dwyer, Hollyann Elton, Jordan Jansen, Stan Schoff, Joyce Zachary, Eunice Mardorf, Tim and Cindy Fisher, Lois Stafford, Lance Holbrook.
-2011-
• Winter Bible Study began Jan. 2 and continued 8 weeks on “The Truth About Grace,” from the book of Galatians.
• Children’s church for grades K-6 began Jan. 9, with 15 attending. Leaders: Kyle and Casey Dwyer.
• Youth sledding party Jan. 22
• 5th annual Souper Bowl Sunday, 5 p.m. Feb. 6
• Participation in Aid to Women ministry “Baby Bottle Boomerang” for month of February, beginning Feb. 6.
• Young at Heart group meet Feb. 17 at church for a potluck
• Ping Pong Tournament held Saturday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to finish at the church.
• Young at Heart Missions Project – serving lunch at Mission of Hope, 1537 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, on March 29
• Young at Heart group meet Friday, April 15, for lunch at the Longbranch followed by tour of Marion Historical Center.
• Easter Sonrise Service, 7:30 a.m. April 24.
• Coed Softball gets underway May 3 through Aug. 9. Team manager is Darrell Stephenson and Patty Brockett is assistant.
• “Forged by Faith” video series held during Sunday evening services in May: “A History of the Southern Baptist Convention – The Early Years,” “The Southern Baptist Identity – A Character of Commitment,” “The Cooperative Program – Our Sacred Effort,” “The Baptist Faith and Message – On Creeds and Confessions,” followed each week with Bible Study.
• Women of Faith Weekend in Des Moines May 13-14. Attending from Immanuel were Londa Weirsema, Deb West.
• New sermon series begins May 15 – “Isaiah: A Message for Our Time”
• New Membership class – “Taking the Next Step: A Guide for New Church Members” 5 sessions led by Pastor Dan begins May 15
• Young at Heart hold potluck Thursday, May 19, at church
• Outreach activity at Redmond Park, southeast Cedar Rapids, on Saturday, June 18.
• Adin Herr, grandson of Don and Carol Herr, presents solo piano recital Sunday afternoon, June 12, at Immanuel
• Young at Heart group tour Aid to Women, 701 Center Point Rd. NE, followed by lunch in Hiawatha on June 23.
• Ladies Bible Study/Exercise class begins June 23, with Londa Wiersema as leader.
• Weiner Roast and games, Friday, June 24, at Immanuel
• Immanuel youth and adult sponsors participated in World Changers at Bonne Terre, Mo., June 27-July 2.
• KITS for KIDS VBS Mission project held during July
• Young at Heart Field Trip July 22. Attendees had lunch at Breitbach’s in Balltown, then visited the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque before returning home.
• VBS Pre-Registration Party, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29; “Big Apple Adventure” held evenings, Aug. 1-5 at Immanuel
• Adin Herr, grandson of Don and Carol Herr, gives offertory on piano during morning worship Aug. 14
• Young at Heart-sponsored Ice Cream Social held Sunday evening, Aug. 21.
• 40th birthday celebration for Kevin Daugherty, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Immanuel. Actual birthday is Sept. 8.
• Northeast Iowa Southern Baptist Association annual meeting held Sept. 18 at Living Hope Baptist Church in Ossian.
• Young at Heart group enjoyed breakfast at the Colony Inn in Amana on Friday, Sept. 23
• Workday Saturday, Sept. 29
• Evening Bible study Oct 2 on “What Does the Bible Say About The Spiritual Gift of Apostles and Shepherds?
• First Sunday Breakfast Oct. 2.
• Administrative Ministry Team (AMT) has discussed ways of increasing congregational involvement in church business decisions and have elected to move the monthly business meetings from evenings to mornings following the worship service. The meetings will be held on the third Sunday of each month.
• Middle School and High School youth game night Saturday, Oct. 15, at Peter and Melinda Westphalen home, Walford.
• Game Night at Immanuel Friday, Oct. 21
• Workday scheduled Saturday, Oct. 29
• Fifth Sunday Fellowship Oct. 30 at Immanuel
• Thanksgiving Eve Service, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23
Included trio (Mary Lou, Leanne, Judy), poetry reading by Cathy Luders, solo by Pastor Dan, devotion, congregational singing, open mic.
• AMT recommendation that Ormal Williams be elected to serve as Outreach Director for 2012 was approved by paper ballot.
• Ken and Nancy Peveler, both former members of Immanuel, were approved for membership.
• 2012 Special Missions Offerings adopted are $3,000 for Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions; $3,000 for Annie Armstrong Easter Offering; $2,000 for Hyde State Missions Offering.
• New members include Josey Vasquez, Mary Ellen de Souza
-2012-
- First Sunday Breakfast Jan. 1.
- January Bible Study, “The Pursuit: Chasing Answers to Life’s Questions” Studies in Ecclesiastes, 7-week study, began Jan. 8.
- “The Illuminator” became a part of the bulletin beginning in January rather than a separate newsletter.
- Middle school and high school youth gathered Saturday afternoon, Jan. 14, for a sledding party (if snow - there was!) with kids from Dunkerton’s First Baptist Church. Pizza served at 4 p.m.
- Bluegrass gospel concert by The Graves Family, 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
- Baby Bottle Boomerang 2012 fundraiser going on until Feb. 5. Formerly part of Aid to Women, the non-profit changed its name to Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center
- Young at Heart potluck noon Friday, Jan. 20. Activity cancelled due to weather conditions.
- Souper Bowl Party, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Theresa Davies won soup competition
- Movie Night, “Courageous,” 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at Immanuel
- Transfer of excess funds to the handicapped restroom project was recommended by the Administrative Ministry Team and approved during February's business meeting.
- New Sunday night themes announced beginning in March: 1st Sunday is fellowship night; 2nd and 4th Sunday is Small Group Bible Study; 3rd Sunday is Administration Sunday; 5th Sunday is fellowship with other churches in association
- Guitarist Charles David Smart presented concert, 6 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at Immanuel
- Homeschool Choir Concert, directed by Jeff Wheeler, 7 p.m. Friday, March 23, at Immanuel
- Movie Night, “Fireproof,” 7 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Immanuel
- Missionary Mindy Jamison spoke during evening service March 25 about the Friendship Baptist Center in Des Moines
- Harp Recital by Bethany Wheeler, 7 p.m. Friday, March 30
- Sunday School Leadership Training, Saturday, March 31, in Des Moines. Ten members attended: Pastor Dan, Jay and Joyce Hardymon, Shelly Thompson, Dwight Walters, Jim Luders, Don and Carol Herr, Dan and Peg Kelley.
- Good Friday services, 6:30 p.m. April 6 at Immanuel.
- AWANA Grand Prix work day, Saturday, April 7
- Easter Sonrise Service, 8 a.m. April 8, followed by breakfast and Bible Study, with second service at 10:45 a.m.; Easter Egg hunts for preschool through 6th grade followed second morning service. No evening services.
- AWANA Grand Prix Saturday, April 14
- Associational Fifth Sunday Fellowship April 29
- Coed softball begins May 8
- New members include Amanda Larson, Brian Varner,Gracia Kabula Mahunga.
