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Wellington Heights Community Church

Wellington Heights Community Church

By Wellington Heights Community Church

Wellington Heights Community Church is a multi-cultural faith community joining God in reconciling all things through worship, reconciliation and neighborhood development.
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Embodiment Sunday: Flourishing Neighborhood Index (04/14/2024)

Wellington Heights Community Church Apr 14, 2024

00:00
33:22
Embodiment Sunday: Flourishing Neighborhood Index (04/14/2024)
Apr 14, 202433:22
Second Sunday of Eastertide - April 7, 2024

Second Sunday of Eastertide - April 7, 2024

Join guest speaker Mari Hunt Wassink as she utilizes text from Genesis 2:4-22, CEB to speak about regenerativity as a spiritual practice.

Mari Hunt Wassink is a farmer, educator, and activist. She owns and operates Black Earth Gardens, a small-scale regenerative farm that specializes in growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are culturally important to Black communities in Eastern Iowa, with a focus on dismantling food apartheid and expanding food sovereignty locally. She is also a Land Advocacy Fellow with the National Young Farmers Coalition, where she advocates for federal policies that promote equitable land access for beginning and BIPOC farmers. Mari grew up in Marion and graduated from Coe College. Today, she lives with her husband and their dog in Wellington Heights. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and calligraphy.
Apr 07, 202426:59
Easter 2024

Easter 2024

He is Risen!

On this day we celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the grave. The broader season of Easter, or Eastertide, begins today and lasts fifty days in which we celebrate and look for God's liberating activity in our midst. Let us consider how we may embody the holistic Good News in our daily life.

He is Risen indeed!
Mar 31, 202428:14
Good Friday 2024

Good Friday 2024

Good Friday March 29: On this day we observe the death and burial of Jesus.
Mar 29, 202414:12
Maundy Thursday 2024

Maundy Thursday 2024

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. Maundy is derived from the Latin word for "command," and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you."

Link to video referenced by Pastor Stephanie: The Black Eyed Peas - #WHERESTHELOVE ft. The World (Video) (https://youtu.be/YsRMoWYGLNA?si=wkzhxmsEGPXQhj2R)
Mar 28, 202415:35
Lenten Prayer 2024: Lectio Divina 03/27/24

Lenten Prayer 2024: Lectio Divina 03/27/24

Hebrews 12:1-3

This week we pause to engage in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of prayerfully reading and listening to scripture.
Lectio invites us to slow down and engage with scripture with our whole selves with intent to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day.

Please join us as we engage in Lectio Davina.
Mar 27, 202411:22
Palm Sunday 2024

Palm Sunday 2024

Palm Sunday March 24: We commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This feast day falls the Sunday before Easter, and begins Holy Week, the final week of Lent. Monday of Holy Week March 25: Jesus cleansed the Temple and cursed a fig tree. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with costly oil & tears. Tuesday of Holy Week March 26: Jesus debated with the Temple authorities and issued his famed discourse on the Mount of Olives. Wednesday of Holy Week March 27: The religious leaders were conspiring to kill Jesus, and Judas began his betrayal. Maundy Thursday March 28: We memorialize the Last Supper, where Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and invited Peter, James, and John to pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Good Friday March 29: this day of fasting we observe the death and burial of Jesus. Holy Saturday March 30: We commemorate Jesus’ body laying in the tomb. It is the last day of Holy Week and a day of mourning. As you immerse yourself in the movements of Holy Week, what words come to mind? Do any of the words resonate from the list below? Do any of the words cause discomfort? Lean into these words with curiosity and openness. What does your soul want to say to God about the movements and words of Holy Week?
Mar 24, 202429:01
Lenten Prayer 2024: Meditation on Rev. Dr. MLK “I Have a Dream
Mar 20, 202426:08
Lenten Prayer 2024 - Lectio Divina 03/17/2024

Lenten Prayer 2024 - Lectio Divina 03/17/2024

This week we pause to engage in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of prayerfully reading and listening to scripture.
Lectio invites us to slow down and engage with scripture with our whole selves with intent to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day.

Please join us as we engage in Lectio Divina.
Mar 17, 202425:23
Lenten Prayer 2024: The Welcoming Prayer

Lenten Prayer 2024: The Welcoming Prayer

This is a relaunch of prayer practices from the 2021 Lenten Season. Consider utilizing the podcast as a resource to connect with God in prayer this Lenten season.

This Lenten season, we are leaning into the practices of prayer, fasting and generosity. We invite you to utilize The Welcoming Prayer as a guide this season. The Welcoming Prayer guides us to bring our whole selves - our needs, thoughts, wants, emotions and circumstances into God's presence. The Welcoming Prayer is a helpful guide for us utilize to acknowledge our emotions, rather than avoiding them or trying to suppress them and to invite God’s presence and power into, so we can experience wholeness through the action and power of the holy spirit.

The Welcoming Prayer by Father Thomas Keating

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

I welcome everything that comes to me today

because I know it’s for my healing.

I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,

situations, and conditions.

I let go of my desire for power and control.

I let go of my desire for affection, esteem,

approval and pleasure.

I let go of my desire for survival and security.

I let go of my desire to change any situation,

condition, person or myself.

I open myself to the love and presence of God and

God’s action within.

Amen.
Mar 13, 202402:33
Lenten Prayer Practice 2024: A Prayer of Blessing

Lenten Prayer Practice 2024: A Prayer of Blessing

This is a relaunch of prayer practices from the 2021 Lenten Season. Consider utilizing the podcast as a resource to connect with God in prayer this Lenten season.

Lent is the time where we can consider how transformative love can seep into our lives more and more, so it may overflow in all we do. One practice to consider incorporating is a prayer of blessing, especially for those with whom we consider an enemy or in other words, someone with whom we are out of step with.
Mar 06, 202406:26
WHCC 4th Anniversary Celebration - 03/03/2024

WHCC 4th Anniversary Celebration - 03/03/2024

God, we are grateful for each member of the Beloved Community at WHCC.
Here, there is no Us or Them,
Only We,
Only All,
Only Welcome.

Empower each of us to find our place
In the movements of God’s Spirit at work happening among us.
Grant that we may know ourselves and each other well,
Encouraging each other to flourish.

Give to those who share their time, effort, and resources,
Rest and renewal,
Purpose and energy
Support and connection,
Joy and flourishing.

For each person who joins in Your work among us,
We thank you.
For each person who contributes as they are able,
We thank you.
For each person who understands the weight of the work of Justice,
We thank you.
For each person who must, at various times, rest and receive the community’s love,
We thank you.

May your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On Earth as it is in Heaven,
Amen.
Mar 04, 202401:10:13
Lenten Prayer 2024: The Examen Prayer

Lenten Prayer 2024: The Examen Prayer

This is a relaunch of prayer practices from the 2021 Lenten Season. Consider utilizing the podcast as a resource to connect with God in prayer this Lenten season. The Examen Prayer is a powerful practice to guide to reflect upon our day, so that we can more clearly recognize the movement of God's spirit in us and among us. This prayer is a helpful practice to help us to continue to look upward and outward this Lenten season.
Feb 28, 202407:17
Lectio Divina (Lenten Season)

Lectio Divina (Lenten Season)

This week we pause to engage in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of prayerfully reading and listening to scripture.
Lectio invites us to slow down and engage with scripture with our whole selves with intent to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day.

Please join us as we engage in Lectio Davina.
Feb 25, 202424:26
Lenten Prayer 2024: Guided Prayer of Lament

Lenten Prayer 2024: Guided Prayer of Lament

We are re-launching our Lenten Prayer Practices previously aired in 2021. May these prayer practices guide us to connect with God, ourselves, one another and all of creation. We find ourselves in the season of Lent, which graciously allows for a time for contemplation and reflection, confession and self-examination, repentance and deep renewal. We invite you to listen to this guided Lament service originally shared in June 2020 for WHCC Monthly Guided Prayer on Facebook Live.  Our prayer is that time guided prayer of lament may move us toward liberation in solidarity with the suffering and the ache of the world, knowing that you are a God who sees. Scripture References: Psalm 22:1-6, 11 Psalm 44:24-26 Psalm 25:16-21 Psalm 71:1-10; Psalm 90: 8-17 Call & Response Prayer: Leader: Let us pray L: The God of love opens our eyes to see the suffering of all our sisters and brothers People: And we will see L: The God of justice opens our ears to hear those who cry out P: And we will hear L: The God of healing opens our hearts to acknowledge and share our own pain P: And we will bear it together L: In the power of the Spirit we will know the truth P: and the truth will set us free L: Let us pray together All: O God, You who created us all in Your image, who knew us all before we were born, affirm in us the value Your love has unquestionably given to us. As we embody our core identity found in you, may those who are dehumanized, either by the oppression of others or by their own actions of hate, be granted the permission to live in the freedom you offer—By Your compassion grant us what we need—the courage necessary to love boldly, the vulnerability necessary to trust, the submission necessary to heal, the conviction necessary to repent. We belong to You. Keeyon Time of Confession L: Let us confess our sins before the Lord. Respond together by saying, “Forgive us O Lord.” L: For the times when we have been too consumed by our own pain or distracted by the tasks of life to see and respond to the deaths of those You hold dear, A: Forgive us, O Lord L: For the times our own hearts desire to hate those who cause us pain, A: Forgive us, O Lord L: For ways we have not welcomed You into our suffering and disappointment, so that we might forgive, A: Forgive us, O Lord L: For the ways we have caused You and others pain—for our own sin… A: Forgive us, O Lord
Feb 21, 202429:28
First Sunday of Lent 2024

First Sunday of Lent 2024

Lent is a focused season of prayer, of study, of contemplation, of worship, and of generosity.
Feb 18, 202418:58
Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

On this Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day, a time that invites us to contemplation and confession, reset, and renewal, let us trust that during this season of Lent, God is with us to guide our imagination on how we can live out God’s call in our daily lives—both individually and communally. May we, once again, hear our calling to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.
Feb 14, 202416:48
Sabbath: As a Communal Act

Sabbath: As a Communal Act

Join Alice Shirey, as she teaches on Sabbath: As a Communal Act.

Alice has been a teaching pastor for the past two decades and loves teaching the Scriptures in a way that makes God's truth accessible and relevant to daily life. Alice was a teaching pastor at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls for 23 years and is now the Teaching Associate at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. She has a heart for the marginalized and is enamored with the grace of God in Christ. She and her husband Chuck have been married for 37 years and have raised three kids who are now thriving adults. They have a great, old chocolate lab named Stella and love to laugh, read, and contribute to the flourishing of their diverse community.
Feb 04, 202423:58
Sabbath: As Resistance

Sabbath: As Resistance

Pastor Tricia Hersey, author of Rest is Resistance, defines rest as a “Third space,” a temporary space of freedom to reclaim our belovedness as our society often only sees our bodies as mere machines.”

The practice of Sabbath rest is a gift, reclaiming our and our neighbors' Belovedness is an act of resistance to the status quo, offering us a whole new way of ordering our lives to sustain in God’s good work for the long haul.
Jan 21, 202430:42
Sabbath: The Gift of Rest

Sabbath: The Gift of Rest

It’s a New Year! A time when we feel pressure to add new practices, habits or mindsets into our day-to-day lives. All too often we find ourselves unable to maintain these practices for the long haul which leave us feeling discouraged and burnt out.

This New Year we are extending an invitation to step into vibrant rest together as a community to embody the spiritual rhythm of Sabbath.

This six week series will allow time for communal gathering and embodiment of God’s invitation to regular rhythms of work, rest, and renewal.
Jan 07, 202422:14
Love Thy Neighborhood with L.D. Kidd & Nora Heaton

Love Thy Neighborhood with L.D. Kidd & Nora Heaton

Wellington Heights Community Church Worship Arts & Tech Coordinator, L.D. Kidd shares the inspiration behind his spoken word We, Us, Ours, and Worship Team Member Nora Heaton goes behind the music as she shares about her new song Love Thy Neighborhood!
Dec 31, 202313:08
Christmas Eve 2023

Christmas Eve 2023

Join Pastor Keeyon as we close out the Advent season, awaiting the birth of our Savior! Merry Christmas, from all of us at Wellington Heights Community Church.
Dec 24, 202314:12
Advent: Week Three

Advent: Week Three

Join pastor Stephanie as she takes us through Luke 1:46b-55, reflecting on the wonder and anticipation of Jesus’ coming birth.
Dec 17, 202317:52
Advent: Week Two

Advent: Week Two

On this 2nd Sunday of Advent, join Jenny Chadima, Jon Doerrfeld, and Alicia Haan, as they talk about what Advent means to them.
Dec 10, 202348:30
Practicing Wonder

Practicing Wonder

On this 1st Sunday of Advent, join Pastor Keeyon in a Lectio Divina (divine reading) of Mark 13:24-37, CEB.
Dec 03, 202322:54
Beyond Charity - John 15:5

Beyond Charity - John 15:5

Join us as Pastor Keeyon closes our Beyond Charity sermon series looking into God’s word from John 15:5.
Nov 26, 202326:47
Beyond Charity - Laura Hoy

Beyond Charity - Laura Hoy

We continue in our Beyond Charity sermon series with special guest and longtime CCDA Practitioner Laura Hoy.

Nov 13, 202322:08
Beyond Charity - Authentic Church

Beyond Charity - Authentic Church

Join the director of Soul Care, Jenny Chadima, as she focuses on the attributes of the authentic church and the importance of WHCC being church-based.
Nov 05, 202319:07
Beyond charity holistic approach

Beyond charity holistic approach

We continue in our beyond charity sermon, series, looking at how can we have a more holistic approach towards charity?
Oct 29, 202326:28
A New Thing

A New Thing

As a church community, we know that God uses a multiplicity of means to reach people. This includes the Sunday Gathering. We want to lean into the new things that god is doing. While we believe that the preaching and teaching of the Bible is vital, it is not the only way God can reach people. We understand that all throughout history and around the world, the Sunday gathering experience looks different. We want to embrace this and lean into these different experiences. Join Pastor Keeyon Carter, Jenny Chadima, and Ann Lawrence for a wonderful discussion on the New Things Wellington Heights Community Church is doing to strengthen our neighborhood and community!
Oct 08, 202343:03
Beyond Charity

Beyond Charity

In the Beyond Charity sermon series, consider with us an approach to community development rooted in CCDA which transforms “you, them, and theirs” to “we, us and ours” which allows us to co-create holistic flourishing in our neighborhoods, cities and beyond. Today, Pastor Stephanie shares how instead of coming with a quick-fix solution, we need to hear and answer the call of God to put ourselves in direct, personal relationship with others to discover the felt needs of the people. The components of relocation, listening to the community and mutuality guide us unlearning our instinct to quick-fixes.
Oct 01, 202318:12
Vision Sunday - Neighborhood Development

Vision Sunday - Neighborhood Development

WHCC believes that Neighborhood Development is co-creating holistic flourishing in the Wellington Heights neighborhood, the wider community, and beyond. Join pastor Keeyon as he looks at Jeremiah 29:4-7.
Sep 24, 202326:36
Vision Sunday (Reconciliation)

Vision Sunday (Reconciliation)

Reconciliation is a journey and invitation from God for a community to embody shalom in holistic ways that disrupt, re-shape and inform structures and everyday patterns of relating so that all people and creation may flourish.
Sep 17, 202317:48
Vision Casting 2023 - Worship

Vision Casting 2023 - Worship

Join Pastor Keeyon as he shares our vision of Worship. At WHCC, worship is creating space to respond to the abundant love of God.
Sep 10, 202322:15
Sabbath Sunday

Sabbath Sunday

In the “grind culture” that is so prevalent among us, finding a balance of work and rest seems almost impossible to embody. This Sunday, we encourage you to listen to the podcast for a “re-launch” of a sermon on the spiritual practice of Sabbath (Rest) and to consider how you may embody the prompts to create a Sabbath rhythm in your weekly schedule. May we embrace God’s good gift of rest and replenishment that will sustain us, individually and communally.
Sep 03, 202328:55
Jenny Chadima - Romans 12:1-8, CEB

Jenny Chadima - Romans 12:1-8, CEB

Join Jenny Chadima, WHCC Director of Soul Care, as she walks us through Romans 12.1-8, CEB.
Aug 27, 202318:28
Visio Divina 08/20/2023

Visio Divina 08/20/2023

Listen in and practice Visio Divina.
Aug 20, 202308:56
Divine Reverberations
Aug 13, 202340:32
Stories Among Us - Jon Doerrfeld

Stories Among Us - Jon Doerrfeld

Jon Doerrfeld is a member of Wellington Heights Community Church's Leadership Team and Finance Team. Jon is actively engaged in many activities of the church and also serves on the Building and Grounds Team. Jon is married to Amy for the past 13 years and has lived in the Cedar Rapids area for most of his life. Jon works as a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker Hedges and is also a licensed contractor. Jon is passionate about the Wellington Heights Neighborhood and seeks to be a part of God's shalom for the neighborhood through the people and the organizations present in the community. Jon volunteers with Hope Community Development Inc that works on dilapidated homes in the neighborhood, serves on the House of Hope Board of Directors which seeks to provide a place of peace and therapy to the area and is a member of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors' Public Relations Committee and its task force for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within its membership and the community it serves.
Aug 08, 202331:52
Stories Among Us - Jenny Chadima

Stories Among Us - Jenny Chadima

Jenny Chadima is the founder of Radiantly Healthy Faith, a ministry that offers companionship to individuals on their journey of healing, wholeness, and intimacy with Christ through spiritual direction, coaching, and retreats.

She has served in a variety of volunteer roles in various non-profit organizations within our community for more than a decade. Jenny currently volunteers with Fresh Start Ministries, a jail volunteer program that goes into the Linn County Correctional Center to provide bible studies and church services to those incarcerated.

In addition, she offers her time as an adult mentor for the RISE program (Reintegration for Safety and Empowerment), which helps guide newly released incarcerated persons toward a bright future by connecting participants with resources and services post-release.

She recently completed a 9-month internship at Wellington Heights Community Church for spiritual direction. She is also part of the board of directors for Mission of Hope.
Jul 25, 202322:16
Stories Among Us - Tang & Kylie

Stories Among Us - Tang & Kylie

Tangray and Kylie, members of the Wellington Heights community, are residents and cherished neighbors who reside in close proximity to Wellington Heights Community Church (WHCC). With their long standing in the neighborhood, they have not only borne witness to the remarkable transformation of the WHCC building but have actively participated in its renovation.
The impact of Tang and Kylie, alongside their family and the dedicated WHCC staff, has fostered a profound sense of camaraderie and mutual benefit within the community. Their rapport with Pastor Keeyon exemplifies this sentiment as they collectively narrate the tale of interdependence and shared prosperity. Their aspiration is to continue the creation of enduring neighborly connections and bonds they have forged.
Jul 16, 202313:35
Welcoming Prayer

Welcoming Prayer

Consider creating space to engage with this Sunday’s episode on the Welcoming Prayer, which is a prayer practice originating from the contemplative Christian tradition. May this prayer practice guide us to be present with our experiences instead of resisting or escaping them. Together, let us open our hearts and mind to the power of the Welcoming Prayer and allow its wisdom to transform our relationship with life's inevitable ups and downs.
Jul 09, 202322:01
Stories Among Us (Briana Clymer)

Stories Among Us (Briana Clymer)

Briana Clymer is a senior at Linn-Mar High School, actively engaged in multiple clubs and activities. She is a member of ALO (Accountability Leadership Opportunity), the Social Justice Club, TRY (Teens Reaching Youth), and SODA (Students Opposed to Drugs and Alcohol). Briana’s talents extend beyond academics, as she also contributes her musical skills to the marching band and regular band performances. In addition, she participates in wrestling and tennis. Outside of school, Briana is a passionate advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals in her community. She actively supports and works with organizations such as MARE (Marion Alliance for Racial Equity) and serves as one of the youth group leaders at Peace House Youth. Briana’s dedication shines through her speeches and her role as a compassionate listener, offering her support to those who need it.
Jul 02, 202310:49
Stories Among Us (Marianne Abel-Lipschutz)

Stories Among Us (Marianne Abel-Lipschutz)

Now more than ever we need to hear the voices among us who are faithfully calling the Church and world to peace, justice, reconciliation and hope. The voices among us are strong and compelling, while also humble and gracious. The Stories Among Us sermon series will give us a broader insight into what God is doing among us and inspire us to live out our calling as God’s people more fully in our lives. May these stories expand our understanding of who God is as we learn from their journeys of faith.

Marianne Abel-Lipschutz and her husband Harry work as farmers in Cedar Falls, Iowa and serve as advocates for children and families in Guatemala. Hearing the testimony of Dr. John Perkins and other presenters at a NE Iowa CCDA conference in Waterloo in 2016 inspired Marianne to seek her place in the beloved community and come alongside others in faith no matter where she lives. She has facilitated a monthly prayer team online for WHCC since October 2020. Marianne has also published nonfiction and features about faith and the humanities in a variety of journals.
Jun 25, 202335:27
John 17:1–11, CEB
May 21, 202326:45
Mother’s Day 2023

Mother’s Day 2023

Join us on this Mother’s Day as we give thanks to God for the divine gift of motherhood in all its diverse forms.
May 14, 202306:25
Living as People of the Risen Lord

Living as People of the Risen Lord

We always enjoy it when Jenny Chadima shares with us. Tune in as we hear Jenny talk about our desire to live as people of the risen Lord.
May 07, 202328:33
The Art of Creation Care with Pastor Keeyone & Stephanie Heifner

The Art of Creation Care with Pastor Keeyone & Stephanie Heifner

Our WHCC Pastors have created a curriculum on the Art of Creation Care! It's not too late to pick up a physical copy of the guide at the church. Be sure to follow along to our suggested worship songs on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/66Cj6sG3LTWnhxuSBzsEYG?si=oqtKIXFAQ0O8xE_C4DkcbQ&pt=5799d9fa27b2adba7f68db23f5cf335e
Apr 23, 202349:35
WHCC Easter 2023

WHCC Easter 2023

What is Easter? Easter is one of the central holidays, or Holy Days, of Christianity. It honors the resurrection of Jesus three days after His death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful conclusion to the Lenten season of devoted prayer, fasting, and penitence.

Our mission at Wellington Heights Community Church is to be a multi-ethnic community joining God in the reconciliation of all things through worship, reconciliation, and neighborhood development.

Share your thoughts via voice memo, and we may feature you on a WHCC future podcast!

Visit https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wellingtonheightschurch/message to leave us a message.

Apr 09, 202325:42
Good Friday service 2023

Good Friday service 2023

Wellington Heights, community Church, virtual Good Friday service
Apr 07, 202329:51