This year, our church is celebrating its
225th anniversary.
That’s right. Two hundred and twenty-five years. That’s a lot of history.
During this long, rich history, there have been wonderful celebrations as well as incredibly trying times. But there is a thread that’s persisted throughout: The faithfulness of our God. Of course, a lot has changed in 225 years.
- Our members used to travel to church on foot or horse and buggy; now our parking lot is filled with cars.
- We used to read scripture by gas lantern and candles; now we have electricity.
- We used to sit on fallen tree-stumps gathered in a circle; now we sit on cushioned pews.
But one thing has never changed: The faithfulness of our God. The events of the last year may have felt uncharted but God’s been faithful to us through all kinds of uncertainty.
- He was faithful to us as our buildings were closed because of smallpox, Spanish Flu, and COVID.
- He was faithful to us as the wars of the last two centuries raged then waned.
- And he’s been faithful as our members have persevered through every kind of personal adversity you could ever imagine.
This rich history of our church tells us that:
- Our congregation has lived through difficult times.
- God has always been faithful to us.
And this gives us confidence as we look ahead. What he’s done, he’ll continue to do! It’s our turn to be part of this story. As we move into this new season, we’ll see his faithfulness continue. And we’ll see his mission continue too. In fact, we get to be a part of it.
Join us in 2021 as we consider the past and look forward to the future, as we celebrate 225 years of God’s faithfulness and as we move forward with His mission.
225 Years Celebration Schedule
The people at Cedar Springs have been living deeply for 225 years. We are looking back to celebrate God’s faithfulness to Cedar Springs, and moving forward with his mission.
Worship Services – Looking Back at God’s Faithfulness
October 24 + 8:15/11am
Behind the Scenes: The Making of our Congregational Memoir
October 24 + 9:45am
Join us in the Sanctuary between services for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of our 225 Year Congregational Memoir. Donuts and coffee will be served in the Welcome Center. If you did not purchase a book and would still like one, we are investigating options and will let you know if we are able to place another order.
Worship Night on the Ball Field
October 24 + 6pm
We will gather together on the ball field for this special night of worship. Bring your own dinner. Dessert will be provided.
Historic Tours
October 25 + 10AM
Take a bus tour of all four locations Cedar Springs called home over the years and the Cedar Springs Cemetery. Self-guided tour booklets are also available.
History of Cedar Springs Presentation Part 1 – George Dilworth
October 25 + 6pm
Back by popular demand, George Dilworth will present the history of Cedar Springs (1796-1950),
Campus Open House + Ministry Tours with Staff
October 26 + 10:30AM
Tour our campus and meet with staff to see what happens behind the scenes in all of our ministries. Refreshments served in the Reception Hall.
Historic Tours
October 26 + 1PM
Take a bus tour of all four locations Cedar Springs called home over the years and the Cedar Springs Cemetery. Self-guided tour booklets are also available.
History of Cedar Springs Presentation Part 2 – George Dilworth
October 26 + 6pm
George Dilworth presents the history of Cedar Springs (1950-2020).
Historic Tours
October 27 + 10AM
Take a bus tour of all four locations Cedar Springs called home over the years and the Cedar Springs Cemetery. Self-guided tour booklets are also available.
History Presentation for Students – Laura Strunk
October 27 + 6:30
Laura Strunk gives a high-energy, passionate presentation of the history of Cedar Springs for our students.
Historic Tours
October 28 + 4PM
Take a bus tour of all four locations Cedar Springs called home over the years and the Cedar Springs Cemetery. Self-guided tour booklets are also available.
Historic Tours
October 29 + 1PM
Take a bus tour of all four locations Cedar Springs called home over the years and the Cedar Springs Cemetery. Self-guided tour booklets are also available.
Worship Services – Moving Forward with His Mission
October 31 + 8:15/11am
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the 225 Years Congregational Memoir
Laura Strunk tells the entire story behind the ten-month journey she took in writing this memoir.
The Cottrells
“The most important thing for us was getting connected in smaller groups. Rather than just showing up on Sunday mornings, it was getting involved. The church just came alive!”
Penny Cole
“Cedar Springs really laid the foundation for my life. I grew up hearing truth. I grew up seeing how it was lived out in the home.”
Women’s Ministry
Five past and present Women’s Ministry staff members celebrate the different seasons of Women’s Ministry at Cedar Springs.
George Dilworth
George tells us about the Cedar Springs Cemetery and the four different locations Cedar Springs has called home.
McKinney Family
With four generations worshipping at Cedar Springs, the McKinney family values the community that comes with staying at one place for a long time.