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Church History (Continued) |
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Many Faith members supported the effort to
change Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Ordinance to include Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and
Transgendered (GLBT) people. Many congregants wrote letters to the editors
and appeared at council meetings, to offer rational reasons and support for the
inclusion. The year of 2000 offered several occasions for celebration. After a long struggle, the Iowa Secretary of State approved our revised articles of incorporation. Faith had originally been incorporated as Faith Evangelical United Brethren Church, and in the early nineties, the state announced that we would have to act to change the nambe by the year of 2000. This was accomplished on schedule. Attention began to shift back to the Faith Community. Several members of the congregation worked hard to provide a riot of flowers growing a the front of the church. New pew Bibles were presented in memory of Leota Bain, a beloved member, who had willed funds to Faith. On July 9, 9000, several people gathered at Daniels Park for worship and a potluck dinner -- thus starting a new church tradition. The year ended with Tom's announcement that he was leaving the ministry at the end of May 2001, which was not a cause for celebration. As the congregation had coped with changes and challenges over the years, it again prepared for the search for a new pastor, to guide it. Finding a minister to fill Faith's pulpit was challenging, to say the least. District Superintendent Barry Tritle, arranged the transfer to Faith of a pastor who would fit the bill. Reverend Kathleen R. Moore was welcomed to Faith and quickly showed us that she would continue to lead us in Faith's search for social and economic justice. The congregation grew and prospered. Kathy was assigned to Faith for one-fourth of her time, and St. Paul's for three-fourths of her time. Between the two churches, we kept Kathy very, very busy. In the spring of 2003, the (original) furnace that heated the sanctuary died, never to be resurrected again. The decision was made to replace it with a combined furnace and air conditioning unit. At the same time, the furnace which heated the middle room, and which was located in the same space as the sanctuary furnace, was also replaced with a combined unit. An incredible piano was purchased for the sanctuary, and Faith suddenly had 3 dedicated, talented organists/pianists to enjoy. Music had become a very important part of the church service, with many members showing their talent with voice, and instrumental music. Coffee House at Faith was started to showcase their talent and provide a smoke and alcohol-free environment to enjoy it, outside of the Sunday Service. Faith remains a small, intimate church, currently having about 80 "official" members. Sunday attendance ranges from 30 to 45 or so. Faith has been blessed for many years with a congregation as diverse as its history. Many participants have maintained close ties with Faith as they have continued their religious and spiritual quest. Linda L. McGrew Updated by Becky Buckman Faith United Methodist Church |
