"Looking Back / Looking Forward
Through Loving God, Loving People"

An historical record of Immanuel Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, founded on Sept. 11, 1959.
May you be blessed. -- Cathy Orrick Luders, church historian



Welcome

Dear Reader,

Here is a brief record of moments, memories, and milestones in Immanuel Baptist Church's first 50 years. If you have been an active member for many years, you may remember a much larger story than these snapshots and narrative can tell.

If you are newer to this congregation (as I am), or perhaps a curious visitor to these pages, this book will help you see how this church began, and some of the people and activities that have sought to pursue God's glory and His will for the past five decades. May we be inspired by the testimony found on these pages, and may we be found faithful to follow Christ with all that we are and all that we have.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)
                                                                                              
                                                                                       Pastor Dan Wiersema

50th Anniversary Committee
Jim Luders, chairman
Cathy Luders, historian     Dan & Peg Kelley
Don & Carol Herr     Bob & Shelly Thompson
Pastor Dan Wiersema

With much appreciated assistance from
Deb Tindall, church secretary
Hostess Committee and Worship Ministry Team




Celebration
Itinerary