The CCDA principle of Church-Based always makes me think of Keeyon Carter, whose presence as a speaker at Spring 2024 and Spring 2025 Immerse courses provided deep insight into how a church can share Christ's love through focusing on the community located directly around them. One tangible example of this is the mural, pictured above, which is actually located on the side of the church building. It shows an expression of the fruits of the Spirit--love, joy, and peace--as well as many different types of people--including diverse ages, a variety of races represented, and varying interests.

Keeyon and his wife Stephanie launched their church in Wellington Heights Neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the midst of COVID with an emphasis on Christian Community Development principles. Despite the crazy timing, God has blessed their faithfulness and determination with growth. Since that time, Wellington Heights Community Church has been a catalyst for change, spiritual development, and social support in the neighborhood, setting an example for those of us in Waterloo as well as the broader Cedar Rapids area. The Wellington Heights staff have even embraced a vision for implementing the Flourishing Neighborhood Process, similar to what Iowa Heartland has been working towards in neighborhoods in Waterloo.

A group of visitors from Waterloo took a field trip during the Summer of 2024 to learn more about the church's community involvement, to worship together, and to visit an Art in the Park gathering. I was grateful to be able to attend!

One of my favorite reflections from visiting Wellington Heights is that they have a practice called "Embodiment Sundays" in which they will serve the neighborhood tangibly by meeting the needs of others. Sometimes, an Embodiment Sunday looks like gathering bags of litter. Sometimes, it means heading out on a prayer walk to pray for the needs of neighbors. Other times, the church will embody the love of Christ through a variety of forms of rest and connection.

Below are photos from the field trip in 2024! Art was a common theme throughout the field trip, as we enjoyed the two beautiful murals on the church exterior, temporary art in the roadway, and artistic additions to fencing. We also enjoyed seeing the free community food pantry and fridge, as well as hearing about other meetings and classes that take place at the church building throughout the week. Wellington Heights Community Church is a true hub for connection and resources in the neighborhood. They also host Neighborhood Association meetings in their gathering space! We invite you to learn more about them by checking out their website and podcast!