Mid-Week Musings
January 8, 2025
Suggested Reading: Psalm 32:8-10
Dear NBRC Family & Friends,
Many of you have asked questions about Wellsburg Reformed Church (WRC) and the City of Wellsburg, Iowa. For this week’s “Musings,” I’d like to share some information that will hopefully answer some of those questions.
Located in northeast Iowa and in Grundy County, the City of Wellsburg is roughly 30 minutes west of Cedar Falls. Other nearby towns are Waterloo, Marshalltown, Grundy Center, and Des Moines.
Wellsburg is a close-knit, small rural community with a population of 700-800 people. Recreation opportunities include a nine-hole golf course, a municipal swimming pool, and a gym. There’s a city fire department, a public library, and a convenience store that sells gas and food items. A recently renovated city park borders the property of the church. Education opportunities include Timothy Christian School (K-8) and the AGWSR (Ackley-Geneva-Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock) School District (pre-school through high school). Churches in Wellsburg include WRC, First CRC, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and United Reformed Church.
Wellsburg Reformed Church is affiliated with the Alliance of Reformed Churches and was established in 1897 by immigrants from Germany. It has roughly 90 members. The recent Search Team included members ranging from teenagers through age 71. Located next to the church on one side is a large parsonage and located next to the church on the other side is the church-owned cemetery. Together with First CRC, the church is involved in a dynamic mid-week ministry for children and youth that meets September through March. The four churches in Wellsburg host a joint community Vacation Bible School. The church families worship together usually once a month during the summer. On the fifth Sunday of each month WRC and First CRC worship jointly at alternating locations.
I hope this answers at least some of your questions. I’m certain I’ll have lots to learn as I get acquainted with a new community, a new state, and a new church family.
Pastor Ron
Prayer suggestion: As you pray, ask God to bless me with a smooth transition into life and ministry in Wellsburg!
(On Sunday morning, January 12, the guest worship leader and preacher will be Rev. Scott VanOostendorp. The sermon title is If You Don’t Go, Don’t Bother.” The Scripture lesson will be from Exodus 33:12-23.)