We were sorry to learn that Karen Handke's mother, Alma Green, passed away on Saturday.  Her funeral was yesterday at the Oto church.

 

The Rev. Gene Bryant of the Baxter country church hopes to retire next year and would like to offer his books to anyone who'd be interested.  He says, "They run the gamut, from Bible study and commentaries through theology to history and politics.  My interests are eclectic, and that would be obvious.  I could prepare a catalog, but that takes a lot of time and I'd rather people would come to our home in Newton and see for themselves, taking what they want.  I can be reached at 641-227-3321 or iamolc@partnercom.net."

 

On March 25th John Thomas is going to be in the Quad Cities, speaking to the Delegate Assembly of Churches United of the Quad Cities.  Katherine Mulherne has arranged for him to meet at Edwards UCC in Davenport at 3:30 with people who'd like to visit with him.  So consider yourself invited!

 

The UCC will participate in the Cedar Rapids Rebuild from April 12 through May 22.  Within these weeks there are a few slots to be filled. Some weeks have 4 people signed up but  theycould use 6 more.  The volunteer coordinator for the project is Pam Small who can be reached at psmall66@gmail.com; cell phone: 812-453-3995.

Lecture on Spiritual Formation 

"Spiritual Formation: The Path to a Deeper Journey" at Sioux Falls Seminary (or via streaming internet) on April 13, 2010. Dr. M. Robert Mulholland, Jr. of Asbury Theological Seminary is the presenter. This is the HIller Lecture. Cost is $25 a person--which includes lunch.  Preregistration is required by April 5th. To get a form, contact info@sfseminary.edu.    

 

Clergy retreat 

The clergy retreat is April 13-14 at the Christian Church retreat center near Newton.  You can download information about it at  on our website or register online. 

 

On April 16, the UCC's Stillspeaking Ministry will launch a new powerful video spot on the internet.  At first, the video message will be delivered to tens of thousands--by email, through internet ads, and posts to social networks.  Then as the day unfolds, "God is Still Speaking" will sweep the internet like a mighty wave, reaching millions!  But only with your help:

1.  9 a.m.  Visit ucc.org or check your email for a first peek at Stillspeaking's new, edgy internet spot.

2.  9:02 a.m.  Share the link on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, my UCC, your own blog, or other places where internet dwellers will see it.

3.  9:05 a.m.  Send the link by email to family, friends, co-workers and church members, inviting them to watch and share with others.

4.  4:30 p.m.  Do steps 2 and 3 again!

5.  10 p.m.  Relax, knowing that, thanks to you and countless others, millions have received a counterculture message about a StillSpeaking God--a word of inclusion, justice and welcome.

 

Lecture on pastor as minor poet 

Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation presents "The Pastor as Minor Poet" at the Wm. H and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center at University of Nebraska-Omaha on May 11, 2010. Presenter is Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. Registration is suggested by April 15th.  You may register online at www.Omaha-Sem-Found.org/education .
 

Need a break that's really a break?  Join us for Pilgrimage May 15 & 16 at Pilgrim Heights.  We begin around 5:00 and finish up about 4:00 the next day. If you've already enjoyed Pilgrimage 1, we're offering Pilgrimage 2 that same weekend, May 15, 16, 17.  For details, email Dianne Prichard.  New Pilgrimage web page coming next week!

 

Regional Youth Event 

RYE:  17 weeks and counting. Your Iowa team hopes that each church is talking up the Regional Youth Event.  Support your youth.  Help them try something new and exciting in July.  Parkville, Missouri:  here we come! July 14-18 will be faith filled and action packed!  Go to the Iowa UCC website to find registration materials.

 

July 14-17 is the celebration of 25 years of the Coalition for LGBT Concerns, to be held in San Diego.  Full information here.  Early bird registration is available for a limited time for just $99 per person. Early bird registrants will also receive a complimentary one-day pass for the San Diego Trolley which has a stop across the street from the hotel.