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Our Common Life...
Words from the Conference Staff
Innovating Tradition
In
mid-May (and again this August) I had the privilege of joining 15
ministry colleagues for the Foundations of Christian Leadership Program
through the Leadership Education program at Duke Divinity School.
The gathering was wonderful and thought-provoking from beginning to
end, but one of the most memorable days was when we toured Cameron Indoor Stadium. For those of you  who may not follow Duke University
basketball, or even college basketball in general, let me explain: Duke
University men's basketball wins a lot. They've made 15 final four
appearances and have won four national titles including the 2009-2010 season. Not too shabby for what is a relatively small university.To follow this "Duke" experience and to learn more with Nicole, she welcomes you to join her blog. Remember the past, study today, and envision the future with Rev Nicole Havelka, our Iowa Conference Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adult Ministries! |
Prayer Requests
Let's keep our special friends in our prayers this week:
1) Virginia Stiles is in intensive care at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames. After a recent series of strokes, her family has gathered and thank you for helping them pray for her peace.
2) Lynn Butterbrodt's husband Ross is in Iowa City in very serious condition. Lynn and Ross are from the Clarence area and ask that our prayers include that Ross may be comforted.
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Great to be back!
Rev Barb Koenig from Creston thanks everyone who sent cards, visited, and phoned while she was in hospitalization. "The care shown by friends and colleagues in the Iowa conference gave me strength to heal each day," stated Barb when she returned home and is now on a limited work schedule.
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"Widening
the Welcome" Conference - Sept. 23-25
"Widening
the Welcome: Inclusion for All" is the national conference hosted by the
UCC Mental Illness Network (MIN) and UCC Disabilities Ministries in St.
Louis. Its aim is to help congregations include persons with
disabilities, mental illness, and/or brain disorders. For full
information, go to our Continuing Education page or www.wideningthewelcome.com.
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A Clergy Day Apart - September 29
About
this Day: Crisis Intervention Workshop - The Impact of Trauma on Spirituality.
Traumatic events call into question basic human relationships. They
breach our attachments, resulting in damage to the structure of the self that
is formed and maintained in relation to others. If not sensitive to
the dynamics and effects of PTSD, professionals who provide care may
themselves fall victim to secondary trauma. This day will offer a presentation
on the impact of trauma on spirituality and on the role of the spiritual care
provider working with PTSD. There will be time given for discussion,
personal reflection, prayer, and integration.
About the facilitator for the day:
Kathy Reardon (RN,
MS counseling)
integrates spiritual care, counseling, holistic health promotion, and healing
energy work to support individuals facing diverse issues such as: loss and
grief; health crises and concerns; pain and suffering; relationship wounds;
spirituality and questions of faith; and important life transitional times.
Cost: $25 for the day, including lunch. Contact Connie Derby Dicks at cddumw@gmail.com to register. For further info, contact Julie Bishop Gibson at jgibson@pcpartner.net.
This
important event is ecumenical: Invite your friends in ministry!
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Central Association Fall Women's Gathering - October 9
It's time to register (DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 2ND) for the Central Association Fall Women's Gathering to be held on Saturday October 9 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the United Church of Christ
Congregational in Grinnell. Our most timely topic, "I Know
We're All Welcome at the Table, But Do I Have to Sit Next to
You?" is designed to help us stay in community with those
who are different.
The workshop will be led by the Rev Janice Jean Springer, an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ who has served churches in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Montana for 30 years. Currently she is the Minister of Spiritual Formation at University Congregational Church in Missoula, Montana.
Lunch and childcare will be provided. This event is co-sponsored by the Grinnell church and St. Paul Congregational UCC in Oskaloosa.
For more information, contact Rev Liz Colton at the Oskaloosa church at 641-673-7206 or at stpaul@mahaska.org.
Although this event is traditionally attended by women, we have had requests from men to be included. Given the nature of the topic, how can we say NO! Men and women from all associations are welcome.
Secure your spot by calling the Grinnell church at 641-236-3111 or email grinucc@iowatelecom.net by October 2nd.
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Wooden pews available
Tripoli Faith UCC has six 10' wooden pews that they would like to donate to a congregation that needs them. Contact their office at 319-882-3585.
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September 10, 2010
