November 7, 2014
United Methodist Student Day - November 30

United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The offering provides scholarships and student loans for qualified United Methodist applicants. November 30 is set as this year's United Methodist Student Day, but your congregation may choose to celebrate UMSD on any Sunday during the year.


 
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 Jesus and Politics: Then and Now

 

Grace UMC, Des Moines

November 14-15, 2014

 

Featuring Bernard Brandon Scott & Perry Kea

 

The recent book by Reza Aslan (Zealot: The Life & Times of Jesus of Nazareth) once again raises the question of Jesus' agenda. Was Jesus a religious zealot eager for the fierce judgment of God to burn away injustice and oppression?  Or was he dedicated to uplifting God's people with the tools of service and compassion? This seminar will examine Jesus' message and ministry in relationship to Roman imperialism, the divide between rich and poor in Judean society, and the leaders in Jerusalem.

 

Topics include:

  • Jesus: A Revolutionary Zealot?
  • The Empire of Rome and the Empire of God
  • Jesus and the Political Economic Divide in Roman Palestine
  • Jesus and the Jewish Leaders (Herodians and High Priests)
  • Does the Historical Jesus Have Anything to Say to Politics Today?

Click here for additional information and how to register for the event

4 great Advent outreach ideas

 

By Jeremy Steele

 

Most people want to make the Christmas season about more than decorating, shopping and parties. Many want to reach beyond their families, friends and themselves to share God's love. Gathered from throughout the church, these ideas can help your congregation and individual members reach out to the community in new ways this Advent.


 
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Creating world-transforming communities of faith...

THANK YOU NOTES: Stories of United Methodist Connectional Giving in Iowa

 

Christine found herself wondering what her future was going to be while sitting in jail in Waterloo, but Hawthorn Hill ministries worked with her patiently to help her become a home owner.

 

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Mission Moments tell brief stories about how the church is making a difference in the world.  They provide prayers and "newsletter nuggets."  Read MORE

Resource: Mission Map revised


The needs around the world are varied and constantly changing. In order to keep up, UMCOR and its missionaries, Advance projects, country offices, and health boards must adapt. The best way to see the work currently being done by these individuals and groups is to take a look at the 
UMCOR Mission Map

You can also download the map here . Use this resource to see all the ways UMCOR is with those in times of crisis. 

UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church by sending a check to:

UMCOR
PO Box 9068
New York, NY 10087-9068
or by calling 1 �800 �554 �8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online by clicking any of the "DONATE" links or make a $10 donation anytime by texting "UMCOR" to 80888. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.

And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them. 
Equipping transformational leaders...
Organic Ministry:  Cultivating Soil and Soul

 

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center Institute for the Practice of Ministry in collaboration with the Taproot Garden is pleased to offer a year long opportunity for pastoral leaders  within  the culture of a small, diversified family farmstead. The farm serves as the context for practical and theological study of the nature of the church as household within the divine economy of Creation and Kingdom. Attention is given to those understandings and practices that make for the health of the individual and the household in its spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, interpersonal, vocational, and creational dimensions.

 

Participants gather monthly in groups of up to eight to spend a day of light farm work, spiritual reflection, and facilitated discussion. 

 

The class will meet on the first Monday of every month (except December) from 8am - 4pm, February 2015  through January 2016.   

 

Facilitators:  Tim Diebel and Diane McClanahan

 

Click here for more information 

 

Contact Diane McClanahan at:  515-251-6667 or [email protected]

School for Lay Ministry Offering Advanced Classes 

 

The School for Lay Ministry is excited to offer some advanced classes at Cornell College this fall. Classes are open to all clergy, laity or anyone - from anywhere - who may be interested so please feel free to get the word out. We hope many can take advantage of these opportunities. A registration form plus some class descriptions are posted on the SLM Website for those interested in attending any of the classes.

 

There are four separate classes. One or more may be taken. These classes will be held the same weekends as the regularly scheduled SLM classes; however, they will only be held on Saturday so those who need to be back at their churches on Sunday can do so. The ONLY EXCEPTION will be the March class, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday. The class dates and titles are as follows:

 

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 Adaptive Leadership - Instructor: Rev. Dr. Brigitte Black of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Des Moines

 

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) Coaching - Instructors: Phil Carver, Rev. Katharine Yarnell and Sarah Stevens

 

Saturday & Sunday, March 14-15, 2015 How to Lead a Meeting - Instructors: Colleen Petaros and Steve Kahler

 

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School for Lay Ministry Now Offering a Spanish Class

 

The School for Lay Ministry (SLM) will be holding a Spanish Class at the Simpson College campus starting Saturday, November 8 through Sunday, November 9.  Registration at McNeill Hall (701 North C Street in Indianola) begins at 8 am Saturday morning with devotions following at 9 am; class begins at 9:15. Sunday begins at 8:30 am with devotions; class starts at 8:45.  Sunday's session will close with communion at 11:30 and you'll be headed home by noon.  Please refer to the General Time Schedule for Simpson on the SLM Websiteunder Simpson College Downloads for complete details.

 

Tuition is $140 per class and covers the cost of speakers, facilities, handouts and Saturday meals.  You are responsible for costs associated with travel, lodging, books and breakfasts. Please make checks payable to the "Iowa Annual Conference."   

 

The application, class schedule and detailed information about the SLM can be found under SLM General Information Downloads on the SLM website.  Or feel free to contact Barb Mann at [email protected] or 515-974-8905.  Nitza Dovenspike is available to assist in Spanish at [email protected].

New Resources at IRMS

 

Two new studies with life-changing impact include: 


 

This I Know For Sure (DV1284) by singer-songwriter Babie Mason who uses her work and experience to bring you to a more personal relationship with God.  

 

The second study The Christ-Centered Woman: Finding Balance in a World of Extremes (DV1283) identifies barriers to balanced living and shows how Christ can help navigate our lives of responsibility.

Aligning our resources...

Looking for a Longer-Term Investment for Your Church's Endowment or Reserve Funds?

 

A re you looking to earn income and/or grow your long-term funds and endowments at current market rates while still maintaining the Social Principals of The United Methodist Church? Since 1981, the Iowa United Methodist Foundation began offering pooled investment options that do just that. We have grown to offer several investment options that can be invested in according to your committee's governing documents or we can help create a custom plan for your church's goals and objectives.

 

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Opportunities...

Visit the classifieds section of the website for job postings and related opportunities within Iowa Conference congregations


 
Click HERE 

In This Issue...
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(515) 289-1331

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