February 6, 2015
Are you interested in learning more about our Wesleyan heritage? There is a trip for you, departing from Des Moines July 21-29, 2015.

 

Journey through England with Bishop Trimble & First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble and the Iowa Annual Conference and discover the roots of the early Church and the ministry of John Wesley. Visit London, Oxford, Epworth, the Old Rectory where John Wesley grew up, and much more. Enhance your journey with more days in London or an extension to Ireland!


 

For more information explore the website or email Len and Diane Eberhart at [email protected]Or you may contact Len at 641-990-3861.

 

  One Great Hour of Sharing - March 15

When disaster strikes around the globe-Haiti's 2010 earthquake or Hurricane Sandy of 2012-so many watching the drama unfold on our living room televisions feel entirely helpless. How could any one person make a difference in the wake of such widespread devastation? As responders around the globe scramble to help survivors, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is prepared to act.

Celebrate Black History Month in your worship services by exploring the rich diversity of hymnody and song that has been born out of the African American experience.The collection, Beams of Heaven, containing 46 hymns of Charles Tindley, is a treasure for you to share with your congregation as a part of Black History Month.
Creating world-transforming communities of faith...
Save the Children Action Network will be hosting an exciting event - a local screening of the new PBS special, A Path Appears. This amazing documentary, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, make a compelling case for why investing in kids is the best way to combat poverty.
2/16/15 | 7-8 pm
Drake University, Harvy Ingham Hall, Rm. 104
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
Finding Aliveness in the Midst of Chronic Illness and Pain
If you and/or someone you care about faces chronic illness and pain - physical, emotional or spiritual, you can find peace, purpose, meaning and joy in everyday life. In this Professional Development Day, pastors, spiritual directors, counselors, health professionals, and caregivers will learn approaches for companioning others with health challenges. Individuals with chronic illness and pain are also encouraged to participate.
3/13/15  |  9 - 3:30 PM |  $50
First Christian Church, 2500 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
To Register:  Contact the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center at (515) 274-4006 or [email protected] 
Deadline: Friday, March 6

Religion, Race and Identity: The Role of the Churches in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Many around the world have come to know South Africa as the rainbow nation, yet this notion has been subject to enormous critiques in the political discourse. Willy Mafuta lectures about how churches have been playing a major role in this identity formation.

3/25/15 | 7 - 8:30 pm

Drake University, Meredith 101
Sponsor: PFGCGC at Drake

 

Wartburg Theological Seminary's 34th Annual Rural Ministry Conference 

This year's focus is "Practicing Care in Rural Congregations and Rural Communities."  The Rural Ministry Conference outreach is continuing to grow and has become an ecumenical conference for those working in small town and rural parishes throughout the Midwest.  We are pleased with the ecumenical growth of this conference and hope it will continue.

Our Savior United Methodist Church has been reaching out to the children of Manson during the last two summers by hosting a Sidewalk Monday School for their community outreach ministry.

Equipping transformational leaders...
 Advocacy Day - Being Transformed to Make a Difference in the Halls of Government
The Legislative Advocacy Team of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is hosting the ADVOCACY DAY for United Methodists on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 800 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA  50316. Fill out this Registration Form and email it to Rev. Brian Carter.

 

The final advanced class being offered this winter is on Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, 2015 at the Cornell College CampusThis class is open to all clergy, laity or anyone interested.  If you are interested in attending Register Here and download the pre-class assignment.
Iowa United Methodist Men Annual Meeting
All men and Pastors of the Iowa Annual Conference are invited to attend the annual meeting on 
March 28, 2015 at the Altoona UMC, 602 5th Ave SW, Altoona, IA.  Registration begins at 9:00 am, worship at 9:30. 
Registration fee: $20. Contact Jim Smith.

The Iowa UM School for Ministry is pleased to announce that Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, Dr. Pamela Lightsey and Dr. Kristen Leslie have agreed to speak on the topic of Moral Trauma at our 2015 School, which will be held on April 21-24, 2015 at Honey Creek Resort State Park. Register today!

Balancing ministry and family can often leave you scrambling to get out email messages. When you send last-minute emails, it's easy to overlook best practices. If plans change, you especially want a high open rate, so nobody misses out. When time is of the essence, it's crucial to craft a good subject and call to action. But don't stop there. Carve out a little more time to execute these important email best practices. Read more!
Keep up with United Methodist news from around the connection with a free subscription to the News Service Daily Digest.
The Rev. Cynthia T. Hinson, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Conroe, TX, offers this 2-page listing of Revised Common Lectionary readings for 2015, noting Sundays and Special Days.
Aligning our resources...

Thinking About a Capital Campaign?

 

Did you know The Iowa United Methodist Foundation provides experienced professional consultant services that can help?  Our fees are lower than for-profit companies, and we bring 18 years of experience leading campaigns specifically for United Methodist Churches.  

 

Contact [email protected] for information or to schedule a presentation.


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

Are 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.

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

 

In This Issue...
Quick Links
Iowa Conference, UMC 
2301 Rittenhouse St | Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 289-1331