Article headings are links
Click on the headings of each of the stories in this issue to read more and get more information. 
Today's congregations are challenged to become more effective in communicating across demographic and cultural divides.

Is your church located in a rapidly changing community with an influx of Hispanic and Latino families? Do you wish to reach out to these new residents, invite them into your church family and involve them in your activities?
Creating a welcoming and hospitable climate in your church begins at the parking lot and continues into the heart of the congregation. The ministry of welcoming is the responsibility of the entire church family, not of a committee or a few volunteers. To create a lifestyle of welcoming in your congregation, remember these seven practical elements.
A Guide for Teachers and Leaders of Children in United Methodist Congregations

Children are born with an innate sense of wonder and faith that is genuine and real. As teachers and leaders, our role is to provide a foundation of experiences on which children build a life of learning and growth toward a mature and vital faith.

With intentional learning and Christian formation, we become the people God calls us to be. As we develop our gifts we can more faithfully encourage and guide young children through their own journey of faith.
Thank You Notes
Wednesday's Kids is a bimonthly outreach of the United Congregational Methodist Church to the children of Lewis, Iowa. Their ministry was supported in part with a Matthew 25 grant from the Southwest District, which is funded with apportionment gifts from the United Methodist churches of Iowa.
Creating world-transforming communities of faith...
A Great Opportunity to Help New Immigrants
Trinity/Las Americas United Methodist Church
8th and Forest in Des Moines

Trinity/Las Americas is getting ready to start up this year's English classes for immigrants, from literacy through Level 3. They offers free childcare and open-ended registration, allowing people to start studying English whenever they arrive or their schedule allows. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to teach, learn, and get to know our immigrant brothers and sisters. 

Volunteers, Teachers and Funds Needed
They are also in urgent need of funds (approx. $8,000/year) to maintain their free childcare program, which makes it possible for families to learn together, link relationships with Americans and to learn our culture and language. Most families would not be able to participate without childcare. They are also in need of a few more teachers (training provided) and for volunteers to help their paid staff with the childcare. They have about 50 school-agers and 25-30 babies and toddlers and depend on energetic and caring volunteers of all ages.
 
Please contact Veronica at 515-771-6591 or Wendy at 515-771-8656 if you can help either with childcare costs or volunteering your time and love or both! 
In October hundreds of people across Iowa are walking miles and miles to make an impact on their communities while also helping reach those who are hungry around the world. Crop Hunger Walkers are walking to raise money to support hunger relief programs of CWS and local hunger fighting agencies.

The Crop Hunger Walk is a symbolic walk of solidarity with the many people around the world who must walk several miles a day for the most basic needs of food, water and firewood. Find a walk near you
Equipping transformational leaders...
Inviting men of Dakotas, Great Plains, Iowa, Minnesota since 1998
September 18-20, 2015
Lake Okoboji Camp and Retreat Center
Friday evening through Sunday worship,  $65 
Thursday:  GOLF,  call Karl for information
Friday: workday;  dinner, 5:00ish
Saturday:  $35 includes all meals, Breakfast, 7:30ish
Sunday:  Breakfast, Homeward bound after worship

"Sharing the Holy Spirit as it Appears in Scripture & Our Lives"
Hosted by Minnesota UMMen
To Register: [email protected]
932-334-8279
Pre-registration requested and strongly suggested.
2015 Annual Retired Ministry Professionals and Spouse's Fall Gathering
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
New Hope United Methodist Church
4525 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
Registration: 9:30 am | Worship: 10:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm | Adjournment: 3:00 pm
$12/person 

Register by filling out this form - click here. Send form and payment to Sara Carlson, Iowa Annual Conference, 2301 Rittenhouse St., Des Moines, IA 50321. Registration and payment must be received by Monday, September 21.

If you are retired and have served as clergy in the Iowa Annual Conference, you are invited to attend our Fall Gathering. Dr. Mary Fraser, Director of the Office of Pastoral Care, will be leading us on the topic of Spirituality in Retirement.
Carma Mohler established a fund because she had a passion for feeding the hungry and wanted to alleviate the problem of hunger. The Iowa United Methodist Foundation seeks applications from United Methodist-affiliated groups or nonprofit organizations based in Iowa that are addressing hunger through systemic interventions or programs providing immediate relief from hunger. Click here for application.
October 4-9, 2015 
American Martyrs Retreat Center
Cedar Falls, Iowa  50613
The Academy for Spiritual Formation is an experience of disciplined Christian community emphasizing holistic spirituality-nurturing body, mind, and spirit. 
 
The program is ecumenical in nature and meant for all those who hunger for a deeper relationship with God, including both lay and clergy persons.
One Day Learning Opportunities with Dr. Doug Anderson
Register Online:
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$35/person - includes lunch
More information: Dee Dee Sobotka: [email protected]
 
Morning: Post Modern Ministry
This workshop will explore four key factors in developing ministry that connects with postmodern generations (under 45 years old) and how they apply in your weekly context. 
Afternoon: The Congregational Life Cycle
This workshop looks at the dynamics of the life cycle of a congregation, clarifying key components involved.

Dr. Doug Anderson is an Associate Director of Church Development for the Indiana Annual Conference.
School of Lay Ministry Offering Extended Learning Opportunities
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 is posted on the SLM Website for those interested in attending any of the classes.  A non-refundable deposit check of $40.00, per class is required. The remaining tuition will be paid when you arrive at your class on Saturday morning
 
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015  Biblical Story Telling
Rev. Tom Boomershine will be your instructor. $75

Saturday, Nov.  14, 2015  Emerging Ministries 
Connected to but not limited to soldiers, moral injury, substance abuse, recovery and reconciliation - Rev. Lanette Plambeck and Rev. Steve Peters will be your  instructors. $75
 
Saturday, Jan.  9, 2016  Writing from Faith
Courtney Ball will be your Instructor. $75
 
Saturday & Sunday, March 12-13, 2016  
Lay Servant (topic TBD) - Instructors will be:  Colleen Petaros and Steve Kahler $100
 
Registration - 8:00 am Saturday mornings

NOTE:  Due to Homecoming at the Cornell Campus on the weekend of October 10-11, this class will be meeting at Mt. Vernon UMC, 304 1st Street West in Mt. Vernon.
 
Click here for lodging locations in Mt. Vernon and the Parking Permit you will need when you park at the Cornell Campus.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Barb Mann (515) 974-8905
October 16-17, 2015
Register Today - Click here
 
Join us for the Partners in Ministry Fall Event at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines on October 16-17, 2015. This event is designed to inspire, equip and encourage partners in ministry and marriage through connecting and community. Meet others, share ideas, be inspired, develop language,and learn from our dynamic keynote speaker as well as from one another.  Don't miss this incredible opportunity to grow in partnership, leadership and faith! First 25 couples to register receive a special gift!
Visit the classifieds section of the website for job postings and related opportunities within Iowa Conference congregations.
Aligning our resources...
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.
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.
In This Issue...
Quick Links
Iowa Conference, UMC 
2301 Rittenhouse St | Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 289-1331