DES MOINES, Iowa (December 18, 2012) - The Des Moines Religious Council and GuideOne Insurance are delighted to announce the return of the annual midwinter educational and fellowship opportunity, January Thaw 2013! This multi-faith event will be held January 8, 10, 15 & 17, 2013, at the Heartland Presbyterian Church's new expanded facility in Clive.

"Appreciating other faith traditions has a powerful impact in creating a peaceful, joyful community," said DMARC Executive Director, Rev. Sarai Schnucker Rice, DMARC, "Here in Des Moines we cannot afford to remain ignorant of other brother and sister's traditions in faith; the benefits of understanding other religious communities is a necessity in this day and age."

"GuideOne is pleased to support this event that explores other faith traditions," said Jim Wallace, GuideOne Chairman, President and CEO. "As one of the leading insurers of churches in the country, we believe it's important for others to be exposed to different religions that exist.  By doing so, it can help individuals grow in their own faith."

Join our interfaith educational opportunities on Tuesdays, January 8th & 15th, and Thursdays, January 10th & 17th, at Heartland Presbyterian Church, 14300 Hickman Road, in Clive. The premier sponsor for this 2013 event is GuideOne Insurance and co-sponsors are Des Moines Area Religious Council, the Center for Social Ministry, the Jewish Federation, and the Masjid An-Noor Muslim Community.

For a course listing and speaker information, go to our website or click on course catalog to download.

Cost for one course is $25; two courses are $50 (courses are scheduled for 2 consecutive Tuesdays or Thursdays). Registration forms are available at: www.dmreligious.org. A promotional poster is available to print and post. For more information, or to RSVP to this event email info@dmreligious.org or call 515-277-6969.

Mail registrations and checks to the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) at 3816 36th St. Suite 202 Des Moines, IA 50310. Please make checks payable to 'January Thaw'. Call DMARC at: 515-277-6969 for more information.

Ways to Give

Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for the holidays or another special occasion of your friend or family member? DMARC has solved your gift-giving dilemma for that special someone:

• January Thaw 2013 is approaching, give a gift registration to attend a course of choice for only $25. Two courses for $50 (see details above).
• Purchase a Center for Social Ministry Calendar, It makes a great gift for your faith leader or congregational staff (see details below).

Financial gifts of help, can also be in the form of non-perisable food, childcare assistance or payment of rent and utilities for a person in need. Here are some ideas:

• $25 will provide a family of four with a three-day food supply
• $50 will purchase 98 pounds of bananas
• $125 will provide sweet potatoes for 270 families.
• $250 will provide peanut butter for 127 families.

To give the gift of help, go to www.dmreligious.org/donate or send your donation to DMARC, 3816 36th Street, Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50310. DMARC will in turn acknowledge your donation and provide a gift card that you may pass on to the gift recipient using the beautiful lit candles photo above.

Ways to Volunteer

Can you help? We need volunteers too:

• Welcome people and answer calls during the holidays and winter break; our busiest time of the year for donations or requests for food.
• Begin a family tradition of collecting food at a "Sack Saturday" event at a local store, and exchange the normal gift giving time for delivering collected food items to the DMARC warehouse together.
• Start early on new year's resolutions by volunteering at one of the 13 neighborhood food pantries.
• Count, sort and pack food or drive, load and unload the MovetheFood truck (or your truck) for our warehouse.

You may volunteer one time or create a regular schedule. It's a fun way to make a difference! Visit our website for more information.

These beautiful calendars are professionally done and would make fabulous holiday gifts for friends and family!

DMARC will receive 20% of the proceeds for calendars sold by DMARC. To order, download the order form or call 515-277-6969 and stop in the office to pick up your calendars.

Cost: $15.00 for one

         $25.00 for two

         $10.00 each for 3+ 

Make your year-end gift to DMARC go further! Consider providing an endowment gift that will ensure DMARC programs and services now and in the future, while also qualifying you for added tax benefits. Your gift made to the Des Moines Area Religious Council Endow Iowa Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines may qualify you to receive Endow Iowa Tax Credits.

The Endow Iowa program allows donors to receive a 25% Iowa tax credit in addition to the usual federal charitable income tax deductions for certain charitable gifts. Credits are limited and are issued on a first-come/first-available basis. Learn more today; contact Kristine Frakes at: 515-277-6969 or kfrakes@dmreligious.org.