eVoice
Des Moines Area Religious Council and MovetheFood.org

 A bi-weekly newsletter of the
 DMARC and MovetheFood Community

   
In This Issue
Challenge Hunger" gift
Feinstein Challenge
Peanut Butter Totals
DMARC Receives Award
Community Calendar
Faith Community News
Job/Volunteer Opportunities
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DMARC website!
MovetheFood website!
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Douglas M. Woods $10,000 "Challenge Hunger Gift" to Benefit DMARC Food Pantry Network
Challenge Hunger Gift med 

Local philanthropist Douglas M. Woods has committed to provide 50 cents for every dollar donated to the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network during March and April 2013 up to the first $20,000 in donations.

 

This challenge gift comes during a season when donations to the food pantry are historically low. Yet, the need for food assistance by families who struggle to make ends meet continues year-round.

 

Please note "Challenge Hunger" on your gift(s) and they will be matched 50 cents for every $1.

 

Donate online or mail your donation to: DMARC 3816 36th St. Ste 202, Des Moines, IA 50310. Phone donations are welcome at 515-277-6969. Thank you for your support!

 

Click here for a Challenge Hunger flyer to post this announcement. Or download the media release here.

DMARC & the Feinstein Foundation are Teaming Up to Knock Out Hunger!
Feinstein Challenge  

Just so you know! DMARC & the  Feinstein Foundation are Teaming Up to Knock Out Hunger!
 
 

From March 1, until April 30, consider designating a DMARC food pantry gift or pledge as a match for the Feinstein Challenge. Your support is needed and greatly appreciated! 
 

In 2012, the Feinstein Challenge resulted in nearly $42,000 in donations, or about 56,000 meals, designated for the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Our goal this year is to reach $52,500 in donations; this will provide 70,000 meals for hungry families in greater Des Moines.
 

For details on donating or to print and post a flyer or bulletin insert for your congregation, go to our website. Questions? Contact Kristine Frakes at: 515-277-6969 or [email protected].

 

The $1 Million Feinstein Grant is distributed to all eligible organizations proportionally, based on cash and food pledges and donations received as a part of the Feinstein Challenge.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support!

  
Peanut Butter Lover's Day Food Drive at
Area Hy-Vee Stores
Huge Success!
Peanut Butter Lover's Day  
The Food Pantry Network Warehouse has now received nearly 2,000 jars for the Peanut Butter Lover's Food Drive, March 4-8th, 2013.
  
Thanks to all for your support and providing this important source of protein for our community and our 13 partner food pantries located in greater Des Moines.

DMARC Receives Award

  

DMARC received word late last week that they've been chosen to receive this year's Washington Freeman Peck Award from the Iowa Medical Society.

 

This award is given each year to honor a lay organization for outstanding contributions to public health.

 

Past winners include: The Iowa Games, Free Clinics of Iowa, Hy-Vee Food Stores, Lighten Up Iowa, Kiwanis International and the Central Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross. The award will be presented at the Society's annual meeting in Coralville on Saturday, April 20.

 

Director Sarai Rice says, "We are honored and excited to receive this totally unexpected award!"


 

Des Moines Area Religious Council

3816 36th Street, Suite 202

Des Moines, IA 50310-4710

515-277-6969

www.dmreligious.org

www.movethefood.org

  

 

March 27, 2013
Greetings!

Check out the left column of special donation challenges this issue. Both the Douglas M. Woods "Challenge Hunger" gift and the Feinstein Challenge are happening during the months of March and April. This is the best time to make your giving dollars and pledges have more bang for your buck.
  
Read about special coverage from the Ankeny Patch/Huffington Post website on the Douglas M. Woods $10,000 "Challenge Hunger" gift: As Jesus Fed the Masses, 'Community Philanthropist' Prays for Same from Hunger Challenge.
  
Also, we'll be announcing the speaker for the 3rd Annual David Bear Lecture Series in the next week. So mark your calendars to join us Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 7pm at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines.
  
Blessings!  

calendar imageCommunity Calendar

We are pleased to point you to the community calendar on the DMARC website. Feel free to upload your own events share them with our community! Just click on "add an event".

 

 

NACBA Meeting is Thursday, March 28 

You are invited to participate in the March meeting of the Central Iowa group of the National Association of Church Business Administrators! This will be a BREAKFAST meeting, so please note both the change in date AND time. The topic will be vendors of choice for our facilities and buildings.

When: Thursday, March 28, 2013, from 8-9am

Where: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 Aurora Ave, Urbandale

RSVP: Shari Smith  ([email protected])
by Tuesday, March 26 (she mentioned a yummy breakfast casserole!).

 

Good Friday Way of the Cross is March 29th

Good Friday Observation will include the annual Way of the Cross procession through downtown Des Moines on Friday, March 29 starting at 1:30pm at 10th and Pleasant, in front of First United Methodist Church. Each of the stops for reflection along the procession route is symbolic of Christ's travel to crucifixion, death and promise of resurrection. At each stop a devotion will be presented to help participants reflect on the meaning of scripture in today's world. All are welcome to participate and to carry the cross for a small portion of the walk. The event is sponsored by the Bridge, an ecumenical outreach initiative of four downtown churches: First United Methodist, St. Ambrose Cathedral, St. John's Lutheran and the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

 

Participation Needed for Type 1 Diabetes Study

Dr. Daniel Cox and colleagues at the U of Virginia are continuing to enroll drivers with type 1 diabetes in an NIH internet intervention study designed to help adults avoid extreme Blood Glucose events while driving and avoid driving mishaps. Participants can earn up to $270. Goal is to enroll 180 more participants by May 2013. This study is done entirely over the internet requiring no clinic or doctor's visits. To learn more, go to: www.diabetesdriving.com. Questions? Contact Tom Banton, project coordinator, [email protected].

 

Innovative Jewish Theological Responses to Holocaust on Dr. Steve Katz  Thursday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Steven Katz, Chair of Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Boston University. Dr. Katz's lecture will review and critique the main Jewish theological responses to the Holocaust and the "problem of evil." It will include six responses that are essentially, based on the adaptation and recycling of biblical explanations as to why the righteous suffer.

The Comparison Project, which sponsors this event is an experimental effort in a philosophy of religion that is historically grounded and religiously diverse. Free admission. The seminar will be held at Olin Hall, Rm #101, on the Drake University campus.

 

Women's Wellness Day: "Live Your Best Life"

April 6th will be here before you know it! Registration will begin at 8:30am with the first speaker beginning at 9am. The day will be filled with six excellent speakers and end around 3pm. This event is for women of all ages to enjoy. The retreat will allow participants to attend personal growth sessions that open your mind, body and soul. The session topics Include:

  • Compassionate Communication
  • The Gifts of Imperfection
  • Tending to Your Inner Garden
  • Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Qigong & Quality of Life
  • Yoga

The cost is $25 for WesleyLife employees and residents and $40 for guests, this price includes snacks and lunch during the day! All participants must register with Mary McCarthy, Wellness Director, at 515-271-6596 or [email protected] by Monday, April 1st. Don't miss out on this inspiring and educational opportunity!

 

Spring Organ Concert Series is April through June 
First United Methodist Church in Des Moines (1001 Pleasant St.) is hosting a Spring Organ concert series. All Concerts begin at 4pm, and parking is available on the north side of the church. For details, visit the church website: www.dmfirstchurch.org. Here is the schedule and featured organist:
  • Sunday April 7: Featuring Giampaolo Di Rosa, organist and artistic director of Sant' Antonio di Portoghesi, Rome, Italy. Di Rosa drawing on a vast versatile repertoire from every musical period, enjoys a flourishing international career. This concert will feature Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major.
  • Sunday, May 5: James Thrash, Director of music and worship at Germantown UMC in Tennessee. James previously served as organist and music director at First Methodist in Des Moines.
  • Sunday June 2: Featuring First Church's own Dr. Tin-Shi Tam and Aaron Williams. Dr. Tam serves as director of Music and organist at First Church and is the university carillonneur and chair of the keyboard division at Iowa State University. Aaron serves as principal percussionist with the Des Moines and Quad City symphonies. This concert features Dave Maric's Borrowed Time and Jacob TerVeldhuis' The Shining City.

Presentations on End of Life Issues Planned

The Windsor Heights Foundation will be hosting a series of topical seminars titled "How to Feel Secure about End of Life Issues." The series will be held on five Thursday evenings, April 11 through May 2, 7 to 8:15 p.m., at the Community and Events Center in Colby Park, Windsor Heights. Information will be provided about many decisions you may want to consider such as funeral planning, proper titling of assets, minimizing estate taxes, and financial planning considerations. Experts will lead each nightly topic:

  • April 11: Planning your Funeral-what you should know and do
  • April 18: Wills and Probate-ensuring your assets go where you intend
  • April 25   Substitute Powers-how others can make decisions when you can't
  • May 2     Trusts-the power to protect and the flexibility to preserve
  • May 9     Financial Planning-are you following your plan, including pre-retirement planning?

Cost: $3 a person--$10 for all five sessions; $5 a couple--$20 for all five sessions. It will be possible to attend all or any of the sessions. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required. For information or to register, contact George Hanusa,. Phone 255-6367; email [email protected] 

 

World Renowned A'Capella Choir to sing at Burns United Methodist Church on April 19, 7:30-9pm. Benefit for the Leola B. Hardiman Davis Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to post-high school youth and non-traditional students who are residents of the Mondamin Presidential neighborhood. Tickets are $10 at the door or from Burns UMC, 1909 MLK Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines 50314. Scholarship donations are also welcome. phone 515-244-5883. Thank you for your support

 

The Changing Role of the Music Leader in Worship

Friday night 6-9pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm, April 19 and  20th at Plymouth Congregational Church. A free ecumenical church music event for worship music leaders, pastors, instrumentalists of small, medium & large congregations. "You Are What You Sing"; explores seven streams of congregational song, broaden your "diet" and enlarge your spectrum of "traditional versus contemporary". Keynoter is: Dr. C. Michael Hawn, Director Master of Sacred Music Program, Southern Methodist Univ., Dallas, TX. Facilitators and workshop leaders are: Scott Stillwell (WDM Christian), Ben Allaway (First christian), Kathy Seiberling (Plymouth Congregational) Free Lunch. Dr.Michael Hawn will use morning experiences, choral music and a high degree of congregational participation in the closing worship.

RSVP by April 16 to Sharon Parker-Lenihan at Plymouth UCC, 515 255 3149 or [email protected].

 

"Coming Out in Faith" Workshop & Concert is April 20

Two Events Seek to Build Bridges between the Church and the GLBT Community. Westminster Presbyterian Church will host two back-to-back events on Saturday, April 20, 2013, to help break down walls between the institutional church and the GLBT community. The day begins with a workshop from 9am to 3pm, followed by a concert at 7pm. 

  • WORKSHOP: In this day-long workshop, nationally known author, speaker and musician Shawn Aaron Thomas will help church folks discover new ways to reach out to the GLBT community and share God's love and grace. In his new book, "Unashamed - Coming out of the Second Closet," Thomas explains how those who are both gay and Christian find themselves rejected by both the GLBT community and by many people of faith. Many Christians believe homosexuality to be incompatible with faith, and many in the GLBT community reject the church because of its exclusionary teachings. With thoughtful insight and an inspiring message of hope, this workshop will help us bridge that great divide.
  • CONCERT: In the evening, gay Christian performers Jason & deMarco will share their dynamic music, faith journey and message celebrating families of diversity. 

The cost of the workshop is $20/person (including lunch and refreshments). Tickets for the concert are $10/each, and childcare is provided (for the concert only). Register for the workshop and/or purchase tickets for the concert on the Westminster website, www.westpres.org. www.westpres.org/in_church_life/glsa_event.php. 

Faith Community News
TaxAssistance
Need Help Filing Taxes?

If you earned $50,000 or less in 2012, you may be eligible to receive Free Tax Preparation! You also may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Care Tax Credits. Call 2-1-1 for more information. 211 is free and available 24/7.

 

Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration

Gays and Lesbians In The Holocaust

Presented by Tifereth Israel Synagogue, on Sunday, April 7, 2013, at 5:30pm. Join us for this informative Seminar at 924 Polk Boulevard, Des Moines. Program will include: Jewish Memorial Service with a presentation by Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld, Professor, Iowa State University. This event is free-of-charge, but seating is limited. Please RSVP at 515-255-1137 or [email protected]. Co-sponsors: One Iowa, Des Moines University, First Friday Breakfast Club, Inc.

 

Attend Holocaust Remembrance Day at Beth El Jacob Synaogue 

HolocaustPoster 

 

Engaging & Empowering Patients and Clients through Motivational Interviewing.

Held on Fridays, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, from 7:45am - Noon, at River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, this 4-session workshop led by Dr. Becky Lang will help professionals, such as RN's, LPN's, and social workers, learn ways to empower their patients struggling with behavior challenges such as weight loss, medicine adherence and diet and exercise. Each session will be focused on a different area of motivational interviewing:

  • Session 1: Foundations of Health Behavior Change
  • Session 2: Engagement of the Patient
  • Session 3: Patient-Center Health Coaching
  • Session 4: SMART Goal Setting for Self-Management Support

The cost of the workshop is $115, which includes all 4 sessions. CEU Certification is available and cost includes all learning materials. There is no reduced rate for attending fewer sessions. *Payment must accompany your registration to guarantee your spot for this workshop. To register, contact Amy Vos at [email protected] or 515-323-3681.

 

New Horizons Academy: Islamic Elementary school, Preschool and child care.

NHA provides a great Islamic environment for its students with academic excellence. Friendly environment to help its students grow in knowledge. NHA staff and teachers are licensed and with experience in Iowa School Curriculum: Math, English, Science and social studies. Computer classes taught by a specialized teaher; Quran, Arabic and Islamic education daily. Prayer is an important time during the day. For more info: [email protected],

515-255-0220 or 515-988-1037.

 

Classes are Being Held Now for Rebuilding Together's Community Leadership Program

 

The Community Leadership Program is available to anyone in the community interested in gaining knowledge on effective leadership. Whether you're looking to gain skills for work, a volunteer group or for your own personal life. Learn how to recruit members, fundraise, build relationships and more! If you live in a low-to-moderate level income neighborhood, you may be eligible to attend classes at no cost to you. The spring semester classes run February 28-May 4. Contact Rebuilding Together Coordinator Emily Boyd at: [email protected] or 515-280-1674, to learn if you qualify for a scholarship. Or register through DMACC today.

 

 

SACRED CHAOS: A Retreat of Renewal for Religious Leaders in Transition... is April 1-5

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center Institute for the Practice of Ministry is offering a unique opportunity for clergy. Sacred Chaos is a spiritual journey retreat for religious leaders in transition. It seeks to assist in the spiritual and emotional renewal of these leaders as they traverse some of their most difficult life passages, i.e., retirement, divorce, mid-life, burnout, etc., as well as to encourage and support them in their struggles with congregational challenges.

The event will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. James R. Newby and Dr. Mark Minear, on Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Christian Conference Center, 5064 Lincoln St., Newton, IA. Cost $600; $550 for early bird registration by 3/1/13.
Includes four nights lodging (single rooms with bath), all meals, all group work, and private sessions with an experienced clinical psychologist. Deadline is March 15. Registration is limited to 12 participants. For more info or to register, contact Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, Rev. Diane McClanahan, [email protected] or 515-274-4006.

 

Vemeer Leadership Alliance to Hold CEU Credit Seminar
April 8 & 9

Come to Pella on April 8 & 9, 2013, to hear Lillian Daniel and Martin Copenhaver speak on "This Odd and Wondrous Calling!" On Monday, April 8 the presentation is free and open to the public - you do not need to register in advance. The event on Tuesday, April 9 is geared more toward pastors and ministry leaders and we do ask for a registration fee in advance of only $25 (includes lunch and snacks). Registration forms are now available online! Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered through the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Iowa Annual conference of the United Methodist Church. If you are interested in .7 hrs. CEUs, indicate this on your registration form. Questions? Go to their website: www.vermeer.com or contact: 641-628-3141, [email protected].

 

 

 

Vermeer Leadership Alliance seminar

Volunteer / Training Opportunities

 

Partnership Place Coordinator - Johnston Partnership, Johnston, IA

The Johnston Partnership is seeking an individual with a passion for making a difference for families. Responsibilities include computer, record-keeping and management skills to manage operations. 50 hours per month. The Partnership Place Coordinator is an employee of Johnston Partnership. Pay negotiable at a rate of $10-12/hour based on qualifications.

Send letters of interest to Johnston Partnership, P.O. Box 975, Johnston, IA 50131 or to [email protected]

 

Food Pantry Network Warehouse Associate - DMARC, Des Moines

Assist the DMARC Food Pantry Network Director in managing the operations of the warehouse. This is a full-time position working primarily Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm. Occasional need for evening or weekend hours. Supervised by the Food Pantry Network Director. Review conducted annually. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow at [email protected] or send to 3816 36th St., Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50310. Applications accepted through March 29, 2013. Click here for complete job description. Questions? Call: 515 277 6969. For more info about the Des Moines Area Religious Council and its programs visit www.dmreligious.org and www.MovetheFood.org.

 

Youth Director - First Presbyterian Church, Grimes, IA

Work with church youth groups and help direct Vacation Bible School and Sunday School programs. Time commitment is 10-20 hours per week, depending upon availability. If interested, contact the church office at [email protected] or 515-986-3720. All applicants subject to background check. 

 

Receptionist - St. Gregory Retreat Centers, Des Moines

Full-time position for receptionist who is a compassionate, self-motivated professional interested in sharing in our mission of empowering individuals to permanently leave a life of addiction behind. Great benefits and an opportunity to work with exceptional professionals while making a profound difference in the lives of our clients. Fluency in MS office essential. To apply send resume to [email protected]. Questions? Call 515-633-7128.

 

Dir. of Gift Planning - Community Foundation, Des Moines 

Responsible for developing, maintaining and servicing long-term relationships with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines' donors with an emphasis on those who have or could have planned or complex gift arrangements. Also deepen and broaden the services to and relationships with the professional advisor community. Applicants submit cover letter and resume by March 8, 2013. Learn more and view the full job description.

Who are we?

The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization with a core membership of about 140 congregations from four faith traditions. Recipient of the 2010 Aurora Award from The Des Moines Register, DMARC provides a common means of responding to basic human needs and a context for interfaith dialogue.

 

The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 13 separate pantry sites, a centralized warehouse, and numerous community partners. It is the largest food pantry network in Iowa. Pantry sites are located in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and nine sites in Des Moines. In 2012, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted about 33,000 people, nearly half who are children or youth.

 

MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on more than 36 years of the Food Pantry Network, catalyzing fresh generations, and engaging new constituencies to further support a vision for a day when everyone in Polk County has enough to eat.