Rebuilding After Your Relationship Ends is April 11
From 6:30-8pm, held at the Ankeny First United Methodist Church, this 10-week course looks at how we can recover from the trauma of a broken relationship, moving from grief through transition and moving on. Cost: $35 includes a required textbook. Questions, contact: jacque.coulson@ankenyfumc.org. Church address is 206 SW Walnut Street. Use the far southeast entrance. 

Israel Independence Day Concert is April 17 in Waukee 

The Jewish Federations's P2G Committee and the P2G Arts Task Force present Israel Independence Day Concert, Celebrating Israel's 65th With Song! on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at 7pm. Featuring Dolly Modai and Tzvika Arbel at the Caspe Terrace, 33158 Ute Ave., in Waukee. This presentation is free of charge and open to the public. For additional info, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org. 

Pancake Breakfast for

Malaria Prevention on April 27

United Methodist churches in the Des Moines metro area are partnering with the World Health Organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other national and international groups to eliminate malaria in Africa by the end of 2015.

The UMC churches are working together to put on a "Imagine No Malaria" pancake breakfast April 27, from 8am-Noon, at the FFA Enrichment Center, DMACC, Ankeny Campus. Cost is $4 for children and $6 for adults. For tickets, email: inmdesmoines@gmail.com

5 Presentations on 'End-of-Life' Issues' Planned for Thursdays this month

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 8:15pm, 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 at: 515-255-6367 or geojanh@msn.com.

World Renowned a'Capella Choir Performs at Grace 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. Call 515-244-5883.

Attend a Music Worship Leader Workshop on April 19

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 and 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 splenihan@plymouthchurch.com.

"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. 

Join us on April 26 & 27 for Understanding the Impact of Relationships on the Functioning of Organizations.

Dr. Daniel V. Papero, senior faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington D.C., will speak in Des Moines on April 26 & 27. The title of his presentation is "Staying on Course: Using Systems Thinking for the Workplace". Sponsored by the Center for Life Counseling at Catholic Charities, the event on April 26, is from 8:30am-4:30pm, at Mercy College of Health Sciences, 9238 6th Ave., Des Moines cost $90, plus $10 for CEU credits. On April 27, it will be held from 8:30am-Noon, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave. Cost $40, plus $10 for CEU. For more info, contact Debra Newman at 515-237-5045 or dnewman@dmdiocese.org or visit www.CenterforLifeCounseling.org.

Faith Community News

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.

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: mynewhorizonsacademy04@gmail.com,

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: eboyd@rebuildingdm.org or 515-280-1674, to learn if you qualify for a scholarship. Or register through DMACC today. 

Women Helping Women Luncheon is April 12

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is hosting the 15th annual WOMEN HELPING WOMEN luncheon on Friday, April 12, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Embassy Suites on the River Downtown, 101 E. Locust St., Des Moines. This annual event benefits women and girls who cannot afford the cost of counseling. Police Chief Judy Bradshaw will be this year's featured speaker; her topic, "Swimming Against the Tide." Chief Bradshaw is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Drake University. She is a 33-year veteran of the Des Moines Police Department, starting out as a police cadet in 1980. At this luncheon, special recognition will be given to Sally J. Pederson, Former Iowa Lieutenant Governor and long-time advocate for underserved women and others without a "voice." Contact the Center for more information or to make a reservation: 515-274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org. Tickets are $50 (includes lunch); $500/table of 10. RSVP to: 515-274-4006.

Iowa IPL to hold Climate of Hope Reception is April 21

Iowa Interfaith Power & Light will host its first annual "Climate of Hope" reception on Sunday, April 21, 2013, from 4-6pm at Jester Park Lodge, 11407 NW Jester Park Dr., in Granger. The event is dedicated to supporting the important work of Iowa IPL in faith communities all across the state. Keynoter Matthew Anderson, executive director of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, will speak about why people of faith should continue to address climate change even in the midst of challenges. The NRPE is a collaboration between the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, the Evangelical Environmental Network, the National Council of Churches, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to further creation care efforts. Also, the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque, Iowa, is runner-up in the national Cool Congregations Challenge, and will receive the Iowa Interfaith Power & Light's first Cool Congregations Award. Individual tickets for the hors d'oeuvre reception are $50. Click here for more info and to register.

Learn about the Sudan Humanitarian Crisis on May 9

Teachers and administrators from public and private schools are cordially invited to participate in a FREE Teachers' Workshop with UNI Graduate credit available for participation in the workshop + additional work*. Thursday, May 9, 2013, 4-7:30pm, at the Temple B'nai Jeshurun, 5101 Grand Ave., Des Moines.

Conducted by the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education. Director is: Prof. Stephen Gaies. The wokshop includes:

• Speakers from the leadership of the Sudanese community in Des Moines
• The history of conflict in Sudan
• Discussion on how teaching about conflict and human rights issues can help meet curricular standards and objectives in Iowa middle and high schools
• Hear the personal stories of the Sudanese from different regions
• Learn about the instructional materials available
• Learn how you and your students can get involved in advocacy for justice and human rights
• Enjoy an authentic Sudanese dinner 

To register or for additional information on the graduate credits, contact: Stephen.Gaies@uni.edu. Co-sponsors: UNI Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, Jewish Community Relations Commission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, Iowa Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United Nations Association of Iowa, HelpNuba.net, United Sudanese and South Sudanese Communities, Temple B'nai Jeshurun, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Ames Jewish Congregation.

Working Norstar 6 x 16 Phone System for Donation
to 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization

There are 13 phones all together: 12 - Norstar M7208 Telephones, 1 phone - Norstar M 7310 (advanced model) and 1 - 6x16 trunk unit, Nortel Norstar 6x16 KSU NT5B01. If interested in this free system, contact IMG (Intergrated Marketing Group) Susan Langren at: 515-221-0779.

Documentary "STUCK" coming to Des Moines Fleur Cinema on April 22 Congregations and other organizations may promote the documentary STUCK. This film is about the current orphan crisis and the need for international adoption reform (it is non-profit). View the 2-minute movie trailer. Click here for info about Both Ends Burning.

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 johnstonphc@gmail.com. 

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 grimespresbyterian@mchsi.com or 515-986-3720. All applicants subject to background check.