eVoice
Des Moines Area Religious Council and MovetheFood.org

 A bi-weekly newsletter of the
 DMARC and MovetheFood Community

   
In This Issue
Birdies for Charity
DMARC at the I-Cubs
Meals from the Market
DMARC Wins Medical Society Award
Community Calendar
David Bear Lecture
Job/Volunteer Opportunities
Faith Community News
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DMARC website!
MovetheFood website!
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Support DMARC through Birdies for Charity
Birdies for Charity logo
 

Birdies for Charity is a fundraising program designed to give participants an opportunity to generate contributions based on the number of "Birdies" made by Champions Tour players during the Principal Charity Classic., May 28 - June 2 at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines. With 790 birdies made in last year's tournament, Birdies for Charity raised nearly $296,000 for 92 local organizations serving youth populations. DMARC will receive 100% of every donation collected on our behalf. To pledge, visit www.movethefood.org

or click hereDeadline for entries is May 30.

Volunteers Wanted:

It's going to be a great summer!
I-Cubs logo 

DMARC at the I-Cubs

The Iowa Cubs is supporting the DMARC Food Pantry Network by inviting fans to bring three food items in exchange for one general admission ticket. (General admission tickets may be upgraded to reserved grandstand for $3. Cash donations may be accepted but not for tickets.)

 

All dates are Sunday afternoon games. Gates open at 11:35am, volunteers are asked to arrive before that time and help collect the donations. Volunteers are given a free ticket to that day's game. DMARC warehouse staff will have the donation area set up and will deliver food to the warehouse at the close.

 

If you and your friends, family, or group would like to sign up to help accept donations for one of these dates, simply send an email to DMARC, or call our office at 515-277-6969 with the date you'd like to volunteer.

 

The Sunday afternoon home games include:

  • April 14th 1:05 PM
  • May 5th 1:05 PM
  • May 19th 1:05 PM
  • May 26th 1:05 PM
  • June 2nd 1:05 PM
  • June 9th 1:05 PM
  • June 16th 1:05 PM
  • July 14th 1:05 PM
  • August 11th 1:05 PM
  • August 25th 1:05 PM
Meals from the Market
 
Downtown Farmer's
Market Needs you!

We need volunteers Saturday mornings throughout the duration of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market to work the MovetheFood booth in partnership with Meals from the Market. Volunteers will help educate potential donors and take donations of fresh produce to our warehouse truck for future delivery to our food pantry partners. In 2012, the Meals from the Market program contributed to our distribution of over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce to our 13 pantry sites, a key aspect to our focus on health. Click to learn more: Meals from the Market.

 

To sign up and volunteer, please go to the Meals from the Market volunteer website. Here are the Saturday dates volunteers are needed at the Downtown Farmers Market:

  • May 11 & 25
  • June 8 & 22
  • July 6 & 20
  • August 3, 17 & 31
  • September 14 & 28
  • October 12 & 26
DMARC Wins Award for Contributions to Public Health 
IA Medical Society Award 

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is the recipient of the Iowa Medical Society's 2013 Washington Freeman Peck Award, which is given annually to an organization that makes significant contributions to public health.

 

The Iowa Medical Society selected DMARCfor their work to end hunger through their food pantry network in central Iowa and their Move the Food effort which focuses on providing nutritious food and fresh produce to people in need. 

 

DMARC has the largest food pantry network in Iowa with 13 separate pantry sites in the greater Des Moines area, a centralized warehouse and numerous community partners. For the last 30 years, DMARC has continued to build on their services by using surveys and mapping technology to find ways to improve access to food and the types of food offered to their clients. DMARC's "Move the Food" program works to provide fresh, nutritional food to help combat the consequences of lack of food and poor food choices, such as an increased risk for chronic disease and diabetes. 

 

IMS Past President Robert Lee, MD, said DMARC has taken an innovative approach over the years to ending hunger. "As physicians, we applaud their focused efforts to provide nutritious food that promotes the health and well-being of people in need."

 

DMARC Board Member Caitlin Oponski and DMARC Executive Director Sarai Schnucker Rice accepted the award at the IMS Annual meeting in Iowa City. DMARC is the acronym for the Des Moines Area Religious Council, an interfaith organization with a core membership of about 140 congregations from four faith traditions.

 

The award is named after Dr. Washington Freeman Peck, a pioneering young physician who served as the 25th President of the Iowa Medical Society in 1876. 

 

Past winners of the Washington Freeman Peck Award include Camp Hertko Hollow, Iowa Legal Aid Health and Law Projects, the American Red Cross, Volunteers for the Free Clinics of Iowa and the March of Dimes.

 

The Iowa Medical Society is the professional association representing over 5,700 Iowa MDs and DOs. The core purpose of the IMS is to assure the highest quality of health care in Iowa through our role as physician and patient advocate.

 

Caitlyn Oponski
DMARC Board Member Caitlin Oponski accepts the Washington Freeman Peck Award from IMS Past President Robert Lee, MD, at the Iowa Medical Society's Annual Meeting in Iowa City on April 22, 2013.

 

Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood

3816 36th Street, Suite 202

Des Moines, IA 50310-4710

515-277-6969
May 7, 2013

Beyond Beliefs Tour Brochure coverGreetings!   

Do you need a gift idea for Mother's Day or a birthday present perhaps?

 

Join us on our Beyond Beliefs Tour and visit four different sites showcasing unique architecture and the history of faith traditions. Experience interactive kiosks designed to familiarize you with a variety of different religions and to promote religious tolerance.

 

The spring tours in May were so popular that new dates have been added for June 19th and 27th. Call our DMARC office and ask for Tour Coordinator Sonya Dettmann, to get signed up for the Beyond Beliefs Tour. Cost is $30 and includes transportation and lunch.

 

Click here to see a brochure and registration form. Or to learn more and see photos of the 2013 tour locations, go to: www.dmreligious.org/faithtours.

Community Calendar

We are pleased to point you to the community calendar on the DMARC website. You may access it at any time. Feel free to upload your own events! Just click on "add an event".


Attend Workshop - ARAG Free Will Day

Hosted by Iowa Legal Aid, on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the United Way of Central Iowa building, 1111 9th St., Des Moines, from 10am-6pm.  FREE Legal aid prep for Simple Will, Living Will, Power of Attorney documents to Des Moines residents. Services provided by volunteer local attorneys at no cost. Pre-registration required. Schedule appointment visit www.ARAGFREEWILL.com

email [email protected] or call 515-280-7344.

 

LADOS Life after Death of Spouse

This DMARC-sponsored support group meets the second Sunday evening of each month at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 42nd St. & Ingersoll, Des Moines. For details, contact LADOS Coordinator Connie Coy-Walker at: 515-255-2229.

  

"Don't Eat Alone"

Any widowed person is welcome to join this group which meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., at the Olive Garden, 3600 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines. This program is an offshoot of the LADOS (see above) support group for widowed people. For more information, contact LADOS Coordinator Connie Coy-Walker at: 515-255-2229.

 

Special Food Drive at Chick-fil-a, May 1-15th

The Paradise Point Chick-fil-a Restaurant is holding a special food drive May 1-15, 2013. Bring in 3 non-perishable food items to donate to DMARC's food pantry Network and you will receive a free salad! The location is 6555 George Mills Civic Pkwy in West Des Moines. (This is not the restaurant in the mall.) (FYI - Salads sell for $6 on the menu.  These are meal salads, not side salads.) 

 

Attend Secuity Training at Central Iowa NACBA May 16th Meeting 

On Thursday, May 16 at 11:30am the Central iowa Chapter of the National Association of Church Business Adminstrators will meet at Prairie Ridge Church, 825 NW 36th St, Ankeny. RSVP to Dan Schuknechtby Noon on Wednesday, May 15. Lunch will be provided. Topic: the Ankeny Police Department will be doing a training presentation on active shooters/violent intruders. Though this may not be a topic we WANT to think about, this type of security training is important in an increasingly volatile world. Preparation in advance will help us should the need ever arise to address this type of situation.

 

Iowa Watercolor Society's Miniature Show

This art show opens at the St. Mark Gallery, 1105 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines, on May 17 with an artist's reception from 6:30-8pm. The exhibit runs from May 17-June 11; visit during regular gallery hours, Monday-Friday, 8am to 4pm. As always, the gallery is free and open to the public.

 

Spring Organ Concert Series Continues 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: www.dmfirstchurch.org. Here is the schedule and featured organist:

  • 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.

Attend the David Bear Memorial Lecture Series at Tifereth Israel Synagogue tonight, May 7th!

David Bear Memorial Interfaith Lecture Series 2013 Poster
     
Job / Volunteer / Training Opportunities 
  
Realistic Job Preview at Candeo in Johnston
On May 30 attend this job preview from 3:30pm-4:30pm or 5:30pm to 6:30pm sessions are available. Contact [email protected] to register or for current listings. Location of the preview is: Candeo, 9550 White Oak Ln., Johnston, IA 50131.
  
Peer Support Specialist - Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines
Those who have had a mental health diagnosis at some point or current and are working on and/or in recovery. Full or part time. Pay from $11.50 - $13.00/hour with benefits.
Model and support recovery and wellness, encourage program participation, provide education through one-on-one coaching and group support; participate in care coordination activities and case discussions
For more info contact Lindsay Fett, Human Resources Rep, [email protected] or apply on line at http://www.broadlawns.org/employment.cfm 
  
Iowa Religious Media Services Office Associate - Urbandale
Part-time position, initially 10 hours/week with potential for more. Duties: filling orders for resources (check in, check out, shipping) denomination and subscriber communications, client contact, assisting with various one-time projects as they arise. Standard office skills required, including competency with standard computer programs. Christian Education background desirable but not required. Send resume with cover letter or inquiries to IRMS Personnel Committee: [email protected]. www.irms.org is a resource library for six mainline denominations in Iowa and upper midwest.
  
Community Youth Concepts - Des Moines
Two new full-time, salaried positions are open: the Development and Partner Relations Director will start in early June while the Volunteer Coordinator is expected to begin in late June.  Both positions will receive a monthly stipend that can be used to offset benefits such as health insurance, AFLAC, and long-term disability. Both positions also qualify for the CYC retirement package, vacation, and sick leave. Pay will commensurate with experience. Resumes and cover letter, stating the position of interest, should be addressed to Amy Croll and can be sent via e-mail or snail mail to Amy Croll, Community Youth Concepts, 3826 1/2 Douglas Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50310. Deadline is May 3, 2013 at 4:30pm. Interviews to occur in mid-May.
  

Volunteers - DMARC Food Pantry Warehouse, Des Moines

We need help in our food pantry warehouse. Are you able to lift 40-50 lbs. and put produce in our warehouse cooler? We need volunteers after the Downtown Farmers Market to help unload produce from the Meals from the Market program each Saturday for 1 hour in the afternoon, at our 36th Street warehouse. Contact the Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow, at 515-277-6969.

 

Rebuilding Together - AmeriCorps Position for August-July 2014

Starting in August - 11 months. Ambitious individual to fill  CapacityCorps member position. Organize home repair projects, manage annual Rebuilding Day project, promote Community Leadership Program, recruit organizations to volunteer, build the new veteran program, collect and analyze applicant demographic data, work closely with neighborhood associations. Train in Washington D.C., a Martin Luther King Jr. week trip to a different city and opportunity to engage with other CapacityCorps members across the nation. Contact Beth Hicks at: [email protected]

 

Partnership Place Coordinator - Johnston Partnership, Johnston

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].

Faith Community  News

 

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: [email protected]. 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.

 

Final Comparison Project Discussion Panel is May 7th

Topic for the discussion is "Religious Responses to Suffering: A Comparative Discussion". Location and time is: Tuesday, May 7th, 7p.m. in Olin 101 on the Drake University campus. Panel guests include: Bradley Herling, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Marymount Manhattan; Jin Y. Park, Associate Professor of Philosophy, American University; John Thatamanil, Associate Professor of Theology & World Religions, Union Theological Seminary. The Comparison Project 2012-2013 explored a range of religious explanations of and responses to suffering through a variety of public programing-everything from lectures on the Holocaust and the Lakota Ghost Dance, to community and Drake inter-faith dialogues, to creative non-fiction readings by Above + Beyond Cancer trekkers. Our culminating event invites three philosophers of religion, of varying methodological commitments and religious expertises, to reflect on these responses to suffering, drawing tentative comparative, explanatory, and evaluative conclusions about them.

 

Religious Leaders in Iowa Sign Global Climate Change Statement

Des Moines, Iowa - (April 19, 2013): Iowa Interfaith Power & Light released "A Statement by Religious Leaders in Iowa on the Moral Impacts of Coal," which was signed by 50 clergy and other faith leaders representing 12 different religious traditions and 33 congregations or organizations in Iowa. The statement reads, in part, "We do not speak as scientists or environmental experts, but as pastors and teachers who are concerned that the moral and ethical dimensions of this issue could be lost in the competing voices of economic and political pressures."

The statement also says, "Every major faith tradition has a statement on caring for Earth. We live in fragile interdependence with all creation. Coal is a dirty fuel source that poisons the air, the water, and our own health. All of God's children deserve safe air to breath, clean water to drink, and freedom from the fear of climate disasters. We must work together to find solutions to lower our dependence on coal-fired power generation. We urge all people of faith to take this responsibility seriously and work for justice while caring for the common good."

To sign on to the statement, contact IAIPL Executive Director Susan Guy at [email protected]. To read the full statement with signatures to date go to: www.iowaipl.org/resources/IIPL%20Coal%20Statement%20April%202013.pdf.

 

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 2013 Organization Advocate Award from the United Way of Central Iowa LIVE UNITED Annual Recognition Campaign, 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.