eVoice
Des Moines Area Religious Council and MovetheFood.org

 A bi-weekly newsletter of the
 DMARC and MovetheFood Community

   
In this issue:
Youth Justice Camp
Move to Mulberry
Winter Thaw 2014
Need a Haircut?
LIHEAP Applications
Community Calendar
Faith Community News
Job/Volunteer Opportunities
Check us out:
DMARC website!
MovetheFood website!
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Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood

3816 36th Street, Suite 202

Des Moines, IA 50310-4710

515-277-6969
DMARC Interfaith Youth Justice Camp is January 20th, 2014
       Interfaith Youth Justice

Learn about social justice in our community and how you can make a difference. The day long camp includes:
 - Tour of DMARC Food Pantry
 - Tour various worship spaces
 - Tour community outreach organization
 - Expert speakers
Games
 - Small & large group sharing
 - Prayers from various faith traditions.


Registration forms are available through the DMARC office or online at: [email protected],
515-277-6969. Cost $25. Scholarships are available.

 

All expenses of this program will be paid by the Larry and Kay Myers Interfaith and Intercultural Ambassador Initiative in honor of Larry Myers, long-time DMARC supporter and former President of the Board of Directors of both the Des Moines Area Religious Council Administrative Cabinet and the DMARC Foundation. 

DMARC's
address to change
in February 2014!
null 

We haven't moved yet! But the Des Moines Area Religious Council offices and warehouse are scheduled to move in early 2014. You can still bring donations to our 3816 36th Street, Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50310, address and warehouse.


Please watch for our new address to be announced in early February 2014.

 

If you'd like to see our progress on renovating the building previously owned by the Central Iowa Shelter and Services, check our website weekly for updates!

 

And thanks for your support during our move to Mulberry!

  

Winter Thaw 2014 (formerly January Thaw)

An Interfaith
Education & Fellowship Opportunity

The traditional January 28th and 30th Thaw classes

have expanded this year to include, February 4 & 6th, 2014. Classes will be held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd. This year's theme is "EAT, PRAY, LOVE!"

These annual adult education class are sponsored by DMARC, the Center for Social Ministry, the Masjid AnNoor Muslim Community, St. Joseph's Educational Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines.
  
For details on courses, or to register go to:
  
Registration and entertainment is from 6:30-7pm. Courses take place from 7-9pm with a 15 minute break at 8pm. Cost is $15 per course; $50 for all 4 nights.
  

Need a Hair Cut?

Go to Supercuts,

bring 3 food items for a $3 discount!

SuperCuts

Supercuts has notified DMARC, that October 14 through November 22, all three of their West Des Moines locations will be collecting donations for DMARC Food Pantry Network! Locations are:

  • 9350 University Ave., WDM, 515-987-1300
  • 1271 8th St., WDM, 515-223-6377
  • 650 S. 50th St., WDM, 515-225-7147

Bring in three non-perishable food items and received a $3 discount on your haircut!

The Des Moines Area Religious Council responds to meet basic human needs in Greater Des Moines and Polk County Iowa.

DMARC does not require participation in religious services as a condition to receive assistance, and does not engage in religious proselytizing or counseling. DMARC practices non-discrimination in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. All services and programs are provided to consumers without discrimination in regard to family size or structure, religious or cultural beliefs, race, gender, age, or disability.


 
November 19, 2013

 

Thanksgiving Day is almost here! And the following congregations are offering FREE community meals that week:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 11am - at the Children & Family of Urbandale.
  • Thursday, Nov. 28, 11:30am - at the West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy. Sponsored by the West Des Moines Human Services and COG Churches Outreach Group meal (this meal was formerly at the WDM Community Center) RSVP at: 515-223-1639 or 515-222-3661.
  • Thursday, Nov. 28, 11am-2pm - at Chucks Restaurant, 3610 6th Ave., Des Moines. Sponsored by the DM Parks Community.

 

If your congregation has a community meal you'd like to include in the list for the holidays, please upload your event information by going to DMARC community calendar online at www.dmreligious.org/calendar.

 

Happy Turkey Day!

Apply Now for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Starting Nov. 1 through April 30, both the RRACAP, 406 SW School St., Ste 201, Ankeny, IA and DMCAA, 1618 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA are taking applications for LIHEAP. Call 515-965-0433, or 515-248-6216, for more info. Applicants need to furnish: ID; a copy of their most recent heating and electric bill; telephone bill; and proof of all household members' gross income for the past three months or past calendar year. Assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel and other factors. Those who are over LIHEAP regular income guidelines may be eligible through the waiver component. This program is not designed to pay a household's total energy costs.

 

Health Insurance Enrollment Fairs at Broadlawns

Assistance with health insurance marketplace will be held November 14, and December 7 at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines. Nov. 14 is dedicated to the Hispanic patient population and will be open from 5-8pm. Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 are for the general public and are from 9am to 1pm. Call 515-282-2246 to make an appointment. Clients must have a current ID, Social Security Card, 2012 Income Tax Returns, last pay stub (if working) and an email address--no exceptions.  

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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".

 

Upcoming 2013 Programs for LADOS (Life After Death of Spouse) 

  • December 8 - Remembering and Honoring

These discussions, the fellowship and just being with others on the grief journey will continue to give you the courage to fully grieve. You are welcome to join us any 2nd Sunday regardless of the length of time since the death of your spouse. Meetings are every 2nd Sunday at Plymouth Congregational Church.

For more information, call Connie Coy Walker at 515-255-2229.

 

The United Nations and Palestine Interest Group Event at Drake University is Nov. 19th

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7pm, Pomerantz Stage in Olmsted Center - Drake University. Behind the headlines, the politics, and the conflict are the Palestinian people. We will celebrate the UN Declaration of Nov. 29 as a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Yashar Vasef, Iowa UNA Executive Director, will discuss the work of the United Nations in supporting the Palestinian people both inside and outside Palestine. Gifts made by Palestinian artisans and Zatoun Palestinian fair trade- organic olive will be available for purchase from Pal Craftaid and AFSC.  Sponsors: AFSC Middle East Peace Education Project (MEPEP), Middle East Peace and Prosperity Alliance (MEPPA)

 .

Centering Prayer: Introduction and an Advent Retreat

presented by Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa are:

  • Introduction to Centering Prayer is November 23, 2013, 9am-1pm, at Plymouth Congregational, 42nd and Ingersoll, Des Moines. Contact Paul Witmer, [email protected], 515-240-1653
  • Advent Retreat is Dec. 7, 2013, from 9am-Noon, at Plymouth Congregational, 42nd and Ingersoll, Des Moines. Contact: Paul Witmer.

Des Moines Metro Opera presents AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS December 6th & 7th

This production will be held at Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre, on Dec. 6, at 7:30pm and Dec. 7, at 2pm and 7:30pm. AMAHL is the heartwarming tale of a young shepherd boy and his mother who play host to three mysterious visitors on a long journey bearing precious gifts. As the story unfolds, we see the timeless values of faith, hope and charity come to life and learn that even those to who seem to have very little, have much to give. This is a classic opera for families and a wonderful holiday event. Tickets range in price from $30-$40 for adults and $10-$20 for children (K-12) and are available from the DMMO box office at 515-961-6221. For more info, go to: www.desmoinesmetroopera.org

 

Johnston Partnership Place Food Pantry Open House is December 9th

All are invited to join the Johnston food pantry's open house and holiday jazz at the Partnership Place where we will be recognizing long-time board member and supporter, Mary Zirkelbach. Please join us from 5-7pm at 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite D (next to the Post Office in Johnston).

Faith Community News
  

Free Table for the Hauling!

Large conference room table, approximately 85" long and very heavy. To see the table or make arrangements to pick it up, contact Deb Dessert at: [email protected] or 515-244-8603, ext. 101, or Jane White at [email protected] or 515-244-8603, ext. 107 at First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines IA.

  

Women at the Well Clothing Closet to Shut Down

The change was dictated by the Mitchellville prison administration which is stretching to accommodate transition needs with the current construction project. The Clothing Closet building needs to be demolished and there is no space available for the contents. The prison intends to build a new building to accommodate this Iowa United Methodist's mission and the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women's project in the future, that will probably not be completed until mid-2015. If you need places to donate clothing in the future, six of the DMARC partner food pantries have Clothes Closets as part of their mission. Those include: Bidwell Riverside Center, Central Iowa Shelter & Services, St. Mary Family Center, all in Des Moines area, or West Des Moines Human Services, Urbandale Food Pantry and Partnership Place in Johnston.

 

The Central Iowa NACBA Chapter Monthly Meeting is November 21

Topic for this monthly meeting is "Loss Exposures Involved in Hiring a Contractor and Additional Insureds / Certificates of Insurance Issues" presented by Craig A. Mathre, Sr. Manager, CL Product Management of GuideOne Insurance at the home office, 1111 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moines, on Thursday, November 21, 2013. Lunch starts at 11:30am. RSVP to: [email protected].

 

Iowa Peace Network Open House

Iowa Peace Network's annual Open House will be held on Sunday, November 24th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM, in the basement of Stover church of the Brethren, 4100 6th Ave., in Des Moines.   Guest speaker will be Jeffrey Weiss, of Catholic Peace Ministry, who will discuss the latest events in Syria.  IPN staff will talk about upcoming projects and plans for the blog and quarterly journal.  Items for holiday gifts which benefit non-profit peace organizations will be for sale.  Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, refreshments and learning.

 

 

Anchor Coffee House Season begins at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison, in Des Moines
Join us at 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines for our 2013-14 Season! Tickets are $50 for 6 concerts in advance or $86 total at-the-door price.
  • December 7 - Rob Lombard, Blues - Folk based
  • February 1, 2014 - Ellis, won numerous awards
  • March 1, 2014 - Awful Purdies, 5 female singer/writers; strings, winds, percussion, voice
  • April 5, 2014 - Amy Finders and the Jet Set, beautiful voice, lively mandolin, quick wit.

HeartbeatHandbellChoirHeartbeat Handbell Concert Hosts are needed!

The Heartbeat Handbell Choir is a community oriented, ecumenical choir based out of New Hope United Methodist Church. We are currently preparing material for our Christmas concert, and we are looking for locations to host a concert. Dates available are: Dec. 5th at 7:30pm; Dec. 8th at 2pm; & Dec. 15th at 2pm. If interested in hosting a concert, contact: Heartbeat Handbell Ringers, Directed by Kristin Welter, 515-306-3901, [email protected].

 

No Room at the Inn Open House is December 8th

Bring the entire family to 601 Grand Ave. Des Moines on Sunday, December 8 and join the Catholic churches for "No Room at the Inn", a holiday event featuring nativity displays from all over the world, local choirs, a live nativity, free Christmas treats and a special reading of the Christmas story. Admission is a gift of a personal care item to lay beneath the community Giving Tree. Cash donations are also welcome at the event or at: www.CatholicCharitiesDM.org. New this year... volunteer and service information for all ages. Learn about how you can take action and help reduce poverty in Central and Southwest Iowa. Schedule includes:

  • 1:00-1:20pm Ankeny Community Chorus
  • 1:30-1:50pm St. Francis Children's & Middle School  Concert Choirs - 45 singers
  • 2:00-2:15pm Bishop Pates reading the Christmas Story
  • 2:25-2:45pm Holy Family Children's Choir
  • 2:50-3:10pm St. Augustin School Choir
  • 3:20-3:35pm Bishop Charron reading the Christmas Story
  • 3:40-4pm Catholic Youth Chorus   

Prepare for Lectionary & Book Discussion
on Etty Hillesum's Diaries for December 12th

This is a program of the Iowa Council for Holocaust Education, in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and as advertised on the Iowa Holocaust Memorial page online at http://facebook.com/IowaHistoricalMemorial. On Thursday, December 12, 6-8pm at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, there will be a first-ever book discussion and conversation about "An Interrupted Life: the Diaries and Letters of Etty Hillesum, 1941 - 1943." Originally written as a private work and later converted into book form, Etty's diary details her personal observations and emotions during World War II in Amsterdam. Plan to bring questions and comments to discuss! RSVP to Mollie Giller with the Jewish Federation at [email protected].
Employment / Volunteer / Training Opportunities   
  
Christian Ed/Youth Leader - Central Presbyterian
Build and promote a vibrant Sun. & Wed. youth program, grades 6-12. Team with a great staff and eager parents. Contagious faith required. Ability to also lead youth (6-12) choir a plus. Part time. Please submit cover letter and resume to [email protected]
  
Choir Director - First Presbyterian, Grimes
Music program consists of adult choir, children's choir and special music for worship. September-May position.
A full job description is posted online at: www.grimesfirstpresbyterianchurch.org
Contact church office at 515-986-3720 or [email protected] to apply.
  
Volunteers Needed - DMARC Warehouse, Des Moines 

The Des Moines Area Religious Council needs help in our Food Pantry Network Warehouse. This is our busiest time of the year for MovetheFood, between the holidays of November and December. Duties include: unloading food as it is donated, counting, sorting, boxing food for the 13 partner food pantries. Are you able to help for a couple hours, one day a week at our 3816 36th Street warehouse? Contact the DMARC Food Pantry Warehouse Manager Daniel Beck at: 515-277-6969.

  

Part-time Custodian - Capitol Hill Christian Church, Des Moines
Church is located at 3322 E. 25th St. in Des Moines, and they need a custodian to work 10-15 hours per week. If interested and to learn more details about the position, contact Pastor Candice Brown at [email protected] or call 515-266-6283.
  
Part-time Communications Specialist - Catholic Charities Diocese, Des Moines
The Communications Specialist will assist with agency communications and public relations. Responsibilities include print and electronic communications, announcements and fundraising event logistics. Click here to view the job description and application. Interested individuals can send their cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or  Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA  50309.
  
Part-time Helper - St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter, Des Moines
Receiving guests at St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter, including responsibility for housekeeping and a variety of other duties. Evenings, weekends and overnight shifts available. Send cover letter and resume to Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309, [email protected].
  
Living Skills Advisor & Work Skills Supervisor - Christian Opportunity Center, Indianola and Des Moines
Positive, outgoing, dedicated team members for Indianola and Des Moines positions in the Christian Opportunity Center. Day hours. FT & PT positions, as well as a unique 24-hour position; work 7 out of every 21 days. Need a flexible schedule? Substitute positions available. HIRING BONUS AVAILABLE! For details, visit: www.christianopportunity.org. Contact Human Resources at: 641-628-8087, ext. 138 or 139. Send resume to: 1553 Broadway St., Pella, IA 50219, or [email protected].
 
Volunteer Ombudsman Program (VOP) new program!
Volunteer Ombudsmen protect the rights of long-term care residents by making unannounced weekly visits to long-term care facilities. Volunteer Ombudsmen spend 3 to 5 hours per month visiting a long-term care facility. For more info, contact Merea at: [email protected] or [email protected]. Necessary to complete 8 hours training, an orientation, one interview with Coordinator (via phone, online, or face-to-face. Background checks necessary. Training now scheduled through January. Visit www.iowaaging.gov/VOP.
    
Pastor - Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church, located on HWY 65-59 in Warren Co., Iowa
A small rural Historic Country church is currently seeking a part-time ordained Pastor or Commissioned Ruling Elder to lead our  congregation as our pastor. Salary, housing allowance and some expenses as part of Pay Package. Please submit rexumes by Nov. 8, 2013 to Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church, Clerk of Session, 13015 Scotch Ridge Rd., Carlisle, IA, 50047.
  
ELL Class Volunteer - Iowa International Center, Des Moines
Volunteers needed for 2 English Language Learner Classes: Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Beginner 9:00am - 10:30am.  Level 1: 11:00am - 12:30pm. Classes held at Deer Ride Apts, 6000 Creston, Des Moines. Can you help?  Contact Patti McKee, Iowa International Center at: 515-255-7316.
  
4-H Volunteers - Polk County, Des Moines area
Make a difference in the future of Polk County youth. 4-H volunteers help young people learn the skills they need to prepare to live and enjoy careers in the 21st century.
Our goal is to connect youth with adults who want to be mentors and role models and share their knowledge and skills in specific project areas. This connection occurs through regular club meetings and projects workshops (club or county-wide). For more info contact: Joy, County Youth Coordinator at 515 947 5771 or [email protected] or Marci, County Youth Coordinator at [email protected] or 515 957 5770
  
Des Moines Diversity Chorus recruiting new members
The Chorus is unique in that the music reflects the traditions of a variety of ethnic and cultural groups. We invite all who love singing to be a part of the chorus and give concerts to give visibility and voice to performers of varied national ethnic, racial, religious, age, ability and sexuality backgrounds.
Feel free to e-mail or call for more information: [email protected]; 515-255-3576 (evenings) www.desmoinesdiversitychorus.org 

 

Candeo Employment Opportunities

 

Casual Employment Consultant - available evenings/weekend and Monday 3-5pm. Competitive salary, reports to Employment Coordinator. Help individual obtain competitive employment, real jobs, make real wages and then provide support to help people with disabilities maintain their jobs and become productive tax-paying citizens. Requires AA in Human Services, Marketing or related or equivalent experience level. A Brain Injury Service with lots of driving in DM metro, a working vehicle and auto insurance.

Mental Health Instructors - Provide direct instruction to CANDEO clients. Associate's Degree in related experience. Bachelor's degree preferred, one year experience, strong leadership skills. Good communication at all levels. develop rapport and trust with client

Instructor of Brain Injury Services - HS Diploma or GED, Experience with Mental Health and/or brain injury. Excellent teaching, motvation skills, good communications

Supported Community Living Instructors - Hours vary, flexible, available to work nights and weekends. Travel required. H.S. diploma or GED, experience with Mental Health Diagnoses and/or brain injury. Excellent teaching and motivation skills.

Team Leader - Assist the Service Coordinator in providing high quality residential services to clients in the community.

 

All positions at Candeo require a valid Driver's License, Auto Insurance, good driving record, ability to pass an extensive background check, including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child abuse registries. Sex offender registry and a criminal history check. Full-time staff positions include full benefits, paid vacation and sick time. An equal opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Visit: www.candeoiowa.or/careers, to apply or send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

 

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 2012 LIVE UNITED Advocate Award from the United Way of Central Iowa, 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 more than 33,000 individuals in the greater Des Moines community; half who are children and 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.