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
Community Calendar
LIHEAP Applications
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

This day-long camp is scheduled on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, when most schools are off for the holiday. Youth and their leaders can learn about social justice in our community and how to make a difference. The camp activities include:
 - 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: info@dmreligious.org,
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.
  
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.


 
December 3, 2013

 

DMARC's traditional January 28th and 30th Thaw classes have expanded this year to include, February 4 & 6th, 2014. Winter Thaw 2014 (formerly January Thaw) is an Interfaith education and fellowship opportunity for adults. Classes this year will be held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd. And our 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 and speakers, go to:
www.dmreligious.org/events#winterthaw. Registration materials are coming soon.
  
The schedule each evening includes registration and entertainment 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.
  
We hope you will consider spending an evening with us engaging with others interested in learning about multiple faith traditions in Greater Des Moines.
  
Blessings!

 

calendar image 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".

 

The Next Comparison Project Lecture: "How To Speak About An Unspeakable God" is Tonight!

Timothy Knepper, associate professor of philosophy at Drake University will offer the lecture, which is free and open to the public, Thursday, Dec. 5th, 7pm in the Sussman Theater of the Olmsted Center on the campus of Drake University.  

How does one say what can't be said? How does one speak about an unspeakable God? This "problem" is central to the influential writings of the anonymous sixth-century Christian mystic known to us as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. While Dionysius's Trinitarian God remains the cause of all, it is at the same time beyond all words, names, and assertions. And although Dionysius sometimes simply asserts this apparently paradoxical claim, he more frequently performs it through a series of grammar-violating linguistic techniques.

 

The Comparison Project is an experimental effort in a philosophy of religion that is historically grounded and religiously diverse. It is generously supported by the Drake University Humanities Center, Humanities Iowa, the Medbury Fund, the Drake University Principal Financial Group Center for global Citizenship, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Cultivating Compassion: The Richard Deming Foundation.

Check out our website: http://comparisonproject.wordpress.drake.edu 

 

Poverty Simulation, December 7, 2013 --

"Walk a Mile in Someone Else's Shoes" 

Sponsored by Catholic Charities and The Center for Social Ministry this hand's on experience will help you understand what it might be like to live in a low-income family trying to survive from month to month. From Noon to 4:00pm, participants will assume the roles of different families facing poverty. Some are newly unemployed, some recently deserted by the "breadwinner", and others receiving assistance -- either with or without additional earned income. The simulation is conducted in a large room with the "families" seated in the center. Tables around the perimeter of the room represent various community resources and services. Community and service provider roles are often staffed by people who have been or are currently living on or below the poverty line. Register for either session at www.CatholicCharitiesDM.org

 

Final 2013 Program for LADOS (Life After Death of Spouse)

On December 8, meeting topic is on "Remembering and Honoring." These discussions, the fellowship and just being with others on the grief journey will give you the courage to fully grieve. You are welcome to join us on the 2nd Sunday of each month, regardless of the length of time since the death of your spouse. Meetings are every 2nd Sunday at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. For details, contact Connie Coy Walker at 515-255-2229.

 

Centering Prayer Retreat

Advent Retreat is Dec. 7, 2013, from 9am-Noon, at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 42nd and Ingersoll, Des Moines. Contact: Paul Witmer at 515-240-1653.

 

 

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

Held at Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre, Dec. 6th, at 7:30pm and Dec. 7th, 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. 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).

 

2-candles-sm.jpgTHE PEACE LIGHT!

December 10th-20th at IRMS

Each Christmas, IRMS joins forces with the Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts to make the "Peace Light of Bethlehem" available to Christians throughout Iowa. Here's how it works. In early December, a Scout from Austria will "fetch" the light from Manger Square in Bethlehem, where it has burned continuously since Jesus' birth. The light will be spread throughout Europe, as well as the U.S. and Canada aboard Austrian Airline Jets where it will be carried in blast proof miners lamps for its 12th annual trip from Vienna to New York's JFK International Airport. Upon its arrival, a service will be held in Our Lady of the Sky Chapel in the airport before volunteer pilgrims begin spreading the light across the U.S.

The Peace Light will be available at IRMS, 2400 86th St., Suite 15, Urbandale, IA, Monday through Friday starting Dec. 10-20, from 10am to 4:30pm. All are invited to include the light of Bethlehem in your holiday activities. You will only need to bring a lantern or a candle in a protected container to get your light from the source and safely transport the flame to your location(s). In order to avoid a long wait, please schedule a time for your visit at: questions@irms.org or 515-277-2920. "This is the third year that IRMS and the Mid-Iowa Council have hosted the Peace Light flame," says Alan Strohmaier, Iowa Peace Light coordinator. "Each year more and more people are sharing the light in churches, retirement and nursing homes, at ordinations, and in individual homes."

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 December 7 at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines. The general public is welcome 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.  

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: dfa@ucdsm.org or 515-244-8603, ext. 101, or Jane White at officeassistant@ucdsm.org or 515-244-8603, ext. 107 at First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines IA.

   

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. 8th at 2pm; & Dec. 15th at 2pm. If interested in hosting a concert, contact: Heartbeat Handbell Ringers, Directed by Kristin Welter, 515-306-3901, HeartbeatRingers@gmail.com.

 

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

Immigration Reform Worship Service is December 10th

The Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Immigration Reform is sponsoring a "Hope for Hurting Families" Worship Service on Dec. 10, 7pm, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, Des Moines.  All are welcome!  Light Refreshments will be served following worship. For Further Information, contact Rev. Russell Melby, ELCA, Field Director for Church World Service, at: 515-274-2224 or rmelby@cwsglobal.org.

 

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 mollie@dmjfed.org.
  
Crossing Borders:
Migration, Theology and the Human Journey
Crossing Borders is an 8-week study of the history, biblical and theological foundations and human face of migration, January 27 through February 25. This study developed by Just Faith Ministries provides participants with a chance to find common ground and to discover more about themselves, their values, our God and the millions of people who are on the move in every part of the world.
Donation - $50 per person. To register contact Susie Paloma at the Center for Social Ministry 515-782-3054 or centerforsocialministry@gmail.com.
Employment / Volunteer / Training Opportunities

 

Home Repair Applications are Due January 31, 2014

The Rebuilding Together homeowner application deadline of Jan. 31, 2014 is quickly approaching. Every first Saturday in May, Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines provides free home repair services to homeowners in need in the metro area. These services are provided solely through the help of volunteer labor. Repairs make homes safe and healthy for low-income, disabled and veteran homeowners in our community. Do you know someone in your neighborhood who could use assistance? Typical services include: interior and exterior painting, yard work, trash cleanup, smaller electrical, plumbing and carpentry repairs, etc. We have limited funding and skilled volunteers and larger, more extensive, repairs such as roof replacement, foundation work and window replacement can only be provided for a limited number of applicants.

 

Rebuilding Together of Greater Des Moines is a non-profit organization supported entirely by contributions of time, labor and material and money. For an application or the cover letter contact the Rebuilding Together office at 515-284-7403 or ljones@rebuildingdm.org. NOTE: please review program eligibility requirements (including income, home value and housing type) on the cover letter before you refer a homeowner or client. Both Polk County (515-875-5566) and the City of Des Moines (515-248-6216) also offer home repair assistance with their own eligibility requirements.

  
Type 2 Diabetes Study for Adults 70 and older.
Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? Do you take long acting insulin? Qualified study particpants will be placed on an investigational drug and will be asked to make 23 visits to the study doctor or via the telephone for up to 31 weeks. If you qualify you will receive study-related care and study medication(s) at no charge. Compensation for travel expenses. Similar study in progress for those 18-85 years of age with type 2 diabetes and are taking meds to treat diabetes and blood pressure. If you are interested in either of these studies call, 515-643-5122.
  
Take your email marketing to the next level.
Attend a hand's on boot camp, facilitated by Constant Contact. In Des Moines December 9 and 10. Sign up for either date. contact training@constantcontact.com or call 855-267-2208 and leave a message.
  
Christian Ed/Youth Leader - Central Presbyterian, Des Moines
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 isubill113@gmail.com
  
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 grimespresbyterian@mchsi.com 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 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:hr@dmdiocese.org 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, hr@dmdiocese.org.
  
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 swheeler@christianopportunity.org.
 
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: merea.bentrott@iowa.gov or sarah.hinzman2@iowa.gov. 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.
  
ELL Class Volunteer - Iowa International Center, Des Moines
Volunteers needed for 2 English nbsp; 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.
  
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant - Community Foundation, Des Moines
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines seeks a receptionist/administrative assistant to welcome guests to the Finkbine Mansion and provide administrative support for the Community Foundation staff and board committees. This position is responsible for processing mail, coordinating arrangements for the Community Foundation meeting rooms, assisting with mailings, letters, packet preparation, projects and special events as assigned. Learn more.
  

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 hr@candeoiowa.org.

 

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.