eVoice
Des Moines Area Religious Council and MovetheFood.org

 A bi-weekly newsletter of the
 DMARC and MovetheFood
 Community

   
In this issue:
Winter Thaw 2014
Kiwanis Tour New Warehouse
Religious Freedom Day
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

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

515-277-6969

Register Now for Winter Thaw 2014 (formerly January Thaw)

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:
www.dmreligious.org/event. Or call our office to register over the phone, 515-277-6969.
  
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.
  
Kiwanis say "Goodbye" to old and "Hello" to DMARC's new Food Pantry Warehouse

Local Kiwanis clubs were invited to a special ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2014, honoring their commitment and support to DMARC's Food Pantry Network.

 

In 1986, Des Moines area Kiwanis (approximately 12 clubs) built a warehouse at 36th Street to house the food pantry warehouse.

 

Today's Des Moines area Kiwanis groups include:

After a brief celebration and goodbye at the old location on 36th Street, they traveled by bus to the new warehouse located at 1435 Mulberry Street. Staff provided a tour of the warehouse facility and the new DMARC offices.

 

Click here to view the January 11th photo album.

 

Many thanks to all who make the Food Pantry Network and the Red Barrel program possible.

 

Governor Declares Religious Freedom Day at January 16th Ceremony
Religious Freedom Day was declared by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for the state of Iowa on January 16th. DMARC's Executive Director Rev. Sarai Rice (center right) participated in the ceremony at the capitol building on January 16th. An article by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains details: Iowa Governor Declares 16 January Religious Freedom Day in His State.
 
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.


 
January 21, 2014


The DMARC Offices and the Food Pantry Network Warehouse have moved and are open for business at 1435 Mulberry Street in Des Moines! Please bring all food and cash donations to the new location. And thank you for your support during the move! 

 

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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! Scroll down the calendar page and click "Submit an Event".

 

Advocacy Day is Thursday, January 23, 2014 

From 9:30am-4pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 800 E 12th St., Des Moines. Advocacy Day 2014 is an event sponsored by the Iowa Conference of United Methodist Women and will focus on the intersections of immigration issues, human trafficking issues, and Iowa state legislation. After morning sessions on issues, there will be a lunch (donations accepted) and afternoon session on advocacy practice followed by a visit to the Iowa Capitol Building to contact state legislators. This event is open to United Methodists and other interested persons. Please RSVP to Rita Carter: 515-979-0605 or [email protected].  

 

Westminster Fine Arts Presents: "Freud's Last Session"  on January 24, 7-8:15pm

A play by Mark St. Germain, imagining a meeting between Dr. Sigmund Freud, a devout atheist & father of psychoanalysis, & Christian author-professor C.S. Lewis. Free admission. Limited seating, reservations encouraged. Call the church office, 515-274-1534, to make reservations. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310.

 

Hey, Young Adults! Got Insurance?

On Monday, January 27, 2014, 6:30-9:00 pm, at First Unitarian church of DM, 1800 Bell Ave. No one's invincible. Nope not even you. So join us for an evening of food, education, fun and prizes. We'll break down the Affordable Care Act and answer your questions. An event for Young Adults (ages 18-35) organized by Young Adults. Tweet your questions before and during the event to @DSMhealthcareQs. Our knowledgeable panel will get you the information you need. Free food, refreshments and giveaways from local businesses. http://on.fb.me/19Q7hVX. Sponsored by First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 515-318-2433.

 

Attend A Discussion of Juvenile Life Sentences in Iowa

This is the quarterly meeting of Iowa CURE will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 2-4pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311. We'll have a discussion about juveniles who have been sentenced to life without parole or other excessive prison sentences in response to recent Iowa and US Supreme Court decisions. Refreshments will be served.  

 

Des Moines Diversity Chorus is seeking new members!

Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Rehearsals will begin for the spring concerts on January 27th, from 7-8:30pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave. (corner of Beaver and Franklin). The concert dates are April 5, 25, and 28. We will be collaborating with the CFUM Childrens Chorus on April 28th. For more information about the Chorus, see the website at www.desmoinesdiversitychorus.org. If you are interested in singing, please email Julie Murphy at: [email protected].  

 

Anchor Coffee House Presents: Ellis on February 1

Anchor Coffee House presents the return of folk singer Ellis.

Also a songwriter and exceptional guitarist, Ellis offers wholehearted songs with deep wisdom as well as child-like joy.

Coffee, tea, desserts available for purchase. Free childcare.

Ticket costs: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in the church office, 515-274-1534, or online at www.westpres.org. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310.

 

Better Choices, Better Health Classes Begin

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety, these workshops will empower you to take an active role in managing your health. Practical ways to manage with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, set realistic goals, explore new treatment options, and learn effective ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health. This 6-week-long, weekly 2 1/2-hour classes are sponsored by Mercy Medical Center. For more info, email Program Coordinator Rachel Scheib or Administrative Assistant Stacey Clough. Or call 515-643-8632. Classes will be held the following dates and locations: 

  • The Village, 1203 North E St., Indianola, starting March 4, 1pm
  • Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., DM, starting March 6, 1pm
  • Iowa Heart Center, WDM, starting March 6, 6pm  
 

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.

 

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 [email protected]. 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.  

Faith Community News
 
Iowa Religious Media Services Offerings this Winter
In the clear cold light of the New Year, IRMS patrons have been requesting thoughtful substantive resources that offer real life changing discussion. Featured resources in Managing Money this month include:
  • Shiny Gods: Finding Freedom from Things that Distract Us. (new) - a four session study
  • The Spending Strike -an attempt by an Iowa family who went on a spending strike.
  • Extravagant Generosity: The Heart of Giving
  • Balanced  - Gaining & Maintaining Financial Stability.
More to choose from at IRMS, on the web at:  www.irms.org
You can explore everything on the site, including  About Us, Resources, Become a Subscriber, FAQ, Links, Curricula

 

Free to Good Home - Lowrey Festival Console Organ

Former owner had been the organist for her church. Contact Paul Holliday at 515-249-0236. Organ is 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, comes with bench!

 

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month see Nefarious: Merchant of Souls Documentary

This film was produced by Exodus Cry and will be presented by the Human Trafficking Task Force with Plymouth United Church of Christ. It will be shown on Thursday, January 23rd, 7pm, at the Fleur Cinema & Cafe, in Des Moines (92 minutes - total length). Free-will donation for the viewing.  

 

Also, a three-part informational series is being offered and sponsored by the Board of Christian Social Action and viewed at the Plymouth Church, 42nd and Ingersoll, in Waveland Hall at 6:30pm, on the following dates:

  • Monday, Jan. 27, 6:30pm,  "Human Trafficking in Iowa: A panel discussion with Mike Ferjak, Maggie Tinsman, Dawn Taylor, and Sonia Parras
  • Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30pm, First-Hand Survivor Accounts
  • Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30pm, Global Human Trafficking

Pray All Ways, Always - An Intro to Lectio Divina  

On February 8, 2014, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 1020 24th St., West Des Moines, from 9am - 3pm. Lectio Divina is a way of praying with Scripture. It is a means of listening to the word of God in Scripture and a traditional way of cultivating friendship with Christ. For more information or to register, go to www.centeriowa.org or contact Tim Goldman at: [email protected] or 515-745-9842.


Anchor Coffee House Season Continues! 
Join us at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines. Tickets are $15 at-the-door price.
  • Feb. 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.
Employment / Volunteer / Training Opportunities
  
Financial Comptroller for Religious Non-Profit.
Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Seeking a financial professional to manage an annual working budget of 1.2 million $ and investments and property of 9 million. Oversee bill payment, receipt of contributions, provides financial reports to annual Convention and bi-monthly Board of Directors meeting. Serve as financial liason with the general church and 64 churches across Iowa. Provide staff support to financial committees, Asst. Treasurer of the diocese and diocesan treasurer for the Church Pension Fund. Reports to the Bishop and serves as an integral part of a small staff. Comfortable with spiritual and religious issues, be ready to serve as advisor to clergy and congregations on issues of finance and accountability, as well as stewardship and planned giving. Degree in accounting or equivalent experience in a not-for-profit organization. Experience in risk management, investments and securities; purchasing and property management helpful. Experience with payroll a plus.
Send resume with cover letter to:
The Rt. Reverend Alan Scarfe, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, 225 37th St., Des Moines, IA 50312, phone: 515-277-6170
Deadline for applications is Friday, Jan 24; interviews in early- to mid-February. App form available at www.iowaepiscopal.org.
  
Part-time Director for Catholic Peace Ministry
Catholic Peace Ministry is seeking a director to work in cooperation with a part=time director of peace education. We offer a part=time salary to work for peace and justice. We are looking for a candidate with a background in activism, a faith-based orientation, understanding of Catholic social teahing, an ability to work with the Board of Directors, and an ability to communicate with the public and the media as the "face" of CPM. Contact Roxanne Ruden ([email protected]) or Maggie Maloney ([email protected]) for more information.
 
Director of Christian Education - Covenant Presbyterian
Church, West Des Moines
Provide leadership in areas of christian education, congregational growth and membership involvement. Develop, implement and enhance programs to provide meaningful spititual growth for the Covenant Family. Vibrant Christian faith, love for children, and a heart for equipping parents, other adults and out children to grow in faith. Full-time position. Contact [email protected] for job description or visit www.wdmcovenant.org.

Office Administrative Assistant - Immanuel United Methodist Church, Des Moines 

Are you a flexible self-starter who enjoys taking on a variety of tasks and working with people to facilitate connections among a caring, Christ-loving group of people? You'll need experience working with Microsoft Publisher and other Microsoft Office products. Also, requires managing financial records and skills in database management. Salary range: $22-$25k, 32 hours per week. Interested? Send cover letter and r�sum� to [email protected] by Jan. 15, 2014.  Need details? Go to: www.immanueldsm.org. 

  
Full-time Communications & Events Director - Catholic Charities with Diocese, Des Moines
This position, plans, manages and coordinates special event activities for Catholic Charities. Helps strengthen community awareness and financial support for the programs of Catholic Charities. Provides oversight of parish and community outreach activities. Interested individuals can send their cover letter and r�sum� to: [email protected] or Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309.

Assistant Field Director - Church World Service, Des Moines
Working from the Des Moines, IA Regional office location, this position has responsibility for accomplishing the fund raising goals of the Funds Development and Marketing (FDM) program of Church World Service in the Iowa Region. Assists with the development and implementation of Regional resource development activities in support of the overall work of the agency as outlined in the Field Staff Roles and Expectations document. Within the scope of the Region, the Assistant Field Director carries responsibility for supporting a variety of fund raising activities with an emphasis on the organization of community-based special events-i.e., CROP Hunger Walks-through volunteer networks. Other primary fund raising activities include seeking funds from congregations, women's groups, and others in support of CWS Congregational Programs, CWS Kit Program, and other CWS program initiatives. Integral to the fund raising efforts is the education of various constituencies about the issues of hunger, poverty, and its related causes and interpreting CWS's response. The exempt position requires an average 60% time allocated to relationship building and direct fundraising with volunteers and various other constituencies, including intensive and intentional travel within the assigned Region, as well as event management and follow-up. The remaining 40% time on average is allocated to Regional program planning, office administration, constituent services, and reporting. Occasional travel to attend Area and national management and training meetings is expected. The ability to work a typical work week averaging 45-50 hours, including evenings and weekends, is required. Annual Salary: $44,098 plus benefits. Send Resume and Cover Letter to: Church World Service, Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN  46515, or fax to 574/266-0087, or e-mail to [email protected] Deadline: February 18, 2014.
  

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 over 130 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
34,000 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 37 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.