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".

 
Care and Kindness Conference 

This conference aims to ignite in all God's children a sense of calling to demonstrate to friends, colleagues, neighbors and even strangers, extraordinary kindness and compassion. Join us on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 & 22, 2014, 6:30-9pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines. Author and pastor, Dr. James R. Kok, has articulated his message in the books he has written, but his book, "90% of Helping Is Just Showing Up!" particularly addresses the theme of the Care and Kindness Campaign. Throughout his book he teaches that great amounts of healing and helping are administered through the simple act of just "being there" with persons as they go through their hurt. Additional speakers will share the positive impact care and kindness has on our sometimes pessimistic and heartless world. They will bring their own unique perspectives based on their individual areas of expertise. For more info, check out  www.westpres.org/in_church_life/care__kindness_conference.php.

Eyes Wide Open! Conference is February 22nd

An informative conference on Human Trafficking in Iowa is Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, 9-11:30am at Westkirk Presbyterian Church, 2700 Colby Woods Dr., Urbandale. Minors are being trafficked in Iowa's rural towns and metro areas every day of the week. The average age of entry into sex trafficking victimization is between 11 and 14 years of age. Speakers are Benny Yu, El Pozo de Vide in Mexico; Teresa Downing-Matibag, Network Against Human Trafficking; Iowa Representative Tom Shaw; and Dr. Sara Swansen YESS 

Plus, Friday evening, Feb. 21st, at 7pm, you are invited to join Vineyard Church and Benny Yu for a time of worship and prayer for our city at 2332 Euclid Ave. in Des Moines. For more info, contact: Sue Holcomb 515-556-6742 or Sherri Harder 515-778-6512.

Up With People Cast in Des Moines, Feb. 24-March 1

The Up with People Advance Team is hard at work making preparations for the cast! The international cast arrives on February 24th for a week of local host families, volunteering and performances. There are several ways you can get involved: host an Up with People cast member, it's simple and FUN! (homes needed for 100 people) Or apply to travel with a future Up with People Cast. See the Iowa Premier of the Up with People Show: 'Voices' at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., March 1st, at 2pm & 7pm. Show proceeds benefit Drake Community Engagement and Service-Learning Fund, Principal Charity Classic Birdies for Charity program and provides meals to local food pantries through Outreach & YMCA community packaging programs. Tickets available at www.upwithpeople.org/DesMoines. Volunteer with the cast. Give back to your community by volunteering with the Up with People Cast at Up with People & Outreach for Hunger "Hunger Olympics".

• Where: Jordan Creek Mall
• When: Tuesday, February 25th 
• What: Packaging 60,000 meals for local food pantries

Questions? Contact: Lorna Murphy Durran, 303-681-1295, or Elena Dacomba, 720-391-7019.

Kidsfest is Friday, February 28, 6-9pm at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Varied Industries Bldg.

Kidsfest is a family-oriented festival that features fun activities, games and entertainment for kids and their families. This exciting event is attended by more than 15,000 every year. Proceeds benefit the programs of Children & Families of Iowa.
Visit www.cfiowa.org or like CFI's Kidsfest page on Facebook. Presented by Veridian.  

• Also Saturday March 1, from 9am-6pm
• Also Sunday March 2, from 10am-4pm    

Peanut Butter Drive to benefit the Urbandale Food Pantry 

The Urbandale HealthCare Center's 2nd Annual Peanut Butter Drive is March 3rd-7th with a Hollywood theme. Take all peanut butter donations to 4614 NW 84th St, Urbandale. Silent auction items can be bid on Tuesday, March 4th. A baking contest will be held on Wednesday March 5th, with two categories: desserts and main dishes.   

Join us for the 3rd Annual Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper, March 4, 5-7pm, to raise money for the Johnston DMARC Food Pantry, Clothes Closet and JUMP Student Mentor Program. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, milk and coffee for $5, while listening to live jazz from the Johnston Station Jazz Band. Representatives from our supported programs will be available to share the services we provide in the community. Questions? Contact Barb Allen at 515-577-2194, or Summit Middle School, 9500 Windsor Pkwy, Johnston.

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, March 4, 1pm
• Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., DM, March 6, 1pm
• Iowa Heart Center, WDM, March 6, 6pm

Post Traumatic Growth: An Optimistic View of Trauma
Workshop will be held on March 8, 2014, 8:30am-12:30pm at Unity Church of Des Moines. Presented by Geral Blanchard, therapist and author and Jamie Horn. Therapeutic music by Deb Jennings of Sounds for the Soul. Trauma doesn't need to destroy you.  It can be a catalyst for amazing personal growth. From his latest book, "Transcending Trauma," Geral will share inspirational cross-cultural stories of astonishing growth that many trauma "victims" have experienced, thriving after exceedingly painful life situations.  Jamie Horn, whose story is featured in his book. She will share her story of sexual abuse by a teacher and how the use of unconventional treatment, including a sacred resorative justice healing circle, helped her experience post traumatic growth. Deb Jennings will present a therapeutic transformative sound session and share how sound healing can play an integral role in post traumatic growth. The workshop will feature common sense recovery strategies. Geral, Jamie and Deb will be available for a limited number of individual consultations in the afternoon.  Sign up for these at the morning workshop registration. Workshop fee $35. Unity of Des Moines, 414 31st St., Des Moines, IA.

Spring Into Action with CULTIVATE IOWA
Gary Oppenheimer, founder and executive Director of AmpleHarvest.org will keynote at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid on Tuesday, March 11, 8am-12:30pm. Following the keynote will be a dynamic panel discussion, hands-on demonstrations, exhibits and marerials for you to implement a Cultivate Iowa campaign  in your community. For more info, go to: www.cultivateiowa.org. Event is sponsored by the Iowa Food Systems Council. RSVP for lunch at: To reserve your Cultivate Iowa campaign materials, exhibit space and lunch, RSVP today at www.surveymonkey.com/s/GZ3K3VB 

Discount offered to Church Groups
for March 22 Iowa Wild Hockey Game

Need Help Filing Taxes?

Families and individuals who earned $51,567 or less in 2013, 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. Or go to: www.internalrevenueservice.tumblr.com for more tax filing tips. 

 

February Central Iowa NACBA meeting is February 20 

The next National Association of Church Business Administrators monthly meeting is Thursday, Feb. 20, 11:30am, at the Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 NE Rising Sun Dr., Pleasant Hill. This will be an idea sharing meeting. "Giving beyond Cash" - what churches are doing to receive gifts of various kinds beyond the offering plate. Open discussion about online giving, in-kind gifts, stock, property, etc. We can learn so much from each other! Lunch menu:  homemade chicken & noodle soup and chili; bread; salad & dessert. RSVP to Kris Wolf .

 

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Last of 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.

• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30pm, First-Hand Survivor Accounts - Postponed to be rescheduled 
• Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30pm, Global Human Trafficking

Opportunity to Show Your Support: Attend Interfaith Service to Support Wasike Family

Mike Wasike was badly beaten during a car jacking last year in Des Moines and remains in need of medical care. An Interfaith Service of "Prayer, Support and Love" to help the Wasike family will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, 7pm, at Tifereth Israel, 924 Polk Blvd. Please join Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Maple Grove Methodist Church, Temple B'Nai Jeshurun and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines in supporting Mike, his family and all they've had to endure over the last year. Thank you.

  

Anchor Coffee House Season Continues! Join us at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines. Tickets are $15 at-the-door price.

• 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.

A Morning with Joyce Rupp
The Pilgrim Way: A Pre-Lenten Retreat with Joyce Rupp; Saturday, March 1, 8:30am-Noon, at Heartland Presbyterian Church Community Center, 14300 Hickman Rd., Clive. Prepare for your Lenten Pilgrimage with Joyce Rupp, who will offer insights on being on a Lenten journey. Info and registration:  kathyquinn82@gmail.com.  

 

Parish Social Ministry Workshop is March 1

Feeling called to serve others and work for justice, but your parish is struggling to get organized? Not sure how to get started? Need some ideas/inspiration from others? Come on Saturday, March 1, 2014, from 8:30am-1:30pm at St. Augustin Church: 545 42nd St., Des Moines. For those currently in parish social ministry and those considering options. Presented by Susie Paloma, Executive Director of the Center for Social Ministry Topics to be covered: What should parish social ministry look like?; how to get started; how to involve others; common ruts and potholes along the road; and how to integrate the mission of both charity and justice into parish life. Breathe new life into the mission of your parish social ministry! Pre-registration is appreciated. For questions or to register, contact Ken Bresnan: KBresnan@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5089. Suggested donation: $20 payable at the door. Co-sponsored by the Center for Social Ministry and Catholic Charities, Des Moines.

 

Are you wondering: What is "normal" behavior for an adolescent?

If you have ever questioned if your child/grandchild/student/charge is exhibiting the normal angst of a teenager or symptoms of a more worrisome condition, this forum is for you. Dr. Lucy Tirado, is bringing her expertise as a psychologist with Orchard Place in Des Moines on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:30-8:30pm, in the Fellowship Hall (north wing) of Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 SW Walnut St. in Ankeny. This forum is hosted by the Mental Health Ministry Team for the metro community out of its desire to help us all understand how to identify and help young people who might be suffering from a mental illness. For further info, contact Jacque Coulson, 515-964-4249 or Jim White, 515-313-3701.

 

Talk on Catholic Women's Ordination is March 7th
Join us Friday, March 7th, from 4-6 pm, in the Sussman Theater at Drake University for a free screening of the acclaimed documentary on Catholic women's ordination "Pink Smoke over the Vatican". The screening will be followed by a panel discussion of the film and its implications. Panelists include Mary Kay Kusner, a Roman Catholic Woman priest from Iowa City, Drake faculty and Sister Sandra Rodemyer. Questions? Contact Drake Law, Politics, and Society | Rhetoric Professor John Noble, 308-258-2123.  

 

Bishop Dingman Peace Award Dinner

Save the Date! The Morning Rises Concert is May 1 

Rising Sun Church of Christ will be hosting THE MORNING RISES Tour featuring Aaron Shust, Mike Schair, Jonny Diaz, and Lauren Daigle on May 1. General admission tickets are $15, at: www.risingsunchurch.org. Questions? Contact Office Administrator Kris Wolf, Rising Sun Church of Christ, 515-265-7393.