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eVoice - March 3, 2015
Douglas M. Woods "Challenge Hunger" Campaign
What do "The Grapes of Wrath", a primitive southern Iowa farmhouse, and a Bible verse have in common?

For retired West Des Moines police officer Doug Woods, the convergence of these writings and memories of a boyhood experience led to his self-described "spiritual awakening" in 2012 - and, soon after, the launch of the first Douglas M. Woods Hunger Challenge to benefit the DMARC Food Pantry Network.

With the recognition that cash could help DMARC buy more food than he could buy at retail price and donate, Doug began to make monetary donations. But, he felt called to do something bigger - to do something more.

The rest is both history and a future in the making, as DMARC announces the third year of the Douglas M. Woods $10,000 Challenge Hunger Campaign. Thank you, Doug!

 

From March 1 through April 30, 2015, donations to DMARC that are noted as "Challenge Hunger" gifts will be matched 50 cents for every dollar, up to a total of $20,000 given. Your $10 becomes $15, $50 equals $75, and so on.

This challenge comes during a season when donations to the food pantries are historically low. Yet, the need for food assistance continues. During the Challenge, a $10 gift will help DMARC provide 20 meals. Donate online at dmarcunited.org/donate, or mail your "Challenge Hunger" donation to the DMARC office.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

(Read the full story online)

February "Red Barrel News" Now Available

The February 2015 issue of Red Barrel News is now available!  Learn more about the March 16 "Spring Into Action" event, find out how the Red Barrel donations are progressing, and read some news from Red Barrel/Food Drive Coordinator John Robinson.

DMARC and CISS Team Up for Spring Donation Drive
DMARC/MovetheFood and Central Iowa Shelter & Services are teaming up for Spring Into Action, an all-day donation drive on Monday, March 16, 2015.

From sunrise to sunset (7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.), volunteers will be lining Mulberry Street in front of DMARC and CISS to collect donations of food, clothing, personal items, and monetary donations. DMARC will receive all food items, and CISS will receive all clothing and personal items. The money will be split evenly between the two organizations.

Help us make this event a success by spreading the word! Download a flyer to hang at your workplace, community center, or place of worship.
Hans Peterson CD Release Concert to Benefit DMARC
Watch a video for "HealingWater", a new song from Hans Peterson's upcoming album, above.

Musician Hans Peterson will be holding an album release concert for his new album "Every Breath I Sing" on Friday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. at Java Joes Coffeehouse, 214 4th Street in downtown Des Moines. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, or $25 per family (more if you can, less if you can't).

A portion of the concert's proceeds will be donated to the DMARC Food Pantry Network. To learn more, check out the Facebook event, download a poster, or visit hanspetersonmusic.com.
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Des Moines Area Religious Council

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

515-277-6969

Cereal
whole grain
Community Calendar
March 6

March 7

March 13

March 16

March 19

March 26

March 28

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.

Community Announcements
Disclaimer: The Des Moines Area Religious Council makes every effort to provide accurate and useful general information in its eVoice, but accepts no liability for the use of the material by individuals or organizations. We gladly distribute information from member or partner individuals, congregations, and other agencies, but our inclusion of such material should not be construed as being sponsored or endorsed by DMARC. Undated general announcements and employment opportunities are included for one week unless requested to be included for a longer period of time.
Opera Iowa Presents "Cinderella"

Westminster Church is proud to invite Opera Iowa to perform "Cinderella." A perfect show for children and families, Rossini's version of this fairy tale is a vocal and comedic romp! You are welcome to come dressed as your favorite prince or princess.

 

Date: Friday, March 6 at 7:00 PM
The event is free and reservations are not required.

 

For further information, contact Laura Sherlock, Communications Director, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 515-274-1534 or lsherlock@westpres.org.

Westminster's Anchor Coffee House Presents Bob Black & Banjoy

Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 PM

Westminster Presbyterian Church

4114 Allison Avenue, Des Moines, 50310

 

Anchor Coffee House presents Bob Black & Banjoy. These top-notch musicians offer everything from classic bluegrass and gospel songs to original instrumentals with a unique & personal style. Coffee, tea, desserts available for purchase. Free childcare. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

Center for Social Ministry Trivia Night
How Many People Does it Take to Have a Great Evening?

Eight! That's how many friends, family, JF groups or other groups you'll need to form a team for the Center for Social Ministry's Trivia Night. The Trivia Night will take place on Saturday evening, March 28, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Surprise valuables awarded throughout the night. The winning team will receive bragging rights and a special gift. The cost of $200 for a team of eight. Only $25/person...less than dinner and a movie! All proceeds will support the work of the Center for Social Ministry. Team registrations needed by March 21. Click here for an event flyer.
Slow Cooker Drive at Grace Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church at 3010 52nd St. in Des Moines is having a slow cooker drive (new pots only please) from Feb. 22-Mar. 29 and we invite anyone to participate. The pots are for nutrition classes that are taught by a specialist at Iowa State Extension in coordination with the Coalition in Support of Hungry Children.  Participants in the classes learn how to make nutritious meals in slow cookers and then take home the donated pots for their families.

 

You may bring the slow cookers of any size to Grace Lutheran Church and leave them on the table that will be located in the entrance area (use the doors by the landscaped entrance off the parking lot) between 7am and 6pm Monday through Friday, or you may bring them directly to the office on Monday through Friday from 9am-1pm.  If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Johnson at stephaniejohnson@q.com. Thank you for your part in the fight to end hunger.
Climate Reality Project
The Climate Reality Project, founded by former Vice President Al Gore, will be having its next international training in Cedar Rapids May 5 through 7. (Its last training was in New Delhi, India, and its future trainings are in Toronto and Miami).

This is an extraordinary opportunity for Iowa, both to have as many Iowans as possible attend the training, and also to showcase our state for Vice President Gore and the other national and international guests who will be visiting our state.

For more details, or to apply, visit climaterealitytraining.org/iowa.

Please consider applying yourself, and also think about friends, family, and colleagues around the state who might be interested and encourage them to apply.
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 12 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 eight sites in Des Moines. In 2013, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than 34,000 individuals in the greater Des Moines community; half of whom are children and youth.

 

MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on nearly 40 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.
Disclaimer: The Des Moines Area Religious Council makes every effort to provide accurate and useful general information in its eVoice, but accepts no liability for the use of the material by individuals or organizations. We gladly distribute information from member or partner individuals, congregations, and other agencies, but our inclusion of such material should not be construed as being sponsored or endorsed by DMARC. Undated general announcements and employment opportunities are included for one week unless requested to be included for a longer period of time.