eVoice - April 7, 2015
Religious Freedom Day at the Capitol

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743. In 1786, he penned the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which became the precursor of the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

 

In honor of Jefferson's birthday and his legacy in securing religious freedom for generations that would follow him, supporters of religious freedom will gather in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda on April 13, 2015, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

 

The event will feature short remarks by invited guests on the topic of How Religious Freedom Benefits All in a Diverse and Civil Society. The informal atmosphere will allow participants to share ideas on how to protect religious freedom, how to bless communities through their free exercise of religion, and how to work together for a civil and respectful dialogue on protecting the right to freely live according to one's deeply held beliefs. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for attendance, but participants are asked to register to aid in planning.

 

This is not a political rally or call to advocacy on any particular legislative topic. It is a grass roots expression of support for the natural right to exercise one's religious freedoms. Attendees are asked to respect the neutral and open tone of this event. A committee of state senators has invited several guests and is the host for this event. Refreshments will be donated  by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Participants from all walks of life and from all faiths are welcome to attend. 

Donate Three Food Items, Get a Free I-Cubs Ticket!
I-Cubs logo
At every Iowa Cubs Sunday home game this summer, DMARC will be accepting three food items as a donation in exchange for one general admission ticket. Fans can also pay $5 to upgrade to a Grand Stand seat.

Find a full list of the Iowa Cubs Sunday Home Games on our community calendar.

We are still in need of a few volunteers to assist gathering donations at Iowa Cubs Sunday home game. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Daniel Beck, dbeck@dmarcunited.org or 515-282-2026
Planting a Garden? How About a Row for DMARC?
Are you getting your garden ready for the growing season? This year, consider planting a row or even just a few plants to donate to the DMARC Food Pantry Network! Donating fresh produce is easy, we've even created a video to guide you through it!

We strive to provide healthy, nutritious food for our food pantry visitors. Many times, fresh fruits and vegetables are out of their price range. By donating fresh produce to the DMARC Food Pantry Network, you can rest assured that your contribution is greatly valued!
The Comparison Project: Next Lecture April 16

The female Muslim mystic, Rabi'a al-'Adawiyya (d. 801), is widely considered one of the most influential mystics of Sufism. Almost single-handedly, she redirected the early spirit of Sufism away from the path of austere asceticism and toward the path of divine love. Dr. Albertini's illustrated lecture will analyze Rabi'a's mystical poetry with respect to her struggle to express an ineffable love for Allah.

 

Dr. Tamara Albertini was raised in North Africa where she learned Arabic and attended Qur'anic classes. Later, she obtained a Lic.phil. from the University of Basel (Switzerland) and a Dr.phil. from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich (Germany) in Islamic and Renaissance studies. Her many publications aim at reintroducing the vigor and vision of Muslim intellectual contributions from the classical period. Since 9/11, she speaks widely on Islamic Fundamentalism, Women and Islam, and Islamic Law.

 

Note: The lecture will be preceded by a 6:00 p.m. meditation by Meditation Around Town.

Des Moines Area Religious Council

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

515-277-6969

Canned Chicken
canned in water
Community Calendar
April 9

April 10

April 11

April 13


April 14

April 16


April 18

April 19

April 26

May 1-2

May 2


May 3

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.
Intersection: Where Arts, Development, and a Vibrant Community Converge
Wednesday, April 8, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Chapman House, 1711 9th Street, Des Moines

The Urban Land Institute of Iowa is co-hosting a tour of Chapman House. Local artist Katelyn McBurney, together with business partners Christopher Osore and Max Cardenas, are working to transform a house in Des Moines' River Bend neighborhood into a community home for artists. Chapman House will be a space where creatives can live and work alongside one another while opening the home to the public for special events. Join ULI for a sneak peek of the progress and to learn more about this exciting project. No charge to attend. RSVP on ULI Iowa's website, or click the button below.
The Homestretch: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.
Harvey Ingham 102, Drake University

Bigs @ Drake and the local PBS station present a free preview screening of The Homestretch. The documentary will premiere on PBS's Independent Lens on Monday, April 13, at 9:00 p.m.

The film tells the story of three homeless teens braving Chicago winters, high school pressures, and life on the streets to build a better future. Against all odds, they recover from a life of abandonment to create new, surprising definitions of home.

Following the film screening will be a panel from the Iowa Homeless Youth Center discussing youth experiencing homelessness in Des Moines. The event is free and open to the public.
Anne Frank Exhibit and Production

This spring, Repertory Theater of Iowa presents The Diary of Anne Frank, written by Albert Hackett & Frances Goodrich and adapted by Wendy Kesselman, with shows April 10th-26th at the Des Moines Social Club's Kum and Go Theater.


Along with the production, an exhibit from The Anne Frank Center in New York City - Anne Frank: A History for Today - will be on display from March 30 - April 26 in The Gallery at Des Moines Social Club.

Special tours by trained docents are available. For tour times, visit rtiowa.com.


This exhibit is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and the Iowa Foundation for the Environment, Education, and the Arts.

Salvation Army Spaghetti Dinner
Sunday, April 12, 12:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army Citadel, 1216 E 25th Court

The Salvation Army Citadel is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for their church youth. Dinner is $5 per plate. Includes spaghetti, garlic bread, and drink. Dessert available to purchase. Kids 5 and under eat free.
"Stand Up Against Hunger" Benefit for Urbandale Food Pantry
Join the Urbandale Food Pantry on Monday, April 13, as they gather to raise funds and enjoy some stand-up comedy with Willie Farrell at the Funny Bone Comedy Club! Farrell and the Funny Bone have generously donated their time and space for the event, so all of the ticket sales (tax-deductible for you) go to the Urbandale Food Pantry! (You must be at least 18 to attend.)
"Talking About When Life Ends: A Series of Conversations"

Central Presbyterian Church invites you to Talking About When Life Ends: A Series of Conversations.

These three speaking sessions will be held at Central Presbyterian Church, 39th and Grand in Des Moines. For more information, visit dmcpc.org/events-at-central/.

 

Legal Matters Do Matter, Robert C. Oberbillig, Atty

Sunday, April 12, 4:00 p.m.


Hospice Care on Your Terms, Jenny Lohner, RN
Sunday, April 19, 4:00 p.m.

What You Need to Know About Funerals but Don't Want to Ask, Robin Walter, Funeral Director
Sunday, April 26, 4:00 p.m.
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.