eVoice - April 21, 2015
Recently released Map the Meal Gap* 2015 numbers from Feeding America show:

Nearly 21,000 children 
are among 54,000 of our Polk County neighbors who don't know where they will get their next meal.

With your support, DMARC is helping to close this hunger gap.

Each month, the DMARC Food Pantry Network provides emergency food for nearly 5,000 families, including 14,000 individuals. In 2015, we expect to assist 40,000 people- about half will be children and youth.

Your recurring gift of $2.50 each week will provide enough food for 130 meals in a year. Just $30 each month, or $1 per day, will provide 35 meals each month or 428 meals in a year.

Thank You for Your Support!

Happy 25th Birthday, Red Barrel Program!

25 years ago, on April 18, 1990, DMARC's Red Barrel Program was officially launched. Today, DMARC celebrates the lasting success of this program by inviting volunteers and partners to our Red Barrel Program 25th Birthday Celebration on Thursday, March 14, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Local Hy-Vee stores have generously offered to donate food, beverages and a birthday cake. Thank you, Hy-Vee! Please RSVP so we can get an idea on the number of expected attendees. 

In the past 25 years, the Red Barrel Program has collected 2,460,579 food items for the DMARC Food Pantry Network. An impressive statistic indeed! Small donations can truly add up, and have a huge impact in our mission to make sure everyone in Greater Des Moines has enough to eat. DMARC would like to stress our utmost gratitude to Red Barrel volunteers, participating stores and staff, and anyone who has ever donated food to the Red Barrel Program.
HISTORY OF THE RED BARREL PROGRAM
Although DMARC's first food pantry initiative began in 1976, it wasn't until 1982 that the Food Pantry became a full-scale department of the Des Moines Area Religious Council. The first president was Duke Holst, a well-known Kiwanian in the Des Moines area. Many Kiwanians joined with concerned church and synagogue members to keep the pantry operating efficiently during its rapid early growth. (continue reading at dmarcunited.org...)
April 2015 Red Barrel News Now Available
The April 2015 issue of Red Barrel News is now available! View current and past issues of Red Barrel News on our website.
Des Moines Area Religious Council

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

515-277-6969

Canned Chicken
canned in water
Community Calendar
April 26

May 1-2

May 2


May 3

May 10

May 11

May 14

May 20

May 21

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.
New Hope UMC Rummage Sale
New Hope United Methodist Church
4525 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310

New Hope United Methodist Church is holding a spring rummage and bake sale from April 23-25 at their church. Hours are below.

Thursday, April 23, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Iowa IPL and Climate Speakers Network Training
Interfaith Power and Light
Sunday, April 26, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines

Iowa Interfaith Power & Light and the Climate Speakers Network will be holding a training that has been custom designed to provide people of faith in Iowa with the tools to build public awareness of climate change and to drive action for solutions within their communities. There is no charge for this event, but they do ask you register to attend.
Spirituality in the 21st Century
May 1-2, St. Pius X Church, Cedar Rapids

How can we begin to do the great work of renewing the face of Earth? Seemingly it's Mission Impossible. Devastated ecosystems, mass extinction of species, polluted water reservoirs, unbreathable air, toxic Earth repositories, rampant poverty, violence and terror besiege the world. Where do we begin? Prairiewoods' annual Spirituality in the 21st Century conference invites us to begin by learning courage and living hope.

 

You are invited to an extraordinary two-day conference at St. Pius X Church (4949 Council Street NE in Cedar Rapids) that will inspire you to take steps forward for the good of all of creation.

The Road to Freedom: A Response to Ferguson
The Des Moines Diversity Chorus, along with Tina Haase Findlay, presents "The Road to Freedom: A Response to Ferguson" on Monday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1548 8th Street in Des Moines. The concert is free and open to the public.
Prayer Stations and Labyrinth for National Day of Prayer

Immanuel United Methodist Church

2900 49th Street, Des Moines

 

Come and spend time in prayer at Immanuel United Methodist Church. The Faith Hall will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on May 7 for the National Day of Prayer. A 36' labyrinth will be set up indoors and various prayer stations will be available. You can come and go as you please. All are welcome and invited! Questions? Call 277-1100 or email inquiries@immanueldsm.org.

Local Author Book Signing

T. C. Florer invites you to a book signing of Carrington Legacy, with a reception to be held on May 7th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the St. Mark Center, 1105 Grand in West Des Moines.

 

From T. C. Florer, "The legacy of Chet and Dawn carries on in this volume. We first met them, as readers, in the novel Unfinished Vow, followed by Dawn's Renaissance. We were with them as they experienced full lives, rich in love, hope, happiness and loss.

 

You, as readers, continued to inquire. What happened next? I was blessed to be included, almost like a family member. It was paramount to Dawn that the family story should be told, going forward, in hopes of touching at least one life. And it has touched mine."

Job Opening: Office Coordinator at Urbandale United Church of Christ
Urbandale United Church of Christ is seeking an office coordinator. The office coordinator is responsible for the administrative tasks and day to day operation of the church office. It is a 30-35 hour per week position, with pay and benefits commensurate with experience and training.

Responsibilities:
  1. Coordinate activities of the church office, including telephone, mail, scheduling, communication and maintenance.
  2. Prepare publications needed by the church, coordinate mailings, and maintain church records, including church bulletins, monthly newsletter and calendars.
  3. Provide administrative and worship support to the Pastor, staff and congregation.
  4. Provide a communication link between the Pastor, staff and church family and outside groups.
  5. Other duties as assigned by the Pastor.
Education:
  • A high school diploma is required.
  • Knowledge of computers and word processing is required.
  • Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills are required.
  • Preference will be given to a candidate proficient in desktop publishing and database management.
Qualifications:
  • Excellent communication skills (written, oral, telephone, and e-mail).
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to learn, use and maintain computer programs, database, publishing, word processing and other software.
  • Ability to function and adapt in a flexible and diverse work environment with minimal supervision.
  • An ability to effectively use the church computer and other office equipment.
  • An ability to prioritize tasks.
To Apply:
Send or email resume and cover letter to Pastor David Sickelka, Urbandale United Church of Christ, 3530 70th St., Urbandale, IA 50322 or david.sickelka@urbucc.org.

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.