eVoice - December 15, 2015
Introducing the Iowa Interfaith Exchange

Sunday, January 31, 2016, 12:30 PM
Drake University, Olmsted Center
The Iowa Interfaith Exchange is a gathering of people from all faiths and belief systems, coming together to find our commonalities and share our differences. The theme of this inaugural event is Exploring Our Religious Landscape.
We will be joined by Peter Manseau, author of One Nation, Under Gods, which examines the history of the United States from the perspective of religious minorities. American culture has been significantly influenced by non-Christian religions, and Manseau will explore historical figures that helped shape the course of our nation's spiritual life.
Moving from a national to a state and local focus, we will have the following breakout sessions available during the Iowa Interfaith Exchange:
  • The history of the Mother Mosque in Cedar Rapids
  • The religions of refugee communities in Greater Des Moines
  • The historic Mormon journey through Iowa
  • Soto Zen Buddhism and the Ryumonji Zen Monastery in northeast Iowa
  • The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans in Cedar Rapids
  • Traditions of Orthodox Christian communities in Iowa
We hope that you will be able to join us for this unique opportunity to make diverse new connections, sample new traditions and practices, and learn more about Iowa's compelling religious history. Learn more and register online at:
Hy-Vee Colossal Cookie Sale 2015 Results
This afternoon (Thursday, December 15), store managers from area Hy-Vee stores visited the DMARC Food Pantry Network distribution center to deliver 3,744 boxes of cereal.

This cereal donation was the result of the 13th Annual Colossal Cookie Sale, held this year from September 13-26. Hy-Vee donated one penny's worth of cereal for each cookie sold during the sale.

Thank you, Hy-Vee and all who participated in the 13th Annual Colossal Cookie Sale, for contributing to its continued success!
Can Hunger Food Drive Results
Thank you to all who participated in ABC5 News and Fareway Urbandale's Can Hunger Food Drive last Friday! The food drive brought in a total of 3,117 food items.
Des Moines Area Religious Council

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

515-277-6969
Canned Vegetables
  • low sodium
Community Calendar
December 19

December 20

January 31, 2016

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 materials by individuals or organizations. We gladly promote events and programs from partners that are connected to our mission, and related to the topic of hunger, poverty, interfaith relations, religious education or the arts. 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.
UCAN Hiring Executive Director
The Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN) is seeking a community-focused, purpose-driven, and results-oriented leader to serve as their Executive Director. Responsibilities broadly include the planning, directing, and general coordination of all UCAN programmatic activities across the various human services, community relations, events and communication coordination, and general program management activities required to operate a leading service organization in Urbandale, Iowa. Apply by January 15, 2016.
World Food Prize Holiday Open House
The community is invited to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for their Holiday Open House. Come and hear holiday music and experience the spectacular acoustics in this historic building, and explore our world through photos.

There will be a live performance of seasonal Christmas music by the Grace Church Ensemble, as well as the opportunity to tour 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World international photography exhibit by Howard G. Buffett. These two elements will bring us together around an important theme at this time of year, to unite us all in the spirit of alleviating hunger that is still experienced by so many in the world.

Please share this invitation with all of your friends, colleagues, family members, and other community members and encourage them to join. There is no admission charge and it is a wonderful opportunity to experience this beautiful building during this special time of year.
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 2014, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than 41,000 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 materials by individuals or organizations. We gladly promote events and programs from partners that are connected to our mission, and related to the topic of hunger, poverty, interfaith relations, religious education or the arts. 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.