October 15, 2008
Iowa Conference News
Thanksgiving Ingathering 2008
Thanksgiving Ingathering Day is coming soon to a site nearest you!! We encourage everyone to attend the Ingathering, Saturday, November 1st, at one of the following sites: CHEROKEE, CEDAR FALLS, WEBSTER CITY, GREENFIELD AND MT. PLEASANT. Doors open 7:30/8:00AM with a variety of events going on.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: DO NOT DISPOSE of the Ingathering booklets this year!!! To save on postage and publishing costs a supplement for 2009 will be sent to insert in booklets.
REMITTANCE FORMS: This is located in the back of booklet, page 28.
NOTE: Bring 2 copies of this form with ONE CHECK payable to "Thanksgiving Ingathering" and keep a copy for yourself. Also, please DO NOT enclose $1 for toothpaste in health kits. On remittance form, left column, second line item from the top you will include the cash for toothpaste.
As always, we encourage supporting UMCOR, IA-Nigeria Partnership, Heifer International, Self-Help International, Church World Service and P.E.T.
A harvest will be reaped here as well as all over the world by the receiver and the giver! Come and enjoy the day the Lord has made! Let us all rejoice and be glad in it!
See You November 1st !!!
IN CHRIST'S SERVICE,
Gaylen & Ranee Goettsch, Ingathering Coordinators
800-228-2853
Gene & Lois Novak, Ingathering Chairs
319-377-2092
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2009 Iowa Work Team to Nigeria
The following persons are being recruited as part of the Iowa work team to Nigeria:
Librarian
The librarian will work at the Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Jalingo, where a new library was dedicated in July 2008. Organization/classification of new books to be completed with seminars as to library usage for staff and students and developing a Library Club are tasks to be completed. Possible work in the Job Library at the seminary.
Computer Technician/Software Engineer
In Bambur, the Gwaten Conference has set up Computer Training classes for students to receive computer instruction including use of the internet. A tech person is needed to assist and instruct the staff, help set up and repair computer equipment and teach some of the computer classes. This person needs general computer knowledge and training. Additional training on basic computer use for UMC staff persons is imperative.
Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
The Episcopal Office and the Pero Conference Superintendent of the UMC of Nigeria would like assistance to set up office procedures, do calendaring, study staff time management and provide input in organization of effective office. Volunteer would work with Council Director, Conference staff and Bishop.
Health Care Professionals
The United Methodist Church of Nigeria supports the Rural Health Program (RHP), which includes an Eye Centre, Hospital, Maternity and Mobile Clinics. All health care professionals including a surgeon, nurses, lab technician as well as willing hands are requested. A 2nd Eye Camp is being held to provide 100 free cataract surgeries so medical persons knowledgeable in eye care/cataract surgeries are desperately needed.
Construction
Knowledge of general construction, installation of solar panels, solar refrigerators, digging, casing and installing pumping apparatus on wells, painting and electrical maintenance is needed. Fix up and repair of church buildings to be done. A jack of all trades would fit the order.
Supervisor for Fencing Project
A priority project is fencing the perimeter of the Junior Secondary School in Jalingo with cement block and woven wire fencing. A person with fencing experience to oversee the job would be welcome.
Tentative dates are June 13 with return on July 3, 2009. We are hopeful to have about 5-7 persons. The Iowa-Nigeria Partnership will offer $500 per person for in-Nigeria travel, housing and meal expenses. An orientation will be planned for mid-March and the airline ticket and Nigerian visa will be secured for participants. The trip cost is approximately $2,800. Local churches and mission committees are willing to help with travel expenses which are (in part) tax deductible. Application deadline is Feb. 14, 2009.
Contact for additional information and application form:
Beverly Nolte, 515 237 8544, bnmedical@aol.com
Linda Rowe, 641 664 1828, Linda.rowe@gpaea.k12.ia.us
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$haping Up Your Finance$
Everyone is invited to $haping Up Your Finance$, a free workshop on the afternoon of Sunday, November 2, at 12:30 pm at St Luke UMC, 501 E 19th St N, Newton. The program reveals the principles and practices needed to cut expenses, to get out of debt and save for those important things in life. Based on the Biblical truths found in Proverbs, you will be able to change your financial situation.
Every day you delay participating in this seminar you forfeit the opportunity to be financially secure and happy with what you accomplish with your money. The Iowa United Methodist Foundation and St Luke UMC, Newton, offers this seminar at no cost. A 10:30 am Worship and 11:30 potluck precedes the financial workshop for anyone who would also like to attend those too.
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Fixed Interest Rate Investments - Invest before rates go down again
The Iowa United Methodist Foundation is offering great rates for fixed-rate investments. The Foundation offers the following rates (churches and agencies only):
3 months 3.30%
6 months 3.50%
1 year 3.80%
2 years 4.00%
3 years 4.30%
The Iowa United Methodist Building Fund Trust will pay 3.90% for a one-year investment. This investment is open to individuals as well as churches.
Interest rates may change without notice so you may want to call to confirm rates.
For more information contact Dave Harner – 515-974-8928 or e-mail: david.harner@iaumc.org.
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Estate Planning Seminar for Your Church
The Iowa United Methodist Foundation offers an estate planning seminar for your church. The seminar discusses the estate planning process from selecting an advisor through preparing the pertinent instruments (wills, trusts, power of attorney, guardianship for children, living will, medical directives, etc.). Each participant will leave with a booklet covering the seminar topics as well as samples of legal documents.
To schedule a seminar for your church call Dave Harner at 515-974-8928.
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ROCKS, TREES, AND WATER, A 24 HOUR RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Presented by the Iowa Five Day Academy Planning Team
November 7-8, 2008
Friday 5:30 p.m. through Saturday 5:30 p.m.
AMERICAN MARTYRS RETREAT CENTER, CEDAR FALLS, IOWA
http://americanmartyrs.tripod.com/
FACULTY: BARRIE AND KAE TRITLE
RETREAT LEADER; MARILYN BUCHANAN
The retreat will provide the participant in retreat with:
an introduction into the retreat experience within community,
spiritual formation within the joy of learning and sharing,
a time for solitude and personal contemplation,
an opportunity for those who yearn for a time away.
REGISTRATION
$100 covers the cost of room, food and faculty.
Name: _________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _________________________________________
Phone; __________e-mail:_______________clergy/lay__________
Registration Deadline: October 23, 2008
$25 non refundable deposit; balance due Nov. 7 Remittance: ____________
Contact info: J Rigdon 319 753 2661 or ledgerguy@lisco.com
Fill out and send to Marilee Taber, 2301 Rittenhouse St, Des Moines, IA 50321
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Investment and Retirement Planning Seminar
The Investment and Retirement Planning seminar provides information on the investment strategy, the steps to take prior to retiring, income options from retirement programs, new catch-up provisions for those over 50, the new tax law, and a special section just for the women. The seminar deals with investment and retirement planning from a very early age through the retirement years. This seminar is a must for anyone wanting to retire and feel secure. Each participant will leave with a booklet covering the seminar topics. For information contact Dave Harner at 515-974-8928 or david.harner@iaumc.org.
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Loans for Churches
The Iowa United Methodist Church Building Fund Trust makes loans to local churches for the purposes of building new buildings, renovating existing facilities, repairs, purchasing land or parsonage. The Trust will also refinance high-interest loans.
To receive more information or apply for a loan contact Dave Harner – 515-974-8928 or david.harner@iaumc.org.
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Information Needed - We're trying to be "green" in every way possible
Communications received a telephone call recently asking if there are any church groups who collect empty prescription bottles. If your church organization does this, or if you know of an organization that collects them, would you please contact Darci Hartman at darci.hartman@iaumc.org ? Thanks so much!
mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
.
