April 7, 2009
Iowa Conference News
Workshop on Aging and Ministry
The Iowa Annual Conference Older Adult Ministry Council is sponsoring a workshop entitled “Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century” on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 9:00-3:30 at the Walnut Hills UMC, 12321 Hickman Road in Urbandale. Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler, Director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministry with the General Board of Discipleship will keynote the event. A $25.00 registration fee (due by June 1) includes all materials, lunch and breakout sessions. See the attached brochure for more information.
Academy for New Ministry Development
The Academy for New Ministry Development will be having their next session on Thursday, April 30th at St. Paul’s UMC, 803 Clearview Drive in Williamsburg, Iowa (www.stpaulsumcwilliamsburg.com). We would like to invite all pastors and church leaders to attend the dinner, worship, and presentation given by the teaching church. This is a great opportunity for you to bring a team of people and experience what is happening at another church so that it stirs the discussion and fans the flames for your own congregation. An agenda is provided for you below. We ask that anyone not currently part of the Academy for New Ministry Development pay for their own supper ($9/person). To register, please contact Barb Mann at barb.mann@iaumc.org. Thank you.
Thursday, April 30th
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm - dinner at teaching church
6:00 pm – 6:20 pm - worship at teaching church
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm - teaching church presentation
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm - Q & A
After 8:00 pm - Fellowship
Chad Jennings, Chair
Academy for New Ministry Development
April School Teachers for Nigeria
John Jako, the young Nigerian student studying an ophthalmic course at Amadu Bello University, has completed his studies and successfully passed the prescribed examination. He has reported back to the Eye Centre at Zing where he will resume his staff position. John is looking forward to being one of the two surgeons to perform eye surgeries at the June Eye Camp. Thanks to individuals and churches that supported John in his ophthalmic studies. Persons wishing to help with the proposed 100 free surgeries during the Eye Camp may send their $150 through your local church or to the conference treasurer designated INP, #230, Eye Camp.
For four years, Cletus David, has been supported by Iowans at Africa University. He will graduate from the Faculty of Theology in June. His dream was to continue at AU pursuing a Master’s Degree. The Iowa Nigeria Partnership committee had no money to help him continue his education so he was prepared to return to Nigeria. As God would have it, funds have been found for him to fulfill his dream and he was notified by e-mail this week. Here is his response in reading the news: “I am lifting my hands, smiling again and again, my eyes filled with tears and everyone is wondering what’s happening as I read this message in the library. In my heart I am just saying prayers for you and all those who have been instrumental in giving me this opportunity. I pray that God will infinitely bless all of you with great blessings.”
Because Cletus has been gone from Nigerian for two years and has not seen his little 6 y/o daughter, Delight, he needs to return to spend some “daddy” time with her as well as get a new Zimbabwe visa. Travel costs will be approximately $1,500 for airfare and bus to Jalingo. Can you help with any of his travel expenses?
The Gwaten Conference wants to set up a mini-library at Bambur in their church headquarters so that guests may have access to theological books while attending meetings and conferences. Work team members, Verna Thompson, Rebecca Anderson and Kathy Olson, will help with this project when they go in June.
Thirty-five students will graduate on July 18 from the Junior Secondary School. Each year Darci Hartman, in the UMC Communication Department, prepares Certificate of Graduation for these graduates. When the sea container arrives, Bibles will be collected to be given to the graduates in the name of the Iowa Annual Conference. Your presence is present at their graduation day!
Africa University is helping Doris David, sister of Cletus, hone her leadership skills as she was selected to chair a press conference April 10 on “Challenge and Relevance of Regional Bodies in Africa.” She was nominated as secretary general of the AU Choir. She sends her regards to all those who support her.
Simon Benjamin, a layman and director of the Sunday School Program for the UMC of Nigeria, tells of providing teacher training in the three conferences with a total of 214 in attendance. Iowa funds have allowed him to purchase needed materials and supplies for these teachers to use as Christian educators in their churches, both urban and in the bush.
Each year donations from local Iowa churches have made it possible to provide a small stipend to all academic and non-academic staff at the Nigerian church schools. This gift is given, along with a certificate of thanks, by Iowa team members as a gesture of support and encouragement to educators as they provide a quality Christian education in Nigeria.
The Iowa United Methodist Foundation is offering the Current Investment Rates* Effective: 4/6/09
Fixed Rate Fund
Available for Churches and Agencies minimum deposit $2,500
3 Months 1.0%
6 Months 1.4%
1 Year 2.2%
2 Year 2.6%
3 Year 2.9%
4 Year 3.0%
5 Year 3.3%
Iowa United Methodist Church Building Fund Trust
Available for Individuals, Churches and Agencies in even $1,000 increments
(Please contact us for an offering circular or visit our website www.iumcbft.org)
1 Year 3.10%
Please contact us for more information:
Iowa United Methodist Foundation
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-974-8927
* Please note rates may change without notice
Spiritual Survival in Uncertain Times
How do we cope in times of uncertainty? Learn about “Spiritual Survival in Uncertain Times” at the United Methodist Ministers Retreat at The Village,
July 8th – 9th in Indianola. Join us for fellowship and learning as we explore a rich tapestry of traditions: Protestant, Catholic and Jewish. Distinguished leaders from these faith groups will teach, lead small group discussions and coach us as we experience successful practices that encompass mind, body and spirit. Watch for additional information and registration forms at the end of this month. Julia Fitzhugh, Marketing Director, 961-0878.
Does Your Church Need a New Loan or to Refinance an Existing One?
The Iowa United Methodist Church Building Fund Trust makes loans to local churches for the purposes of building new buildings, renovation or additions to existing facilities, repairs, purchasing land or even buying a parsonage. The Trust also has refinancing options for high-interest loans.
Please contact us for more information:
Iowa United Methodist Church Building Fund Trust
churchloan@iaumc.org
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-974-8927
United Methodist and Other News
Ministry 2.0 Workshop
Ministry 2.0 is a hands-on workshop and live event designed for church leaders and volunteers interested in enhancing their ministry using the latest in Web technology. Conceived by a team of Web evangelists with a heart for the local church, Ministry 2.0 is a grassroots effort allowing believers of all backgrounds to come together to celebrate Christ, while sharing and learning from one another. Driven not by the interest of event sponsors – our relaxed learning environment offers everything from hands-on workshops for beginners, to more theory-driven curriculum tailored to the needs of the seasoned participant. Many of the country’s leading Web evangelists will be sharing how they are making disciples using the power of the Web. You can learn more at http://www.ministry2.org/kansascity.
Ministry 2.0 Kansas City is scheduled for May 30 at Indian Creek Community Church in Olathe, Kansas. I have attached a short event notice and graphic to assist you in getting the word out to your church leadership. You are also welcome to glean anything else you might need from our website at http://www.ministry2.org/kansascity. If you would find it helpful to discuss Ministry 2.0 with me further, please email me times and dates you might be available to talk by phone.
As you share information with your church leaders, please let them know that they will receive a 10% registration discount when they use the following code at checkout: COUP0530.
mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
