October 20, 2009
Iowa Conference News
Planning and Research Committee Opening
Do you have training, skills, or interest in research? Are you interested in the Annual Conference as an organizational system? The Committee on Planning and Research has a couple of openings. The committee meets 4-5 times a year. Members do research for the conference—surveys, project evaluations, demographics, environmental scanning, data for decision-makers, etc. Lay or Clergy, women and minorities are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Jim Davis (515) 268-3360 or jimdavis95@msn.com.
Iowa United Methodist Advocacy Day
February 1, 2010, Des Moines
Mark your calendars for the Iowa Annual Conference United Methodist Advocacy Day (formerly Lobby Day) at the State Capitol on Monday, February 1, 2010. Click here to visit the Social Justice & Advocacy Ministry webpage for more details over the coming months.
Rethink Church Conference - Nebraska
November 13-14, 2009
Location: Lexington, NE
Contact: Kathryn Witte
email: kwitte@umcneb.org
Registration Deadline: 11/8/2009
Rev. Dot Hasler (Stratford, Iowa) is wondering if there are enough folks going to the ReThink event in Nebraska that there might be a car pool or some such leaving from Des Moines. She is registered and is planning on going whether there is a carpool/bus or not, so someone could ride with Dot if they wished. Interested? You can email Dot at: dhasler@netins.net
Does Your Church Need to Refinance an Existing Loan?
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.
Rates currently starting at 5.5% as of October 19, 2009
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
St. Luke’s, Dubuque, Opens New Fair Trade Store
St. Luke’s UMC, Dubuque, has opened a new Fair Trades store.
Click here to view a video that outlines this project (of which they are proud and which will also do a lot of good.)
http://www.thonline.com/multimedia/?id=2827
If you have some Holiday shopping needs........
Travel with the Trimble’s to the Oberammergau Passion Play
Bishop Julius Trimble and Racelder Grandberry-Trimble invite you to join them on an exciting pilgrimage to Germany and Austria in August of 2010. On this trip we will attend a performance of the historic once-every-ten-years Passion Play in Oberammergau and stay in a historic Alpine village.
Other highlights will include a day in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace; a visit to Innsbruck, where we will tour Maria Theresa’s Imperial Palace; breathtaking views of the Tyrolian Alps; a drive through the Brenner Pass, and visits to castles, churches and abbeys in the region.
In the 17th Century, when the village of Oberammergau was spared from the Black Plague, the villagers promised God that they would show their gratitude by performing a Passion Play every ten years. Now, 370 years later, we will have the opportunity to experience this world-famous production.
In addition to the nine-day pilgrimage, travelers may choose an Italy pre-tour or extensions to Switzerland, Vienna and Prague, or an Alpine village extended stay.
For further information and registration materials, please contact Ron and Ruth Anne Petrak at 1507 Pennsylvania Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316; Phone 515/262-3691; email address: ronruthanne1507@msn.com.
National Donor Sabbath Weekend
Give thanks. Give life. Houses of worship and faith-based communities around the country observe National Donor Sabbath Weekend in November of each year as a way of bringing attention to the critical need for life-saving and life-enhancing eyes, organs, and tissues for transplant. Every major religion in the United States supports donation as one of the highest expressions of compassion and generosity. This year, National Sabbath Weekend is November 13th – 15th.
The Iowa Lions Eye Bank would like to partner with the district offices and churches in Iowa to honor the donors and donor families who have given the gift of life through eye, organ and tissue donation. To think of others in one’s hour of grief and sorrow is truly compassionate and selfless. The gift of life through eye, organ and tissue donation is one that costs only the decision to give, yet the decision can literally mean life or death to someone in need.
The Iowa Lions Eye Bank would consider it a great honor to partner with your church in honoring these courageous donors and donor families during the National Donor Sabbath Weekend. We also would find it a privilege to work with your church to bring awareness to your congregation on the amazing gift they could give by becoming an eye, organ and tissue donor.
Attached is a letter that can be shared in all churches. We ask that you thoughtfully consider partnering with us. If you should have any questions, please give them a call at 319-356-2871.
Foundation Awards 53 Scholarships
The Iowa United Methodist Foundation’s Scholarship Program has grown exponentially thanks to the endowments established and gifts given by United Methodists throughout the state. Though the amounts and numbers of scholarships vary from year to year depending on the economy and qualifications of applicants, there are 46 scholarships that have been established by individuals and families through endowments and another 7 general scholarships that have been built by combined contributions from thousands of Iowa United Methodists.
This year, the Foundation scholarship committee was able to offer $60,000 in scholarships for individuals to apply for.
Congratulations and Good Luck to:
NAME COLLEGE TOWN
Morgan Tue ISU Garner
Ross Yeast Coe College West Liberty
Luke Hillyer UNI West Liberty
Rachel Grover Iowa Wesleyan Cedar Falls
Jamie Lippert Iowa Wesleyan Moravia
Jenna Gray Simpson Indianola
Jordan Glawe Simpson Aurelia
Michael Kern Simpson Norwalk
Joel Feldman Drake Adel
Steph Wibben Morningside Rock Rapids
Kari Strief Simpson Sac City
Caleb Carver Simpson Alburnett
Keisha Smith Simpson Gladbrook
Emily Hartley Drake Waukee
Dana Zimmerman Iowa Wesleyan Washington
Tanner Whipple ISU Hampton
Jessica Paul UNI Swaledale
Gregory Anderson Morningside Sioux City
Stacy Humiston Coe College Wapello
Benell Weatherspoon Luther College St. Paul, MN
Abigail Harris Simpson Clarksville
Sarah Wilkin Simpson Titonka
Kathleen Smith Morningside Cedar Rapids
Heather Smith Simpson Truro
Emily Notting Morningside Milo
Kaylee Spotts Morningside Ida Grove
Jake McCulley Simpson New Sharon
Madalyn Mardesen Morningside Elliott
Meredith McCay Simpson Waukee
Annaleah Herrman Simpson Glenwood
Thaddeus Ennen Simpson Buffalo Center
Michele Witcombe Morningside Cherokee
Justina Ellis Simpson Jolley
Adam Kern Simpson Norwalk
Grant Rodgers Simpson Ottumwa
Brittney Louke Simpson Webster City
Sara Ferguson St. Ambrose Univ. Urbandale
Alicia Votaw Simpson West Burlington
Mary Lewis Drake University Spirit Lake
SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS
Carl Benge Sioux Falls Seminary Early
Jacquelin Thompson Univ. of Dubuque Ottumwa
Lisa Schroeder Univ. of Dubuque Solon
There are many more being awarded by individual churches and groups through the Foundation.
If you would like to be part of this mission for the future by endowing a scholarship for students attending specific colleges, from specific churches/areas or studying in a certain field, or if you would like to contribute to the General Scholarship Fund which awards to Iowa United Methodist students attending Iowa United Methodist affiliated colleges please write or email us for more information.
Scholarships
Iowa United Methodist Foundation
2301 Rittenhouse St.
Des Moines, IA 50321
judy.medeiros@iaumc.org
Older Adult Ministry Grants
The United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries will be providing two kinds of grants related to older adult ministry during the 2009-2012 quadrennium. The two older adult ministry grants available are in the areas of Intergenerational Ministry and Caregiving Ministry.
The grants, part of the Comprehensive Plan for Older Adult Ministries, will be available to local United Methodist congregations, districts, annual conferences, central conferences, and United Methodist-related institutions. All grant applications will be reviewed by the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries. The committee is also responsible for the selection process. The following procedures have been determined by the committee:
Intergenerational Ministry with older adults
- August 2009 – Applications available, both in print form and on our website
- January 15, 2010 – Submission deadline
- Fall 2010 – Grant funds are awarded
Caregiving Ministry with older adults
- August 2010 – Applications available, both in print form and on our website
- January 15, 2011 – Submission deadline
- Fall 2011 – Grant funds are awarded
To receive your Older Adult Ministry Grant Application Form with procedures and criteria, contact:
Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries—GBOD
POB 340003 — Nashville , TN 37203-0003
Telephone: 615-340-7177 or Toll free: 1-877-899-2780 ext. 7177
Email: tkline@gbod.org Website: www.aging-umc.org
United Methodist and Other News
Change the World Conference
UMCOR is a sponsor and workshop leader for the upcoming Change the World Conference in Tipp City, Ohio on Oct. 22-23, 2009. Hosted by Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio, the conference provides tools for the church to engage in effective ministry.
Featured speakers include Ruby Payne, author of “A Framework for Understanding Poverty,” Ron Sider, professor, evangelical speaker, writer and president of the Evangelicals for Social Action, Trevor Hudson, South African pastor, author, and speaker, and Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginshamsburg Church.
For more details about the conference or to register, please click here.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online by clicking on any of the "Give Now" links. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them.
Welcoming the Stranger: the Church’s Response to Immigration
Are you interested in…
• deepening your faith and broadening your knowledge of the
Christian faith,
• enhancing your participation in the church,
• expanding or renewing your capacity for service?
Consider taking an Academy for Vital Christianity class!
Welcoming the Stranger: the Church’s Response to Immigration - at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. The class starts Saturday, October 24.
Class prices have been reduced from $225 to $175.
See the attached brochure for more information.
Concerned about reaching younger people for the church today?
They are the future of the church!
But HOW? We are all asking that question—and the only answer is to learn from the younger generation themselves and those who are being successful in reaching them. We, the church leaders, have to think differently and respond in new ways.
WHERE can you learn this? At the Navigate Conference we are holding on November 10-12, 2009 at Florence UMC, outside of Cincinnati. The basic cost is $200 with pre-conference or post-conference workshops at $25-$50. You can access the full brochure with all the details online.
The mix of speakers, workshop leaders and the networking opportunities present there will give you great information and good ideas of how to reach younger generations for Christ. It’s because I believe so passionately in growing the church and the Christian faith well into the next generations that Leadership Nexus is holding this important conference.
I want to strongly encourage you to come to this conference or send people from your church to it!
Questions? Call me, or email me (bpierson@leadershipnexus.net) and let’s talk about it—I’d love to hear from you.
You may enroll online or by mailing your name, address, church name, email and a check made out to Leadership Nexus to:
Bob Pierson
Leadership Nexus
7103 S. Columbia Place
Tulsa, OK 74136.
Scholarships are available for ½ tuition and CEUs will be distributed at the conclusion of the conference. Email your scholarship requests to me at bpierson@leadershipnexus.net. We will evaluate your request for approval as soon as we receive it. We want you to be able to take advantage of this powerful conference!
Adobe Reader
In order to download pdf files that you frequently receive in our messages, and from our website, you need to have Adobe Reader on your computer. The download is free. Here is a link to the latest version: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Impact Community
Beginning November 1, 2009, United Methodist Communications will launch Impact Community. This is the progression of the previous Matching Grant program and will partner with church clusters, districts and conferences to reach beyond their church buildings and actively engage with community volunteers to impact their neighborhoods and towns.
Each grant awarded will associate with an Impact event and once again, assist with the promoting and advertising of the event.
This new initiative is part of the Rethink Church 2010 strategy urging churches to move out into their communities, creating doors of entry to engage the unchurched.
Support tools offered by United Methodist Communications include:
- Media planning, placement, design, customization and funds
- Event planning resources and assistance
- Event registration software
- Public Relations tips and strategies
- A training module specifically for event day volunteers.
The online application process (November 1, 2009) and criteria can be found at umcom.org/impactcommunity or email us at impactcommunity@umcom.org.
Youth for Understanding USA
Hosting a Youth for Understanding international exchange student is an enriching experience for you and the entire family. By opening your home and heart to a student from overseas, you and your family will gain a new global perspective, many memories, and quite possibly a new family member for life!
For more information and to fill out a host family
Application visit www.yfu-usa.org, call 1.800.872.0200 or e-mail admissions@yfu.org.
Internationalize Your Community
If you're interested in hosting an exchange student, consider also asking your neighbors and friends if they would be interested in sharing this enriching experience as well. Often times, clusters of students bring neighborhoods together and strengthen even the closest of communities. Imagine backyard BBQs or Friday night football games with the German girl across the street, the Brazilian boy down the block, and the Thai siblings who live nearby.
Looking for a 2010 Lenten Series Theme?
to lead people deeper into the waters of grace and discipleship? Mindful of Lent in the early church as a time of baptismal preparation, consider “Water for Your Soul: The Baptismal Plunge with Christ,” a five-week series on living in baptism every day. The series utilizes the book WATER FOR YOUR SOUL, with the option of daily readings for individuals and families. The Lenten series is available without charge to pastors, as well as information on the book, on author Glenn Borreson’s website, www.waterforyoursoul.com.
Glenn L. Borreson
1006 Deerfield Street
Holmen, WI 54636
Glenn's book website and blog:
www.waterforyoursoul.com
http://waterandword.wordpress.com
ISLA is a group affiliated with the UMC in MN which takes medical teams to Honduras.
Just a quick note to remind people that it is not too late to sign up for the January 18-29 ISLA trip to Jalapa! Applications and information are available on the website www.isla.cc
Trip fees have been held at $1,250 this year. But in order to get a group travel flight we need to get reservations soon.
So spread the word to friends, family, acquaintances who will soon likely be looking for a warm getaway opportunity anyway. Any questions, please email or give me a call at 612-819-8877.
MTSO Harding Scholarship offers full tuition plus $10,000 a year
Methodist Theological School in Ohio has opened its competition for the Harding Scholarship, offering full tuition plus a $10,000 annual stipend to a student entering in the fall of 2010. The Harding Scholarship is one of more than 40 full-tuition scholarships offered by MTSO.
Each candidate for the Harding Scholarship must:
· Be nominated by a judicatory official, undergraduate faculty member or undergraduate chaplain;
· Be accepted in one of four master’s degree programs: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries, Master of Arts in Christian Education, or Master of Theological Studies;
· Complete a qualifying essay;
· Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale;
· If chosen as a finalist, attend interviews Feb. 15 and 16, 2010, on the MTSO campus.
Detailed information and scholarship applications are available at www.mtso.edu/harding, 800-333-6876 and admit@mtso.edu. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2010.
The Harding Scholarship was made possible by and created in honor of Jack E. Harding, a lifelong resident of Newark, Ohio, and good friend of MTSO, and his mother, Alberta E. Harding. Its purpose is to attract the nation’s most capable students to MTSO for full-time graduate theological study. It was first awarded in 2006.
Those who apply for the Harding Scholarship also will be considered for other MTSO scholarships.
“The Harding Scholarship competition has introduced great students from around the country to MTSO,” said Admissions Director April Casperson. “Beyond the Harding winner, a lot of finalists have received other full-tuition scholarships. In fact, one-fifth of our current students have earned full scholarships.”
Located in Greater Columbus on U.S. Route 23, Methodist Theological School in Ohio is an ecumenical graduate school, preparing transformational leaders for service to the church and the world. MTSO offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and Christian education, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. The seminary’s president is the Rev. Jay Rundell. For more information, visit www.mtso.edu.
mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
