mid week update

February 2, 2010

Iowa Conference News

Parishioners Clair Lux and Gloria Capone of New Life Community UMC in Fairfield, CT., performed a miracle by organizing a Haiti benefit concert in just six short days. Several hundred people participated and enjoyed contemporary Christian music, a Celtic band and opera. The event raised about $3,030 for UMCOR Haiti relief work.

A Texas-based United Methodist clergy group called Connections Band, which usually raises money for Nothing But Nets, held a benefit concert on Jan. 22 to raise funds for Haiti earthquake survivors. A total of $13,883 was raised and will go directly to UMCOR for Haiti relief work.

Embrace Church, Lexington, KY., is holding a “Give $1 to Haiti Fund” and sending 100 percent of donations to UMCOR. So, far about $314 has been raised for Haiti relief.

Chapin United Methodist in South Carolina collected $10,000 last Sunday for UMCOR’s work in Haiti.

Visit Haiti Earthquake web page to share information with your local communities on UMCOR relief efforts and ways to help.

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.

Volunteer in Mission Team Leader Training

Sunday, March 14th

Sibley UMC

1:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Are you called to lead a mission team? Do you want to learn more?

Iowa Conference Volunteers in Mission is ready to assist you. Learn the ins and outs of leading a team for service in Iowa, in the United States or anywhere in the world.

You are invited to join new and experienced team leaders for a time of education, fellowship and spiritual growth.

Cost of the training is free. There is a manual available for $20, one per church would be sufficient. There will be a light meal served for a free will offering.

Please reserve a spot by emailing Kathy Martin at

kmartin@morningside.edu by March 8th.

2010 School for Ministry Set for April 6-8

The 2010 School for Ministry will be held April 6-8. The gathering, entitled, “Back Preaching When You May Not Really want to Preach,” features Thomas Long, Steve Kraftchick and Luke Powery.

Faculty members will address the issues of Death and tragedy that can overwhelm human beings emotionally. Clergy are no exception. Yet, whether the tragedy is a natural disaster, or the death of a close friend, or the suicide of a church member or the death of a member who has not been in worship for years, clergy must proclaim God’s word of hope. In the midst of their own pain and anguish and even when they don’t know the deceased at all, clergy have to preach the word to those in their care.

Dr. Thomas G. Long is Bandy Professor of Preaching at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. A gifted preacher and world-renowned teacher of preaching, he has published fourteen books on preaching and worship, including his two most recent: Preaching from Memory to Hope, and Accompany Them With Singing-The Christian Funeral.

Dr. Steven J. Kraftchick is Director of General and Advanced Programs and Associate Professor of the Practice of New Testament Interpretation at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of the Abingdon New Testament Commentary on Jude and 2 Peter.

Dr. Luke A. Powery is the Perry and Georgia Engle Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Princeton Theological Seminary where his courses include an exploration of the relationship between the Holy Spirit and preaching, and the connection between corporate worship practices and social witness in the world. In the fall of 2009, his book Spirit Speech: Lament and Celebration in Preaching was published.

The School once again will be held at the Downtown Marriott, Des Moines. More information about the event and links to registration information are available here.

Disability Awareness Sunday Offering

This year there will not be the usual envelopes for collecting the offering during the Disabilities Awareness Sunday on February 14^th. We are doing this in order to reduce costs of printing and postage use.

To direct your offering to the Disability Commission please place ‘CMPD’ or ‘Disability’ in the memo portion of your check. Your donation will allow us to continue to offer seed grant funds for the accessibility projects in our local churches and structures.

We are very grateful for your support in the past and hope it will continue in the future.

If you have any questions please contact your District Representative. You can find those folks on the Conference web site by clicking here.

May God continue to bless you repeatedly with gusto!

Your brother in Christ, Rev. Jud Stover – Chair of Commission In Ministry With Persons With Disabilities (CMPD)

National Database for Volunteers to Haiti
Mission Volunteers in conjunction with the Jurisdictional UMVIM Coordinators and GBGM staff have recommended and instituted a National Database for volunteers wishing to go to Haiti, when we are invited in. I have received names and emails from many persons and would ask that you go to this website and register your intent to volunteer in Haiti in the future, along with your skills and aptitudes for being a United Methodist Volunteer In Mission. Once a week the database will be forwarded to your Jurisdictional Coordinator so we keep everyone in the loop.

Please register online even if I already have your name as the data base includes more information.

Also, a reminder that these emails on Haiti are archived.
Visit ARCHIVED EMAILS.

Thank you !

How to Get More Members

(Moving Members to Missionaries), with Jim Griffith

30% of all people are drawn into church via the “attraction model” – which leaves 70% who will never cross the threshold of your church doors no matter how fantastic your worship or music or youth ministries may be. So how will you reach this 70%? The answer requires finding ways to go to them.

That’s exactly the focus of one of the best training experiences you and your church can participate in, here in Iowa, in 2010. Jim Griffith, nationally known coach and trainer for new and turnaround churches, will lead us in the “How to Get More Members” (Moving Members to Missionaries) event, April 17-18, at the Iowa Conference Center, in Des Moines.

Here’s just some of what you will receive:

• You will be among a vital “can do” learning community of churches and church leaders who are ready to reach out in Christ to their communities.
• You will learn practical, hands-on skills and strategies necessary for your church to reach out to unserved/underserved populations within your mission field.
• You will participate with a team of folks from your church (pastor and at least three lay persons) so that together when you get home, you’ll be ready to “hit the ground running”.
• You will be able to participate because of the low cost – through your apportionment support, holding the registration fee down to only $300/church.
• You will be provided ongoing coaching after the workshop, to help you implement what you learned and get results.
• You will laugh. You will be inspired. You will come away ready to do ministry in a whole new exciting way.

This is a “first come, first serve” event, limited to the first 20 churches (already about half full). Be certain to get your registration in as soon as possible. Upon registration, information will be sent you to make about a block of hotel rooms already reserved for you, at a reduced rate.

For more information, see the attached flyer or contact Scott Hibben, your Leadership Development Minister for evangelism and new ministry, at scott.hibben@iaumc.org /

515-974-8926.

Iowa United Methodist Men Annual Meeting

Saturday, March 13, 2010

9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Boone First UMC

Keynote Speaker Dave Turnball, Iowa Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Click here for more information and registration form.

TRAX Training

The next TRAX: Youth Ministry Essentials training has just been scheduled, and registration is now open for the CALL module on Saturday, February 27 at St. Mark's UMC in Iowa City.

TRAX is our Iowa Conference modular training program for volunteers and professionals in youth ministry, started in the winter of 2008. TRAX is an affordable way to train everyone in your church who is doing youth ministry! Registration, including lunch, is only $25 for a full day of training.

More details and registration forms are available at http://www.maketyme.org. Here's what to expect from this module:

Call - Understanding Your Call & Your Spiritual Gifts

Are you really called to youth ministry?
What does it mean to be called by God?
Are you a good match for youth ministry? Are you ready?
Do I have to do this youth ministry thing alone?
These are some of the questions you'll explore in this training module.

During three 90-minute sessions, you'll learn more about:

• Your spiritual gifts for ministry.
• The difference between being a "youth worker" versus the "youth director."
• How to build a youth ministry team...and why it's so important to have a team in the first place.
• How to utilize the people resources around you to build a ministry WITH youth and adults.
• The nuts and bolts of developing a youth ministry team.
• Developing a youth ministry plan – especially recruiting, organizing and planning.
• Providing a safe space for youth ministry.
• And more!

The session is interactive and contains plenty of handouts. You or your team will leave inspired, empowered, and encouraged to minister using the creative gifts God has given you!

This training will be led by Sheryll Untiedt and Tim Gossett. Hope you or your volunteers can join us! Please spread the word to others in your church or district, too.

Thank You Notes

Throughout the month of February we celebrate Black History Month. It’s a time to be reminded of the richness of African-American culture and the brokenness of American history around issues of race as well as an opportunity to see how God is at work in the church to bring about healing, reconciliation, and hope.

Click here to read this week’s Thank You Note.

2010 January – Lay Speakers Corner - Iowa Conference

It is definitely winter and I am so ready for spring, but I think I’ll have to wait a while yet. I just returned from the ASSOCIATION OF CONFERENCE DIRECTORS OF LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES annual meeting, a training session in Philadelphia.

The training sessions included much information on new courses that may be available in the near future and information available on the web. We presently have two courses that are GBOD approved for advance certification that are available on the web, along with a huge amount of other resources.

I have checked with all the districts in the last couple of weeks to get what information I could on training that is available and will be checking with bordering states for those on the outskirts – I am still working on the best way to share this information – there are still too many Lay Speakers that are being left out of the loop.

Upcoming training:

South Central has a deadline of Jan 29^th for Basic and Evangelism to be offered at Knoxville on Feb 6^th & 23^rd

Southwest is offering training March 26-27 @ Atlantic – both Basic and Advanced

Southeast has a deadline of March 1^st for Basic and Preaching to be offered on April 3^rd & 17^th

Northeast has a deadline of March 5^th for advanced training on March 20^th from 8 to 5 on ‘Conflict Management 2’

North Central will be offering training in April or May – the information was not available at present

Northwest training is planned for March 14, 21, and 28 from 2 to 6 each Sunday

I am not sure what other training is presently planned other than the web course – Leading Worship 101, the deadline is Feb 1^st – details are at www.beadisciple.com/workshops.html#leadingworship

There is a need for Lay Speaking Directors in some of the districts – it is highly recommended that these positions are filled by Lay Speakers – so if you are interested or know of someone that would be great in this position please let your District office know or if you need more information please feel free to contact me.

I would like to be informed as you set your training schedules so I can try to share the dates. If I don’t have the information I can’t share it – so please help with this vital communication.

Just a reminder if you are planning training of some of the older courses please check to make sure the materials are still available, I know some of the books are being revised, some are no longer available and others are changing textbooks to deal with out of print materials.

Please pass this information on to everyone you have an opportunity to. Please try to keep me informed of training schedules in your area and let me know if I can be of any help.

Your sister in Christ

Jeanie Allen

rahobbit@hotmail.com or rahobbit@iowatelecom.net

319-696-2417

United Methodist and Other News

Academy for Vital Christianity at United Theological Seminary

“Looking for a new set of glasses with which to read the Bible faithfully? Wanting to dig deeper into understanding the connections between faith and contemporary life? Consider a short-term seminary-level class at a convenient time and place. Classes are taught by United regular and adjunct faculty and are held on two Saturdays for a total of 10 contact hours.”

Reading the Gospels Today – Minneapolis

Reading the Gospels Today – Alexandria

Interpreting the Older Testament with Integrity – St. Paul,

Understanding Islam – Roseville

Readings and Reflections on Love – Bigelow Chapel at United Theological Seminary

Reading the Gospels Today (Minneapolis)

Using the tools of narrative criticism, we will explore how reading the gospels as story might enhance our understanding of the gospels. Led by Marilyn Salmon, ordained Episcopal priest and professor of New Testament theology at United Theological Seminary.

When: Saturdays - February 20 & March 6, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Where: Plymouth Congregational Church

Cost (includes lunch): $190.00 ($240.00 after February 6)

More Information or to Register: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp.

Reading the Gospels Today - Alexandria

This series of discussions explores the nature of the Gospels and the surprising insights of contemporary scholarship into what the Gospel writers were really up to. Led by Neil Elliott, an Episcopal priest and adjunct faculty at United Theological Seminary.

When: Saturdays – March 27 & April 24, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Where: Alexandria, First Congregational United Church of Christ

Cost (includes lunch): $190.00 ($240.00 after March 13)

For more information or to register: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp.

Interpreting the Older Testament with Integrity

Come find how the story of God working in and through our spiritual ancestors – Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Huldah, David, and Jeremiah – intersects with our own stories, allowing us to see God at work in our lives today. Led by Carolyn Pressler, an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and Harry C. Piper Jr. professor of biblical interpretation at United Theological Seminary.

When: Saturdays – February 27 & March 20, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Where: St. Paul, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

Cost (includes lunch): $190.00 ($240.00 after February 13)

More Information or to Register: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp.

Understanding Islam - Roseville

In this class, students will learn about the Koran and the basic foundations of Islam including the core beliefs, Mohammad, and the central rites and celebrations of this faith tradition. Led by Adil Ozdemir, a former visiting scholar at Harvard University’s Center for the Study of World Religions and a lecturer at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn.

When: Saturdays – February 20 & March 20, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Where: Roseville, Centennial United Methodist Church

Cost (includes lunch): $190.00 ($240.00 after February 6)

For more information or to register: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp.

“READINGS AND REFLECTIONS ON LOVE”

Thursday, February 11, 7:30 PM

Reception with chocolate immediately follows

This unique evening of music and readings celebrates the universal themes of love. Interspersed throughout the evening will be selected readings on love of family, earth, God, and country, romantic love, love of pets, and more. Featuring Leslie Ball. Other performers/readers are Moussa Foster, Sam King (Susan Deborah King), Aaron Lauer, and Linda Mack. Open to the public. Walk-ins welcome.

Fee: $20.00

Students: $10.00

Register: Download Registration Form (form can be mailed, faxed, or scanned & e-mailed) Or: Contact Renee Flesner at rflesner@unitedseminary.edu or 651.255.6138.

Summer Camp Chaplain Needed in Montana

Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp, in western Montana, is looking for a Summer Camp Chaplain (clergy person required). You are needed after the Iowa Annual Conference Session is complete, through the first week of August.

This is currently a volunteer position, as this is the first year for having such a position. Room and board are provided, as well as a terrific setting on a large lake close to Glacier National Park and many other choice locations. If you would like to escape hot Iowa for the summer, please contact:

Martha Cline

Camp Manager

Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp

21339 Methodist Camp Road

Rollins, MT 59931

406.844.3483

umcamp@montanasky.net

Garrett-Evangelical Leads United Methodist Church in Preparing Deacons for Ordination

Deacon Dialogue III at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in April will focus on ways deacons lead the church in servant ministry, contributing to the mission of The United Methodist Church, and how they embody the interrelationship between worship and service to God in the world.

“Opting for the Margins: The Promise of the United Methodist Deacon” will be Thursday through Saturday, April 15-17, on the seminary campus. It is the third in an ongoing series of Deacon Dialogues at Garrett-Evangelical led by Dr. Margaret Ann Crain, Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Deacon Program at the seminary.

“Those of us who are part of the Order of Deacon in the UMC continue to face challenges in interpreting it to the church,” Crain said. “Deacon Dialogue III will be an opportunity to gather with other articulate deacons for deep conversations about our order. We need to speak clearly to the church about who we are, about what God has called us to do and about the unique contribution of deacons to the mission of Jesus Christ.”

Highlights on April 15 will be the keynote address, “Opting for the Margins,” by Dr. Hendrik Pieterse, director of scholarly research at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry as well as GBHEM staff sharing research and future expectations for the Order of Deacon.

On April 16, there will be a report from the Commission for the Study of Ministry, a panel discussion on “Opting for the Margins,” and workshops on the following areas of deacons’ work:

· Sexual Boundaries

· Hungry and Homeless

· HIV/AIDS

· Community Organizers

· Public Education

· Advocacy and Change

· Youth Ministries in Mission

The closing day will feature a discussion about next steps in the deacon call to ministry at the margins of society as well as closing worship and Eucharist.

Garrett-Evangelical has been a leader in the Order of Deacon since the order was created at UMC’s 1996 General Conference. In 1998, Garrett-Evangelical established a program for deacon education, bringing Crain in 11 years ago to direct the new program.

Today, the seminary’s Deacon Program provides those called to ministry as a deacon various routes to prepare them academically. Many students are enrolled in the master of divinity and master of arts programs in Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Spiritual Formation and Evangelism. Others are completing Basic Graduate Theological Studies curriculum along with a master’s degree in another field or professional ministry certification.

As students find the courses they need for ordination, they also find nurture and support through regular gatherings, counseling during the discernment process, and major conferences, including the Deacon Dialogues.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 400 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team

of the Iowa Annual Conference