April 7, 2010
Iowa Conference News
Iowa Churches Continue to Raise Funds for Haiti Relief
The day an earthquake shook Haiti, and consequently, the attention of the entire world. Millions lost everything, and everyone close to them. A few days after the tragedy, I learned that the president of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) had been one of the less fortunate in the country. For some reason, hearing the news hit me hard.
UMCOR had already been stationed in Haiti before the earthquake. As a humanitarian relief and development organization, their mission is to alleviate human suffering. I started the “Keep Calm and Carry On” project to raise funds to help keep UMCOR’s mission alive.
All proceeds from the sale of bags will be sent directly to UMCOR. I, or any volunteers involved will not have any personal gain from this project. The bags are limited edition, and will be sold on a first come first serve basis. More will be printed as demanded. The bag is heavy duty canvas, with long handles that come in very handy at the grocery store, or to lug your things to the gym. They can be purchased at Original Cyns in downtown Burlington, Iowa for $15 each, and limited edition Artist prints are available for $20 each.
But, it’s not about the bag. It’s about the contribution, so please help UMCOR - a wonderful mission that needs so much right now. If you are unable to contribute, please keep them, and the people of Haiti in your thoughts.
Thank you,
Julie Kincaid
First United Methodist Church
Burlington, Iowa
Thank You Notes
April 04 — Victim Offender Mediation, Rock Valley
April 11 — Food Pantry, North Liberty
National Loan Rates Have Risen For The Third Straight Week….
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 6.20% for new loans as of April 5, 2010
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
New Outreach - Okoboji Camp Ambassadors!
An Okoboji camping experience has been part of countless people's faith stories beginning in 1915. Camping events provide children, youth, young adults and families with an opportunity to learn, play, experience God's love in the outdoors, grow in faith in a safe atmosphere, and to reach their personal best! The activities and opportunities that campers experience at camp will stick with them for the rest of their lives! Camp provides the acceptance and support of a Christian community and positive relationships with caring adult leaders. At Okoboji, Christ is shared in song, word, worship and example. Camp provides an unforgettable summer experience, where campers can discover and explore exciting activities in a carefully supervised, Christian environment. Lives are changed forever!
The purpose of a Camp Ambassador is to help local churches share real-time camping and retreat information with children, youth and families in their local churches and communities, as well as other ways to become involved in this life-changing ministry!
Camp Ambassadors work within their local churches to continue the tradition of sharing the mission and ministry of an Okoboji camping experience! Our goal is to make it easy..even FUN to share this powerful opportunity, rich in tradition and rooted in faith!
An Okoboji Camp Ambassadors information packet will be mailed to your church within the next week.
Included in the information packet:
- Camp Ambassadors Guide (easy to use, step-by-step guide)
- DVD with multiple length video clips for worship/youth group, photos and all forms/paperwork needed to share about camp
- 2010 Catalog & Brochures - please let us know how many more you need!
For additional copies, please contact us at camp. info@okobojicamp.com or 866.856.9862
You Are Invited To a Seminar On Including the Mentally Challenged In Your Worship!
The Commission in Ministry With Persons With Disabilities is holding a Seminar during the Annual Conference on including people with mental challenges in worship. Staci Holms will be presenting during the evening meal of the first day of the 2010 IAUMC, June 5th.
To see the brochure and to attain the invitation letter and registration form please follow the following directions. To receive the meal you will need to pre-register!
Registration ends when April ends so Register Now! No Pre-Registration, No meal.
Go to the Home Page of the Iowa Annual Conference – www.iaumc.org
Click on the 2010 Annual Conference link. Then click of the link;
For information on the 2010 Annual Conference to be held in Des Moines Iowa click here, Then click on “2010 Events Information” (http://iaumc.org/pages/detail/1685 )
Look down the menu for, and click on, Inclusion for People with Disabilities
Then look directly under that new tab where you will find to the right of the lower “home” icon that if you click it will open up the side menu where you will find the initiation letter and the REGESTRATION form
Thanks! Rev Jud – CMPD Chair
Prayer Changes the World, An Outdoor Labyrinth Walk in Iowa Farmland for all Ages
Please see the attached flyer for more information. Event will be held rain or shine on Saturday April 24th at The Natural Elements, Countryside Labyrinth on the Grounds of the Sheridan UMC, Sheridan Iowa. An indoor labyrinth will be available in the event of inclement weather.
This is also a drop-off site for UMCOR Haiti relief gifts! Please bring your items and they will be delivered to the Depot via Iowa Conference channels.
United Methodist and Other News
Native American Ministries Sunday - April 18, 2010
"When I was in Seminary, I was honored to receive the Native American Seminary Award. To this day, it is one of the greatest honors bestowed upon me. The award is presented to Native American Students Earning a M.Div. or its equivalent at a United Methodist Senate Approved Seminary. It was a humbling experience to know that I had the approval and the support of the United Methodist Church and every local United Methodist Congregation who participates in the Native American Ministries Sunday Offering" ~ Matt Locklear
Please encourage your leaders and congregations to give generously to the Native American Ministries Sunday offering. Native American Ministries Sunday is April 18, 2010 but you can give online anytime throughout the year.
mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
