June 22, 2010
Iowa Conference News
The Rethink Rock Video
At annual conference sessions this summer, The Rethink Rock Video was introduced to share the energy and excitement of the Rethink Church movement across our denomination. It’s now available for you to use in your workshops and training sessions. You can download a high resolution version from our FTP site or view and use the YouTube version. If you have any trouble accessing or using the video, please let me know. We can also make a DVD version available upon request.
Thank You Note from Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center
Click here to read this week’s Thank You Note
Additional DVD’s from Annual Conference
Due to the number of requests that we received for additional DVD’s to be created, the MFSA banquet and Ted Lyddon Hatten’s speech are available on DVD. The cost for each DVD is $20.00.
If you are interested, please send your order to Darci Hartman’s attention at
IAUMC, 2301 Rittenhouse Street, Des Moines IA 50321-3101. DVD’s will be sent out in mid July.
Flood Recovery Assistance Opportunities are Available
Flood recovery in Eastern Iowa is still going strong in Oakville and with Block by Block in Cedar Rapids and is NOT closing down! Oakville has brought back 177 residents with a goal of bringing back 300 - that's inspiring. They have a vision to rehab 25 homes in 5 years. For volunteer information, contact Tanya Lantz at 319-759-7685. Cedar Rapids, Block by Block program is also working hard to rehab flood affected homes. We currently have 19 blocks signed on for a total of 253 homes, approximately 85 are currently being worked on. Volunteers are STILL NEEDED! Our greatest need is for semi-skilled or skilled volunteers this fall. Registration for volunteering can be found at www.stormrecovery.org or www.blockbyblockcr.org.
Anti-hunger leaders share 2010 World Food Prize
Two leaders of anti-hunger programs that receive support from United Methodists will share the 2010 World Food Prize. The prize recognizes the Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, and Jo Luck, president of Heifer International, for leading “two of the world’s foremost grassroots organizations leading the charge to end hunger and poverty for millions of people around the globe.” Bread for the World works with churches to write letters to Congress and other decision makers on issues related to hunger in the United States and abroad. Heifer International provides food- and income-producing animals as well as animal husbandry training around the globe. Beckmann is an ordained Lutheran minister and Luck is United Methodist.
TWO NEW DEANS CHOSEN FOR SCHOOL FOR LAY MINISTRY
The School for Lay Ministry Commission and Board of Laity are pleased to announce that Lynn Calvert of Coralville IA and a 2010 graduate of the School for Lay Ministry at Cornell will be the new Dean at the Cornell Campus in Mt. Vernon IA. Lynn succeeds Ann Glime who served as Dean for the SLM from October 2004 to March 2009. Lynn states, “SLM is an opportunity to grow as an individual and in community. Being Dean provides further opportunity to be involved in that process. The UMC has a history of supporting and encouraging Lay Leadership. The instructors at SLM share a love of scripture, a love of the Lord and a love for the students. I think everyone should enroll! One of my goals is to get information to all churches about SLM and to help Pastors and Lay Leaders understand the value of informed, challenged and thinking members. I believe all members of UMC are ministers and that SLM is a way to define and fine tune one's gifts. Most lay people are not called to be Pastors but to serve where they are to the best of their abilities. The school provides clarity, a deepening of call and practical help in living life as a person of God. It is exciting and humbling to be able to be a small part of this ministry.”
Dean Gabhart of Sioux Center IA and 2009 graduate of the School for Lay Ministry at Morningside is now the Dean at the Morningside Campus in Sioux City IA. Dean began filling in for Sue Mullins who presided as Dean for the SLM from September 2003 to September 2009. Dean states, “I consider it a privilege to be allowed to walk alongside the students at Morningside SLM as they experience spiritual growth and develop not only skills and knowledge, but also lasting personal relationships that will serve them well in their future ministry. I get to see and experience firsthand the strength of clarity and focus that develops in each student as they become more aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and share in the struggles and the joys they experience along the way. It is my great hope and prayer that the School for Lay Ministry at Morningside will continue. Towards that end, I will encourage current students along with SLM graduates, pastors, and conference officials to join together in enthusiastically offering the School for Lay Ministry to all persons seeking to know Christ more deeply and serve their community more effectively.”
Lynn can be reached at lyksmc@aol.com and Dean can be reached at gabhart5@mtcnet.net.
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.
Rates currently starting at 5.88% for new loans as of June 21, 2010
Please contact us for more information:
Iowa United Methodist Church Building Fund Trust
info@iumcbft.org
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-974-8927
United Methodist and Other News
Church revives spirits on Gulf Coast
BURAS, La. (UMNS) — Hurricane Katrina devastated the population of this small fishing town between the Gulf of Mexico and the mouth of the Mississippi River. In some areas, one or two restored houses stand where once there was an entire subdivision. And that was before the massive oil spill that produced a double whammy for this community dependent on both the fishing and oil industries. Those who remain amid the sounds of helicopters and heavy equipment moving through town need a message of hope. That’s where the church is coming in. Click here for more information.
Basketball star donates to Nothing But Nets
TULSA, Okla. (UMNS) — Ruth Riley, named June 14 as the female 2010 recipient of the Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Award given by the Rotary Club of Tulsa, is donating half her $10,000 prize to Nothing But Nets, a grassroots campaign to prevent malaria in Africa. Riley, who plays basketball for the San Antonio Silver Stars, has traveled to Angola and Mali to witness the impact of the disease and has raised awareness in the United States. Partners in Nothing But Nets include the United Nations Foundation, The People of the United Methodist Church, NBA Cares and Sports Illustrated.
mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
