Mid-week Update

August 17, 2010

Iowa Conference News

St Luke United Methodist Church, Newton, Holds Barefootin' Sunday

140 pair of new and gently used shoes came to Church on Sunday, August 1. Some were found outside the door on Sunday morning; others dropped off during the week for a grand total received of 212 pair. They have been delivered to three United Methodist distribution sites in Des Moines, Trinity United Methodist Church and the Children and Family Urban Ministries there; Hawthorn Hill for homeless mothers and children; and Bidwell-Riverside Center Clothes Closet. Funds were collected for the Bidwell-Riverside Childcare Center which was recently flooded a second time this summer.

The idea for Barefootin' Sunday came from United Methodist Circuit Rider magazine which reads: Two women in long summer dresses strolled barefoot up the walkway to St Paul’s UMC in New Windsor, MD. Many other worshipers filed into the sanctuary as well, about half wearing shoes, and almost all carrying shoes to share.

The unusual dress code was part of Barefootin' Sunday held in partnership with Soles 4 Souls, a Nashville, TN, based organization that collects and distributes shoes to some of the 300 million people worldwide who do not have even one pair to call their own. St Paul’s is one of several UM congregations that participated.

“In America, we throw away enough every year to put footwear on the people around the world who don’t even have one pair, said Jacque Wilhelm, chairperson for the church’s Missions and Nurture Team. “Most people are excited about what we are doing today, and others it makes uncomfortable, but sometimes that’s OK because it helps us too,” says Pastor Helen Armiger. She is wearing her traditional robes but is barefoot.

“I’ve been in countries where people have no choice but to go barefoot, she says, “Children have scars on their feet; they are vulnerable to disease and infection, and we c an help them.” Before Communion began, parishioners were invited to lay their shoes before the altar. Lines of people filled the aisles, while loafers, boots, and tennis shoes piled up at the front of the church. In all, almost 300 pairs of shoes were collected to be given away on four continents. The congregation also collected monetary donations to defray shipping costs.

Thank You Note

The “Tippy Tap”

When eating away from the U.M. guesthouse in Nigeria, one washes their hands with water in a bowl or basin using a bar of soap. If you are the first to wash your hands, the water is clean but by the time 10 persons have used the same container, lots of bacteria are present in the water. Studies have shown that proper hand washing techniques can reduce the incidence of diarrheal disease by 50% and respiratory illness by 53%. In countries like Nigeria, the lack of access to both a piped water supply and soap is a barrier to hand washing.

When Christine Anders of Des Moines, one of the work team members to Nigeria in June, was in Bambur helping at the Women’s Leadership Training Center, she presented the idea of constructing a “tippy tap.” This simple water dispenser enables people to wash hands without wasting water and improving hygiene while utilizing commonly available materials such as old plastic containers (or jug) with a hollow handle.

The “tippy tap” releases a small amount of water which is just enough to provide a clean hand wash each time it is tipped. When the “tap” is released it swings back to its earlier upright position. The container can be hooked up to a stick or board on the ground and released when the foot “tips” the container.

Davidson Adams, director of the church communication center, took the idea back to his compound where he constructed this simple, economical and effective hand washing station which we used while guests in his home. Davidson recently sent Christine an email stating “Your tippy tap is really getting spread to almost every family that visits my house and sees the tippy tap. They love it.” It is the hope of our Iowa work team that others will follow the example and construct the “tippy tap” in their homes and villages where there is no well or borehole and where water is collected from streams some distance away.

Beverly Nolte and Christine Anders

Prayers Requested for Iowa Workers in Haiti

Continue to pray for Iowa work team in Haiti. They are half way through their work week at Thomas where the group of 12 are clearing debris from the Methodist Church and school. The group is holding a VBS in the afternoon for church and community children using the Noah's Ark theme. Snacks are being provided for the children to supplement their meager diet. The group returns to Iowa on Sunday, August 22.

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader Training

October 16, 2010 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Walnut Hills United Methodist Church

12321 Hickman Road

Urbandale IA 50323-1810

A light lunch will be served on free-will offering basis

Registration Appreciated by October 11, 2010

The training is based on the UMVIM Training Manual that will be available at a cost of $25.00 - There is no registration fee

Registrations should be returned to:

Pamela Ward

Walnut Hills United Methodist Church

12321 Hickman Rd

Urbandale IA 50323

Questions about the training can be addressed to:

Dan and Jean Houston 515- 432-1226 or danhouston84@yahoo.com or mjhouston19@yahoo.com or 1530 Quill Ave, Madrid IA 50156

“Caring is an Unlimited Process!”

Application form is attached to this message.

The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies coming to Northeast Iowa.

How do you know you are caring enough? Who of us in the helping profession has not heard or at least considered that if we really cared, we could….could whatever! This might include staying longer at a meeting or a counseling session, going to someone’s home in the middle of the night, listening just a little longer on the phone, remaining just a little while more in the office…etc. And then when we say no, the reaction might be, “If you cared, you would!” It hooks us at our very core!

How does one put a boundary around caring? You, as pastors or staff, know that most of the time, the person from whom you are hearing that message is one who seems to have little “self.” It feels that they have glommed onto you like Velcro.

Now here is the kicker, when caught up in the notion that we have to prove our value to “them” we not only are caught but STUCK. To fulfill their needs is to abdicate the position of leader.

However, by focusing on your own self-definition, the response is powerful because of their need for you as leader. It reverses the pull of dependency.

Is this easy? Absolutely not!

Is it vital? Absolutely!

This is one of the issues of leadership that you have an opportunity to work on while attending The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies If there is sufficient interest, a Center will start in January 2011. It includes Six Three-Day retreats scheduled over eighteen months and costs only $1970 spread over that same time period. Don’t let money be the deciding factor. The Center is designed to span three calendar years to make more Continuing Education funds available.

If you would like more information click on pastoraleffectiveness.org, or we will be happy to connect you to one of our over 400 alumni to get their personal thoughts. To register, just email Rev. Bill Selby at integrity4u@comcast.net. The Center in Northeast Iowa is scheduled at the American Martyrs Retreat Center in Cedar Falls.

Dates are: January 31-Feb. 2, 2011; May 16-18, 2011; August 22-24, 2011; December 5-7, 2011; April 16-18, 2012; and July 9-11, 2012.

Film Series & Discussion on Immigration
Trinity United Methodist, 8th & College, Des Moines
4 PM every fourth Sunday, starting 8/22/10

The faith community of Trinity United Methodist/Las Americas Comunidad de Fe would like to help widen and deepen the discussion of immigration issues by inviting you to a series of films on a variety of immigration issues, to be held the fourth Sunday of each month, followed by a shared meal and discussion. Offerings will include such films as In the Shadow of the Raid (Postville aftermath and issues); Made in LA (undocumented worker issues); Dying to Live (border crossing realities);Which Way Home (children seeking to reach the US to join parents); and Siete Soles. We especially hope to bring together our immigrant community with the sincere and caring people we know whose energies have been directed to other social issues and who have doubts or uncertainties about immigration. Please come prepared to share and deepen your awareness and understanding of immigration issues and let us form bonds with each other in the shared search for healing and change in our immigration policy. For more information please call Trinity (288-4056) or Las Americas (280-8426).

Musical Comedian Greg Strange from Nashville, TN to Perform at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City, IA on Sunday, September 12

Christian musical comedian and guest speaker Greg Strange will appear at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 12 with a special performance for the children at 9:30 AM and then a different performance during the 10:15 AM worship service. Greg's family-friendly comedy will warm your heart, encourage you, and let you have some good old fashioned fun and laughter. Here is a recent comment about Greg Strange, "Greg Strange is hilarious. Our congregation always loves having him and our young people ask about the next time he is coming back. He is a tremendous instrumentalist and vocalist. Everyone loves his music!” - Pastor Gene Smith, Platte Valley Christian Center, Saratoga, WY.

While Greg's home is in Nashville, TN, he travels the country with a powerful and uplifting message. Pastor Mike Gudka commented, "We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful Christian comedian coming to La Porte City. Given all the struggles many people have had with the past flooding and recent tough economy, it will be great to hear an uplifting musical message and have some family oriented fun. Everyone is invited to come!" St. Paul United Methodist Church is located at 501 Sycamore Street in La Porte City, IA. To learn more about Greg Strange, please visit his web site at www.gregstrange.com. An optional free-will offering will be taken during the 10:15 service to help cover Greg's expenses.

For more information, see attached flyer.

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Iowa Early Response Training

Iowa Early Response Team (ERT) Training class will be held at Faith UMC in Humboldt, IA on Friday evening, August 27 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 28 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (You must attend all 10 hours of class.) Pastor Scott Smith will lead this training. Approximate cost is $15.00 for a background check and materials. You may stay in the church overnight and meals will be provided for a free will offering. Contact: Denise Hartford, North Central District Missions Coordinator, 515-297-3931. Deadline for registration is August 20.

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Boy Scouts of America Opportunities

I would like to invite all Methodist Congregations to contact me about the opportunities the Boy Scouts of America have to offer. In addition to Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs BSA also offers CoEd Venturing and Explorer for the 14-21 age groups. These groups have been successful growth areas for the since many churches have been struggling to establish youth programs. As Lay Speaker for Community United Methodist Church and involved with Boy Scout Troop 132 and Venture crew 163 I have been impressed with the Religious emblem awards BSA has to offer and encourages God and Country and Community Service dedication. I am available to answer any questions your Church may have concerning the Boy Scouts of America and if you would like me to speak to your congregation about the benefits of the BSA I urge you to contact me at dslambert@signatureblue.com

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United Methodist and Other News

Location: Wayzata, Wayzata Community Church

Cost: $70 ($85 after Sept 20)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

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Creating Significant Worship

Worship teams, pastors, musicians, and laypersons eager to bring new interest and vitality to worship will find immediate use for this class on worship design and planning. Led by Arthur Clyde, a worship designer and consultant for national UCC and ecumenical gatherings and synods.

Dates: Saturdays – October 2 & 16

Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location: Alexandria, First Congregational United Church of Christ

Cost (includes lunch): $190 ($240 after Sept 18)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

The above class offers congregational discounts for multiple registrants from one church. For congregational discount rates and registration, contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.

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Effective Caregiving

This class will help laypeople learn how to best respond to members in need and work together to create a caring community. Led by Christie Cozad Neuger, an ordained United Methodist elder who has served as a pastor, chaplain, pastoral counselor, and professor.

Dates: Mondays – October 18, 25; November 1, 8

Times: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Bloomington, Normandale Hylands United Methodist

Cost: $140 ($180 after Oct 4)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

The above class offers congregational discounts for multiple registrants from one church. For congregational discount rates and registration, contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.

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How the Congregation Can Empower Its Laity for Ministry

This class will offer an organized way to empower laity for ministry that goes beyond time and talent forms. Led by Jean Morris Trumbauer, director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at United.

Dates: Saturdays – November 6 & 20

Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

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

Cost (includes lunch): $190 ($240 after Oct 23)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

The above class offers congregational discounts for multiple registrants from one church. For congregational discount rates and registration, contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.

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Love Songs to Lament: Poetry and the Hebrew Bible

This class will explore the dialogue between contemporary poetry, biblical poetry, and our own lives. Co-led. Carolyn Pressler is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and Harry C. Piper Jr. professor of biblical interpretation at United. Pamela Wynn is a poet who teaches poetry and creative, liturgical, and expository writing at United.

Dates: Thursdays – October 28; November 4, 11, 18

Times: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Wayzata, Wayzata Community Church

Cost: $140 ($180 after Oct 14)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

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Making Sense of Paul in a Global Village

This class introduces some of the lively issues in current debate over Paul. Led by Neil Elliott, an Episcopal priest and scholar-in-residence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the Hill in St. Paul.

Dates: Saturdays – October 16 & November 6

Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location: Plymouth, Messiah United Methodist Church

Cost (includes lunch): $190 ($240 after Nov 2)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

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Reading the Prophets in the 21^st Century

This class will help you hear the accents of these ancient voices and bring their sense-making power to your own deep questions and struggles. Led by Richard Weis, dean of the seminary and professor of Old Testament theology at United.

Dates: Saturdays – October 16 & November 13

Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location: Duluth, Peace United Church of Christ

Cost (includes lunch): $190 ($240 after Oct 2)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

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Reimagining the Church for Our Contemporary Time

This class dares to help churches reimagine ways of understanding identity, mission, and ministry that are faithful to their tradition and responsive to their new context. Led by Eleazar S. Fernandez, professor of constructive theology at United and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Dates: Saturdays – October 16 & November 13

Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location: Rochester, Christ United Methodist Church

Cost (includes lunch): $190 ($240 after Oct 2)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

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Understanding the New Testament in Today’s World

Participants will discuss the relevance of the New Testament for understanding our lives in today’s world. Led by Marilyn Salmon, professor of New Testament theology at United and an Episcopal priest.

Dates: Saturdays – October 16 & November 6

Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location: Mankato, Centenary United Methodist Church

Cost (includes lunch): $190 ($240 after Oct 2)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

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What does the Bible have to do with Life Today?

In this class we will return to the basics about what the Bible is, how it came into being, and how to approach it in a way that honors both faith and reason. Led by Neil Elliott, an Episcopal priest and scholar-in-residence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the Hill in St. Paul.

Dates: Thursdays – October 7, 14, 28; November 4, 11

Times: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Lakeland, St. Croix Valley United Methodist Church

Cost: $175 ($225 after Sept 23)

Register at: www.unitedseminary.edu/CommunityPrograms/academy.asp or call 651.255.6138.

Interpreter enrollment changes

We want to alert you to a very important change in the process to enroll your church leaders to receive complimentary subscriptions to Interpreter magazine. You will now receive this information DIRECTLY from United Methodist Communications and NOT from your district office. You can expect to receive this information soon after your charge conference.

We hope that by preparing you for this important change, you will be able to update your church’s Interpreter enrollment information for 2011 more easily.

If you’re ready to update your 2011 enrollment information today, you may use the online option at www.umcom.org/subscriptions. For questions, you may contact United Methodist Communications Customer Service at 888-346-3862, or by e-mail csc@umcom.org.

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Dear Pastors, Ministry leaders, Educators, and others interested in the future of the church,

Many of you have received previous emails from me which have promoted Vermeer Leadership Alliance' upcoming event with Kara Powell. Let me quickly recap the details for that:

October 6 - 7:00 pm - Kara Powell will speak on Sticky Faith: Building a Faith that Lasts.

• Event is free and open to the public
• Event will be held at the Vermeer Global Pavilion, 2110 Vermeer Rd E, Pella, IA 50219

October 7 - 8:30 am - 4:00 pm - Kara Powell will present an all-day seminar continuing the Sticky Faith theme in four sessions: Fundamentals, Church, Justice, and Families

• Event requires registration of $25 (before October 1) which includes lunch
• Event will be held at the Vermeer Global Pavilion, 2110 Vermeer Rd E, Pella, IA 50219

Invitation for you!

I would now like to invite you to read the attached article entitled "Is the Era of Age Segregation Over?" which is an interview with Kara Powell and was printed last year (2009) in the Summer issue of Leadership Journal. This will give you a little preview into the passion of Kara Powell on this subject and on some of the things we hope to discuss in October.

If you are unable to open the attachment on this email, the article can also be found at:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/communitylife/discipleship/istheeraofagesegmentationover.html

For more information on Kara Powell and the ministry at Fuller Youth Institute please see: http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/

For more information regarding the conference please feel free to contact me at the number or email below or go to our website found at www.vermeer.com. Click on Vermeer Extra Mile, then Vermeer Charitable Foundation, Pastors' Events, and finally Kara Powell.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in October!

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Bishop Hans Vaxby scheduled to be in Illinois this fall

I am writing from Grace UMC in Naperville, Illinois, to publicize this great opportunity to meet the UMC Bishop of Eurasia, Bishop Hans Vaxby, in Naperville, Illinois this fall. Both he and our Russia Initiative Coordinator stateside, Rev. Jim Athearn, will be at our church in Naperville this October, to speak to interested churches and partner churches about ministry happening in Eurasia now.

They will be here the weekend of October 16 & 17, and Grace UMC in Naperville, Illinois, will host the mini-consultation.

We are inviting persons and mission teams, and partner church representatives to come to our church at 10:00am Saturday, October 16, for a time to worship and hear Bishop Vaxby speak about the Eurasia UM churches, past-present and future blessings and challenges, and then have a time of Questions and Answers about opportunities to connect with the churches and projects there; then, Grace UMC and other partner churches will have a time to share briefly about our partners in Eurasia, and answer questions about that. We will close with prayer and a light lunch. Partner churches are welcome and encouraged to bring pictures, displays, brief powerpoints on their laptops, of their ministry with their partner church in Eurasia. These will be on display for folks to view at the beginning and end of the consultation.

Donations will be accepted toward cost of the lunch.

Bishop Vaxby will preach at Grace UMC on Sunday, October 17, at our 3 morning worship services.

There are many hotels in Naperville that could be booked by folks for an overnight, should that be appealing to some churches coming from a longer distance. A map showing directions to our church is on our website, listed below.

Please contact me with any further questions you have, or about further clarification needed. Please post this date and event on your conference calendars!

Thank you,

Rev. Lisa E. Telomen, Administrative Pastor,

Grace United Methodist Church

300 E. Gartner Rd, Naperville, IL 60540

630-355-1748

www.peopleofgrace.org

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

of the Iowa Annual Conference