August 31, 2010
Iowa Conference News
Laity Sunday – October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday is October 17th This is a great opportunity for pastors to see what your Lay Speakers and the laity have to offer. You may be pleasantly surprised. I hope you all have big plans to share your gifts with your church. There are some wonderful resources and ideas at http://www.gbod.org/
Please take some time to check it out and share the information with all the lay speakers in your district and church. This years focus is Disciples Transforming the World -- Through Presence. Laity, lets show the clergy what we can do we have so many talents to share, find a creative way to share them with your congregation, your neighborhood, community and out beyond the walls.
Thank You Note
Board of Ordained Ministry
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
UMM Four Conference Gathering
10/8/2010 to 10/10/2010
The 13th annual gathering of men from the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska will take place October 8 to 10, 2010 at Lake Poinsett Camp in South Dakota. The event is titled Getting to know our neighbors and is meant to raise awareness and look at ways we can be in ministry with the Native Americans in our conferences.
The event will begin late Friday evening and continue to Sunday Morning for those choosing to stay Saturday night. Presenters planned are Duane Hollow Horn Bear traditional chief Sicangu Lakota, Steve Tamayo instructor at Sinte Gleska University and local historian Harlan Olson. Following the presentation, Russell and Donna Masartis, Directors of Tree of Life Ministries and Mike and Libby Flowers, Directors of Spirit Lake Ministries will discuss their ministries.
The Registration Form is Attached above.
Iowa VIM Group Returns from Haiti
Representing ten Iowa communities, twelve volunteers joined the first Iowa United Methodist Volunteer in Mission work team to Haiti. Traveling from Des Moines to Port Au Prince on August 14 through 22nd, team members worked with United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Methodist Church of Haiti. Thomas, a small community north of Port au Prince, was the assigned work project. Here the Haitian Methodist Church operates a school and church in a two story building. Deemed structurally sound, fissures cracked the façade of the upper level of the building. Scaffolding (not to OSHA standards) was put in place so that walls could be pounded/knocked down by Haitian workers and Iowans. Team members took turns in the demolition and clearing away of the debris.
Vacation Bible School was held four mornings starting with 40 children ages five to 12 years and ending up on the final day with 80 kids. A Noah’s Ark theme was used incorporating the building of the ark, the animals on the ark and the rainbow. Story, craft, music and sports time were part of the activities. Each day the children were feed a lunch and juice before leaving for their homes. On the last day children were given a “gift” bag with school supplies, candy and toys.
The team worshipped formally on Sunday with the Thomas Church members with informal services each evening at 6 PM. Because of the unsafe sanctuary, a make shift structure was constructed on the church grounds for these services.
Housing for the group was on cots on the first floor of the church/school building with toilet facilities about 12 steps outside. Having running water posed a problem so splash baths were taken with plenty of drinking water for the group. A cook and helper prepared Haitian breakfast and evening meal with the team fixing their own lunch. Leonard Jean Gilles translated French, Creole and English.
When the Iowans left Thomas on Saturday a new work team from TN arrived to continue the reconstruction work on the front of the building. Team members spent an afternoon at the Baptist Mission, on a mountain overlooking the valley and enjoyed showers, floor and ceiling fans in their sleeping quarters at the Methodist Guesthouse.
As Stephani Thompson of Maxwell notes, “We have seen the devastation and the beauty of Haiti, we have seen Christ at work each and every day and we have experienced the love the Haitian people have for the Lord and for those who come to help them.”
Team members: Leo Beebout, Ankeny; Peggy and Arley Ellingson, Libertyville; Melinda Griffith, Belle Plaine; Don Henry, Burlington; Pam Kranzler, Riceville; Beverly Nolte, Des Moines; Brad Palmgren, Davenport; Linda Rowe, Bloomfield; Mike Sitzman and Hugh Stone, Osceola; Steph Thompson, Maxwell.
Written by Beverly Nolte, Des Moines
Worldmaking Worship Session I: Stories
September 17-18, 2010
American Martyrs Retreat Center, Cedar Falls, Iowa
www.WorldmakingWorship.com
Register now!
Registration deadline: September 3, 2010.
Nutshell:
How did Jesus teach? Parables. Stories. Imagination. Shining fresh light on the ancient Scriptures.
How does our western culture teach? Lecture. Facts. Worksheets.
How does the Good News Story get "told" at your local church? Is it mostly a drama or is it comedy? What characters get emphasized? How are people invited to participate?
The Word Made Flesh had a heart for the human narrative. He listened to how people described their lives. And then he so often re-told their stories in a new, transformative light. Remember the woman at the well, the rich man who wanted to follow, and one caught in the act of adultery? Each one walked away with new breakthrough possibilities because of their encounters with Jesus.
This weekend is about all the ways we inhabit God's Story and how in worship we invite the world into it.
In this weekend:
- Worship as world-making spiritual formation
- Worship leader as multi-sensory storyteller
- Experiencing Gospel in images, songs, food and words
- Designing worship to welcome all
Leaders:
Richard and Trish Bruxvoort Colligan, spiritual directors, worship leaders of the emerging, thriving church, composers and formation resources. www.RiversVoice.com
Investment:
$117.00 per person for each event. That includes lodging and meals.
Save $10 for each additional person from your church. Such a deal.
Full description at
www.WorldmakingWorship.com
Register now with your team or alone.
Past participants said:
"Worldmaking Worship gave us the tools and opportunities to plan authentic worship. An abundance of ideas to take back!"
"We, as a team, will walk away closer to one another and with more direction for planning worship."
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What is this?
Worldmaking Worship is a series of six Friday-Saturday events in 2010-2012.
It's purpose: to inspire and encourage leaders like you for worship renewal.
Why This, Why Now?
Amid anxiety in the world at large, there are great possibilities for renewal of faith. But there are so many changes happening right now in our communities; you may have questions about direction, and desire a creative place to explore what it all means. If possible, without pressure. If possible, with other people who are passionate about worship life.
Who is this for?
Preachers, musicians, liturgists, worship planners, powerpoint-makers, artists, and anyone with a passion for community worship.
Where did this come from?
The Iowa BOD is offering this as a vibrant source of renewal and continuing education for its spiritual leaders. Richard Bruxvoort Colligan led a similar a few years ago for districts in the eastern part of the state. He is now directing this series in consultation with Rev. Linda Butler, Worship Advocate.
What will I get?
Juice for worship renewal: new songs, a structure for designing worship with a creative team, support from other worship leaders who know what you’re going through, experiences of worship, workshops in a relaxed retreat setting. A mix of theology for the head and spirituality for the heart.
Goals for Participants
- Increase your confidence in engaging the congregation
- Develop an effective, transformative and enjoyable way to design worship services in your context
- Renew your passion for worship
- Develop a holistic approach to congregational spirituality
- Get your worship team and church staff on the same theological page
United Methodist and Other News
UMCOR Responds To Iowa Flood
After three nights of heavy rainfall in central and eastern Iowa this month, flooding forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes. The effects of the storms were compounded by those of the snowy winter and wet spring and summer that preceded them.
UMCOR provided emergency assistance to the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to meet the needs of communities affected by the flooding.
Please give to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670, to support those affected by disasters in the United States.
World Humanitarian Day
The United Nations designated last Thursday, August 19, as World Humanitarian Day, a day set aside to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died in the service of humankind and those who follow in that legacy of love and service.
In 2010, UMCOR head the Rev. Sam Dixon and UMVIM leader the Rev. Clinton Raab in Haiti, and General Board of Global Ministries missionary Daniel Terry and nine companions in Afghanistan were among those who gave their lives in the service of a more just, more humane world.
In the words of UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, “On World Humanitarian Day, let us remember those in need…/Those who have fallen while trying to help them…/And those who continue to give aid, undeterred by the dangers they face — for the sake of building a safer, better world.”
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Register Now for IWJ's Organizing for Worker Justice Training!
October 3-7, 2010 - Chicago, IL - www.iwj.org
Are you a…
• board member, leader, or volunteer of an interfaith organization
• organizer with a faith-based organization or workers center
• religious or community outreach staff of a union
Do you want to…
• Understand religious and labor structures
• Learn how to strengthen partnerships between religious and labor leaders
• Understand the fundamentals of Direct Action Organizing
• Design creative interfaith actions
• Develop strategies for building your organization
• Develop effective fundraising strategies
• Frame the message about religious values and workers' rights to the media
If you answered YES to any of these statements, THIS TRAINING IS FOR YOU!
Information and registration can be found at http://www.iwj.org/index.cfm/organizing-for-worker-justice-training.
Deadline for registration is September 15th.
Space is limited; register today!
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Disaster Response Academy
Oct. 3-6, 2010
Widewater Retreat & Ministry Center
Cost: $160, including lodging, meals, & training
Location: 4050 US 24, Liberty Center, OH 43532
NOTE: All participants need to bring their bedding or sleeping bag, pillow, towels and personal toiletries.
1. To register, please click here. Options are to pay online or by check. After completing your payment,
2. send in the completed class registration form via email attachment or regular mail to Lorna Jost, 928 4th Street, #2, Brookings, SD 57006.
The Academy Schedule is posted on the West Ohio Disaster Response website.
Disasters can be devastating to communities, creating fear and uncertainty. The church plays a critical role in the recovery of people, families and communities in the aftermath of a disaster. In order to be the loving hands and feet of Christ, we must first prepare ourselves. The Disaster Response Academy being held October 3-6, 2010, will help congregations, districts and conferences build their capacity to provide a holistic response when a disaster occurs.
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Bread for the World Sunday Oct. 17
Bread for the World, a Christian organization supported in part through the United Methodist Advance, has resources for churches interested in participating in Bread for the World Sunday on Oct. 17. The group organizes Christians to write U.S. decision-makers in support of efforts to eradicate hunger in the U.S. and overseas. Resources include a study of Luke 18:1-8, a special litany, bulletin inserts and offering envelopes. Spanish-language resources also are available. Information is available here.
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Rethink Church resource, seeker website addresses change
Congregational resources for the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming campaign have moved to a new website address: umcom.org/rethinkchurch, though the site content remains the same. The website that previously housed congregational resources, RethinkChurch.org, will become the primary seeker site that is featured in Rethink Church advertising, beginning this fall.
“Research shows that RethinkChurch.org resonates most strongly with the seekers we are trying to reach with our denominational advertising,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “This website address reinforces the message we want non-United Methodist seekers to take away from our advertising—that we are rethinking church.”
The RethinkChurch.org seeker site will feature more site engagement capabilities and content offerings than its seeker site predecessor, 10thousanddoors.org. RethinkChurch.org visitors will be able to read, watch, comment, and interact on topics that are important both to them and to The United Methodist Church—from the environment, to global health, to disaster relief. An interactive map will connect seekers to a church in their area, based upon ministry offerings and events listed in a church’s Find-a-Church profile. (Update your Find-a-Church profile now)
Rethink Church congregational resources help churches to participate in the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming campaign. Resources include a Rethink Church overview and FAQ, church marketing tutorials, advertising samples, graphics, worship aids, and more.
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Rethink Church Bible welcomes seekers
Beginning in October, United Methodist Communications is offering a free New Testament to people visiting the Rethink Church campaign website. The Rethink Church Common English Bible (New Testament) is a special edition that features a seeker-sensitive introduction to the Bible and to The United Methodist Church.
“The Rethink Church Edition is a powerful tool for evangelism,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive of United Methodist Communications. “It introduces the Bible and denomination to seekers with sensitivity to their worldview, in welcoming language.”
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Invitation To The Volunteers In Mission To Come To Visit The Front Porch Orphans Of Zambezi
ACTS 16: 9 -10
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him “Come over to Macedonia and help us” …. We got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel.
We want to believe that Paul and his companions were open to divine guidance to know where God wanted them to go and serve Him.
Using Paul’s vision of the man of Macedonia, we would like to encourage the Volunteers in Mission to feel this God’s calling to come over to Zambezi and help us ( Pastor Bernard & Betty Lumene ) in the care we offer to the Front Porch Orphans.
The Front Porch Orphans mostly need support to afford their education, health, shelt, er and other basic requirements.
In line with education, some of the Front Porch are still struggling to read, to write and to speak in English. The work to be done is “Tutoring the FPOZ” to help them improve academically..
The other major work that is intended to be done is to get involve in the "on-going orphanage construction and orphan care.”
We would like to take this opportunity to be grateful to the two Volunteers in Mission we recently received for two months (ASHLEY FITZPATRICK and KENDRA SHERBOURNE) for their contributions that have been of great help to all the Front Porch Orphans of Zambezi.
Pastor Bernard & Betty Lumene
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Giving thanks in Katrina’s wake
As the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall approaches, Mississippi Bishop Hope Morgan Ward gives thanks for more than 160,000 volunteers, countless prayers, remarkable generosity and ongoing work for families yet to be back home. “Through your generosity, the recovery effort will continue with materials supplied and teams working through 2011,” she writes in a UMNS commentary. “Thank you for your prayers, presence and partnership onward!” Read more
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‘Angels’ mending lives on Gulf Coast
Since Hurricane Karina struck five years ago, more than 200,000 volunteers organized through The United Methodist Church have flooded Louisiana and Mississippi and helped thousands of people put their homes and lives back together again. Homeowners such as Leona Cousins, 99, say the volunteers are God-sent. “I never thought I would meet so many nice people this late in my life,” she said. Read more
Here is a link to view two videos of thanksgiving: Mississippi UMC Videos
For more information about serving in the Gulf, please visit: Mississippi UMC Recovery
mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
