Thanksgiving Ingathering

2009 Total = $978,335.82 
(total received as of 11.30.09)
 
The Thanksgiving Ingathering is a way for Iowa United Methodists to address hunger problems locally and around the world.  Micah 6:8 says that the Lord requires us “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” When we share from our abundance we are acting justly and reflecting our desire to serve God.

As we prepare to celebrate the 30th year of the Thanksgiving Ingathering, let us reflect for a moment how this all began.

In 1978, Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa began working to develop ways the college could be involved with the needs of the Third World within the United Methodist Church; Dr. Art Richardson and Mr. Bill Applegate began to develop an idea.  In the Spring of 1979, Art, Bill and the pastors from the two United Methodist Churches in LeMars began the planning of what was to become this long line of Thanksgiving Ingatherings.

November 1, 1980, the campus at Westmar College was chosen to plan a day, giving the people the opportunity to share their abundance.  The committee consisted of Bill Applegate, Dorothy Applegate, Allen Herrboldt, Dale Thomsen and Ernest Mueller.  Credit is due June Goldman, one of the first members of the planning committee.  On that day, people brought blankets and kits for Church World Service, animals and corn for Heifer Project.  Bishop Clymer gave the keynote address.  Records show more than 300 clergy and laity attended and raised $44,882 in cash and in-kind gifts.

These people mentioned above deserve a huge "THANK YOU" for the God-given inspiration to begin an amazing mission that would touch so many around the world.  As you prepare for Ingathering Day, Saturday, November 7th, remember those who worked so hard to make this possible 30 years ago!

Watch for more Ingathering information in the weeks ahead!!!

In Christ's Service,
Ranee and Gaylen Goettsch
Iowa Ingathering Coordinators