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Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai and the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church announce the following leadership staff transitions.      Rev. Bill Poland:   Rev. Bill Poland will retire on June 30, 2024, after 42 years of service to the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He will continue to serve as the Director of Connectional Ministries until his retirement next year.   Poland is a graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He is currently the...

Nearly a hundred people gathered in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church for “Diferente,” the initial Latinx ministry celebration. Coming together on September 29, 2019, the community experienced a time when “todos son Bienvenidos,” all are welcome.   According to First UMC Pastor Edgar Solis, the new ministry will be a celebration of community in which people will share in prayer ministry and be encouraged to participate in Bible studies. “We’ve had contact with people from Miami, ...

The French Ministry of Sioux City celebrates a year of growth and connection “I have a feeling of joy in my heart, and a feeling of celebration. It has been a journey,” marvels Rev. Michel Okitakoyi Lundula. On September 22, 2019, he was worshipping with over 100 others of the French Ministry of Sioux CIty at First United Methodist Church as they celebrated the 1st year anniversary of the unique congregation of French-speaking United Methodists.  The rapidly growing French Ministry began ...

  Rev. Bill Poland reported on New Faith Communities for the Annual Conference Session on Saturday. Poland spoke in his new role as Director of New Communities of Faith, part of the Healthy Conference Initiative (HCI) piece of the Conference's Strategic Priorities.    Poland is working with Rev. Dr. Jaye Johnson as the new Director of Congregational Excellence, and Rev. Dr. Lanette Plambeck, the new Director of Clergy & Leadership Excellence.   “We’re working to build a team that will continue ...