News

An ecumenical group marched down the streets of Des Moines following two donkeys and waving palm branches for the Palm Sunday Procession for Peace, hosted by the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace. About 60 people started at Des Moines Union Park United Methodist Church and finished with a worship service at Des Moines Central Community of Christ.    The march has been hosted since 2002 when it began as a peaceful protest against invading Iraq. "Because U.S. involvement in the wars in Iraq, ...

For 20 years, the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace has worked toward its mission to help lead the ecumenical and interfaith communities in raising prayers and voices to end the war and will continue its mission by sponsoring and planning this year’s International Day of Peace celebration on September 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Cowles Commons.   “End Racism—Bring Peace” is this year’s theme for the United Nations International Day of Peace. Dr. Kesho Scott will be the keynote speaker, and musical ...

United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund will provide direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.   Gifts to support the people of Ukraine can be made in the following ways: Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450 ...

Dear Beloved Community,  You are likely now aware that in the early hours of Thursday morning, Vladimir Putin addressed the citizens of Russia announcing a “special military operation” and “full-scale invasion” of neighboring Ukraine. With Mr. Putin’s announcement and subsequent ground reports of airstrikes, explosions and gunfire resounding across Ukraine, the worst case scenario of war has now been realized. This despite days of diplomatic efforts by The United Nations Security Council and ...

More than 500 cranes hang along the exterior of the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Ames.  Filled with personal words, the origami cranes offer a visible witness of the hopes of many in that community of faith.   “We did the peace cranes a year ago,” Rev Fred Lewis, Ames First’s Pastor, recalled.  “We wanted to do something visible,” he added, to "reflect a heartfelt desire for peace.”   The pieces of paper that were folded into the cranes “were handed out on a Sunday morning ...