November 16, 2021
Dear Clergy in the Iowa Annual Conference,
As we have for a number of years, the Appointive Cabinet is posting open churches where announced and approved retirements or leaves of absence are known. Our intention is to invite you to prayerfully discern whether you have the gifts and graces to serve in any of these communities and churches. You will note that each open appointment will list three to five clear missional needs identified by the district superintendent in consultation with the church/charge. It is the intent of the Cabinet to appoint pastors who are equipped to meet these expectations. Therefore, if you seek to be considered for one of the open appointments, please be sure to explain why you believe you can meet the identified missional expectations.
The Iowa Appointive Cabinet has affirmed the following principles in making appointments:
Attached to this email is a list of all full-time pastoral positions that will be open as of July 1, 2022, along with a synopsis of each congregation.
Please indicate your interest in a church by sending an email to the Cabinet Secretary, listed as the contact person, by November 30th.
We seek to be as open and transparent as we can be in making appointments that demonstrate John Wesley’s hope that we “do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” We pray for each one of you and all of our congregations during this time of gratitude and thanksgiving, that the peace of Christ will fill you with hope and joy.
Blessings,
Bishop Laurie Haller
Rev. Ron Carlson, Dean of the Appointive Cabinet
Aldersgate District
Coon Rapids, First-Scranton
The community of Coon Rapids is home to the Coon Rapids-Bayard School District. The schools have good facilities and are well supported by the community. Coon Rapids has been blessed with a lot of young families with children, who have either stayed in the community or who have returned to town. The city is in the process of a Main Street revitalization. Many of the empty downtown storefronts now have businesses. One of the biggest assets is the White Rock Conservancy, a 5,500-acre site with natural prairie and walking/biking trails. The Conservancy has been active in this last year, bringing runners and bikers to the area. The town’s biggest employers are Poet Bio-Refining, the school district, the city, and the nursing home.
The Coon Rapids United Methodist Church is a congregation with a good mix of older and younger attendees. This church is well regarded in the community, offering strong leadership within the community and the congregation. Their vision is to focus on children and youth ministry and their weekly Wednesday night Dynamite Disciples attendance is around 60 children and youth with 10-15 volunteers.
The community of Scranton is a rural community of 552, close both to Coon Rapids and Jefferson, which is the county seat. Businesses include Scranton Manufacturing (New Way), B & D Manufacturing, Pembles Drainage and Digging, a bank, an insurance company and a Casey’s General Story. The community also has a library and community building. Nearly 10% of the community population lives with the challenges of poverty.
The Scranton United Methodist Church is a small, older congregation, who is committed to addressing food insecurity in the community. The town doesn’t have a food pantry and folks were traveling to Jefferson to access community resources there. In the last year, the congregation has started Sweet Treats – on each Wednesday afternoon the congregation supplies an average of 50 kids and vulnerable adults with a week’s worth of meals and snacks. They also provide coats, hats gloves, back to school supplies and other items that are needed as they become aware. They also offer an activity packet and have begun building relationships as they share “goods and bads” and offer prayers.
The missional priorities that the congregations will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
Coon Rapids:
Scranton:
Both congregations
To fulfill those missional priorities, the churches are seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to the Coon Rapids, First-Scranton United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Mt. Ayr-Redding-Middle Fork
The community of Mt. Ayr is a mix of small town and a rural community. Mt. Ayr is the Ringgold County seat and hosts most of the resources for the county, including the county hospital, two health clinics, and an excellent school system. Community improvements are nearly completed at Liberty Lake (county park), the library has recently been updated, and the local Hyvee has a new building. Other amenities include a movie theatre, restaurants, bowling alley.
The Mt. Ayr United Methodist Church is a congregation that loves to eat together! Pre-covid they hosted funeral dinners, monthly birthday dinners and fundraising dinners. They have a Youth Sunday school class and an Adult Sunday School class. They regularly have noisy offerings that go to fund missions.
The community of Redding is a small, rural farming community. Ringgold county resources include a food pantry, emergency management, hospital and school system.
The Redding United Methodist Church is a family-sized congregation, who take care of each other and strive to reach out to their community. They regularly have events for the community to build relationships: hayrack rides, community suppers, taking bread to each home in town, and hosting community funeral dinners.
The Middle Fork United Methodist Church is an open country church, located about 3 miles from the nearest town. It is in a rural, formerly Amish community with an Amish school across the road. The congregation has a friendly family feel with coffee time and lots of treats, and they often welcome visitors because of this. One of their strongest ministries is their ingathering participation, and they have a nosing offering for Ingathering once a month.
All three congregations have a shared parish office, a parish secretary, and have had a parish youth group in the past. This is parish that is active in and supportive of the Ringgold County Circuit Ministry.
The missional priorities that these congregations will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Mt. Ayr, Redding and Middle Fork United Methodist Churches, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Panora
The community of Panora is made up of 1200 residents from multiple income levels. The community has many active volunteer groups and an active Chamber of Commerce which promotes new businesses to start up in Panora and supports and encourages the established businesses. The town has 2 medical clinics, at least 4 restaurants, a hotel, a Casey’s, two dress shops, yoga and aerobic classes, a public library, a community center, and much more.
The Panorama School District has 800 students from PreK- 12th grade. The school is on a single campus which includes a separate daycare building, an elementary school, and a single building for middle and high school. It is made up of students from five local communities. Economically, this includes some of the poorest rural communities, but also some of the wealthiest persons living around Lake Panorama. The average class size is 52 and 41.2% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch.
Besides the Panora community, we have a Lake Panorama community of about 1300 homes with 40% of those residents living locally full time. This community offers two public golf courses. The Lake Panorama community is made up of residents who have worked in many other communities in Iowa or Nebraska and have come here to reside on a 1200-acre lake.
The Panora United Methodist Church is a congregation of very willing and committed people who are generous with their time and resources. The music ministry is outstanding with a praise team, chime choir, chancel choir, keyboardists and celloist. During the pandemic they invested in technology and now have a better-quality online service. The Panora United Methodist church is committed to financially transforming their community for the better: ministerial alliance funds are used to help local people to stay in their homes during financial duress. The church has designated funds of earnings on an endowment each year that the church uses for ministry projects that benefits others and relates to the church mission. This church also contributes to New Opportunities through utility assistance, Christmas help, and the food bank. Many of the parishioners volunteer their time and money to support Tori’s Angels, a group started locally that provides money to parents to help cover the incidental costs incurred while their child is receiving life sustaining medical treatment. The church is also involved in a backpack program, a Child’s Story, and Missionaries’ Kim and Brad Campbell.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Panora United Methodist Church, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Camp Clear Lake District
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a beautiful town situated on a natural spring-fed lake in northern Iowa midway between Des Moines and Minneapolis. As a major stop on I-35, you’ll find a large selection of quality restaurants and accommodations, as well as a marina, state parks, bike and running trails, and historic attractions. Every weekend from Spring to late Fall there is a different communitywide fair or festival. The area includes hospitals, clinics, a community college, and an airport with connections to Chicago. Education is at the heart of this community, with quality schools and many extracurricular opportunities for its youth.
Clear Lake UMC is a strong church that is still finding its way post covid. The congregation has a membership that skews toward more experienced, with a desire to reconnect with youth and young families. Outreach and mission have been and will continue to be priorities of this church with a strong emphasis on feeding the hungry. There is a passion for worship that connects with people of all ages and allows for individual and community discipleship.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Clear Lake United Methodist Church, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Faith (Humboldt, Gilmore City, Rutland, Livermore)
Humboldt County is a vital community located in the North Central part of the state. There are many outdoor parks and opportunities to experience nature and recreation. The school district is excellent with many learning and extracurricular activities available to students from K through 12. There are medical clinics and a first-class recreation center for year-round fitness and health. The area includes the county fairgrounds, parks, and historical landmarks with plenty of retail and restaurants. Humboldt county is minutes away from Fort Dodge and an hour and a half from Des Moines Metro.
Faith UMC has centers in 3 of the largest cities in the county, Humboldt, Livermore, and Gilmore. There is a missional emphasis from the church with supporting families and children being the main driver. With an active ministerial association, the congregation is the main support for the local food pantry and its ministry against hunger. The church is constantly refining its outreach to members and non-members alike through social media and direct email contacts. The church has a strong volunteer and lay leader base, with many members serving the greater community in various leadership posts.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to the Faith (Humboldt, Gilmore City, Rutland, Livermore) United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected])). Due by November 30, 2021.
Hampton-New Hope Parish
Hampton is a county seat town in Franklin County located 95 miles north of Des Moines, and New Hope Parish is made up of the communities of Aredale and Dumont just east of Hampton. There is a local hospital and multiple medical clinics in town. There are significant outdoor recreational opportunities available including parks, a pool and two disc golf courses among the offerings. There are multiple small retail and larger retail operations in place for local commerce.
The Hampton and New Hope churches have strong youth and young family ministries in place. The churches have placed an emphasis on mission work with an emphasis on supporting the poor and students. The Hampton UMC has just refurbished their pipe organ making it a central part of their worship experiences. The churches are active with other churches in their communities in cooperative outreach events.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Hampton-New Hope Parish United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Hawarden-Ireton
Hawarden are Ireton are rural gems in the northwestern part of our state. The area is home to four hospitals, multiple clinics, two fitness centers and a year-round recreation center. Outdoor recreation is abundant with parks, trails, a pool and areas to camp and picnic. There is a great local system with educational and extracurricular activities to keep any child busy. There are multiple retail stores, and the downtown areas are growing new businesses at a regular rate. It is a short drive to Sioux City or Sioux Falls if the city attracts you and the natural abundance of NW Iowa is right here if it doesn’t.
The Hawarden and Ireton churches are excellent facilities that have been well cared for. The Hawarden church recently completed a $175,000 repair in their sanctuary. The churches both are steeped in prayer and use it to guide their paths. They support missions with their finances and activities, with a strong desire to connect with youth and young families. Covid has slowed them, but they are ready to push through and get after it again.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to the Hawarden-Ireton United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Rockwell City-Jolley, Community
Rockwell City and Jolley are rural Iowa at its finest, the area is growing and getting stronger as it does. The South-Central school system is excellent with many occasions for academic success and extracurricular to match most interests. There are abundant job opportunities and multiple medical clinics for patient care. There is a growing retail base and outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant.
The Rockwell and Jolley Community churches are still coming back from Covid; with the right energy and vision they will thrive for years to come. Music is a strong piece of their worship with vocal and bell choirs. They are active in the community working with groups from the schools to meals on wheels. The churches are missionally minded supporting a food pantry, Care packages for students and missionaries among their annual projects.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to the Rockwell City-Jolley, Community United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Sioux City, Grace
Sioux City is the fourth largest city in Iowa, home to many colleges including Morningside University which shares a parking lot with Grace. Siouxland offers over 50 park sites, trails, pools, and historic sites, including camping, picnicking, and swimming areas, canoe and pedal-boat rentals, tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, hiking and biking trails and plenty of places to relax. The Arts and Entertainment offerings are abundant and include community theater, Broadway shows and the Sioux City Symphony. There are many retail centers and two hospitals with multiple clinics around the area.
Sioux City, Grace is a vibrant church that is looking to remain relevant and vital in the Sioux City metro. This is a church that is very active in missions, including hunger ministries, In - gathering, children and youth and connections with the local schools. They have been active in programing with Morningside University and outreach through the university chaplain and other opportunities. While Covid has slowed the church down a bit, they have stayed connected to folks through their virtual ministries of Facebook and on the local radio station. The church’s youth programing is starting to grow again as there has been an emphasis on youth and young families.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Sioux City, Grace United Methodist Church, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Webster City, Faith-Kamrar
Webster City - Kamrar brings the best of urban and rural life together into one community. There are medical facilities, educational opportunities including a community college, multiple golf courses and other outdoor recreational facilities and parks. Webster City – Kamrar has ample retail and professional availability in the immediate area. Webster City-Kamrar is just over an hour from metro Des Moines.
Webster City, Faith and Kamrar churches are mission minded congregations with an emphasis on helping people where their needs are. They actively reach out to the community looking for ways to connect and build relationships. They have a history of financial stability, with Covid slowing them down over the last 18 months. The churches have a solid core of lay leaders and volunteers in place ready to take the churches to the next level.
The missional priorities that the churches will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to the Webster City, Faith-Kamrar United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Golden Valley District
Kalona and Wellman, Asbury
This is an appointment that will be initiating a pastoral sharing relationship beginning July 1, 2022.
The community of Kalona is a community of approximately 3,000 residents. Kalona is roughly 19 miles southwest of Iowa City. Kalona is part of the Mid-Prairie Community School District which has building sites for an elementary and middle school in the community. Wellman is the High School center and has an elementary complex as well. Home schooling is prominent in the area. Kalona is a fairly affluent community made up of many professional individuals who work in the Iowa City area, small businesspersons, and a robust farming community. Significant percentages of the local population are Mennonite. Old Order Amish are evident in the area.
The community of Wellman is a community of approximately 1,400 residents. It is a bedroom community of Iowa City and is composed of farmers, business owners, and employees of the University of Iowa and surrounding businesses. Wellman is part of the Mid-Prairie Community School District which has building sites for an elementary and High School in the community. Kalona is the Middle School center and has an elementary complex as well. Home schooling is prominent in the area. As a result of the predominantly Mennonite community in and around Wellman, there are seven separate worship communities of varying denominations…including different orders of Mennonites. A unique feature in Wellman is the sand putting greens on the local golf course.
The Kalona UMC statistical numbers pre-pandemic were 322 in membership, an average worship attendance of 79, an average Sunday School attendance of 30. The church building is located in downtown Kalona. It features adequate parking and a large kitchen which is made available to the community. It is available as a location for community gatherings and use by non-profit groups. Mission and outreach include Back Pack Meals, Food for All, VBS, Winter Coat Give-Away, FCA support, and assistance for those in need. Kalona UMC is a participant in the MId Prairie Council of Churches.
The Wellman, Asbury UMC statistical numbers pre-pandemic were 223 in membership, an average worship attendance of 53, an average Sunday School attendance of 25, and a five-year pattern of honoring apportionments at 100%. Asbury UMC is located in the center of town on the main highway. Parking and visibility are readily available to potential visitors. Flagship projects of the congregation include the Food Pantry, Quilt Ministry, and VBS. The building is a venue for community organizations. Asbury UMC is staffed with a secretary, custodian, and active volunteers. Asbury is a participant in the mid Prairie Council of Churches. Other missional outreach includes Feed the Children, Operation Backpack, Parkside Activity Center, and Washington County Assistance programs.
The missional priorities that the Kalona church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the Kalona church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
The missional priorities that the Wellman, Asbury church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the Wellman, Asbury church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Kalona and Wellman, Asbury United Methodist churches, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
West Branch
The community of West Branch has a population of approximately 2,400. West Branch is 10 miles east of Iowa City, which serves as an employment and services center for the region. West Branch is attractive as a location to seek lower cost housing in smaller (bedroom) community. Residential development is on the rise, and school enrollment has remained relatively constant for the past twenty years (approximately 800 students). The school system is attractive as an “open enroll” site for east side Iowa City parents that prefer a smaller school. West Branch is the home of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum and National Park.
The West Branch UMC statistical numbers pre-pandemic were 402 in membership, an average worship attendance of 92, an average Sunday School attendance of 55, and a historical pattern of honoring apportionments at 100%. Quality musical talent is distinctive of this congregation. The congregation is a multigenerational support group – an extended family. A/V capabilities are established with a team on site for all events. The congregation is invested in outreach to the local community through school backpack, nutrition, and pantry programs…prayer ministries and grief support…serving as a site for community groups and the mental health support group. It partners with neighboring Springdale for a “regional” VBS week-long program. Wednesday evening programming is built around connecting with new families. Thursday evening programming is centered on Bible Study. The West Branch UMC employs the Single Board Church Model.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to West Branch United Methodist Church, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Pictured Rocks District
Charles City, Trinity
Charles City is the county seat of Floyd County, Iowa, and is located along the Cedar River and Hwy 218 Corridor. The city’s population is approximately 7,400 in a county of 15,600. Charles City became an Age-Friendly Community with AARP in 2019; nearly 24% of the population of Charles City is age 65 or older. Simultaneously, 22% of the population is under age 18. Charles City is home to a public school system (Go Comets) and a Catholic elementary school. Major area employers include Trelleborg, Zoetis, Cambrex, and Valero. With two major grocery stores, several restaurants, a coffee shop, a YMCA, a bowling alley, a white water course on the river, a movie theater, a hospital, a local optometric center, several dental offices, multiple banks, a major car dealership, an agricultural equipment dealership, a lumber yard, multiple hotels, and at least eight churches, Charles City provides plenty of local health services, opportunities for work and entrepreneurship, recreation, and competing opportunities for spiritual growth.
Trinity United Methodist Church is located next to the YMCA and just a few blocks from Central Park. We house Central Pre-School and provide a useful space for various community events including community music programs and as a polling place for various elections. We oversee Our Brother’s Keeper, the church ministerium’s local outreach to meet needs for those with various financial struggles. Our goals have focused on meeting the worship and spiritual growth of our own membership while also serving those around us locally and beyond. Missional ministries prior to Covid included a chainsaw team, production of free laundry soap for those in need, support of multiple Midwest Missions projects both financially and in service hours, and packaging of shelf-stable meals for The Outreach Program. Spiritual ministries included men’s and women’s Bible studies, an active Sunday School program and Wednesday night youth program, a bell choir, chancel choir, and praise band among others.
The missional priorities that the church will implement over the next 3-5 years are expected to be as follows, but may change with input from the Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT) currently being utilized in our congregation.
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Charles City, Trinity United Methodist Church, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Beaman and Conrad
Beaman and Conrad are communities that are located in southeast Grundy County, Iowa. They are both small farming communities. Both also have a small industrial base that also help support the community. Each church has a long and important history in their respective areas. Both continue to play a very active role in the leadership and support of their communities.
Conrad is the larger of the two churches, with both being very active in ministry to the community and through other organizational opportunities such as In-gathering, local schools and the Oakview Care Center.
Beaman UMC is a small but active congregation, averaging 15 to 20 people on a typical Sunday morning. It is a church where relationships matter greatly both between the congregants and between the congregation and the pastor.
Conrad UMC is the larger of the two churches. It, like Beaman, plays a central role in the community. It is one of two churches in town the other being the Presbyterian church, which is just beginning a pastor search and is being served by an interim at the moment. Conrad also has a very active congregation, many within have connections to both the BCLUW school system and other local schools. This has enabled the church to be involved with the FCA group that is forming and being a support where needed. Conrad also has an active youth ministry which includes using the youth to help with technical production of the Sunday worship service. Average worship attendance on a regular Sunday will vary from 30-50 with these number increasing following the pandemic.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Beaman and Conrad United Methodist Churches, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Janesville-Hudson
Hudson is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,546 at the time of the 2020 census. The rural community of Hudson has grown in recent years and is included as a part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hudson is south of Waterloo and Cedar Falls that have the shopping mall districts, hospitals and the University of Northern Iowa.
Janesville is located just north of Cedar Falls. It has similar socio-economic condition as Hudson. Both have the same proximity to the shopping malls and hospitals. These towns have High Schools. The population of Janesville is 1034. The parsonage is located in Janesville.
These churches are internet-abled and cater to both in-person and the online viewers for the worship.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to the Janesville-Hudson United Methodist charge, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Waverly, Trinity
Trinity United Methodist Church is part of the growing Waverly community. Located in Northeast Iowa along the Cedar River, Waverly is a family centric community with great schools, an active shopping district, many amenities for families, the home of Wartburg College, and a diverse mix of employers/employment. Situated just north of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area, this vibrant community has a small town feel, but has quick access to other opportunities found in larger communities.
The church has been serving the community for well over 100 years. For the last three years we have been in a rebuilding phase with a TIIMS interim pastor. We have stabilized membership, re-invigorated governance to be bottom-up, remodeled our sanctuary/invested in a better sound system, improved our financial books, and launched an updated Youth Educational Program. The church provides numerous, community outreach programs and we have recently added a weekly community meal. We are currently offering only one service, due to the pandemic recovery. But we are looking to expand back to two services and adding a new Praise Service, hoping to also draw in the un-churched population.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Trinity United Method Church has a secure foundation again. We are ready for a new leader to guide us in our journey of evangelism!
Pastors who prayerfully discern that they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Waverly, Trinity United Methodist Church, may submit their names. This would be in the form of a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and how their experience matches the missional priorities of the church and its community. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Riverview Park District
Marshalltown, Hope
Marshalltown is an ethnically diverse central Iowa community. Major employers in the area are JBS, Emerson Process Management Fisher Division, Hy-Vee, Iowa Veterans Home, Lennox Manufacturing, and Marshalltown Schools. Medical services are available through Unity Point-Marshalltown, which includes a new outpatient facility, as well as other medical, dental, optical and chiropractic services. The Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA is considered one of the best wellness facilities in the state. The Marshalltown Public Library won a 2013 National medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Hope United Methodist Church is located in a residential neighborhood across the street from Hoglan Elementary School. This neighborhood includes ethnically diverse and middle to lower- income families. This is the welcome statement of Hope: “Wherever you are in your faith journey, Hope United Methodist Church welcomes and affirms all persons without regard to anything which threatens to divide God’s family. We are a caring church; we commit ourselves to loving acts of invitation, hospitality and reconciliation, providing ministry to, for and with all persons.” They are a congregation committed to mission. They choose a different mission emphasis each month, assisting local agencies and organizations. Through on-going partnerships with Hoglan Elementary School and Marshalltown Community College, they provide for the needs of students of all ages, including the international students at MCC who live on campus. Music has always been important to our congregation.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Marshalltown, Hope United Methodist Church, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.
Monroe
Monroe is a rural community with a population of about 2,000. Although primarily an agriculture-based township, it is more of a commuter base with diverse social, economy, and religious backgrounds. Monroe houses Prairie City/Monroe (PCM) High School and Elementary School, a city hall, volunteer fire dept., public library, and town square. There is several small businesses flourishing among empty buildings. We have many low-income families as well as unchurched people. We have several churches, Baptist, Presbyterian, and a few nondenominational “store front” churches. There is also a strong Kiwanis Club, city council, and strong community involvement in our school system. Independent businesses outside of Kiwanis have taken active support in our community.
Monroe United Methodist Church is a welcoming congregation that is able to adapt in the middle of a pandemic and is willing to try new things. The church takes an active role in the local food pantry. They also help a thrift store in Pella. They have a support group for our shut-ins and have expanded its role to include handcrafted anniversary/birthday cards to all church members. They have a quilters group that makes quilts for veterans. They are slowly expanding since the pandemic curtailed much of what they normally do. Traditionally, they host a freewill donation pancake breakfast during the town’s annual Old Settler Day. The church has been able to reach people who discovered us online or through outdoor worship.
The missional priorities that the church will implement in next 3-5 years are, as follows:
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking pastoral leadership who has the following leadership attributes and passions:
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Monroe United Methodist Church, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to Cabinet Secretary Wendy Lubkeman ([email protected]). Due by November 30, 2021.