Laity Day with Bishop Laurie will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ames, First UMC (516 Kellogg Ave., Ames, IA.) The program will begin at 9:50 a.m.
At Laity Day you can look forward to a full day of learning and activities that will include Bishop Laurie’s presentations, worship, missional topics, lunch and closing communion. There will also be displays helpful to local church leaders. Registration is free but important in planning for meals and materials.
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Bishop Laurie has chosen to talk about experiences chronicled in her new book, Wandering Into Grace. It is a spiritual journey, experienced through an amazing physical journey. Hearing her will be an inspiration that will nurture your spiritual journey as we approach Easter. Her presentation will be in a setting of worship and will begin our day together. Wandering Into Grace will be available for purchase for $15 at Laity Day while supplies last. Make checks payable to Laurie Haller or bring the exact amount.
The missional topic will be the urgent issue of suicide. Diane McClanahan, M.Div., B.S.N., Director of Leadership and Spiritual Life at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center will be presenting. Suicide impacts at least half of the population in one way or another and the church is ideally suited to be a place of hope and connection for those who face suicidal desperation. Too often though, the church is silent, people are silent, and there is a missed opportunity to offer life-giving community. Learn how to break the silence and offer life and hope.
The future of the church is a deep concern all United Methodists share. At Laity Day, you can expect to gain factual information and learn from Bishop Laurie, several of our lay delegates to General Conference, and other resources.
Table displays and lunch discussions will provide resources for strengthening lay leadership in our churches.
Bishop Laurie, along with host pastor Rev. Dr. Kerrin Kirkpatrick, will lead Closing Worship and Communion, sending us out in hope!
There is no registration fee. There will be a free-will offering with portions going to three Iowa ministries supported by the United Methodist Women of First UMC, Ames, who will be serving treats upon arrival and lunch. They are Bidwell-Riverside, Hawthorne Hill and Shesler Hall.
For additional information, call Barb Mann at 515-974-8905.