New Blog is www.dmpresbytery.org

The Presbytery of Des Moines' blog is moving to a new and improved site on Feb. 29, 2012.

How appropriate to make this leap of faith to a new website and blog all on leap day. Please make note that our website and email addresses have changed too:

General Presbyter and Stated Clerk Rev. Phil Barrett

Sudanese Ministries Resource Person Rev. Goanar Chol

Director of Communications Kim Coulter

Office Manager Betty Dyer.

General office email

Let us know what you think of the new website and blog!

Attend the Presbytery Holiday Open House

Merry Christmas!

The Des Moines Presbytery will host a Christmas Open House at the Des Moines Presbytery Office on Friday, December 2.

Everyone is welcome to join us and visit our office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll have appetizers, treats and punch available, so stop by and celebrate the season with the Presbytery staff!

From your Presbytery staff:
Rev. Phil Barrett, Rev. Goanar Chol, Kim Coulter, Nancy Lister-Settle and Betty Dyer

The Outstanding Older Adult Award Goes To...

For two years now, the Des Moines Presbytery’s Older Adult Ministry Task Force has asked our church sessions to submit nominations of an outstanding senior adult for this award that recognizes mature, service-minded and Christian modeling of faith.

This year's nominees and their families were honored at the Presbytery's Nov. 8, 2011 Stated Meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa. They each received a certificate during the ceremony and a free meal hosted by the church. The winner was Luree Straup from First Presbyterian Church in Allerton, Iowa. Luree does the daily devotions in the Mission Yearbook and is currently reading through the Bible – for the third time! She received a special commemoration plaque.

Congratulations to all 13 nominees—you are all winners in God’s eyes! Thanks goes to each church and their sessions for the following nominations:

• Al and Emily Wyckoff (Ankeny)
• Barbara Boatwright (Des Moines, First)
• Mary Lou Briles (Des Moines, Park Avenue)
• DeVerne Dixon (Indianola, Trinity United)
• Gene Freese (Atlantic, First United)
• Harriet George (Clive, Heartland)
• Madonna Jack (Hartford, Community United)
• Bob Mahaffey (Des Moines, Union Park)
• Kathryn Renoe (LeRoy, First)
• Luree Baker Straup (Allerton, United)
• Lola Timmins (Ottumwa, Westminster)
• Dianne Van Gorp (Oskaloosa, First)

And the award goes to Luree Straup, (Allerton, First).

The OAM Task Force members felt all were qualified – even over qualified! And it was very difficult to center on one person, from the amazing report of the walks in faith over many, many years. Each person’s story will be highlighted in the monthly OAM eNewsletters.

Their lives will be inspirations to us all to never retire from listening for God’s whispers.

Older Adult Ministries Task Force Moderator Darlene Shepherd or 641-673-5793.

A Circle of Trust: A Soul Tending Group for Spouses of Clergy

Spouses of clergy know they often face unique and specific challenges in their lives and in their roles, roles often not well defined, as partners in a clergy couple.

The stresses of these challenges may at times push them up against important ways in which they thought they knew about themselves, their family systems, their friendships, and their own religious and spiritual beliefs.

Individuals married to a pastor have a “position”, whether wanted or not. With this position comes an image or a role which, if not seen clearly as an opportunity for growth in one’s own spiritual journey, can result in becoming trapped in ways of living and behaving that are not authentic and life-giving.

A Circle of Trust will focus on the spirituality of the clergy spouse and address topics such as learning to trust oneself, understanding and creating healthy boundaries, finding one’s voice, and facing change and transition. Kathy Reardon from the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, has put together this workshop for clergy spouses which will focus on cultivating spiritual growth. She needs at least six participants but no more than eight to hold the class. The deadline for registration is October 20, 2011 so if you are interested, please contact her at DMPCC as soon as possible to register.

This circle of trust will meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m.-Noon at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, 8553 Urbandale Ave., in Urbandale (near the Panera Bread restaurant on 86th Street and the Presbytery office). Enrollment is limited to eight.

This series of seven sessions is scheduled for November 1, and December 6, of 2011, and February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1 and June, of 2012. Cost per person is $280 (The Des Moines Presbytery has agreed to pay $50 per participant.).

If you have questions or need more information, contact: Chris Davis (Clive, Heartland), 515-771-2017 or Mary Ellen Stanley (Leon, First), 641-442-5301.

Recap of Synod School 2011 from the Keeping In Touch News

The following stories are from the Synod of Lakes and Prairies newsletter, Keeping In Touch, August 11, 2011 issue. The story links are found on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s News Service website at www.pcusa.org.

Two of the articles below are of special importance to the Des Moines Presbytery and are about our own Director of Communications Kim Coulter (Clive, Heartland) and another story of a former member of the Knox United Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, the Rev. Burns Stanfield family.

Consider attending Synod School next year at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, July 22-27, 2012. (Thanks to Synod Communications Editor Duane Sweep for permission to repost.)

• Hands down, Mr. Methuselah was the crankiest man at the Synod School held the last week of July at Buena Vista University. www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/3/presbyterian-puppetry.
• Synod schoolers learn about Rock ‘n’ Roll faith connection:
www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/2/not-fade-away.

Synod school teacher demonstrates new media role in evangelism: A short video, a little bit of show and tell, and a lot of discussion – it’s the way Kim Coulter led her class on social media here at Buena Vista University during the 58th Synod of Lakes and Prairies' Synod School. With an opening video that proclaimed, “If Facebook were a country, it’d be the world’s third largest,” Coulter made the argument that social media can play a role in the church. The complete PNS story is at: www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/9/friending-church.

• Synod schoolers learn that science is both theoretical, concrete:www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/5/world-changing-ideas.
• Drama takes many forms, multiple roles in congregations:www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/10/all-churchs-stage.

Presbyterian family share stories of Kenya during Synod School: When Lorraine Stanfield turned 50 last spring, she didn’t want a party. She wanted her family to go with her to Kenya to serve people – and maybe take in a safari near the end of the two-week visit, which the family did. The Stanfields, of Milton, Mass., offered a workshop describing highlights of their trip during Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School, held during the last week of July at Buena Vista University. The complete PNS story is at: www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/4/teaching-what-they-learned.

• Synod schoolers urged to join ‘Each One Reach One’ anti-poverty initiative: www.pcusa.org/news/2011/7/28/no-more-mommy-voice.

Big Tent Recap: Together in Christ

More than 1,700 Presbyterians gathered in Indianapolis, Ind., July 1-3 for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s second Big Tent. Find reports, videos, and resources from Big Tent. And here are a few stories:

• Innovative models for ministry in the modern world. ‘Come and See.’
• Then and now: read how women are changing the meaning of “role model” in the church.(Article was written by Kim Coulter, director of communications for the Des Moines Presbytery.)
• God will make way: Read how one pastor believes we can become a more cross cultural church.
• Read why Calvin’s 16th-century lessons are vital to our 21st-century church.

(Reprinted from One in the Spirit, a monthly email from Executive Director Linda Valentine strengthening community between the General Assembly Mission Council and Middle Governing Bodies.)

 

The Des Moines Presbytery had a few people in attendance: Rev. Dave Madsen, Rev. Goanar Chol, and Magdy Kago (DM, Cottage Grove Avenue), Rev. Betty Sandy (DM, Clifton Heights), Martie Larson, CLP (Clive, Heartland), Cindy Lou Ray (Windsor Heights, Windsor), General Presbyter and Stated Clerk Rev. Phil Barrett, and Director of Communications Kim Coulter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Presbytery of Des Moines and the Transformation Team invite all pastors, commissioners and committee members, to the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines for the November 9th Presbytery Meeting. We’ll meet from 2-7:30 p.m., including a dinner catered by the hotel. Afterwards, you’re invited to stay overnight at the Marriott at the special rate of $25. You can relax, enjoy the amenities, and attend two workshops. Five workshops will be offered Tuesday night from 8-9:30 p.m. and four on Wednesday morning, from 9-10:45 a.m. You can sign up for two workshops at registration time.

These 4 workshops are repeated both sessions: Praying Your Church Alive with Rev. Dale O’Connell; Creative Worship with Rev. Suzanne Gorhau; In a Fog about nFOG? with Elder Maurice Dyer; Empowering Leadership with Rev. Jim Howland.

This workshop is only available the Tuesday evening session (8-9:30 p.m.): Remembering Who and Where You are: Maintaining Privacy, Boundaries and Confidentiality in Parish Ministry with Rev. Jeffery Means. This facilitated group will provide an opportunity pastors’ spouses to get acquainted, to offer one another support and encouragement, as well as share ideas gleaned from experience.

A reservation form is available online. Send a copy of the completed form with payment made payable to the Presbytery of Des Moines, 2400 86th St., Ste. 20, Urbandale, IA 50322-4306. When we receive your form and money, you will be registered for the room and/or meal. Things to do:

1. Complete a registration form for EACH PERSON eating dinner, staying overnight, or attending workshops.
2. ROOMS: Send reservation form with payment to the Presbytery of Des Moines, 2400 86th St., Ste. 20, Urbandale, IA 50322-4306 by OCTOBER 19th. DO NOT call the Marriott. There will be 30 rooms available at the special rate of $25 (normally $124 + tax). The first 30 reservation forms with payment received will get the special rate.
3. MEALS: Since the meal will be catered by the Marriott, EVERYONE who will have dinner at the Presbytery meeting will need to send in a reservation form with payment of $5.00 by NOVEMBER 4th.

It is the hope of the Transformation Team to prepare your heart and mind for the busy seasons of Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas.

Youth Retreat to Feature Lock-In Activity at Tokens

The Des Moines Presbytery’s Annual Fall Youth Retreat will be held Oct. 29-30, 2010, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1025 28th St., West Des Moines. Be A Hero: Living Like Jesus is for youth (6th-12th graders), Christian education directors and youth leaders; others by arrangement only. Cost is $30 and includes food, lodging, Tokens Family Fun Center lock-in and t-shirt. Scholarships are available. Please make note on your registration form if you could use one!

Registration and permission/medical treatment forms are available online or contact your church youth leader or pastor. All forms and checks made payable to the Presbytery of Des Moines, must be sent in no later than Oct. 25, to: Dennis Britson, Registrar, Be A Hero: Living Like Jesus – 2010 Fall Youth Retreat, 1110 E. 6th St. #12, Des Moines, IA 50316, (H) 515-282-9139 or (M) 515-988-1360, dnbritson@mchsi.com.

Leaders note: If you are registering a group, or are planning to bring registrations to the retreat, call and let Dennis Britson know the names and t-shirt sizes of participants so food and Be A Hero materials can be ordered.

Church Mission Giving Resource Packet Coming in September to You

Each church in the Des Moines Presbytery will receive a packet for pastors, Mission committee chairpersons, and clerks of Session in late September from the General Assembly Mission Council of the PC(USA). This packet will have materials to help sessions make decisions about their mission giving in 2011.

Included in this year’s stewardship promotional materials are:

• a printed World Mission Giving Opportunities catalog
• a flier promoting Shared Mission Support at all levels of the church, which also explains how the General Assembly Mission Council uses its portion of Shared Mission Support
• a flier promoting resources for congregational giving campaigns from our partners at the Ecumenical Stewardship Center
• a flier with information from the Presbyterian Foundation on long-term giving opportunities
• a cover letter explaining the packet and providing instructions on accessing the online searchable listing of giving opportunities.

Watch the Seconds for Stewardship box weekly in The Wider Circle E-news, and pray for ways you can help the church ministry and mission, both regionally and nationally.

Church Items for Sale and Free

Knox United’s Garage Sale Items are Still Available
Knox United Presbyterian Church, 2315 59th Street, Des Moines, still has bargains available from their Garage Sale held in June 2010. The following items are still available:

2-drawer file cabinets diaper-changing station B&W copier
3-drawer file cabinets window air conditioner choir music
4-drawer file cabinets portable dishwasher dishes/glasses
blackboard room dividers 50+ like-new Bibles glass hostess sets
metal chairs in rack baptismal font

If you are interested in any of these items, contact the church's Clerk of Session Pat Aksamit, at: royaksamit@gmail.com.

Cleaning Out Treasures—Free Bibles!
Free for picking up: 58 Good News Bibles. Inquire at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines, at: 515-225-2254 or janscott@wdmcovenant.org.

Get a Clue: Spring Connection, April 23-24

The Oskaloosa First Presbyterian Church is planning on hosting the Spring Youth retreat this year. Youth (grades 6-12) and their leaders are welcome to join us for an awesome retreat with the theme of “Clue? Christ Style!”

This year the two-day weekend retreat will be “FREE” so families who have suffered job loss, etc. during these economic hard times, can still send youth and not worry about the cost. However, we need to get a rough count of the number of participants. Please contact Oskaloosa Middle School Youth Leader Jodi Wilson at 641-295-3765 or bruceandjodi@mahaska.org.


For a poster and registration form, go online to: www.presbyteryofdesmoines.org/resources.htm.

God Bless Everyone and...

Local Senior Highs Connect with El Salvador Youth

Recently, Michael Sinklier, PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer to Peru, went to El Salvador with the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines’ delegation. Here he describes his visit and the new mission with the youth there.

“I had the opportunity to meet with a young man from the community where our sister parish is located in San Francisco, El Salvador. He and a group of young members had come to a meeting being held in the newly constructed church and were there to make a request of the team from Westminster. He introduced himself as Niwman Oswaldo Cruz Hernandez and told the gathering that one year ago he and 12 other adolescents came together to create an official youth group of the church of San Francisco and that today, one year later, that group had doubled in size to 26 members. Niwman went on to tell us that while the group has no formal budget, this year they would like to host two events at the church, inviting youth from neighboring churches to come to San Francisco in order to build relationships and network with other youth groups in the area.

"The request was made for $350 that would last them one year and allow them to host two events. In response to the need, the Westminster Senior Highs have agreed to donate $350 of the funds raised from their 2009 Christmas Wreath sales to the San Francisco youth group. A letter and photograph of the Senior Highs will be sent to the youth group in El Salvador along with the funds.

"Because of the continuous support the Westminster congregation has show their youth, they too are able to do mission for other youth groups, even across the world.”

News from the Big Tent

June 11, 2009
Despite the airplane delays on Wednesday due to rain storms, the Big Tent Multi-Conference began without a hitch Thursday morning. Church leaders from all over the United States descended into Atlanta, Ga., with the hope of learning about a variety of topics. The list is long, but conference attendees’ choices include classes and workshops in the following program areas of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A):

• Evangelism
• Healthy Ministry
• National Elders
• National Multicultural Church
• New Immigrant Ministries
• Presbyterian Peacemaking
• Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association’s Social Justice
• Presbyterian Communicator’s Network
• Racial Ethnic Ministries
• Stewardship and Investment

There are eight individuals from our Des Moines Presbytery attending the Big Tent event. Director of Communications Kim Coulter; Coordinator of Sudanese Ministries the Rev. Goanar Chol; Cindy Ray, intern at the Knox United Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Ross Blount, pastor at Allerton United Presbyterian Church, the honorably retired Rev. Liz Knott; the Rev. David Madsen, pastor of Cottage Grove Ave. Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Connie DePond, a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines and their Interim Pastor Rev. Stu Ritter.

Pictured here are (right to left) the Rev. Stu Ritter, Matt and Kim Coulter. They attended the welcome reception held for the Presbyterian Communicator’s Network on Thursday evening in the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta. Tomorrow will promise a chance to network with friends face-to-face and tour this great city in the Peach State.

-Kim Coulter, Director of Communications

Day 1 - Des Moines to San Salvador

I am traveling with the Trinity United Presbyterian Church delegation from Indianola - 5 of my good friends - Mary MacKenzie, Denise Core, Larry Lepper, Blair Lawson and my pastor, Rev. Dave Endriss. This is a trip of a lifetime for me... having my airfare paid by Compañeros. My continued thanks goes to all of them for giving me this opportunity.

We were about a half hour late leaving Des Moines, after having our plane de-iced (remember - it was 1 degree that morning!) and then having to wait for the batteries in the plane to reach a certain temp. Really??? I guess even big planes have problems starting in the nasty Iowa weather!

After a long afternoon in Houston and 6 hours of walks and naps, we finally headed for San Salvador. We arrived on time and went right through Customs and got our luggage with no problems. We got out to the street to hugs waiting from our Mission Co-worker to El Salvador, Kathy Mahler - a wonderful welcome! However, something smelled funny when Blair was the last to join us... it seems as though we got to be the very first ones that had problems transporting coffee flavoring to El Salvador.

Those of you waiting for more Snickeroo coffee may have to wait a little longer, as a goodly part of that bottle ended up on Blair's clothes and soaked up his suitcase! Actually, we didn't lose too much... thank heavens, but it was a smelly ride to the guest house in San Salvador. (I think our driver, Alfredo, in the dark blue micro-bus marked Becky's Tours wondered what on earth Kathy had gotten him into! At the guest house, we were welcomed warmly by someone with a great name... Beti. It was a wonderful place and after some cold adult beverages, we were off to bed after a long day.

-Betty Dyer
Des Moines Presbytery Office Manager
and a member of the Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola

Communications Lunch & Learn Series is Free!

Mark your calendars! The Presbytery’s Lunch and Learn Series begins January 22, 2008, from Noon - 1 p.m., congregations in the Presbytery of Des Moines, are invited to attend these informational learning sessions at the Urbandale office. The fee is FREE!

If you currently work at a church, either as a staff member, volunteer or lay leader, you are invited to join these informal discussions and information sharing groups. On the third Thursday of the month bring your brown bag lunch to 2400 86th St., Suite 20, Urbandale. We’ll provide the beverages.

Presbytery of Des Moines pastors, church staff and volunteers have given their subject input. Each month a topic is identified around which the majority of the discussion will revolve. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, samples, and insights related to the topic of the day. In addition to the featured topic, each session will include time to network and discuss off-topic items. Such as to share recent projects or accomplishments, or ask those “burning questions”.

All lunch sessions are free. RSVPs are recommended by not required, just bring your brown bag lunch and be ready to participate! (A microwave and frig are available too.)

Time and Location:
Times for all lunches are Noon-1 p.m. at the Presbytery of Des Moines’ Conference Room, 2400 86th St., Suite 20, Urbandale, IA 50322. Directions and Parking.

2009 Dates and Topics (the 3rd Thursday of each month except January):

• January 22 – Do Calendars Tell a Story? (please bring samples of your church’s calendars)
• February 19 – P.O.I.N.T. Tips and Tricks on Christian Education curriculums and VBS
• March 19 – (Re)Visioning Your Church
• April 16 – Web Site Writing and Optimization so Search Engines will find you
• May 21 – Evaluating your Churches Communications Efforts
• June 18 – Blogging 101 and Podcasting for Pastors
• July 16 – Learn about Khadamat Sudaniya’s Ministry
• August 20 – Social Networking Online with Youth (Facebook, MySpace and Twitter)
• September 17 – Annual & Statistical Reports, Newsletters and E-announcements (bring samples)
• October 15 – Public Relations 101 – How to Get Church News Noticed
• November 19 – How to use Photographs in your Church Ministry

Youth are Invited to Fall Retreat

Have you ever attended the Presbytery's annual Fall Youth Retreat? This is a two-day event, where 9th - 12th graders and their leaders gather to learn and experience living a life like Christ.

This year's event will be held November 21-22, 2008, at The Jericho Hills Camp in Lucas, Iowa. The theme for the retreat, A Quest of Faith, is based on The Lord of the Rings Trilogoy.

The trilogy is a moral fantasy pitting good against evil in a world where Wizards are the stewards of mankind, Ents shepherd forests, Dwarves mine mountains, Elves preserve beauty, and Orcs, Trolls, and Uruk-hai serve a dark master. The three-part epic shows darkness battling light, evil struggling against good, pride fighting humility, and despair wrestling hope.

This retreat will help us discuss some of the deeper themes of the movies. What does this film say about the struggle for virtue, the temptations of power, the providence of God, and the power of story? Join our young people from 64 churches of the Des Moines Presbytery for a faith-energizing retreat and a chance to enjoy, play hard, and work out a quest for yourself as a follower of Jesus!

Promotional materials are now online. To learn more, see our brochure/flier for details. A registration/permission form can be downloaded online and sent to the Presbytery Registrar. Also, those needing help with finances can apply for a scholarship. The application is online.

Upcoming Presbytery Meeting Time Changes

The next Presbytery meeting is only a month away and is schedule for Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at the St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6426 Merle Hay Road in Johnston and will feature a celebration for the 165th Anniversary of the Presbytery of Des Moines. The theme of our special day is “Remember, Rejoice, Renew”.

The November Presbytery Meeting Time has Changed
This week our Coordinating Council has voted to change the meeting time from 9:30-3:30 p.m. to 2:00-8:00 p.m. for this special day. It is the Council member's hope to make this a meaningful experience more accessible to all members of the Presbytery who normally cannot make a weekday stated meeting. The evening time will be saved for a special celebration and worship service for all who can attend. This includes a joint-choir from the 64 churches in our presbytery. If you are interested or have members of your church choir who can participating in this Presbytery-wide choir, contact Coordinator Emily Seeger at seeger@q.com or 712-243-4519.

Don't Forget to send in your Church History
All congregations have been requested to submit a one-page synopsis of their church history or an anecdote about the congregation and their ministry in the past 165 years. Those churches which have missed the deadline, still have time to turn their history into the Presbytery office by October 17. A printed booklet will be available at the November Presbytery meeting for all churches as a keepsake. Currently, we're missing the following church histories: Allerton, United; Bedford, United; Brooklyn, First; Centerville, First; Clive, Heartland; Deep River, United; Des Moines, Fort Des Moines; Des Moines, Westminster; Diagonal, United; Johnston, St. Paul; Lenox, United; Malcom, First United; Monroe; Montezuma, First United; New Sharon, First; Ottumwa, East End; Ottumwa, Westminster; Pitzer, United; Sharpsburg; and Sigourney, First.

Meeting Materials will soon be Available Online
Watch the Web site for details of the event and meeting materials. Look for the "Mark Your Calendar!" box in the upper right hand corner. Links to the August Minutes and The Call will soon be available to read, download or print. You may download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

NOTE: Churches are now responsible for getting the documents printed for their Commissioners and Pastors, unless they don't have access to the Internet. If you are unable to print the download or do not have access to the internet, please contact the Presbytery office immediately to receive a printed copy before the meeting.

165th Anniversary Request

As you know this year is the 165th anniversary of Des Moines Presbytery. Our November 11 Presbytery meeting at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Johnston, will have the theme of Remember, Rejoice, Renew.

It seems a long way off, but I am writing to ask your help to make this a meaningful celebration. We are requesting that each congregation submit a one page synopsis of their church history or an antedote about themselves and the ministry they have been a part of in these 165 years.

It is our goal to have these collected by October 10 at the Presbytery office where they'll be complied and printed for everyone at the November Presbytery meeting. Please send your history or antedote to the Director of Communications Kim Coulter at pbycommunication@qwestoffice.net or 515-276-4991.

We would also like to have a Presbytery-wide choir to celebrate our anniversary for the worship service. If you have members of your church choir who would be interested in participating, please contact me, Emily Seeger at seeger@q.com or 712 243-4519.

Thank you for your time and efforts to make this a celebration to remember!

In Christ,
Emily Seeger (First United Presbyterian Church, Atlantic)