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Canterbury Scholars' Summer Programme Applications Due Feb. 28 

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In 2009 we exceeded--for the first time--over 1 billion people trying to exist on less than $1.25 a day. As the global economic crisis continued during 2009 an additional 55-90 million more people have dropped below the extreme poverty line. One of the ways General Convention responded to this alarming and unacceptable reality was to unanimously pass resolution D018 which invites "dioceses and parishes in the Episcopal Church to focus the season of Lent 2010 as a time of penitential reflection on the brokenness of the global economic order and its reformation in light of the Gospel. . ." To this end, EGR has gathered resources for use by individuals and congregations, including a host of recommended curricula, books, video clips, copies of General Convention resolutions, and a copy of a Pastoral Letter from the House of Bishops which calls the church to economic justice and renewal in this time of crisis.
MORE>>.
 

 

[January 20] Your help is needed to compile a resource about mission ministry among us. This can help our prayers as a diocese, as well as assist with coordinating efforts by putting people with similar foci in touch with one another. Please take a short time to have someone in your congregation fill out the online survey available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/missionsurvey. 
View Bishop Scarfe's Letter
Take online survery

 

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Iowa's Jubilee Officer wins "Who is My Neighbor" award 

 

• Episcopal Church Communications Office http://www.episcopalchurch.org/haiti.php
• Episcopal News Service http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife/
• Episcopal Relief & Development http://www.er-d.org/
• Lauren Stanley’s [appointed missionary of the Episcopal Church] web site which is updated twice a day at www.gointotheworld.net

 
 

 

[January 13] Our urgent response is needed for the people of Haiti as they suffer the devastating effects of the earthquake which hit Port au Prince late yesterday afternoon. MORE>>
 

 

[January 5] Iowa's own Rev. Canon William Jacobs and Bishop Walter Righter were featured in recent articles in the Church Pension Group's Vintage Voice newsletter for retired clergy. Past issues of Vintage Voice are available at http://www.cpg.org/formspublications/vintagevoice.cfm. 
View/download story by William Jacobs
View/download story by Walter Righter

 

 

Episcopal Church Visual Arts is looking for entries for the 2010 Exhibition Series: Recognition & Return. Our own, Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel, is the curator of this event so it would be great to have Iowans represented in this Exhibition. Deadline for Online Submission is January 15, 2010. More information: http://www.ecva.org/artists/calls.html

 

 

[January 5] Iowa Connections will be wrapped around a new publication, Episcopal News Monthly, beginning February 2010. A new tabloid newspaper will launch signaling the end of the Episcopal Life era and the first issue of Episcopal News Monthly. This change reflects a broader consolidation and repositioning of resources in the Episcopal Church's Office of Communications, a result of strategic communication planning and execution, and General Convention budget reductions. Other changes will include the redesign of the online publication, Episcopal Life Online, and its name change to Episcopal News Service. 

Iowa Connections and Episcopal News Monthly complement each other by providing a unique perspective on the church across the Diocese of Iowa and throughout The Episcopal Church. Iowa Connections with Episcopal News Monthly is to be used as a teaching and ministry resource by clergy and laity. Iowa Connections should be distributed to every family in each congregation in the Diocese and the subscription costs are to be included in the local church budget. Additional costs are underwritten by the budget of the Diocese of Iowa and by Episcopal News Monthly.

[December 17; The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] Ranging from migrant work to international ministries, from the East Coast to the Midwest and the Caribbean, four Jubilee ministries in the Episcopal Church have been awarded grants of $15,000 each to assist them with special initiatives in 2010 towards domestic poverty alleviation.

Jubilee Ministries are congregations or agencies with connections to The Episcopal Church whose mission efforts affect the lives of those in need, addressing basic human needs and justice issues. Grants to Jubilee ministries are awarded annually. http://www.episcopalchurch.org/jubilee.htm

“The work and ministry of these award recipients illustrate the true meaning of Jubilee ministries,” noted the Rev. Christopher A. Johnson, Domestic Justice and Jubilee Ministries. “Their work reaches many people in their communities, and their impact has far-reaching effects.”

The categories and grant recipients for 2010 are:

In Rural Ministries, the recipient is Rural and Migrant Ministry, Diocese of New York. Rural and Migrant Ministry works for justice for New York State rural workers and farmworkers and its Workplace Education Center will provide training for skills and basic rights programs. http://ruralmigrantministry.org/

In Mentorship/Training, the recipient is Emmaus House, Diocese of Atlanta. Through its Atlanta Urban Intern Program, Emmaus House will mentor girls at risk by addressing issues of exploitation and by providing intervention. http://www.emmaushouse.org/

In Initiating New Ministries, the recipient is Jubilee Community of Prayer, Learning and Service, Diocese of Iowa. Concentrating on the Episcopal ministry at the University of Northern Iowa, the Jubilee Community of Prayer, Learning and Service will focus on leadership development, commitment to the Gospel and teaching young people a response to poverty. http://www.iowaepiscopal.org/

In International Ministries, the recipient is Servicios Sociales Episcopales, Diocese of Puerto Rico. Directed to adolescents and teenagers, Servicios Sociales Episcopales will present services, awareness and education on the importance of family planning, violence protection, health education. http://www.episcopalpr.org/  

Johnson reported that 46 applications were received reflecting requests for $916,960 involving “new and innovative strategies” for “programs that are responsive to poverty issues relating to nutrition, employment, childcare, education, health care, environment, housing, equal protection under law and/or cultural affirmation.”

“All of the applications told the story of the great work being done in The Episcopal Church,” he said. “Each offered a way of doing God’s work on earth.”

 

 

[December 10, 2009] Congregations can begin filing Parochial Reports online on January 5, 2010. The Canonical due date is May 1, 2010 for online filing (March 1 if you file by paper form). 

This year the mailing only includes Parochial Report Forms and filing information. The Workbooks for Page 2 (Membership, Attendance and Services) and Page 3 (Stewardship and Financial Information) are available online rather than in printed form. To download the 2009 Parochial Report Workbooks go to http://generalconvention.org/gc/parochial_reports. 

To file your report online, you need your UEID and PIN. These numbers are printed on a card that is enclosed in your packet, or you may contact Anne Wagner at the diocesan office. To access the system go online to http://pr.dfms.org and enter your congregation's UEID and PIN. If you do not have internet access and cannot file online, please send your completed paper form to the diocesan office by March 1.
 

 

 

[December 3, 2009] Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car will be:
• 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations 
View/download 2010 Salary & Benefit Schedule
 

 

[December 8, 2009] Experienced, just getting started, or wanting to dip your toes into the possibility of mission in your life? Make plans to attend this 2-day gathering on February 12-13 for an enjoyable journey of the theology & meaning as well as the nuts and bolts of participating in mission trips. MORE>>

 

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[December 1, 2009] The Shady Rest Project was featured on December 7th on Trinity Wall Street's Online Advent Calendar. View calendar>>  

 

 

[December 1, 2009] December 31, 2009 is the deadline for submitting UTO Grants to the Diocesan Office for consideration by the Bishop before being submitted to UTO in New York. Application and grant information is available online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/88381_ENG_HTM.htm

 

 

[November 24, 2009] Marketing materials developed by The Episcopal Church may be useful to you as you develop ads and other ways to welcome new people to your congregation during Advent and Christmas. They are available for download at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/adcollaborative.htm.

 

The Good Steward

[Sep 30] The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently developed a document that should be read by clergy, parish leaders and parish nurses! To help keep communities healthy during the upcoming flu season, it will take all of us--community and faith-based organizations, government, businesses, and schools-working together. This Guide For Community and Faith-Based Organizations (CFBOs) provides specific action steps community and faith-based organizations can take to help keep communities healthy during flu season. MORE>>

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[Sep 27] Bishop Scarfe's guest column in the Des Moines Register on Sunday, September 27 MORE>>

 

 

[Episcopal Cafe, Aug 31] The Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s Deputy for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, has announced his retirement at the end of 2009. MORE>>

 

 

[Aug 6] The Immigration Policy Center (IPC) has come out with an excellent tool for staying on top of the immigration issue. The release highlights the various immigration issues currently in need of fixing, as well as, the toughest questions people ask about immigration. This a great starter kit for those with questions about immigration and immigration reform.

You can find the report on the IIEC website (http://www.iowaimmigrationeducation.org/) under "Resources."

 

[Aug 1] The Anamosa Penitentiary EfM group needs your help paying $236 per man (the group currently has 12 men) for this life-changing program. Send your donation to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 33, Anamosa, IA 52205. Make the check out to St. Mark's and put EfM in the notation. Also, the 2010 EfM training is August 5th-6th-7th and Anne Williams is the contact person through St. Mark's or at annewill@n-connect.net.

 

 

2 Iowa Projects Awarded Grants by UTO  

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What the world tells us is natural seems to be increasing uncertainty, constant change, and mounting chaos. We are victims of our genetics, environment and social class as we are tossed about by the shifting tides of culture, politics and economics. How can we stay in balance through the maelstrom that our lives have become?

Contemplative Prayer. Contemplative prayer is a process of interior transformation, a conversation initiated by God and leading, if we consent, to Divine union. 

In silence we come to know and to live from the Divine Mystery within us. One’s way of seeing reality changes in the process. A restructuring of consciousness takes place which empowers one to perceive, to relate and to respond with increasing sensitivity to the Divine presence in, through, and beyond everything that exists.

The gift of contemplative prayer manifests through the growing awareness of God as the Source and Center of all and in the increasing capacity to live ordinary life with extraordinary love.

Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer is a method of prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence, traditionally called contemplative prayer. It consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within.

Centering Prayer facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God and a discipline to deepen our relationship with God. 

Centering Prayer is drawn from the ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert, Lectio Divina (praying the scriptures), The Cloud of Unknowing, and the writings of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.

For more information about Centering Prayer or to arrange to bring an introductory program in the practice of Centering Prayer to your congregation, please contact Tim Goldman (St. Timothy’s, West Des Moines) at gold2231@msn.com  or call 515-745-9842 and leave a message.

 

 

[July 3, Mission Minutes] The Rev. Charles Kunene returned from Swaziland in mid-June 2009 to the three Episcopal parishes he serves in southwest Iowa. Charles has an extra big smile on his face these days, because he didn't return alone to his Iowa home in Red Oak. Charles' wife Thule has joined him for three weeks in Iowa to see the sights, renew acquaintances with companions she'd previously met in Swaziland, and make new friends throughout our state. MORE>>

 

 

[June 30]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you all for your prayers and concerns for the diocese and the people of Honduras. So far, the entire clergy, lay leadershiop and our families are all well I spent the past weekend at one of my churches attending a vigil of prayer and praise where many were baptized and confirmed.

I returned home at five thirty a.m. to learn that President Zelaya had been outsted. the political tension had increased as president Zelaya pressed on with plans for a nonbinding referendum which opponents said would open the gate for him to rewrite the constitution to run for re-election dispite a one term limit. In the weeks leading up to yesterday's coup, supporters and opponents held demonstrations.

Last week Congress and the Supreme Court rules the referendum unconstitutional. On thursday, the presidnet led a group of protestors to an air force installation and seized the ballot boxes, which the procurator's office and the electoral tribunal had ordered confiscated

The armed forces commander, said the military would not participate in the referendum, president zelaya fired him, and the Supreme Court declared the firing illegal.

I predict that you will be hearing a lot more about all what has happened, A month ago the country was shaken by a 7.1 earthquake and now this, what next and how much longer can this empowerish country survive. The actions leading up to this events will take us back in time, which will take us many years to recover and regain confidence in the international eyes.

I want to Call on the Church to keep this diocese and the Honduran people highly in Prayers. I really don't know what the future will bring. The Honduran dlegation is ready to participate with you all at General Convention, However, if the course of actions does not improve in the next few days, I may have to reconsider.

Once again, So far, we are doing well, I will continue to update you all as of the course of events in this my country,

Faithfully in Christ Love

+Lloyd Allen

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[June 26, Cool Congregations Newsletter] This last year the six families who completed the year at our pilot congregations of St. Luke’s Episcopal in Cedar Falls prevented 88,850 pounds of carbon emissions from going into the atmosphere – that’s a 21% reduction in the total footprint of the 6 families as a group.

The Biggest Losers :) were Larry and Barb Cardamon, a retired couple, who reduced their emissions by 28% or 16,801 pounds of carbon, mostly through behavioral changes! Together, they managed to save $212 this year on gas and electricity.

They lowered their electric use by 26% by:

Lighting - They changed most of their light bulbs to compact fluorescent, turned off lights when not in use, and used task lighting to light their counters, books, and corners rather than the set of
four overhead lights on their ceiling fans. 

Phantom Load - They plugged in groups of electronic equipment like their entertainment centers, kitchen counter appliances, computer stations to power strips and turned off the strips when they were not using them. Phantom load is the energy that electronic appliances draw when in standby mode.

Air Conditioning - Last summer they set their AC to 78 degrees, from 4pm – 7am (They participate in MidAmerican Energy's Summer Savings program saving $30/yr), then kept the house shut and used the ceiling fans to keep the house cool during the day. Plus they shut their window quilts to keep out the hot sun on the south side.

They lowered their heating gas use by 8% by:

Thermostat – They set their heat to 65 degrees by day and 58 degrees at night. They took several weeks to work their way down one degree at a time from their former 70 degree daytime temp. The gradual change allowed them to get used to the new practice and spend more time in their new addition where the sunshine warmed the room.

Space Heating - They like to sit and watch TV in the evening in their living room where they shut the door in the winter and use their electric fireplace as a space heater. The thermostat for the whole house is in that room, so as it heats up, the thermostat reads a higher temp and the furnace does not kick on for the rest of the house.

Window treatments - They closed their window quilts at night to keep the heat in during the winter.
 

 

Bishop Meshack Mabuza of our Companion Diocese of Swaziland requests prayers for the people and especially the leaders of Zimbabwe. Use this link to a NY Times Op Ed piece that Bishop Mabuza calls our attention for more information about the situation there. MORE>> 

 

 

[ENS, May 29] CareForTheTroops is a not-for-profit interfaith effort designed to address the spiritual and psychological needs of military families while working with congregations to make them more welcoming and understanding of the issues they face. The comprehensive website, www.CareForTheTroops.org, provides tools, resources and links aimed to equip congregation to reach out and support the military and/or their family members.
 

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[Apr 29] Diocesan Coordinator for Disaster Relief & Recovery, The Rev. Pat Genereux reminds churches to be alert to your community's needs. MORE>>

 
 

 

[Apr 15] Designed to assist American families to refinance or modify their loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is more affordable, this program is free through HUD. Don’t be taken in on a scam. You do not have to pay to be assisted through HUD. If you’re trying to modify or refinance your loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is more affordable, visit the Making Home Affordable website at http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/. You can also call the Homeowner’s HOPE hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for free foreclosure counseling assistance.
 

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[Mar 6] Beginning with services on Palm Sunday, April 5th, a brand new missionary work is starting in Indianola. The Rev. Canon Ron Osborne will be leading services for a brand new congregation in the Music Room at Emerson School, 1109 E. Euclid, Indianola. For more information, visit www.indianolaepiscopal.org. 
 

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[Feb 19] During the last several months Iowa Religious Media Services has added 24 new resources into the collection. Among them are:

Confronting Death: A Christian Approach to the End of Life by Walter Wangerin, Jr. is an excellent resource for adult Sunday School classes, study groups Stephen Ministry, and working with those who are grieving. Includes study guide.

The Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities ia a program is suitable for high school age and up that will guide your church to create the welcoming atmosphere.
 
City Signals: Principles and Practices for Ministering in Today's Global Communities highlights urban themes in church history, then focuses on solid theology, principles and practices of global urban ministry. 

Check the rest of the latest resources by clicking the "new resource" button on the IRMS web site www.irms.org. IRMS is committed to serving you by continually adding the best, most relevant new resources to our collection. Your nominal investment in an IRMS membership is the best stewardship of your resource dollars in this tight economy.

 

 

[Jan 30] The Gaza Medical Emergency Fund is the current priority of the Diocese of Jerusalem. After three devastating weeks and with the continuing influx of patients, there is an urgent need of financial assistance for the services already rendered during a time of crisis and for ongoing surgeries and rehabilitation costs for civilian patients who have no resources. The Gaza Medical Emergency Fund will be used to transport some patients from Gaza (from the Al Ahli Hospital) to the hospital in the West Bank for additional treatment and care. It will assist with the deficit incurred when many of the hospital staff in Gaza had to work long hours, with many residing at the hospital, in order to care for the overflow of wounded civilians who came to the hospital seeking help in desperate times. Please join this Christian hospital in ministry with your financial support. Go to this website for information about how to make your donation: http://www.j-diocese.org/donations?th=2 or visit the Diocese of Jerusalem homepage for more information: http://www.j-diocese.org/index. Also, Please keep the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and those who are working tirelessly for the people of the Middle East in your prayers.

 

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Consider what outreach you already provide to senior citizens, teens, young adults, “Boomers,” the unchurched, new immigrants to Iowa, prisoners, homeless, mentally ill, and others and let the us know, as we are collecting these stories as examples and for a resource of how to reach out to the Next Generations of Faith. Send your stories or list to: communications@iowaepiscopal.org 
 
 

[January 12] Episcopal Churches in the US are required to submit an Annual Audit to their Diocesan office. The form to use for this audit can be found at: http://www.iowaepiscopal.org/uploads/pdf/FinancialReviewForm.pdf
 

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[January 12] Public Broadcasting System's website gives information about a film called "T-Shirt Travels". This site contains several short videos from different people in Zambia which shed light on the problems facing Zambia today. This link is brought to your attention by Iowa's Diocesan Global Missioner, Melody Rockwell and the Diocesan Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (E4GR) Coordinator, Leslee Sandberg. Visit http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/tshirttravels/people.html 

 

 

[January 12] Jenifer Gamber of the Diocese of Bethlehem has been making posters for congregations in Pennsylvania for the past year and is now offering them to congregations in other dioceses. The Welcome Posters are a set of seven (7) 11" x 17" posters that correspond to the liturgical seasons of the church year meant to help churches welcome newcomers to their church and to remind current members about the seasons of the church year. A number of the posters feature the work of Episcopal artists. Subscriptions cost $35 a year. Subscribers receive seven posters in pdf file format customized with their own church name. The posters can be printed in house or by a local printer. A printer in Bethlehem can mail out printed sets for an additional cost. The 2008-2009 set of posters are at www.episcopalposters.org. There are also coordinating postcards available for Christmas, Easter and the beginning of the school year.