Community Meals will start up the 8th of ministry on September 4.    Please contact Lyn Evans at 641-373-4780 if you can help with this need.  All are welcome to help with the meal.  Food prep begins at 8 am on Wednesday, meal packaging  starts at 4:15pm,  with delivery starting at 5pm , carryouts from 5-5:30 PM and meal service from 5:30-7 pm.  In addition we are looking for those who would be interested in the fresh fruit and vegetable scraps for composting.  They would be ready for someone to pick up Wednesday mornings about 10 am.

Chancel Choir will begin regular rehearsals on Wednesday September 11 at 6:46 under the direction of Cheryl Growden and Barb Shultz accompanist.  New members will be welcomed.  Come and give it a try!

Pledge Plus is a new opportunity to share your gifts and help our church.  This a opportunity to support a specific ministry of the church.  There is a variety of ministries at a wide range of giving levels.  If questions contact a member of the finance team or church office.

Noisy Offerings  Once a month the youth will be collecting change during a noisy offering.  These funds will go into our Youth Fund for such things as summer camp registrations, middle school destination unknown activities, mission project supplies and extra activities throughout the year.  These funds give us opportunity to continue  offering fun and meaningful way our youth can grow their faith outside of the  church.

All Saints Celebrations will be observed during Worship on Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3.  We invite anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year that would like a candle to be lit on All Saints to call the church office with the name of the person to be honored.

School Kits and Hygiene Kits.  We are collecting items for the Thanksgiving Ingathering.  See the  list of items in the Visitor for October 

Food Pantry for Iowa Falls-Alden School for household products. during October 1-31.  Bring your items to the Garden Room of First UMC and place them in the labeled tote.  While buying in quantity is often more economical, it is suggested that smaller items are easier to dispense and reach more people.  Items include toilet paper, soap, laundry soap, feminine hygiene products, shampoo/conditioner, tooth paste and individual toothbrushes, mouth wash and lotion. 

Emmaus Walks.  Please consider attending n of the Emmaus Walks being offered soon by the Upper Room of the Methodist Church.  It is an ecumenical experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three day short course in Christianity. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work.  The next men’s walk is October 17-20 and the next women’s walk is November 7-10 at Solon.  If interested contact Donna Robbins at 648-3361 for a list of people that could sponsor you.