NEWS

The August 10, 2020, derecho storm has devastated more than 150 communities in Iowa.  
 
The United Methodist Chainsaw Teams have been out since day one and will continue. In addition, chainsaw crews from other conferences are responding. 

If you want to volunteer to help the Chainsaw Crews in the Cedar Rapids Area with hauling brush and clean-up. Please meet at the Hiawatha City Hall Parking Lot, Monday, August 17, 2020 at 9:00 am. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, eye protection and work gloves. Plan to bring your own lunch and water. 
 
Governor Kim Reynolds has issued Disaster Declarations for 25 counties. This makes available Individual Assistance Grants for those impacted. You have 45 days to apply. Application can be made through your local Community Action Agency. In addition, the Governor is seeking federal assistance.  
 
HOW WE CAN HELP TODAY

  • PRAY and pray some more. This storm has devastated Iowa, communities and crops. MANY, MANY are impacted. YOUR PRAYERS are NEEDED. It is in prayer that we unleash God’s power for one another. 
  • VOLUNTEER.  Help in needed in over 150 communities. Communities looking for help have listed times and locations for volunteer check in and contact numbers on their social media pages and city web pages. Check with the community in which you wish to volunteer for those details. The Volunteer Disaster Agencies in Iowa (Including the United Methodists) are all working together with the local city government to meet as many needs in as many communities as possible 
  • CONTACT. If you know someone who has been impacted by the storm; contact them! Call and offer words of encouragement and listen to them.  Actual voice to voice contact makes a huge difference in time of loss and disaster. Ask them what they need, AND GET IT FOR THEM. If someone comes to mind, there is a reason for it, be God’s hands and heart and reach out.
  • DONATE FINANCIALLY. Donations can be given thru the United Methodist Church Advance Special #223. ALL donations are used for supporting and helping Iowans affected by these storms.
  • DONATE PHYSICAL ITEMS. So many have lost so much, we can help today with donations of: 
    • Battery operated fans
    • Flashlights (and extra batteries)
    • Lanterns
    • Personal Hygiene items (MUST be new and in original packages) 
      • Soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand towels 
    • Large, heavy trash bags
    • Containers – totes with lids to pack personal items in 
    • Charcoal grills
    • Solar powered portable chargers for phones
    • Tarps and tie downs
    • Gloves – heavy work gloves and rubber gloves
    • Propane
    • Wet wipes
    • Charcoal
    • Individually wrapped snacks
    • Bottled water
  • Desperate needs (not in stock anywhere):
    • Bar and chain oil (for chainsaws)
    • Heavy extension cords (for generators)
    • Batteries, specifically “D” batteries
    • Gas cans
    • Generators
Physical Donations DROP OFF:  
North Liberty, First UMC
85 North Jones Blvd
North Liberty, IA
Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Contact Lucy Hershberger 319-430-9488 with drop off questions
Or
Fort Dodge, Trinity UMC
838  North 25th Street
Fort Dodge, IA
Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Contact Pastor Jena Manchester-Finch 712-840-1834 with drop off questions 
 As we go forward with relief and recovery, there will be many opportunities to help. We will post as many needs and connections as we are able.
 Blessings,
 Pastor Catie Newman
 IAUMC Disaster Response Coordinator
Disaster.response@iaumc.org
712-899-4067 phone or text

Director of Christian Education needed at Iowa Falls 1st United Methodist Church.

The Director of Christian Education will  explore creative ways to involve children and youth in worship, shall provide opportunities for spiritual growth for all stages of the discipleship journey, will create opportunities for people to go forth into the community and world in the name of Jesus, and responsible for compiling and overseeing the Christian education budget. Job candidate should be able to demonstrate a call and passion for educational ministry. Complete job description available on our web site https://www.ifumc.org/documents-and-forms/

The Director of Christian Education is a part-time position beginning at 20 hours a week and eventually to 30 hours a week. Benefits include paid holidays and vacation, flexible schedule, and working alongside a creative and caring staff. The pay is competitive and conditional on prior experience.

Please email resume or Employment Application (https://www.ifumc.org/documents-and-forms) to if.fumc@gmail.com or send to Iowa Falls 1st UMC, 619 Main, Iowa Falls, Iowa, 50126. Drop ins are welcome – see Pastor Erling Shultz.

Organist needed to provide music for 9am Sunday services – accompany congregation in hymns, provide prelude, offertory, and postlude, and additional fill music through the service. Needs to demonstrate proficiency in organ playing, familiar with United Methodist hymns, and able to select appropriate music for other areas of worship service. Complete job description on document and forms page (https://www.ifumc.org/documents-and-forms/ 
Compensation of $125.00 per service plus the opportunity to play for funerals and weddings
  emScail resume or Employment Application (available here) to if.fumc@gmail.com or send to
Iowa Falls  1st UMC, 619 Main, Iowa Falls, Iowa,50126. Drop ins are welcome – see Pastor Erling Shultz.
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.