Iowa storm hasn’t made headlines, but PDA is there
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has virtually deployed response team, funds to address devastating derecho
by Rich Copley | Presbyterian News Service
The Aug. 10 derecho caused extensive property damage
throughout Iowa. (Photo by Kristin Huston)
All this is taking place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There was no warning, no prediction this was going to happen,” said Greg Smith, who was camping at a lake near Des Moines when the storm hit on Aug. 10. “It was intense and fast. I think it only lasted 10 to 15 minutes.”
The storm was a derecho: a wide, long-lived, fast-moving phenomenon characterized by damaging winds gusting to at least 58 mph. Reports of the storm, which ripped across other Midwestern states such as Nebraska and Illinois, said winds were whipping at 70-to-100 mph.
The storm has been referred to as Iowa’s Katrina, referencing its hurricane-like impact, though it has received light news coverage compared to coastal storms. When it was Iowa’s turn to declare its delegates in the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night, the people speaking from a field in Iowa took the moment to ask for help and prayers following the storm.
“It doesn’t really matter what the news is,” says Smith, a PDA National Response Team (NRT) member. “That doesn’t mean that people that are affected aren’t hurting. It just means than people need to be made aware, and PDA is very aware. We’re still involved in some communities” that stopped making the news a long time ago.
PDA is working with the Presbyteries of North Central Iowa, Des Moines, Prospect Hill and East Iowa to respond to this storm. National Response Team members are virtually deployed to assist with the initial response. To be notified of opportunities for volunteers within driving distance who do not need overnight accommodations, email pda.callcenter@pcusa.org
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Presbyterian Week of Action
August 24 - 30, 2020
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“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” — Proverbs 21:3
“God sends the Church to work for justice in the world: exercising its power for the common good; dealing honestly in personal and public spheres; seeking dignity and freedom for all people…” — Book of Order, W-5.0304
It is abundantly clear through the gospel narrative and the greater witness of the Bible, that God has called us, as people of faith, to seek justice for those most marginalized in our world. As a Matthew 25 denomination, it is the vision of our church to eradicate white supremacy and dismantle institutionalized racism. Furthermore, in an effort to do the “hands & feet” work the Lord ordains, we must act and bear witness to the gospel in these crucial times.
The PC(USA) staff expressed a deep yearning to be more engaged in responding to the murders of Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others who died at the hands of the police and racism. From this need has come the “Bearing Witness” working group which has participation from the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Office of the General Assembly, Administrative Services Group and Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. From this group a number of strategies are being formulated to provide advocacy campaigns, education initiatives and opportunities to join with community efforts organized by the Movement for Black Lives, Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice, the Bail Project and other grassroots groups.
As a centerpiece of this movement, we will host a Presbyterian Week of Action. This endeavor is structured to provide a public witness that facilitates education, visibility, and action that reinforces our PC(USA) statements and policy around the support of eradicating racism and acknowledging that God loves all Black lives. By joining together as national staff and the greater church, we hope to provide faithful leadership in the area of justice, love, and equality within our denomination and communities.
Find out more:
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Matthew 25 in the PC(USA) |
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On Aug. 28, 2020, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be joining #Give828, a national day of giving focused specifically on supporting Black-benefiting organizations. #Give828 isn’t like other fundraising campaigns. This day takes place during Black Philanthropy Month and commemorates multiple important historical landmarks in Black Americans’ march toward freedom. Did you know that on:
- Aug. 28, 1955: 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered by three white men, which became a "flashpoint in the civil rights movement"?
- Aug. 28, 1963: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the landmark March on Washington in Washington, D.C.?
- Aug. 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana? The storm, which devastated New Orleans, inordinately impacted many of the city’s Black residents.
- Aug. 28, 2008: Then-Sen. Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first Black man to ever win the nomination and bid for the presidency?
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Synod School 2020 was a "Virtual" success! |
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From tie-dye to singing, from dancing to learning, all who participated declared Synod School 2020 a great experience. “We worked hard to identify and incorporate the heart of Synod School in what we developed during this pandemic time and people loved it,” said Deb DeMeester, Director of Leadership Development for the Synod.
Over 400 participants from coast to coast participated in the four day program that included classes for adults and youth, daily inter-generational activities and evening programs with music from Boston, MA, stories from Mendota Heights, MN, and beloved convocation speakers from previous years – Rodger Nishioka, Dede Johnston, Jason Santos and J. Herbert Nelson. People had a chance for fellowship with small groups as well a different special events each night. On Monday there were a series of nine mini-courses, Tuesday had an amazing virtual talent show, Wednesday featured a virtual dance and Thursday concluded with a conversation between Elona Street-Stewart, Synod Executive and Co-moderator of the 224th GA, and J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the PCUSA.
Deb noted, “Being virtual this year allowed a number of people to participate who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do so.” Gail Colby Granneman wrote on the Synod School Facebook page, “This is Betty Colby’s 55th year attending Synod School and her first time to ever touch a computer! Dick Colby stopped attending a few years ago because he felt he was missing out on too much due to his poor hearing. This is his first time using a touch screen! It has been an interesting time helping a 91/92 year old with technology, but I want to thank the Synod School staff for making it possible for both my parents to attend and enjoy this year’s School!! Your hard work has provided all of us the opportunity to meet together.”
Although the plan is to gather in person in 2021, the Synod School Committee will consider adding a virtual component to future events for those who can no longer be present in person.
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"Behind the scenes" at Synod School, J. Herbert Nelson, Betty Colby, Dick Colby, virtual style, dance, and resurrected art. |
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See you next year! July 25-30, 2021 |
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Apply to teach a 2021 Synod School class or work with youth |
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We are seeking volunteers to work with children and youth as well as teachers for adult/youth classes.
Application deadline: September 15
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Art of Transitional Leadership |
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The Synod of Lakes and Prairies Presents The Art of Transitional Leadership
Learning Ministry Skills for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Church Pastors, Staff, COMs and Congregational Leaders
October 12-15, 2020
Online
Registration is limited; there are eight openings left, so don't delay.
Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing community, leading a congregation through change is both challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge, skill, resilience and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive. This training is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings (as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of their ministry setting. Best practices in transitional ministry include ways to enter the congregation and community, how to analyze a congregation’s strength and growing edges, and how to assist a congregation in moving toward a vibrant future. This training will delve into navigating change, the pastor as a spiritual interpreter of transition, family systems, mission focus ministry, conflict mediation, and building resiliency.
Participants completing the full 30 hours of training will meet the requirements for Week I Transitional Ministry Education. If you want a certificate of completion, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety. We will meet Monday-Thursday from 9:00-11:30, 1:30-3:30 and 6:30-8:30. Tuition and fees cover the tuition as well as the costs of taking the Thomas Kilman Inventory and the Intercultural Development Inventory.
Registration
Costs: Tuition and fees $ 400/person
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Arabic Outreach Center brings relief and hope during pandemic |
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By Jan Davison
When First Arabic Presbyterian Church created the Arabic Outreach Center just over two years ago, little did they know the vital role this organization would play during a pandemic. What started as a mission to welcome and assist Arabic-speaking immigrants and refugees with practical services (tutoring, language classes, translation assistance, etc.), has quickly evolved into meeting critical, basic human needs for a suffering community.
As the first signs of the Coronavirus threat emerged and churches began to close, those in the Arabic-speaking community were afraid and confused. Due to language barriers, they often did not understand what they should do to keep themselves and their families safe and virus-free. Some were losing their jobs and now had no income. Many of them, particularly mothers and seniors, were isolated and running out of food or supplies, and did not know how to access helping services. And some were getting sick with COVID-19. The Arabic Outreach Center canceled regular programming and shifted its focus to meeting emergency needs.
At first Pastor Ekram attempted to minister to all the people’s requests herself, but it quickly became apparent that the task was far too great for just one staff person. With the help of the presbytery’s Sudanese Support Team, the Outreach Center took several important steps:
- A Presbyterian Disaster Assistance grant application was submitted, and a grant to fund the purchase of needed supplies was received within a matter of days.
- First Arabic Church members stepped up to help. They started by taking a survey of the congregation members and those who had been regular participants at the Arabic Outreach Center. Needs were assessed and recorded.
- A successful short-term fund-raiser was held among friends of the Arabic Outreach Center, enabling the AOC to hire additional temporary outreach workers.
- The workers began securing supplies – cleaning products, paper products, diapers, etc. – and distributing them to folks in need.
- The workers also provided recipients with information about accessing government assistance for food, unemployment insurance, etc.
These efforts were well-organized, and in the first three weeks of operation, $2,000 was spent on supplies and 289 people (63 families) received some kind of assistance. Those who were helped were from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities – some were Christian, some were Muslim – and all were very grateful. One outreach worker stated, “The supplies provided are given with love... the point is not the quantity but the quality of care we give... the needs are great, and it is good to be able to help.”
Word about the Arabic Outreach Center’s assistance has begun to spread, as the effects of the pandemic continue to grow. Among congregation members and those served by the Outreach Center, a frightening number have fallen ill with COVID-19. Many Arabic-speaking people who are still working are employed in the meat-packing industry and feel at risk just by going to work. Others who had worked in the hotel industry or other service industries have lost their jobs and are struggling to secure unemployment insurance. In addition, because First Arabic's on-line worship services are viewed by Arabic-speaking people around the world, calls for help are now not just local, but also international. As the pandemic encircles the globe, people in need both near and far are longing to hear the word of God, asking for prayer, or seeking advice and counsel.
The Arabic Outreach Center asks for your prayers of support during this difficult time. If you are looking for a way to reach out to those who are suffering, you are encouraged to consider a gift to the Arabic Outreach Center. Checks should be made out to the Arabic Outreach Center and mailed to the Presbytery of Des Moines, 2400 86th Street, Suite 20, Urbandale, Iowa 50322-4306. Any amount will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.
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The Synod has been pleased to offer grants to churches and camps whose operations or ministries have been threatened by the financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. In August, we awarded 11 grants totaling $96,000. Among these awards, $38,000 was provided to churches serving historically marginalized communities.
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Racial Ethnic Student Scholarships |
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Applications are due September 30!
The Student Scholarship Fund is an educational assistance program designed to encourage racial ethnic students in their preparation for academic success in higher education.
Students must have a permanent residence within the Synod of Lakes and Prairies and be active members in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation.
The synod is committed to partner with students and schools for leadership development and quality instruction of clergy and lay persons for lifelong service. Application awards are based on personal achievement, financial need and recommendation from a teacher and pastor.
Completed applications are due September 30, 2020 must include an official transcript and financial aid statement. Questions? Contact Gretchen.
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Clearwater Forest announces capital campaign |
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Our campaign is about love, memories, and traditions.
It is also about the future. How do we maintain and develop Clearwater Forest so that it can continue to transform lives? This whole idea is aptly summed up in our Campaign title – Rooted in Tradition, Growing for Tomorrow.
Beneficiaries of the funds raised include:
- Dining Hall and kitchen renovation to include an upgraded kitchen and dining area and accessible bathrooms with the addition of administrative offices and a welcoming center.
- The transformation of the Carriage House to a cozy small-to-medium sized group retreat house, while honoring the historic architectural features of the building.
- A replacement building for our beloved Osprey House with a multi-functional retreat and meeting space.
Why a capital campaign? In short, we are embarking on this capital campaign to deliver on our promises:
- Provide a healthy, safe, compliant environment
- Value our employees and guests
- Preserve the resources entrusted to us
Clearwater Forest started changing lives in 1954 through a Christian camp experience. We now offer retreats, family events, senior programs, and team-building opportunities. Each year some 5,000 guests experience the hospitality of Clearwater Forest: campers, work groups, re-treaters, family reunions, wedding parties, and more. We believe this is the Holy Spirit changing lives in God’s woods and waters
When you have something you love, you take care of it. You nurture and develop it, and you proudly share it with others. We invite you to come to the on-line event to learn more about our ministry and campaign. On behalf of Clearwater Forest and all the lives that will continue to be transformed here, Thank You!
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On August 5, 2020 outgoing Co-moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Rev. Cindy Kohmann, met with newly elected Co-moderator, Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Because the General Assembly was held online this year the co-moderators had not had a chance to meet. On a trip east, Rev. Kohmann took the opportunity to include a stop in the Twin Cities. Rev. Kohmann and Elder Street-Stewart are pictured here as Kohmann transfers the Moderatorial Cross of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to Street-Stewart. |
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Rev. Kohmann and Elder Street-Stewart are pictured here as Kohmann transfers the Moderatorial Cross of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to Street-Stewart. photos by Rev. Zach Wilson
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The Presbytery of Cincinnati’s interim general presbyter, Lisa Allgood, is also an immunocytochemist. Lisa has been generously sharing her expertise about viruses, vaccines, and public health with her colleagues in mid council ministry during AMCL Zoom conversations. The Presbyteries of Boston and Northern New England have posted Lisa’s excellent presentation to them. Bottom line: CAUTION!
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Preparing your kids for college
Dear COLLEGE PARENTS:
If you have a child going to college and living in a dorm, have them pack an emergency COVID-19 bag in case they test positive and have to quarantine. If they’ve already moved in, mail it as a care package to them!
The possibility exists that your child may test positive, and have to leave his or her dorm for a quarantine location. It's probably a VERY GOOD idea to have a pre-packed quarantine bag in his or her closet. It would be so much easier to ask a roommate to grab "the blue Nike bag in the closet and my laptop" than to try to figure out what he or she will want/need for two weeks.
COVID-19 QUARANTINE BAG:
- Extra cell phone charger
- List of important peoples' phone numbers written out,
- List of any allergies
- 2 or more complete changes of comfy clothes: sweats, PJ Pants, T's, Fuzzy Socks
- Fleece throw (take the tiniest one in the house and squish it into an XL Baggie, then force the extra air out.)
- Thermometer
- Body Lotion/baby oil
- Feminine Hygiene/Special Hygiene stuff,
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste,
- Shampoo/Conditioner,
- Hair comb/brush, Hair Ties
- Cough Drops
- Tylenol to bring fever down, help with aches
- Vicks Vap O Rub
- Prescription medications (optional Mucinex DM or Robitussin Cough & Chest Congestion)
- Tissues
- Snacks
- A few Masks
- Some sort of distraction-even a coloring book and crayons or a deck of cards,
- Powdered Gatorade to mix in water may be a great idea
Thanks to Danelle and Ron McKinney for sharing this with us.
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To subscribe email: office@lakesandprairies.org
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