Pastor Wendy grew up in Newell, Iowa, a rural community the northwest part of the state. She earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University in graphic design and worked in publication design before discerning a call to ministry. Wendy earned her MDiv from the Iliff School of Theology in 2018 and is currently a provisional elder in the UMC. She has served as pastor of Centennial UMC at Ivy in Altoona and Wellspring Community Church in Des Moines. With a background in design, Wendy brings gifts for visual communication and a passion for creative worship design that inspires engagement and fosters spiritual growth. Wendy and her husband Jon live in Johnston with their two daughters, Greta, a senior at Johnston High School, and Edie, a freshmen at Johnston Middle School. The Musgrave family is excited to meet all of you and to begin a shared journey of life and faith together.

Blue Christmas is a day in the Advent season marking the longest night of the year. We know that the holidays can evoke strong memories or feelings of loss. So on this longest night of the year, we will hold a special service that gives space for people to lament their loss of loved ones or other losses and expressions of grief, as we light candles to remind us of the hope we have in Jesus, the Light of the World.

Come and hear again the scripture readings that tell of Jesus' birth, as we sing beloved carols and hear special music that lifts our hearts. We'll share communion and end worship with the lighting of candles while singing, "Silent Night." (Glow sticks will be provided for younger children)

Please be mindful of the following safety measures that will be in place for this service:

On the Sunday after Christmas, stay in your pajamas, have that extra cup of coffee, and worship with us online! Be sure to use the comments on Facebook to say hello and wish each other a Merry Chrsitmas, and to share any joys or concerns during this brief time of worship and meditation.

Your financial gifts to the church help to pay utilities and maintenance for church property, fund staff salaries, and purchhase supplies, equipment, and other support materials needed for worship and the various ministries of the church. We simply cannot be the church without your support!

Please consider making an extra gift to the church this month to help us end the year strong! You may also want to make a gift directly to our apportionment funds - look for that option in online or mobile giving, or designate "apportionments" on your check or envelope.

Thank you to those of you who have already completed your Time & Talent Commitments and Financial Pledge Cards for 2022!

So far, we have received pledges from 22 households. If we have not received your pledge, we encourage you to please return or complete your pledge card so that we can faithfully move forward with an operating budget for 2022. We depend on your estimates of giving to help us make a budget that accurately reflects our capacity to fund staff positions and ministries.

Make plans to join our Alpha program on Wednesdays starting January 5th! We’ll meet for dinner around 5:45 pm and end at 8 pm each week through March 9th. Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the basics of faith in an open and informal environment. EVERYONE is welcome, no matter where you are in your faith journey! Talk to Angela Cupp if you have questions, click here for a quick intro, and plan to stay a few minutes after worship on Dec. 19 or Jan. 2 for a short introdution to Alpha!

This year’s Christmas offering will support the ministry of Hawthorn Hill in Des Moines. Hawthorn Hill provides shelter and services for nearly 130 homeless families with children every year through their New Directions Shelter, as well as supportive housing and job skills for over 40 families a year through their Home Connection program. Their mission is to help homeless families with children obtain permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency. (Designate “Christmas Mission” in your giving, Dec. 19 – 31)

Bishop Laurie Haller has written a pastoral letter appealing to all United Methodists in Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota to bring hope to the people impacted by the December 11th tornadoes through prayer and gifts to The United Methodist Committee on Relief.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) can help with the immediate needs of housing, food, shelter, and transportation, as well as long term recovery. United Methodists who want to help with this disaster are encouraged to send donations to UMCOR, the United Methodist official giving channel, where one hundred percent of each donation goes directly to those in need.

Give directly to UMCOR here or look designate "UMCOR" in your giving to Polk City UMC.

St. Luke’s Free Clinic and NP Comet Cupboard indoor food pantry are open on the first & 3rd Wednesays:

email dbequeai967@msn.com for info

call 515-238-6425 for more information

St. Luke's Free Clinic now has FLU SHOTS available for everyone age 2 & up, including the flu vaccine for those over age 65!

HUNGER NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY!!!

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Warehouse understands. It has been in existence for 45 years with Mobile Pantries for 5 years. They can use $25 to buy 29 food items. $50 will buy 37 food items plus 8 pounds of fresh produce/14 personal care items /45 diapers. Presently, they are also focusing on purchasing culturally appropriate food items for refugees. DMARC is in existence all year long to help. THANK YOU to our congregation for your generosity in helping the hungry this year. Also, another BIG THANK YOU to the Finance Secretary on keeping track of the money amounts each month. For the month of November, our congregation donated $1,060.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with food, utilities or access to other resources, contact Pastor Melody or refer to this Resource Guide provided by EveryStep Care & Support Services of Des Moines.