A Focus on the Biblical and Theological Mandate for Christians to Care for God’s Creation.

October 24-26, 2023

Lakeshore Center at Okoboji
1864 Hwy 86
Milford, IA
712-337-3317

Cost

• $240 per participant (single occupancy)
• $160 per participant (double occupancy)

This includes meals and lodging.

Sam Hamilton-Poore will be our leader.  He is a pastor in PC(USA) and has served Presbyterian, Lutheran, and United Church of Christ congregations in several states.  He is currently pastor of the Montevallo Presbyterian Church in Montevallo, AL. as well as a spiritual director.  He and his wife, Terry (also a pastor), are parents of three young adult children, and have two grandchildren.

He is the author of the book, Earth Gospel, A Guide to Prayer for God’s Creation.  In preparation for the retreat, participants are invited to use this book as a focus for thought and prayer.  The retreat will include presentations, times for prayer and discussion, along with ideas for putting our care of creation into action.

Learn more and register

In this comprehensive workshop, we empower elders and church leaders to foster a culture of safety by participating in a required Abuse Prevention and Sexual Misconduct training on the following:

• Critical components of policies and setting boundaries to prevent abuse and sexual misconduct.
• Setting bandwidths of acceptable behavior.
• Developing and setting clear standards.
• Administrative practices and response to allegations.
• Training staff and volunteers, and engagement of congregation.

Additional optional presentation will include Response to Active Intruders and Emergency Planning. Insurance Board will help ministries gain essential knowledge to equip them with strategies to address:

• Developing an emergency preparedness plan.
• Responding to an active intruder situation.
• Sharing critical resources for churches from the Department of Homeland Security/CISA.
• Information on security funding opportunities for churches from FEMA and DHS.

Saturday, Oct 28th
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch Provided Free of Charge

Jefferson First Presbyterian Church
208 W State St
Jefferson, IA 50129

For years, Presbyterians partnered with churches in Russia and communed as members of the body of Christ. With the war in Ukraine, travel to Russia and the region is nearly impossible. In this conference, we will hear from and about churches in East Europe and how they are responding to God’s mission in their region in the midst of war and violence. Click here for more information. For questions, contact mission executive Amgad Beblawi.

Are you interested in a weekly Zoom discussion of the lectionary texts? Contact Richard Francis. If there is enough interest, Richard will be setting up and moderating the meetings at a time that is most convenient to the greatest number of people.

Don Justo Coffee with Dignity will be available at the next Presbytery meeting on Saturday, October 21, for you to sample and purchase. Don Justo Coffee is a part of the Our Sister Parish Inc. mission of the Presbytery of Des Moines and is a mission with the people of Berlin, Usulutan, El Salvador. Don Justo Coffee with Dignity was established in 2002 with the sole purpose of making funds for the mission. You can be a part of this mission by purchasing this coffee for yourself or for your church. Your church can serve it, sell it, or do both. Remember that purchasing this coffee is spending mission dollars – it’s not just filling the kitchen cupboard.

If you would like to find out how you can order coffee with free delivery, you can find out more here. If you would like to order coffee and have it delivered to the Presbytery meeting, please place your order here or you may use the church bulletin order form. If you’d like to learn more about the Our Sister Parish Inc. mission, you may go to our website.

View Don Justo Coffee brochure

View Our Sister Parish Brochure

Do you only ask for gifts of cash or marketable securities from your church members or supporters?

Did you know there are billions of dollars in privately held interests owned by very philanthropically-minded individuals who would love to make a gift to your congregation or religious nonprofit?

Do you know how to encourage your church members and donors to consider those gifts or how to spot those who may hold these more complex assets?

Sign up for a FREE webinar to learn what to look for proactively and how to build trust with church members and supporters who can make these special gifts. Bryan Clontz of Charitable Solutions will be the guest speaker.

On Wednesday, September 20, at 11 a.m. CST, Bryan will join Greg Rousos of New Covenant Trust Company and James W. Murphy of the Episcopal Church Foundation to review how anyone can work with our programs to encourage and finalize gifts like these.

Register here