christine anders

October 2021 Volume 68, Issue 10 Worship Sundays at 10:30 AM Mabaan at 12:30 PM

Can Change Lead to Chance?

By Christine Anders

As Pastor Edgar mentioned in a recent sermon, we are living in an anxious society. In the face of declining membership and resources, churches have also become anxious. When that happens we tend to shift our attention from the mission of the church to the survival of the church. In other words, survival becomes the mission. When that happens, we unfortunately hasten our decline. Here are two important questions church consultant, Dr. Richard Hamm, believes churches should ask themselves.

1. How many of the groups and activities of the institution are dedicated to governance, fund-raising, and up-keep of the building or other facilities verses outreach into the church, the community and the world?

2. How much activity is focused on those who are already members versus those who are not members or attendees? (Too often we have spent our resources and energies on the building and creating programs for ourselves, and then call it mission!)

If we were to ask members of our congregation about their hopes for this church, my guess is many would say “we need more members.” We believe that in order for the church to be here in 50 years, we will need more people. That is true but this is viewing our vision through maintenance rather than mission. This attitude will not attract new and/or younger members.

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2 - THE LIGHT Sunday Worship at 10:30AM October 2021

Mabaan Worship at 12:30 PM

What will attract them is a congregation’s desire to live and share the gospel and to meet the needs of people. Simply having more people in the seats doesn’t mean we are making disciples who are engaged in the transformation of the world. We are facing challenging times. This is not the time to fear or insulate ourselves from the human pain and suffering around us. This is the time for us to examine our ministry and discover what our neighbors need. It is the time for us to realign our priorities and our resources with the message of the gospel. It is time for us to reclaim our mission, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our homes, our communities and the world.

When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries. When a

person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? Of course not! You help them change their batteries. Some need AA…attention and affection; some need AAA…attention, affection, and acceptance; some need C…compassion; some need D…direction. And if they still don’t seem to shine….simply sit with them quietly and share your light.

The Underground Railroad in Iowa

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses across the United States from the early to mid 19th century. The name, while not literal, indicates the hidden nature of the system that transported people long distances. Its

name was also evident in the terms used to describe the system. The stops along the way were called “stations” and “depots.” Those running the safe houses were “stationmasters,” and guides were “conductors,” while the runaway slaves were called “passengers.” These terms helped make it possible for people to talk about it while appearing to be talking about a normal railroad and its traffic. Iowa had at least six safe houses, some of which can still be toured. The Henderson House, home of Henderson Lewelling, was located in Salem, near the Missouri border, making it an important destination for fugitive slaves. Lewelling was a Quaker and in 1843 helped to establish the Abolition Friends Monthly Meeting, as a way to oppose slavery.




The George B. Hitchcock House was in Lewis. Hitchcock, an outspoken abolitionist, outfitted his home’s basement with several entrances and a hinged cupboard separating the main room from a small secret room where the fugitive slaves could hide if the home was raided. The Benjamin Franklin Pearson House in Keosauqua stood out with half stone and half brick construction, and even had a secret level that was accessible through a trap door. The Jordan House in West Des Moines, home of abolitionist James C. Jordan, was a place where John Brown stayed at least twice with slaves he was bringing to freedom. Our Anti-Racism Task Force is working to arrange a tour of this home. Watch for further details. Rev. John Todd’s house in Tabor was another place where John Brown himself escaped with slaves on their way to freedom. The town of Tabor was possibly the most important Underground Railroad town in western Iowa, and the residents continue to be proud of this history. The William Maxson home, in Springdale was the place John Brown trained with his men for the raid on Harper’s Ferry.

But how did the slaves know which houses were “safe?” There was no quick e-mail for them and most couldn’t read or write. They used traditions and symbols. A single lantern, lit and hanging outside the door indicated that the house was safe. There were quilts with special codes. An X mark on the quilts was believed to tell them to dress up, so they could “blend in” with other Blacks in the area. The knots on the quilts might represent the distance to freedom. Then there were the songs that had double meanings, songs like “Wade in the Water,” a favorite of Harriet Tubman, along with “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” and “Steal Away.” Other symbols included Flying Geese, a guide to find water, food and rest; the North Star, often used with the song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd;” Drunkard’s Path, an indication to use a zigzag route to evade hunters and their hounds; and others. Many fugitive slaves escaped to Canada, while others took a southern route to the Caribbean. Estimates vary greatly, but one says that by 1850 100,000 slaves had escaped to freedom on this “railroad.” Iowa can be proud to have played an important role in freeing so many slaves.



This Is the Time! By Pastor Edgar

It is not a secret that we are living in a liminal time. We all know that the world and our nation are experiencing political and social transformation. Human rights, racial tensions, economic crisis, and a global pandemic have awakened many from the extremes of political views. From the right-wing and the left-wing of the political spectrum, many have raised their voice through over-stimulated social media producing a clash of perspectives bringing tension and division in our society. Individuals, families, and entire communities are now vigorously debating all these issues. So let me ask you, how is First Church sharing the voice of God to the world?

The global pandemic has brought a series of challenges beyond the health aspect of our world, bringing discussion on the freedom to wear or not wear a mask, getting a vaccine, and mitigation protocols on private and public property. Let's also consider the mental health, emotional stress, and isolation of many. What do we have to say and do during all these new challenges in our society?

At the local level, Des Moines is experiencing a change in the demographics of our downtown community. People from different generations, cultural backgrounds, and races have moved into our neighborhood.

Our church location is between a well-known hospital and apartments with new families of all configurations and economic statuses. As a faith community, what significant role does our presence play?

Our local congregation is experiencing a big challenge in its ministry. Some of our beloved members have stopped coming due to the pandemic or other health issues; others have decided to withdraw their support, not attend and be silent. However, we have also experienced many positive changes. New people and guests are frequently attending our worship service. Younger members of church committees have brought a refreshing energy to our ministry teams. Ben Allaway, our new Director of Music and Composer-in-Residence has brought good energy and a different atmosphere of cooperation to the staff and the worship experience. We also have a faithful and committed group of people that love their church and are still doing meaningful and wonderful ministries.

I am very hopeful and believe that we can decide to make a difference and turnaround our church ministry for the good of our community and for the generations to come. I believe that God calls us to hear Jesus' words and continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world. In a liminal time, such as the one we are now living in, I want you to believe that this is the TIME.




Yes, dear church, this is the time of discernment, where we are and where we are going as a church? What is God calling us to be and to do in our actual context? This is the time to learn. Yes, let's understand our context. Who and where are the people that we want to serve as a church? What and how can we do better in our church ministry? This is the time to believe. Let's start to believe that God will bring us a new time of blessing, with new opportunities and new people to serve and do ministry in our community. This is the time to declare! Let's speak out with God's perspective in our heart, let's say how God is blessing our lives, our community, and our church family. Let's declare the positive aspects and experiences that God is giving us today! Finally, this is the time to act! Let's put actions to our words by living and practicing concrete acts of mercy, love, and justice for our community and the world. Do you want to be a church of actions sharing the love of God? Jesus needs you and calls you now more than ever! Let's move on with faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to continue to do our ministry in our community.

In conclusion, I am happy to tell you that the church leaders have already started to practice all of this. I feel blessed to work and do ministry with a wonderful group of people who have big dreams and long to grow in ministry. To move forward in this process, the Church Council has agreed to begin a journey of discernment and seek a new vision for our church ministry with church consultant, Paul Nixon. Paul is the Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries and President of Epicenter Group, a Christian consulting firm. He has coached hundreds of pastors, church planters, and Christian leaders in multiple Christian denominations across the last two decades in America and the UK. We are very excited and happy to start this new time! You are all invited to participate in this new and exciting time for our beloved church. Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, your emotional and physical presence, and your words of encouragement during this challenging and liminal time. This is the time! Let's move on to what God has in store for us!



Long-time Friends

For the past several years a group of five men who grew up together here at First Church gather for a Guy’s Weekend. This year, the destination was Zion National Park in Utah, truly God’s country! The guys originally met at First United Methodist Church in the late 1970s and early 80s when they participated in youth groups, bell choir, choir, Sunday School and worship. Today, they are scattered over 4 states but they keep in touch on a regular basis. When they get together they enjoy hiking, games, and of course telling stories from their time at First Church. It is a great blessing to have such long friendships! Pictured L to R: Lance Henkel, Patrick Herteen, Michael Youngberg, Todd Youngberg, and Brian Herteen

Knowing those in our community is important. On Sunday, October 17th from 3:00-4:30, the Growing Committee will sponsor a Fall Festival for church members and our neighbors at Hawthorn Hill Apartments just to our east. This will be a great opportunity for us to reach out to our neighbors and form relationships. The festival will feature activities, food, and music (Pastor Edgar and Ben jamming). We hope you will join us to meet your church neighbors. To register your attendance, you may call the church office or sign up on the worship attendance sheet. We hope to see you there.



First Church is on a mission to transform the world into a more just and loving place. How do we do that? We do that by offering our time, our talents, our gifts, our service and our witness to our local community and the world. Each year the Outreach Committee makes available to members and others opportunities to be difference makers. Over the next several months, the Light will feature a series of articles entitled “Church on a Mission.” We will share with you more about the ways First Church is making a difference in our community and the world. The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center was established in 1972 and is one of the largest counseling groups in central Iowa. While it no longer has an affiliation to a faith group or any other organization, it was originally an outreach ministry of our church. In 1972, Dr. Ray Martin, an associate pastor with us, had a vision for an expression of ministry that was developing across the country but new to our community, a spiritually-sensitive counseling ministry.

Because Dr. Martin pursued his vision and fostered widespread enthusiasm for it, many lives have been touched over nearly 50 years. Pastoral counseling is psychotherapy that takes seriously the spiritual dimension of a person while working to resolve emotional or relational problems. It is built on the belief that life’s crises and transitions are best met by the knowledge of psychology and the wisdom of theology with respect for a person’s faith background and values; however, counselors will not automatically assume the client wants to talk about matters of faith, everyone is welcome. In support of the needed services they provide and in honor of the memory of Dr. Ray Martin and his vision, First Church donates $400 each year to aid persons in our community who are unable to afford this help.

UMCOR Hurricane/Flood Relief Recent hurricanes have caused major flooding and destruction. If you would like to help, please write a check and put hurricane relief in the memo line. You may also donate online on our church website. 100% of your donation will go directly to relief efforts.



Why Local Elections Matter Important elections don’t just take place every 4 years. Local elections often happen every year and because voter turnout is often low, your vote matters even more! There are 19,000 cities, towns, and villages in the US with different governmental structures but they all elect officials to carry out 3 government functions: Executive, Legislative and Legal. The Mayor or City Manager implements the Executive functions; the City Council or Commissioners implement legislation; and the District Attorney or City Attorney implements legal functions. In Des Moines the mayor is recognized as the head of the City Council, which appoints and oversees the City Manager who makes policy recommendations to the City Council. The City Council may or may not adopt those recommendations and may modify them. The primary responsibility of a

City Manager is to implement the policies of the City Council, which is elected by the citizens. The City Council enacts ordinances, sets property tax rates, approves city service levels, authorizes the budget and participates in community economic development efforts. The District Attorney is the chief law enforcer for the county. He/she investigates and brings issues to trial. Because a DA deals with felonies they have a particularly important impact on our community including addressing police brutality and misconduct cases. They may work to reform the criminal justice system and address inequities in sentencing, and advocate for changes to cash bail standards. Local school boards are the link between the classroom and the community. They decide how and what students are learning by setting policies, curriculums, and budgets for the school district. Voting for school board members affects funding for programs like arts, music, and sports, the school calendar, what time school begins and ends. They hire or fire school superintendents, principals, and set guidelines for teachers. Your vote for the school board directly affects the education of students in K-12 schools.




On Tuesday, November 2nd there will be City Council and School Board elections. If you need a ride to the polls, First Church Outreach Team members are willing and able to give you a ride. Please call the church office before Thursday, October 28th and put your name on the list. You will need to provide your name, address and phone number. If you know your voting location, that would be helpful. If not, we can look that up for you. Someone will call you to set up a time. Elected local officials have an impact on our daily lives so it is important to vote in all elections. Your voice and your vote are essential to our democracy!

First Church members will once again help harvest vegetables to be distributed through local food pantries and other partner agencies. On Saturday, October 9th we will carpool from the church to a farm outside of Madrid. We will leave the church at 8:30 am. Depending on the covid status, when we are done we will (may) have lunch in Madrid and then return to Des Moines. This is an enjoyable day spent in the fresh fall air with your church family. It’s a great experience for children too. Hope to see you on the 9th of October. Please sign up on the bulletin insert or call the church office so we know how many people to expect.



The Purpose of Mission Ingathering is to show the love of Christ to the world’s people by ministering to their needs.

For forty-two years the Mission (Thanksgiving) Ingathering has been a hands-on way for Iowa United Methodists to address hunger and poverty locally and around the world. For those who would like to participate, kits and cash donations will be received from October 17 - 31 and delivered to our mission site on November 6 to be sent to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, an UMCOR cooperating depot. Student kits can be placed in a plastic shopping bag and personal dignity kits should be placed in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag. The contents of each kit are listed below: Personal Hygiene Kit: 1 new hand towel and washcloth; 1 wrapped bath-size bar of soap (no Ivory or Jergens please due to moisture content); 1 new adult toothbrush in sealed wrapper; 1 shampoo (15-18 oz.); 1 deodorant (2–3 oz. stick, roll-on or pump) (Cash value $13 +$2 for toothpaste and razor) Student Kit: 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers; 1 eraser (2-inch or longer); 1 hand pencil sharpener (larger than 1-inch); 1 box of 24 crayons; 1 box of 12 colored pencils; 1 pair of student scissors; 1 12-inch ruler with metric; 3 one-subject spiral notebooks, wide- or college-ruled (Cash value $16) After shipping costs of $2 for each kit donated, any undesignated cash donations will be given to the distribution center for other supplies. Cash donations may be made by check payable to First United Methodist Church or on-line giving. There will be a collection box in Kenyon Hall where you may drop off your completed kits on those three Sundays in October. Thank you for sharing!



The IMT Des Moines Marathon is coming once again on Sunday, October 17. This year, more than 5,000 athletes are anticipated in Des Moines throughout the race weekend. It is part of the overall mission of the IMT Des Moines Marathon to be sensitive to the impact that closing 26.2 miles of city streets has on the community, especially those along the route. The Marathon course starts in the Court Avenue District at 8 AM. The course will take athletes through the Western Gateway Park area before heading west on Grand Avenue. The next portion of the course will impact neighborhood communities along the Grand Avenue, Polk Boulevard, Kingman Boulevard, and Drake University corridors from various times 8:00 to 11:30 AM. Please allow for extra time or alternate routes during your travels. Maps & Traffic Reroutes - Visit the IMT Des Moines Marathon website and click on “Spectators” to view road closures and suggested traffic routes to avoid possible delays. A course map and turn by turn course description can also be found at Course Maps. www.desmoinesmarathon.com. Race Morning - IMT is working with the City of Des Moines and the Des Moines Police Department to minimize disruption in traffic flow on the morning of the race; however, residents in your neighborhood may find their street or driveway to be either temporarily blocked or difficult to get in our out of on race morning. Be aware of possible delays on October 20 and use alternate routes to enter/exit neighborhoods on race day. If you would like assistance identifying a suggested travel route, we are available to address concerns or answer any questions. Contact Us. Please get in touch with the IMT Des Moines Marathon to discuss any concerns and get answers to any questions you may have about the Marathon course and how it may impact traffic flow and reroutes in your area. We can also discuss ideas for your involvement with the race. Contact Chris Burch, Race Director, at 288-2692 or [email protected].

http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com/

mailto:[email protected]



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First United Methodist Church 1001 Pleasant Street

Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-6209

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Worship ~ We Welcome and Affirm Everyone First Church - A Reconciling Congregation

First United Methodist Church, at the top of 10th Street in downtown Des Moines, strives to love others as Christ loves us and, in doing so, to be the Body of Christ in word and deed. As the Body of Christ, we welcome and affirm all of God’s children, knowing that each is created in the image of God. We welcome and affirm people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, races, ethnicities, family configurations, and physical and mental capabilities to join us in full participation as we come together to worship God and then go out to share God’s love in the world around us.

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