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It will cost $2,748 to fund Education for Ministry (EfM) for 12 men at the Anamosa State Penitentiary this year. If you can help, send your contribution to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, PO 33, Anamosa, IA 52205. Please make the check out to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and put EFM in the Memo line.

The Diocesan Prison Ministry team that consists of The Rev. Anne Moats Williams (St. Mark's, Anamosa) and The Rev. Melody Rockwell (Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids) started an EfM group with the men at Anamosa State Penitentiary seven years ago. Six men have graduated so far with a potential this year for four more.

This fall, there will be three men in Year 2, one in Year 3 and four men in Year 4. That leaves spots for four new students, who will be studying Year 1. Sewanee limits the number of students to twelve.

Prison groups pay a reduced cost for the program (mentors of prison groups forego their honorarium), however it is still a significant amount for inmates that do not have much money at their disposal. If they have a job in the prison, by the time a per diem for the prison is taken out, plus any restitution and/or child support payments, they usually have only $10 to $30 per month for things like snacks, personal care items, and phone call charges. 

The cost of the course is about $229 per person and includes most of the texts (except one book on Christian documents for Year 3), and replacing metal binders with plastic comb binding. The Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of The Episcopal Church is providing Bibles with good study notes and maps for each of the inmates that is the preferred translation for the course.

Congregations and individuals that would like to contribute should send their contributions to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, P.O. 33, Anamosa, IA 52205. Make the check payable to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and put EFM in the Memo line. 

 
 

If you will be in Des Moines this summer, make plans to visit this compelling exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa now thru September 6, 2010. Explore the issue of race and racism in the United States from the perspectives of science, history, and everyday. The Anti-Racism Network for Province VI hopes that all Iowans will take advantage of this thought-provoking traveling exhibit.

 

 

Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone (or similar device) that operates in the 700 MHz Band will have to stop operating their wireless microphone (or similar device) no later than June 12, 2010. To see if this law affects your wireless microphone, check the Manufacturers Equipment list. Visit http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/ for more information.
 

 

 

Cursillo is a movement of the church. Its purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but influence on others; all of us need to be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us.

 

The goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church: to bring all to Christ. This is done when informed, trained leaders set out with the support of others having a similar commitment.
 

It helps to renew and deepen Christian commitment. Cursillo is one of many renewal movements. Many people have said Cursillo provides an important learning experience which causes many to feel like newly made Christians with a purpose and with support. 
 

Are you a Cursillista?  

Have you attended a Cursillo and want to be involved in the renewal of Cursillo in the Diocese of Iowa? Contact the diocesan office at 515-277-6165 or diocese@iowaepiscopal.org.
 

 

[April 9] A request came out of the Wardens Workshop that was held in February for a listserv for wardens for mutual support and to share best practices. This listserv has now been created and is waiting for you to join. Your participation is completely optional, but if you are interested in joining, contact Anne Wagner awagner@iowaepiscopal.org.
 

 

 

[March 18] With upward of 3500 soldiers being deployed this summer the Iowa National Guard is seeking support for members and families through local faith communities. All faith communities are welcome to participate as "MFSM" congregations. Support is offered by the participating congregation to members and families within the limits of congregational resources and abilities, and free of charge without regard to the recipient's religious affiliation.
View/download brochure
View/download registration form

 

[January 20] Your help is needed to compile a resource about mission ministry among us. This can help our prayers as a diocese, as well as assist with coordinating efforts by putting people with similar foci in touch with one another. Please take a short time to have someone in your congregation fill out the online survey available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/missionsurvey. 
View Bishop Scarfe's Letter
Take online survery

 

 

[November 24, 2009] Marketing materials developed by The Episcopal Church may be useful to you as you develop ads and other ways to welcome new people to your congregation during Advent and Christmas. They are available for download at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/adcollaborative.htm.