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imConnected is the official newsletter of the Iowa-Missouri Conference. Have a news story, testimony or something on your heart that you want to share with your conference family? Reply to this email and let us know.
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North American Division Leadership Responds to Events at U.S. Capitol
On January 7, the officers of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists released a statement regarding the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Here is an excerpt:
"The leadership of the North American Division affirms the rights of people to respectfully protest, but strongly condemns the reprehensible actions of rioters that show a clear disrespect for the safety of others, the institution of democracy, and the diplomatic and orderly process of the transition of government."
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2020 General Conference Session Postponed Again, Now Set for June 2022
For the second time in 10 months, members of the General Conference executive committee have voted to postpone the quinquennial GC Session, originally scheduled for June of 2020, due to challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The new prospective dates are June 6-11, 2022, and the session is still planned to be held in Indianapolis.
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What's Your Story: Heather Thompson Day
The Mid-America Union recently launched a new initiative called “What’s Your Story?” It’s a series of conversations about people’s diverse experiences and life journeys aimed to help us learn, grow, understand, and treat one another better.
The first edition of “What’s Your Story?” features Dr. Heather Thompson Day, an interdenominational speaker and associate professor of communication at Colorado Christian University. She touches on many topics, including racial issues and how to find common ground with people when you disagree.
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'Rise Up' Prayer Focus: Praying for Schools
Our "Rise Up" prayer focus for January is conference and public schools. From January 10-16, we ask every member, church and school to pray for students, teachers and other staff of our conference elementary schools and Sunnydale Academy, as well as those in public schools throughout Iowa and Missouri. Click the button below to print a reminder or watch a video message from education superintendent Joe Allison.
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Join Adventists from Across Mid-America Virtually for 10 Days of Prayer
Please join Adventists from across Mid-America from January 6-16 for a virtual “10 Days of Prayer” event. Each evening at 7:00 pm CST (4:00 pm CST on the two Sabbaths during the event), local participants from the six conferences within the Mid-America Union will lead us in a time of prayer, music and inspiration.
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Council Bluffs Church Welcomes Two New Members
Two new members were recently baptized at the Council Bluffs church.
Jok Mach (pictured left, with Pastor Taariq Patel) is from South Sudan and had been a member of the Episcopal Church. Some time ago, he began watching 3ABN and became convicted of the Sabbath. He left a note on the door of the Harlan church saying he was looking for a Sabbath-keeping church. Pastor Patel met with him, and they began Bible studies. Jok and several members of his family then began attending the Council Bluffs church, and the rest is history.
Seth Pahre comes from a Lutheran background. Before he married, his soon-to-be in-laws introduced him to Adventism. Seth met Pastor Patel and began Bible studies. He is on fire for the Lord and is currently giving Bible studies to some of his family members and co-workers. Seth wants to share what he has learned as well as his love for God.
Pastor Patel said he has had the privilege of getting to know both men over the past year while praying and studying with them. Fellow members are overjoyed to have them both join our church family. God is so great!
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Information provided by church member Shannon Pigsley.
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Hawkeye Church Updates Sign
The Hawkeye church recently updated their facility’s outdoor sign. Members wanted the church to be more readily identifiable to people in the community, and they also wanted to more accurately reflect current branding practices of the worldwide church regarding logo and color.
In addition to the Seventh-day Adventist Church logo, the new sign also features the church's web address and a QR code people may scan to learn more about the church and its ministries.
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Information provided by church elder Garry Birth.
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Upcoming Events
Our 2021 printed conference calendar, featuring majestic castles from around the world set in beautiful landscapes, was mailed to all members of the Iowa-Missouri Conference (one per household). If you didn't receive your copy or would like to inquire about extras (while supplies last), call the office at 515.223.1197 or fill out a contact form to let us know.
Jan 14
Iowa/Area Pathfinder Bible Experiences (Virtual)
Jan 18
MLK, Jr. Day - No Elementary School
Jan 23
Pathfinder Bible Experience Make-up Day (Virtual)
Jan 30
Conference Pathfinder Bible Experience (Virtual)
Jan 31
Executive Committee (Virtual)
All Event Info
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Have you read the Jan 2021 issue of OUTLOOK?
The overarching theme for all issues of OUTLOOK in 2021 is "Celebrating God's Gifts." Their first issue of the year celebrates the gift of peacemaking.
Don't have a hard copy? Read it online.
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Helpful Resources During the Pandemic
These resources will be included in every newsletter until things return to normal. If there's something you feel should be added to this list, reply to this email and let us know.
Spiritual/Personal Resources
Coronavirus Information and Resources
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