LSI (Lutheran Services in Iowa), a shared ministry partner of the Iowa synods of the ELCA, is excited to announce LSI’s First Circle Friends, a creative opportunity for churches to support their neighbors who may be facing these issues.

Meeting twice a month at partner churches from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., First Circle Friends volunteers provide a day of renewal, friendship and support for people with memory loss and their family caregivers. Trained volunteers are matched one-on-one with participants for a day of cognitively stimulating activities, such as music, games, light exercise, painting and discussion groups that reminisce on past events, sports or history. Meanwhile, family caregivers can enjoy a day off to rest and rejuvenate themselves for their caregiving role.

First Circle Friends is based on a successful Minnesota model, where the program began with one church partner and grew to over thirty participating congregations. Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is now promoting this model nationally, and LSI is one of the first agencies to implement it.

“This is a great outreach opportunity for congregations to get involved beyond the walls of their church,” said Kara Ullestad, LSI’s First Circle Friends coordinator. “It’s also an opportunity for church members to learn new skills. The volunteer training is in-depth and has continuing education available.”

Church partners are also helping fill a gap in traditional community services, Ullestad said.

“First Circle Friends provides a needed support that isn’t readily available,” she said. “Adult day programs may be offered in some places, but those are based more on a medical model. First Circle Friends is a social model, focused on making new friendships and providing cognitive stimulation.”

LSI is currently seeking First Circle Friends church host sites, beginning in the greater Des Moines area and with hopes to expand to other sites throughout Iowa. LSI provides ongoing support and training for churches and volunteers and also oversees the assessment process to determine whether an individual would be appropriate for the program.

For more information, please contact:

Kara Ullestad

LSI First Circle of Friends coordinator

515.271.7408

kara.ullestad@LSIowa.org

The statement reads, in part, “Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our world today, and as religious leaders representing diverse faith traditions we are called to reaffirm our commitment to be responsible stewards of Earth’s resources and to act in love toward our neighbors both locally and globally.”

Rev. Dr. Jim Martin-Schramm, Professor of Religion at Luther College in Decorah and Board President of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light said, “Climate change is already happening and poses great harm to all who are poor and vulnerable on Earth.  I am pleased that so many religious leaders in Iowa are asking their faith communities to face this reality and grapple with its many challenges.”

Rev. Susan Guy, Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light said that the goal for releasing this statement so close to the celebration of Earth Day is to draw attention to the fact that care for Earth is something held in common by diverse faith traditions. “Through all of our differences, one thing that we share together is a call to love and care for our neighbors. How we live today matters not only for those we share the planet with today, but for future generations as well. We hope that our political leaders will stop seeing climate change as an economic issue that divides us, but as a moral issue that unites us.” The statement was shared with members of the Iowa legislature.

The full statement and signatories can be found here: http://www.iowaipl.org/resources/Religious%20Leaders%20Statement%20on%20Global%20Climate%20Change%202012%20%285%29.pdf

Religious leaders who would like to sign the statement may do so by contacting Rev. Susan Guy at director@iowaipl.org.

About Iowa Interfaith Power & Light

Launched in October of 2006, Iowa Interfaith Power & Light is a joint response of Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faith communities to Climate Change. We work to protect the Earth and safeguard society’s most vulnerable by providing education about climate change and its impacts, assisting individuals and congregations with carbon footprint reductions, and advocating towards sustainable policies at all levels of government.  We are currently working with over 300 congregations in the state of Iowa and have over 2,000 people subscribed to our monthly newsletter.

Nearly 200 participants also attended over 25 workshops – offerings included hands-on expressing faith through art; music ministry; understanding and serving Christ in an ever changing culture; estate planning; anti-hunger ministries and more.

The day culminated with worship, Bishop Michael Burk preached and presided for the service of Holy Communion.

Thank you to First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  This was the 21^st year that our partners at First hosted the event with finesse and graciousness.  Thank you to team members Barb Hanson; Brian Middleswarth, AIM; and Rev. Tim Maybee.  This synod is blessed through their leadership.

Mark your calendars for CTIM 2013 to be held Saturday, March 9th.

Below are resources from the keynote and bible study.  If you have questions, please contact Rev. Gloria Dovre, dovre@seiasynod.org.

Pr. Scott Beebe CTIM 2012 Keynote Guide (Part 1)

Spiritual Gifts Inventory (Part 2 of Keynote Guide)

CTIM 2012 Bible Study Guide

Pictures from CTIM 2012