E-news - Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 24, 4:00 PM
Zoom
In this season of innovation and adaptation, Meredith Drive Reformed Church will be holding the annual congregational meeting online to encourage maximum participation. The meeting will include ministry updates as well as a vote on the leadership slate and the 2021 proposed budget. All members and active participants of Meredith Drive Reformed Church who attend either Meredith Drive or The Bridge are encouraged to attend. Detailed instructions for how to log on and vote electronically will be included as the meeting gets closer. We have worked to make the whole process as simple as possible.
We will ask you to affirm the following candidates who have been selected by the Nominating Committee and affirmed by the Administrative Board and the Consistory.
Ad Board: Dave Benson (MD), Gerrad Clausen (BR), Ryan Fick (BR)
Elders: Carrie Van Zanten (MD), Tiffany Schupanitz (MD), Bruce Sikkink (MD), Susan Van Riessen (MD), Amy Groen (MD), David Groen (MD), Jeff Reece (MD), Amanda Murphy (BR), Kristi Westre (BR), Britta Ten Haken (BR), Collin Ten Haken (BR)
Deacons: Jim Peterson (MD), Eddy Banja (MD), Freddy Nkurunziza (BR), Ana Luna (BR).
We will also ask you to affirm the 2021 budget. Once the fiscal year ends and we are able to close the 2020 records, you will receive more detailed information about this. If you would like a copy of the detailed budget, it will be available at both campuses the week of January 18 during normal business hours.
For ballot information and to vote please refer to your email regarding Congregational Meeting information. Absentee/hardcopy ballots will also be available in the church offices during normal business hours. If you cannot vote digitally and cannot get to the church office, please call to request a ballot, and we will mail it to you. All ballots must be received in the office by Monday, January 25.
One of the greatest ways to understand God’s work in our lives is studying together in community. Our Grow Groups are mid-size to small groups who study Scripture, Christian living curriculum, or relevant topics that shape our understanding of God’s work in the world around us.
A few of our Grow Groups have start dates coming up and will meet on zoom or in the church building with COVID safety strategies in place. All ongoing groups are always open to newcomers! If you are interested in any group below or would like more information, please email Angie Dicken at angiedicken@meredithdrive.org.
Six-week Lenten Small Groups start the week of February 15 (Ash Wednesday is February 17), times and days vary.
Book Club
Sunday, March 7, 3:00 PM
Zoom
Our next book is Managing Worry & Anxiety, by Jean Holthaus, LISW. Scripture says, "Be anxious for nothing," yet, most of us find ourselves increasingly worried and anxious–about our families, our jobs, our finances, our security, the pandemic, and so much more. We're even worried about our level of anxiety! This book integrates psychological and spiritual principles to help readers understand why we experience anxiety and how to effectively manage it by utilizing three essential skills:
- living in the present moment
- suspending judgment
- believing yourself to be competent and equipped by God.
Pick up a copy of this book at the Meredith Drive campus, or we can drop it off at your home if you'd prefer. Just email your address to Wendy Zadeh at hannahzzz@yahoo.com.
2021-2022 Preschool Enrollment
Priority enrollment began January 11 for 2021-22 classes. As a church member/regular attendee, you have priority enrollment status! All preschool classes will be held at The Bridge campus for 2021-22 due to possible renovations at the Meredith Drive campus.
- Check out our 2021-22 class offerings for ages 2-5 years!
- It's easy to enroll! There are just 2 step
- Beginning on January 11, simply complete the online 2021-22 Priority Enrollment Form.
- Then pay the $65 enrollment fee online. You may also bring a check or cash to the preschool.
- Your class will be confirmed once you have completed both steps of the enrollment process. Class confirmations will begin on January 25. If you have any questions, please contact the preschool director, Tara Hartman, at tarahartman@meredithdrive.org.
- Please help us spread the word that our general enrollment opens up on January 25.
Free Little Pantry
Thank you to all who generously donated to our Little Pantry during Advent. Please remember that food insecurity is on-going, not just at holiday time, and that your donations are always appreciated. We could hardly keep it stocked in December, and now it is desperately in need of your donations. Quickly drop off donations into the "Pantry" bin at the north door of the Meredith Drive campus or during office hours inside at The Bridge, or put your items directly into the pantry. For a list of items that can withstand the winter cold, click the link below.
Take Out Tuesday
De Rice Iowa
Tuesday, January 19, Lunch: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Dinner: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
8460 Birchwood Ct, Suite #100, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 635-0682
Pagliai's Pizza
Tuesday, January 26, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
5312 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston, IA 50131, (515) 253-9800
Each week we will select a locally owned restaurant that we invite you to help support by ordering take out on Tuesdays. We believe that helping our neighborhood businesses will strengthen our communities and support the well being of themselves, their families and those that they employ.
Do you know of a locally owned restaurant in our communities that could use our support? Please send your suggestions to Ann Bailey at annbailey@meredithdrive.org.
Right Now Media
Sign up for free RightNow Media access and check out hundreds of Biblical studies, videos, and other materials for all ages. You are also welcome to share this sign-up link with any friends and neighbors who might benefit from this "Netflix" for Christian content! https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/MDRC
Year End Giving Statement
To print your year-end giving statement, log into myMDRC, choose my giving (far left), then giving statement (upper right), choose 2020. If you are unable to print it, we will mail statements to anyone that has not printed them on January 29th.
December Budget Report
Actual Offerings: $289,502
Budgeted Offerings: $370,796
Current Year Actual to Budget: ($81,294)
Cur Year to Prior Year: Actuals: ($35,751)
Year to Date Report
Current Year: Actual to Budget: ($256,976)
Cur Year to Prior Year: Actuals: ($163,662)
All In
Pledged: $3,532,954
December Gifts: $200,301
YTD Gifts: $806,113
Total Gifts: $1,688,188
Words Of Hope
Large and small print Words of Hope are available by calling the church office, (515) 276-4901 ext. 213, or emailing bethdraheim@meredithdrive.org. Please specify large or small print. We will mail it or you can make arrangements to pick up a copy.
January Birthday Calendar
If you would like to drop a card to someone on their birthday, here is the January calendar.
Volunteer Opportunity with Blessman International
Tuesday, January 26, 6:00 - 8:00 PMWest Des Moines
Blessman International is asking for volunteers to fill 50 spots at their Meals From the Heartland packaging event. If you can join them to help prepare meals to be sent to people in need worldwide click here to sign up.