May 24, 2021 - Contemporary Issues 
Topic: Climate Change in Iowa

Climate change is a long-term threat to the planet’s well-being, but it’s already affecting human communities. In addition to impacts on coastal areas and in the Global South, we see early effects of climate change right here in farm country. WOI-TV meteorologist Brandon Lawrence broke it down for us on Earth Day this year.

To learn more, read Don Hofstrand’s 2018 column describing the impact of climate change on midwest agriculture and the 2020 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll on farmers’ beliefs on climate change. To learn much more, dig into the EPA’s Fourth National Climate Assessment. 

May 23, 2021 - Pentecost Sunday 
Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 
Sermon: God Is in Our Midst 
​Moment for Mission: Pentecost Offering 

May 17, 2021 - Contemporary Issues 
Topic: Praying for Liberation 
Since early last summer, a group of clergy and others have held vigil outside the Des Moines Police Department headquarters. Rev Nathan has joined this group once each week. He will share with Contemporary Issues what drew him out of his comfort zone to this gathering, and where this public witness is headed in the future. 

May 16, 2021 - Seventh Sunday of Easter 
Scripture: Acts 1:15-26 
Sermon: "To take their place in this ministry" 
Moment for Mission: Presbyterian Heritage Sunday 

May 10, 2021 - Contemporary Issues 
Topic: Generations and Life Stages 
Our experiences of the pandemic have been shaped by our ages and the life stages we are experiencing. We viewed the PBS American Portrait documentary Generation Nation and reflected together about the life stages that most affected who we are today. 

May 9, 2021 - Sixth Sunday of Easter 
Scripture: Acts 1:6-14 
Sermon: "Together with certain women" 
Moment for Mission: Per Capita apportionment 

May 3, 2021 - Contemporary Issues 
Topic: Discerning the Spirits (Hunting Magic Eels)

When we seek enchantment in the life of faith, we may wonder if the voice we’re hearing is really God. Jesus’ life leads us to recognize God’s call through the sacrificial love expressed in the cross. In self-giving we center our lives beyond ourselves in the grace of God. Pre-reading: chapter 11: “God’s Enchantment” and “Epilogue: Hunting Magic Eels”

May 2, 2021 - Fifth Sunday of Easter 
Scripture: Acts 1:1-11 
Sermon: "You will receive power" 
Moment for Mission: CROSS Outreach Back-to-School Giveaway