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PASTOR JIM SHIRBROUN
Jim is the spouse of one (Beverly), the parent of three (Mark, Greg and David), the parent-in-law of one (Jenny) and Grandpa of two (Elliot & Callen...Mark and Jenny sons).
Jim received his Bachelor’s degree (in Animal Science and Ag. Journalism) from Iowa State in 1980 and graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1985 with a Masters of Divinity degree. He has served the following United Methodist congregations: Immanuel (Des Moines), First (Ankeny), St. Paul's (Cedar Rapids) and Collegiate/Wesley (Ames). Jim loves to cook (beyond the thousands of omelets he's prepared for students in the last 20 years). He has been collecting and researching antique horse bridle bits since he was a teenager and has one in his collection which is 3,000 years old. Jim claims his hobby is semi-biblical, citing James 1:26 and 3:3.
Our Grace community of faith is blessed to have MANY folks who've been members for 50 years or more. We want to celebrate you!
It's also the 50th anniversary of our being UNITED Methodists...The union of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations happened in 1968! We want to celebrate that, too! If you, or someone you know, have been members at Grace for 50+ years, please contact the church office at 712.276.3452. The celebration event will, most likely, happen in September but we want to be sure we're aware of everyone as we prepare some special surprises! In addition, we're looking for folks who'd like to help plan and coordinate the celebration. Please talk with Pastor Jim. |
WORSHIP IN MAY
"Elemental Faith" "Earth, Air, Fire and Water have been called the "four elements" since ancient times. Each of these is also found through scripture and in our daily lives. May 5/6 "Elemental Faith: Earth" Psalm 24:1 & Job 12:7-10 May 12/13 "Elemental Faith: Air"John 3:1-8 May 19/20 "Elemental Faith: Fire" Acts 2:1-21 
Membership Exploration Event
If you'd like to know more about becoming and being a member of Grace United Methodist Church, you're invited to attend one of two identical Membership Exploration Events...choose the one which best fits your schedule. Join us either Sunday, May 13 from 1-3 p.m. OR Wednesday, May 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. If neither of these times work for you, please contact Jim Shirbroun to discuss another time. |
United Methodist Commission On a Way Forward
Thanks to all those who gathered following worship on April 15 to learn more about and discuss "The Commission On a Way Forward" and what it might mean for the future of our denomination. We had an excellent discussion.
On Sunday, April 22 Bishop Laurie Haller facilitated a District-wide event also around the work of the Commission which, in short, has been charged with considering what our UM Discipline says about every aspect of human
sexuality and what shape those statements and policies might look like in the future.
The Commission is scheduled to present their conclusions to the Council of Bishops at the beginning of May and the Bishops plan to share their insights sometime in July. Then, a special General Conference Session will occur in February of 2019 to make final decisions.
It's difficult, I find, to distill all the information and conversations down in print so I hope our conversations will continue here at Grace UMC and beyond. Stay tuned for further opportunities to learn about and discuss the work of the Commission as more information is available. Please let me know if you'd like to talk individually.
Thanks to all those who gathered following worship on April 15 to learn more about and discuss "The Commission On a Way Forward" and what it might mean for the future of our denomination. We had an excellent discussion.
On Sunday, April 22 Bishop Laurie Haller facilitated a District-wide event also around the work of the Commission which, in short, has been charged with considering what our UM Discipline says about every aspect of human
sexuality and what shape those statements and policies might look like in the future.
The Commission is scheduled to present their conclusions to the Council of Bishops at the beginning of May and the Bishops plan to share their insights sometime in July. Then, a special General Conference Session will occur in February of 2019 to make final decisions.
It's difficult, I find, to distill all the information and conversations down in print so I hope our conversations will continue here at Grace UMC and beyond. Stay tuned for further opportunities to learn about and discuss the work of the Commission as more information is available. Please let me know if you'd like to talk individually.