Greetings from the Women at the Well! The congregation has much to celebrate, not the least of which are the contributions of all members of the faith community who support the women’s congregation in so many ways. We are grateful for your prayers, your presence in joining us in worship each week, and the gifts from partner churches that sustain our ministry.
The Women at the Well congregation extends appreciation to the many volunteers who donated their time to staff the Women At the Well display booth during the annual conference. Not only did these individuals help generate revenue to support the ministry, but information was shared about the mission and all the ways that the faith community can support the congregation.
Pastor Arnette Pint is back at work after 2 months of renewal leave, for the good of her body and soul and spirit. She has tried to take some of that Spirit and overwhelming outpouring of love back to the women of the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women. Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to Jim Davis and the many other Pastors who stepped in to preach at the weekly worship services during Pastor Arnette’s personal leave. Due to Jim Davis’ willingness to provide supervision every week over the 2-month period, the practice of allowing outside congregation members to worship with the women’s congregation went uninterrupted.
At Annual Conference, we received 340 pairs of lovely and comfortable panties for the Stepping Out closet for women leaving prison. Many thanks to Pastor Catie Newman and all who donated to make this possible. Nothing makes a woman feel quite as good as cute new underwear! We are still in need of sizes 5, 6, and 7, and can always use new bras in every size. And, right now, there is a shortage of deodorant! Talk about bad timing… It is 87 degrees here today! We are also completely out of socks – common ordinary sneaker socks – and would appreciate donations. And, always, always, we need blue jeans, sneakers, and khakis in every size.
Wednesday’s, 9 am–4 pm, have been designated as “drop off” times at the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women at Mitchellville. However, please contact us in advance of dropping off a donation. There is not sufficient staff to accept donations without notice, and we are so grateful when people work with us for delivery. You may contact womenatthewell@iaumc.org, or the volunteer coordinator, Ms. Linda Haack (515) 967-4236 ext 235 or Pastor Arnette at ext 265 to schedule a drop off.
The Women at the Well has a new mailing address: Women at the Well, P.O. Box 93241, Des Moines, IA 50393. Please email us if you would like updated handouts or information about visiting a worship service, having Pastor Arnette come and preach at your church or are interested in establishing an Aftercare/Re-Entry program in your church.
The Women at the Well congregation exists due to faithful and consistent support of partner churches throughout Iowa. If you would like to explore becoming a partner church with Women at the Well, contact:
Blessings to you for your continued prayers and support for the Women at the Well congregation.
