imConnected is the official newsletter of the Iowa-Missouri Conference. Have a news story, testimony or something on your heart that you want to share with your conference family? Reply to this email and let us know. 

'Rise Up' Monthly Conference-wide Call to Prayer Launches with Focus on Conference Schools from September 6-12

Rise Up, our new monthly conference-wide call to prayer, just launched. For one week each month, members from across the conference will join together in lifting up the designated area of focus. From September 6-12, we're asking all members to pray for our conference elementary schools and Sunnydale Adventist Academy. In addition to your private prayers, we encourage you to join with a prayer partner, a group of friends, or even as a church or school family to lift up our schools.

Virtual Women's Retreat Two Weeks Away

Ladies, please make plans to join us Sept. 18-19 for a virtual Women’s Retreat featuring Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, international speaker and speaker/director for the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. 

The Fit Man: A Message of Concern From Robert Wagley

From Robert Wagley, executive secretary of the conference: 

It was recently brought to our attention that some troubling teachings are being promoted within our conference regarding the “fit man” who leads the scapegoat into the wilderness at the end of the prophetic Day of Atonement.

Elder Dean Coridan and I are greatly concerned by reports of these teachings, which are apparently being presented both via sermons and in a book that is being circulated. I feel convicted to address it in hopes that we will stay focused and reliant on Christ and not on ourselves during these trying times and throughout these final days of earth’s history.

St. Louis Pastors Invite You to Virtual 'Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage' Event

Couples, grab some popcorn and join Mark Gungor on September 19-20 for Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. Come and be entertained as you learn how to strengthen your marriage (or future marriage, if you’re dating or single) in Christ.

Live Special Memorial Service for Virginia Simmons

Union College Campus Ministries is hosting a live special memorial service for Virginia Simmons on their Facebook page this Sabbath, September 5, at 4:00 pm. Dr. Simmons, a former professor of education and psychology at Union and native Iowan, passed away on August 23. 

Upcoming Events

Sept 6 - 12
'Rise Up' Prayer Focus: Conference Schools

Sept 7
Labor Day: No Elementary School

Sept 18 - 19
Virtual Women's Retreat

All Event Info

Helpful Resources During the Pandemic

These resources will be included in every newsletter until things return to normal. If there's something you feel should be added to this list, reply to this email and let us know.

Spiritual/Personal Resources

• Live Stream Services and Other Media Resources for Sabbaths at Home
• im4Prayer Conference Prayer Line
• Returning Tithes and Offerings While Church Services Are Suspended
• Iowa-Missouri Churches Share Ways to Stay Connected
• NAD Resources for Churches & Ministries Going Digital
• Online Worship Tools from Adventist Learning Community
• 10 Tips for Working from Home
• Virtual Resources and Activities for Children
• Thursday Prayer Time on KPOG Radio

• AdventHealth Coronavirus Hub
• Adventist Risk Coronavirus Resources for Churches and Schools
• CDC Resources for Community and Faith-based Leaders
• CDC Resources for Mass Gatherings
• Iowa Department of Health Coronavirus Guidelines
• Missouri Department of Health Coronavirus Guidelines
• Importance of Wearing Masks