2025 Iowa Presbyterian Gathering

Location: Ankeny Presbyterian Church, 317 Southeast Trilein Drive, Ankeny, IA
Date: August 23, 2025 | Free Registration

 

Schedule

  • 9:30 Coffee Talk (social)
  • 10:00 Opening Worship
  • 11:00 Morning Workshops
  • 12:00 Lunch
  • 1:00 Afternoon Workshops
  • 2:00 Conversation with Co-Moderator of the General Assembly, Rev. Tony Larson
  • 2:15 Closing Worship with the Lord’s Supper
  • 3:00 Decaf Recap (social)


Morning Workshops

  • Elder Training to serve communion (Part 1) – Rev. David Endriss, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Winterset
    • The Book of Order allows, with permission from the Presbytery, for ruling elders to officiate at the sacrament of communion provided that they receive training.  This workshop, which is in two parts (morning and afternoon), will provide that training.  Even if you are not interested in officiating at the table, you are welcome to attend!
  • A Tapestry of Discipleship – Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the General Assembly
    • The Co-Moderators of the General Assembly are on a journey to serve the PC(USA) as ambassadors of the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. The Co-Moderators circulate throughout the church to tell the church’s story and hear the stories of congregations, presbyteries, new worshipping communities, campus ministry and other faith communities living out their discipleship. In this workshop participants will examine Jesus’ call to discipleship, “Follow me,” and explore the tapestry of ways Presbyterians are answering that call.
  • Two Christian Visions For America – Rev. Ken Rummer, retired, Ankeny

    • John Winthrop and Roger Williams, two Christian leaders from 400 years ago, set down strikingly different visions for the role of Christian faith in the governing of new British colonies in America. In this workshop, you will have an opportunity to explore their dreams, compare their ideas, and find the echoes of their disagreements in today’s debates about “Christian Nation” and “Separation of Church and State.”

  • Yoga as a Christian Spiritual Practice for Every Body (Chair Yoga) – Rev. Meghan Davis-Brass, Westminster, Des Moines
    • Rev. Meghan Davis-Brass is a certified yoga instructor who has been teaching yoga in churches for over a decade.  This workshop will include a brief talk about both yoga in general and yoga as a Christian spiritual practice followed by a chair yoga practice accessible to just about anyone and will conclude with a five minute breathing meditation.  No experience or equipment necessary.  Removing shoes will be optional (so you might not want to wear hole-y socks but holy socks are always encouraged!)

Afternoon Workshops

  • Elder Training to serve communion (Part 2) – Rev. David Endriss, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Winterset
    • The Book of Order allows, with permission from the Presbytery, for ruling elders to officiate at the sacrament of communion provided that they receive training.  This workshop, which is in two parts (morning and afternoon), will provide that training.  Even if you are not interested in officiating at the table, you are welcome to attend!
  • The Global Tapestry of Christ – Amgad Beblawi, Ministry and Mission Executive
    • In this workshop we will look at a few snapshots of the global church – the family tree of the “one holy catholic and apostolic church” and its branches in the world today. We will also consider some of the current trends in global Christianity and the organizations that promote dialogue among Christians and seek unity in the body of Christ.
  • Weaving Sleeping Mats – Linda Curtis-Stopler, elder, First Presbyterian Church, Newton
    • What to do with all those plastic bags that are taking over and that last forever? How about weaving them into sleeping mats that can be given to homeless persons? Come see how it’s done – and try your hand at it!