WorkWitness - West Branch Friends Church

Camping Program
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Camp Quaker Heights
Camp Quaker Heights is a ministry of Iowa Yearly Meeting that offers afffordable camps for grades 1-12 from mid-June to the end of July each year. CQH camps present Christ and the loving grace of the gospel to children and youth.

Since 1948, Camp Quaker Heights has used the natural beauty of God's creation to present the truths of the Christian life through Christcentered programs designed to minister to the whole person. Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends is blessed to have such a wonderful facility. The camp is located on a beautiful site near Eldora, Iowa. Year-round stays are now possible, with the addition of the lovely Tall Oaks Lodge.

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Christian Education Ministries

Adult Sunday School (9:30-10:15)

Questers: The Adult Friend - Genesis
Ever consider the human dilemma - who we are and what we can and cannot do? This exploration of Genesis gives us a good picture of who we are, how we got that way, along with glimpses of what God does about our dilemma. This course of study is offered year round, with shared class leadership.

Friends Forum: A Topical Study of our Testimonies
Do you wonder how Quakers are unique? Come to Friends Forum to consider Quakerism in everyday life. Using readings, discussion, and guest speakers, a variety of topics wil be covered throughout the year. These include Community, Politics, Finances, Relationships, Career, Children and Parenting, and more.

Quaker Kids Sunday School (9:30-10:15)
Children from pre-school through 6th grade study the stories of scripture in a rotation model curriculum. Each story is celebrated and retold in a number of ways to be certain that each child has had an opportunity to make the story his/her own. Come join Pastor Ruthie for Opening Exercises, and then move on to exciting lessons with dedicated and loving staff!

Young Friends Sunday School (9:30-10;15)
Middle School and High School Youth use topical bible studies that are relevant and challenging each week. These studies are complemented by the study, celebration and service that are a part of their weekly youth meeting called "Meet and Eat". (See Youth Ministries)

Youth Ministries (Jr. & Sr. High)

Meet and Eat
Begun in the fall of 2005, Meet and Eat is our ministry to young people in middle school and high school. Kids gather at 6:00 each Thursday evening at the church to eat together, and then... a time of study, celebration and/or service is planned. Come join us in fellowship and friendship!

Music Ministries

Adult Choir
Come and join in singing! We would love to welcome you to the choir loft! Our choir rehearses every other Thursday evening at 7:15 pm, and sings twice a month. We are a group of singers who love to bring our praises to God in song. All are welcome – high school age and above. If you are interested in singing, please join us on Thursday evening, or call our Choir Director, Anita Starr at 643-4134.

Handbell Choir

Bells are ringing at West Branch Friends! Des Moines First Friends Church has gifted us with a lovely two-octave set of Schulmerich handbells, and we have begun a handbell choir. Eight ringers rehearse every Thursday night at 6:15. If you are interested in ringing, please contact the church office (643-5598) and we'll find a place for you at the bell table!

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Prayer Ministries

Prayer and Study Group
Each Wednesday morning, a group gathers for Prayer and Study at 9:00 am at the home of Doris Hinkhouse. Scripture is studied, and blessings and concerns are shared. All are welcome to come for this time of reflection and devotion. For more information, please call the church at 643-5598.

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Missions Support

Global Missions
Belize, Cuba, Jamaica, Ramallah, Kenya, Samburu, Turkana... these are all places touched by the ministry of West Branch Friends Church, through the work of Friends United Meeting. We honor these missions, and others around the globe, through financial support and prayer concern. We celebrate the work and witness of these various places of mission each year through our part in the FUM Chain of Prayer. It is a privilege to carry these far away places into our meetinghouse, and into our hearts and lives, as well.

Local Missions
West Branch Food Pantry, Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), and the Iowa City Crisis Center are supported by monthly donations of goods and finances through the work of our meeting. Other mission and ministry is supported, as well, as the need becomes known.

Volunteer Services
In service to the meeting, or in service to the community at large, we strive to be faithful in caring for those around us, for the world, and for the work that we have been given to do. Come, and join us!

Short-term Trips
Some within our Meeting have had the opportunity to travel to Cuba and Jamaica on short term mission trips. These have been sponsored jointly by our Meeting, our Yearly Meeting and by Friends United Meeting. They have been life changing experiences!

Support for Refugees, Orphans
An exciting new ministry has just begun! It is called "Friends Bringing Hope", and is centered in Kenya, Africa.

Women's Ministries

Friends Women
The United Society of Friends Women is a uniting of women in Christian fellowship and service, both at home and abroad. All women are welcome, as we join together to grow in Christ personally and spiritually, and as we work to sustain and promote missionary education. West Branch Friends USFW meets on the second Tuesday of each month, in various homes.

Check out the website for the United Society of Friends Women International! You will find links to our purpose and history, a list of our international officers and secretaries, a message from our president/presiding clerk, and more... www.usfwi.org

Men's Ministries

Quaker Men
The Quaker Men of Iowa Yearly Meeting are organized to encourage men to live dedicated Christian lives, to unite in projects and programs for the extension of Christ’s kingdom; and to provide an opportunity for Christian fellowship among men of various Meetings.