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🌱 Patch AM: How an Ames megachurch is reshaping worship in rural Iowa

Be sure to catch Roach Motel Zine Club — Kristin M Roach on the Ames Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Greetings Ames! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How an Ames megachurch is reshaping worship in rural Iowa
  • How an ISU writer turns real-life politics into powerful fiction
  • What Iowa cattle producers told Congress' ag chair about herd growth

Also on today's calendar: Loft Reserved and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 77 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 82, low: 63.
  • Friday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• As some churches are closing, this one is 'replanting' across Iowa (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Cornerstone Church on Ames' east side is drawing about 4,000 adults a week and inspiring new church "replants" across rural Iowa, including a fast-growing congregation in West Union. Leaders say their Ames-rooted Salt Network model and online teaching are helping overwhelmed rural pastors and residents seeking community and spiritual stability.
   

• Emerging Form - Claire Boyles on the Relationship Between Fiction and Real Life (kvnf.org) — Ames readers might recognize Claire Boyles, who splits her time between Loveland and Ames while teaching creative writing and the environment at Iowa State University. In this podcast episode, she talks about how real-life, often political, experiences shape her fiction, how characters can carry complicated opinions, and how writers can mine their past lives for both material and practical skills.
   

• Iowa Cattlemen's Association Welcomes Ag Committee Chair (klem1410.com) — From a base in Ames, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association is spotlighting Iowa's role in rebuilding the national cattle herd after hosting U.S. House Agriculture Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson at the Iowa State Fair. Local and state leaders discussed expanding grazing on CRP land, helping young producers access capital, and adapting to shifts in major meat processing, all with an eye on the next Farm Bill.
   

📸 Around Ames

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Ames

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Thursday August 20
  • Central Elementary Back to School Night
    Nevada Comm School District Central Elementary School
    5:00 pm
  • Middle School Open House
    Nevada Comm School District Nevada Middle School
    5:30 pm
    • Tuesday September 15
  • Loft Reserved →
    Dog·Eared Books, 203 Main St, Ames
    9:00 am

📣 Ames Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Any short-form poets around - haiku, senryu, tanka?
    Wanting to make connections with others who write this type of poetry who live nearby -- Story County, Hamilton County, Boone County? (Nextdoor 215th St)
  • my late husband, jack and i, always used rick hilker!
    he gave us outstanding service; value for our money, prompt service, and very professional. i sold our house; so i don't mow anymore, but i'd use… (Nextdoor Skycrest Dr)
  • Iowa State University posted a job opening for Custodian I - Department of Residence in Ames. Apply here.
  • Danfoss, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler / 1st Shift in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.

🗞 Nearby News

Nevada

  • Democrats' 2028 presidential calendar gives Black and Latino voters and union members an early say (miamitimesonline.com)
  • Iowa ethanol backers share concerns with Rob Sand • Iowa Capital Dispatch (iowacapitaldispatch.com)
  • Forget the Guinea Pig: 'Adopt a Cow' Program Brings the Farm to the Classroom (nevadabusiness.com)

Boone

  • STRAUSS Brings German Engineering and Drew Baldridge to Farm Progress Show (rfdtv.com)
  • Iowa State University Digital Ag Innovation Lab Launches Inaugural Combine University (iastate.edu)
  • Data Centers Reshaping Rural America (southeastagnet.com)

Ok Ames! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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