Program Year Registration

It's almost time to sign up for Wednesday Faith Night and Sunday School ministries! The online registration page goes live on Friday, August 18 at 12:00 pm. Look for a link in the eNews and at faithlc.org/fall.

Check out the 2023-24 Calendar and Milestones overview and add these important dates to your family planner.

Faith Night begins Wednesday, September 13 with Faith Feast at 5:30 and activities at 6:15. Sunday School classes begin on Sunday, September 17.

Ruth West Reception

August 20 at 9:30 am

Ruth West has served as Custodian of Faith Lutheran Church since August 2003. As sole custodian at Faith, Ruth is in charge of keeping the church facility clean and organized. This is no small task, and we are grateful for her work and dedication. We celebrate her 20th Anniversary on Sunday, August 20 with a "Thanksgiving for Service" in worship and a reception at 9:30 am in St. Michael's Hall. Cards of appreciation are welcome.

"Mac" to School Fundraiser Dinner

August 20 at 11:30

Children & Family Ministries will host a mac and cheese meal on Sunday, August 20 at 11:30 am in St. Michael’s Hall. The mac and cheese bar will allow you to create a custom meal from a variety of delicious toppings. Attendees are asked to bring donations of school supplies for Crestview School of Inquiry. Visit faithlc.org/cfm for a list of suggested items. Funds raised from the free-will offering will support Lutheran Lakeside Camp scholarships.  

Family Promise Week

August 20 - 27

Faith Lutheran will be hosting families experiencing homelessness from Family Promise at the Gathering House the week of August 20. Volunteers are needed to help set-up and clean up, drive the van, provide meals, host meals, and stay overnight. Visit the Family Promise table in the church commons or click here to sign up. Please prayerfully consider volunteering to serve these families in August! 

Discover Faith Event

August 13 at 11:30

Discover Faith is a one-time event where attendees learn about what it means to be part of Faith Lutheran Church. The next event is Sunday, August 13 at 11:30 am in St. Michael’s Hall. Please register at www.faithlc.org/discoverfaith. New members will be received the weekend of August 19-20. 

7th Stage Social Gathering

August 17 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

The next gathering of the 7th Stage group will be Thursday, August 17 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the home of Jill and Jerry Waage (15326 Horton Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50323). Please join us in a wonderful time of food and conversation. Everything is provided. All you need to do is attend. Call or text 515-975-3005 with any questions or if you need directions.

Be the Light Outdoor Worship & Lunch

August 27 at 10:30 am

Faith Lutheran continues to celebrate “Be the Light” with a special worship service at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater on Sunday, August 27 at 10:30 am. Lunch, sno-cones, and games will happen after worship. Bring lawns chairs or a blanket to sit on. Students of all ages can bring their backpacks to receive a blessing during worship. Park near WDM City Hall, Library, or Learning Resource Center. Golf carts are available for people who need assistance. Faith Lutheran Church will be the rain location for this event. More information is at faithlc.org/bethelight.

Memory Garden Renovation Project & Columbarium

Faith Lutheran Church is adding a columbarium to be located in what will be a newly renovated Memory Garden on the east side of the church facility. We are currently raising funds for the Memory Garden renovation which needs to be in place before we order the columbarium. We are well over halfway to our goal of $140,000. We will sign a contract with our landscaper and break ground once we have reached our goal. The Memory Garden will allow for peaceful meditation and prayer and will serve as a multi-purpose space for congregational use. 

Please consider contributing to the Memory Garden Renovation by giving online or by check made out to Faith Lutheran Church with “Memory Garden” in the memo line.

Additionally, you can make an appointment with a member of the Columbarium Committee to reserve a niche in the columbarium. Contact the church office at 515-225-8334 or office@faithlc.org. To learn more about this project, visit faithlc.org/columbarium and stop by the display in the church commons.

Faith Feast Volunteers Needed



Faith Feast is the Wednesday night meal which kicks off programming for the evening. We'd love to add YOU to the team of people who prepares, serves, and cleans up after this meal! You'll eat for free and have a fun time in the kitchen serving with other team members and getting to know those who dine with us. Shifts are from 4:45-6:45 with a team of 4-5 people. Click here to choose the time slots you'd like to serve in Fall 2023. Contact Jerry Waage (515-975-3005) if you have any questions about helping with Faith Feast. Hope you can join us!

Future Church

God's Love Made Real

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton is inviting people to make their voices heard about the future of the church. Click here to take the survey and share your thoughts as we help “create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.”

Evolving Faith

Are you interested in questioning, learning, growing, exploring, and delighting in your faith alongside other amazing people? Evolving Faith is a community that exists to cultivate love and hope in the wilderness, pointing fellow wanderers and misfits to God as we embody resurrection for the sake of the world. They are having a conference in Minneapolis, MN on October 13 & 14, 2023. It is possible to attend online or in person. Find out all about the speakers and what the days might include by clicking here. If this sounds like something you might be interested in learning more about, please come to an informational meeting Sunday, August 20 at 9:45am in rooms 203-204. Contact Pastor Megan with any questions (641.831.9499 or megan@ faithlc.org).

Meals From the Heartland Event

August 30 -- September 2

Register today for the 16^th annual Hunger Fight with Meals from the Heartland. This four-day event takes place at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines on August 30—September 2 with a goal of packaging 4 million meals. There are many volunteer opportunities in addition to packaging meals. Click here to learn more and register.  

7th - 9th Grade Retreat

Save the date! All 7th - 9th grade students are strongly encouraged to attend the retreat on September 16 & 17 at the YMCA Camp in Boone. More details coming soon.

God's Work. Our Hands. with DMARC

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is an interfaith organization with a mission of working together to meet basic human needs in the greater Des Moines community. There are many ways to support DMARC, including collecting food at the Downtown Farmers Market and working in the food warehouse (links below).

The God’s Work. Our Hands. team has set a goal of having 30 Faith members volunteer at DMARC this summer. You’re encouraged to snap a picture of your serving and email it to megan@faithlc.org so it can be added to the GWOH summer service bulletin board. BE THE LIGHT!

Assist with produce collection at the Downtown Farmers Market

Click here

Sort and pack donated items in the warehouse and assist with other projects as needed (Monday - Thursday)

Click here

Summer Small Group Study

Sharing our Faith Stories

"Sharing Our Faith Stories" small groups have begun meeting. The curriculum is available faithlc.org/bethelight and paper copies can be found at the Welcome Center in the Commons. If you would still like to join a small group, contact Pastor Eric at eric@faithlc.org or call the church office. 

Holy Land Trip w/ Grand View University

Rev. Dr. Mark Mattes and Dr. Trisha Wheelock of Grand View University are leading a trip to the Holy Land on May 11 - 20, 2024. . Click here for more information.

Pastoral Visit and At-Home Communion

If you or someone you know wishes to have a visit by one of the pastors and/or receive Holy Communion, call the church office at 515-225-8334 or email Pastor Eric Carlson at eric@faithlc.org.