Created to Be Free: A Celebration

May 19



This Sunday, May 19 we will share in a celebration and kick-off our theme for the next few months: Created to Be Free: Transformed by the Gospel.

Festival worship is at 8:15 and 10:30 featuring all music ensembles. A dedication of the Memory Garden & Columbarium will also be part of worship. Brunch will be served at 9:15. Free-will donations will be received. Click here to sign-up to help with the brunch. 

Visit faithlc.org/created-to-be-free for more information about the theme and events happening in the months ahead! 

Refugee Welcome Kits Needed

Lutheran Services in Iowa



A note Nick Wuertz, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Community Services at LSI: 

Over the past several months, LSI’s Immigrant and Refugee Community Services team has been extremely busy welcoming new arrivals from around the world to Iowa. In April alone, LSI welcomed 100 total refugees to the Des Moines and Sioux City communities. We anticipate accepting arrivals in the Cedar Valley area starting in early June. This is all incredibly exciting, and we are honored to find shelter and offer support and resources to set these new Iowans on a path to success, but our Welcome Kit supplies are very low, and we need your help! 

Consider exploring our Welcome Kit options or take a look at our Amazon Wishlist of items we can accept. All items must be new.  

The God’s Work. Our Hands. Ministry Team invites you, your family, friends, or Bible Study group to assemble these Welcome Kits. Completed kits may be dropped off in the Commons at Faith during office hours or at Lutheran Services in Iowa at 3200 University Ave., Des Moines on Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00.

CFM Day at the Park

May 19

Children and families will gather at Greenbelt Park in Clive on May 19 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. There will be lawn games and kickball as well as sandwiches and other refreshments. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A free-will donation will be accepted to offset costs. Click here to RSVP.

Pipes on Parade Organ Recital

May 19

Faith Lutheran organist Stephen O’Baker will be among the performers at this recital on Sunday, May 19 at 4:00 at Lutheran Church of Hope + ELIM, 2500 University Ave. in Des Moines. Come enjoy a rich diversity of music from 1796—the day of the recital. A reception with cookies, lemon and carrot cakes, and coffee will follow. 

Anna Thompson Recital

May 21

Anna Thompson will present a senior recital on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church. The program will consist of solo works for violin accompanied by Stephen O’Baker, along with several small group performances with friends and fellow musicians. A dessert reception will follow. The congregation is invited.

Guys' Night Out

May 28

The gentlemen of Faith will gather for food and fellowship on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00 at Dam Pub (2710 Beaver Ave, Des Moines). Email Tim Tessier and Pete Bissinger at flcgno@gmail.com to RSVP.

Ladies' Night Happy Hour

May 29

Bring a friend and join the women of Faith for snacks, conversation, and practicing joy on Wednesday, May 29 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in St. Michael's Hall. There are prizes for people who bring friends! Please bring an appetizer or dessert that reminds you of a favorite memory. We will share our memories with each other while we gather. RSVP to Pastor Megan by Monday, May 27 (641-831-9499 or megan@faithlc.org).  

Coffee with the Council

June 2

Visit with members of the Faith Lutheran Council on Sunday, June 2 at 9:30 am to learn about what's in store for the coming year. A light continental breakfast will be served in St. Michael's Hall. 

Vacation Bible School

June 9 - 12

Children from Faith Lutheran and St. John's Lutheran are teaming up for the week of VBS. The morning session for Pre-K and kids entering Kindergarten is Monday - Wednesday from 9:30 - 11:30 am. The evening session will be for PreK - 6th graders on Monday - Wednesday from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. A kick-off for all ages will be June 9 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Visit faithlc.org/vbs to learn more and sign up today! Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Caitlyn Reinders at cfm@faithlc.org.

Middle School Serving Camp

June 10 - 12

All students entering 6th-8th grade next fall are invited to spend a few days in fellowship, serving others, doing art, playing games, and growing in their faith on June 10-12 from 1:00-5:00 pm. Cost is $50. Register at faithlc.org/yfm. Contact Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9499) with any questions. 

Mission Spending Plan Meetings

June 9 & 16

The Faith Lutheran Church Mission Spending Plan informational meeting is Sunday, June 9. The meeting to formally approve the 2025 Fiscal Year Mission Spending Plan is Sunday, June 16. Both meetings are at 9:30 in St. Michael’s Hall. In the coming days you can find the Mission Spending Plan and other supporting materials at faithlc.org/council.

Core Values Vote of Affirmation

June 16

The Faith Lutheran Church Council invites a vote of affirmation of five core values which answer the question, “Who are we?” and shapes our core practices. The vote will take place at the Mission Spending Plan meeting on Sunday, June 16 at 9:30 in St. Michael’s Hall. Click here for more information about the core values.

Summer Sprouts

June 19 - August 14

Faith Lutheran Children and Family Ministries invites parents and children (6 and under) to Summer Sprouts on Wednesdays between June 19 - August 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 am on the church playground. This is a time of fellowship and connection for the grown-ups and play for the kids. Older siblings are welcome but will be asked to stay off the playground. There will be stories, snacks (coffee for the adults), art, and play. Bring your friends! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Some Seeds of Faith teachers might even make some guest appearances throughout the summer! Rain location will be Room 106 near the preschool. Call, text, or email Pastor Megan with any questions (641.831.9499 or megan@faithlc.org).

Meals from the Heartland Event

June 29



The God's Work. Our Hands. Ministry Team invites you to a food packaging event at Meals from the Heartland on Saturday, June 29 from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Our team of 40 will pack up thousands of meals which will be sent to people experiencing food insecurity around the world. Participants must be aged 8 years or older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Meals from the Heartland site -- 357 Lincoln Street, West Des Moines. Click here to RSVP. 

Habitat for Humanity: Faith Builds

July 31 - August 3



Faith Lutheran has an exciting opportunity to help with Habitat for Humanity Faith Builds. We will join Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity as we put Faith into Action and create a pathway to affordable homeownership. Participation in the 2024 Faith Build is a meaningful way for us to make an immediate impact where we live, work, and worship. Connection between other congregations will be a highlight of this year’s build, as we will work with small groups from more institutions. If you are 16 and over you can volunteer! We need a team of 6 so please email Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org) by Wednesday, May 29 if you are interested in participating.  

Memory Garden & Columbarium

The Faith Lutheran columbarium has been installed, and spring planting in the Memory Garden has been completed. We have $17,595 to go to reach our goal of funding the entire project. Please consider making a contribution to help reach the fundraising goal. You can give online at faithlc.org/columbarium or by check made out to Faith Lutheran Church with “Memory Garden” in the memo line. If you would like to reserve a niche, contact the church office at office@faithlc.org or 515-225-8334.

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.

Ways to Give

You can make financial contributions to the church in the following ways:

• Place a check or cash in the offering container in worship
• Mail a personal check to Faith at 10395 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325
• Visit the Online Giving page to make a gift online

Thanks for your ongoing support of Faith Lutheran Church's ministries.

Altar Flowers

You can honor a loved one or commemorate a special occasion by sponsoring altar flowers. Click here to sign up for a specific date. Cost is $50 per bouquet. Payments can be made online.