Poinsettias for Christmas

You can help decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias in memory/honor of a loved one or in celebration of a special event. Please click here to complete the online form by Sunday, December 17. The cost is $15 for a small pot and $25 for a large pot. You are welcome to take your plant home or give it to someone else to enjoy after December 25. 

Holiday Organ Music

December 3 at 9:30



Faith Lutheran's Organist, Stephen O'Baker, will present a program of Advent and Christmas hymns and other musical selections in the Sanctuary on December 3 from 9:30 - 10:15 am. A live stream of the program will be available by clicking here.

Faith Formation Activities

Sunday at 9:30

Children's Classes (PreK-Gr. 6)

Opening in Room 106, Classes in Rooms 102-105

Pointed Questions (Gr. 7 - 12)

Meet in The Point

Discover Faith Event

December 3 at 11:30

Discover Faith is a one-time event where attendees learn what it means to be part of Faith Lutheran Church. The next event is this Sunday, December 3 at 11:30 am in St. Michael’s Hall. Click here to register. New members will be received the weekend of December 9-10. Contact Pastor Carlson at eric@faithlc.org with any questions.

Handel's Messiah Concert

December 3 at 2:00

Celebrate and sing along with Handel’s Messiah, presented by the Des Moines Community Orchestra, on Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines. Click here to learn more.

In Light & Darkness

December 6, 13, 20

This Advent season, we are reminded that God is God of light and darkness. Join us Wednesday nights on December 6, 13, and 20 for a meal at 5:30 and worship at 6:15 in St. Michael’s Hall. A free-will offering for the meal will be accepted. Click here for upcoming meal menus. Printed devotionals are available in the Commons. More information about worship services and events in Advent and Christmas are at faithlc.org/advent.

Child-led Worship

December 10

The children of the congregation will lead worship on December 10 at 8:15 and 10:30 am. This includes songs sung by the children's choir, children as worship helpers, and children performing an original skit. Click here or email Caitlyn Reinders at cfm@faithlc.org if you have a child who would like to be involved.

Lessons and Carols

December 17

The Music Ministry will be presenting the annual Lessons and Carols services on December 17 at 8:15 and 10:30, featuring special music by the Chancel Choir, Jubilate Bell Choir, and organ.

Cookie Walk

December 17 at 9:30



The Cookie Walk fundraiser will take place on December 17th from 9:30 - 10:15 am in St. Michael's Hall. All money raised will support Lutheran Lakeside scholarships for Faith Lutheran campers. There are lots of different ways the congregation can help! Click here to sign up and learn about ways to get involved.

7th Stage Social Gathering

December 17 | 4:00 - 6:00

The next 7th Stage Social Gathering is Sunday, December 17 from 4:00—6:00 pm at the home of Steve & Cheryl Hamilton (4115 Plumwood Dr, WDM). RSVP via email (the7thstageflc@gmail.com) or text (515-491-9638). The “7th stage” refers to the time of middle adulthood when people come together to nurture positive changes that will benefit others.

CFUM Fundraiser



Faith’s partnership with Children & Family Urban Movement is part of our God’s Work. Our Hands ministry. You have an opportunity to support CFUM’s year-end fundraiser. Click here to donate!

Luther Park Holiday Wish List

You may donate gift items to residents of Trinity Center at Luther Park in the box in the church entryway. Print copies of the wish list are located there as well. Click here to download the wish list. Please bring the new, unwrapped gifts to the church by Sunday, December 3.

Project Holiday Cheer

The God's Work. Our Hands. Team will be collecting presents for our friends at Mosaic this holiday season. Tags will be available on the tree in the commons. Please return your wrapped and tagged presents by Wednesday, December 6th. 

Join the GWOH team for present delivery and caroling on Sunday, December 10th. Meet at the church at 2:30 pm. We will head out in groups with hot cocoa in hand! Please click here to sign up.

If you know anyone that could use some extra holiday cheer, please contact Gail Marske at 515-991-6179. We would love to add them to our caroling stops! 

Churches Beyond Borders

Advent Cycle of Prayer

The leaders of the ELCA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada and The Episcopal Church have released the Churches Beyond Borders 2023 Advent Cycle of Prayer. The church leaders contributed prayers for the four Sundays of Advent, focusing on the themes truth, justice, peace and hope, especially for churches impacted by the war in the Holy Land, and for lifting up Palestinian Christian communities and ministries and the congregations and institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Click here to download the Advent resource.

Christmas Worship Schedule

Please note the following worship dates and times the last two weekends of the year. More information is available at faithlc.org/advent.

December 24 at 10:00 am — 4th Sunday in Advent 

December 24 at 4:00 & 7:00 pm — Christmas Eve 

  Candlelight and Holy Communion 

December 25 at 10:00 am — Christmas Day 

December 30 at 5:00 pm 

December 31 at 10:00 am 

Christmas Eve Soup Supper

December 24 at 5:30

Christmas Eve is more fun when we can share in fellowship and celebration around the table, face to face, with one another. Please join us this holy night for a light dinner of soup, bread, salad, and dessert. The meal will be served in St. Michael's Hall on Christmas Eve at 5:30 pm. Click here to RSVP. If you would like to bring food please contact Pastor Megan Clausen (megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9499). 

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.

Cancellation Policy

During adverse weather conditions, cancellation of Faith Lutheran Sunday worship and activities will be determined no later than 6:00 am on Sunday. Cancellation of congregational activities all other days will be determined no later than 12:00 noon. Information regarding cancellations will be posted with WHO 1040 AM radio, KCCI TV channel 8, Faith’s Facebook page, the church website, and a direct email to the congregation.

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.