Leading ordinary people to an extraordinary life in Christ.
Fall 2020
Check out all that we have for you in our Fall spiritual growth offerings! We are so thankful to be able to keep you engaged with your faith and engaged in the mission of Gloria Dei as you grow in your faith as well! We have so many opportunities for you to gain a greater knowledge of your Bible and to deepen your relationship with your Lord Jesus and encourage you to be proactive in staying connected throughout these unusual times! Let us know how we can help you in any way and call, text or email us with any questions, concerns or needs that you may have. Jesus is bringing us closer to Him and has a mighty plan for our future together! ~ Pastor Joe
Fall Sermon Series: HIS
God promised to provide for us and to protect us, yet, the temptation is always to close our grip around the gift and claim it as our own. God desires that the gift never eclipse the giver and that we desire the hand of the giver more the gifts that come from that hand. Each week we will be looking at various gifts God has given to us and how He intends those gifts to be used for His glory, our care and the care of others.
Sept. 5 & 6 : HIS Body
Sept. 12 & 13 : HIS Environment
Sept. 19 & 20 : HIS Money
Sept. 26 & 27 : HIS Gifts & Talents

Our Worship in the Sanctuary Schedule:
7:30am Traditional (150 max occupancy) • 9:00am Blend (150 max occupancy)
10:30am Contemporary (150 max occupancy)
 
 Our Worship Livestream Schedule:
Our Livestream Services will continue as follows:
Saturday (Central Time)
5:00pm Contemporary (Livestream)
Sunday (Central Time)
7:30am Traditional (Livestream)
9:00am Blend (Livestream)
10:30am Contemporary (Livestream)
5:00pm Blend (Facebook Live!)
7:00pm  Contemporary (Facebook Live!)
Pastor Joe's Fall Bible Study: 10 Things Jesus Has Done For You
Starts Wednesday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. | Livestream
 We can so easily believe that Jesus has somehow left us alone or abandoned us. We can so easily fall into the trap of walking away from Him because we believe He’s walked away from us. In this ten-week study, we’ll explore not only what Jesus has done for us but what He continues to do for us! We’ll be reminded that He has been faithful to us in the past and that His faithfulness hasn’t changed as we walk with Him into the future!  

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. | Livestream (Will also be available in our Media Library)
Sept. 9—He’s Given You Peace
Sept. 16—He’s Given You Boldness
Sept. 23—He’s Given You Confidence Before God
Sept. 30—He’s Given You Assurance of Seeing Family
Oct. 7—He’s Given You Healing
Oct. 14—He’s Given You a Ministry
Oct. 21—He’s Given You the Ability to Forgive
Oct. 28—He’s Given You the Ability to Overcome Evil
Nov. 4—He’s Given You Victory Over Death
Nov. 11—He’s Given You Access to the Throne
Relationship Refresh
Starts the week on Monday, Sept. 7 online
The last few months have been some of the harder months many of us have been through. With the amount of changes that have happened it can take its toll on even the best of relationships. This study will help refresh the communication and connection of your relationship with practical teachings, practical exercises, and guidance on how to maneuver these changes together.
Congregational Care
A special note to our senior adults: We miss you! We would like nothing better than to gather around a table and eat Elaine's amazing lunches. However, we realize it would not be the best option...yet! In that light, we have some online selections (If you are not so keen on meeting online, we will help get you there!) as well as a Wednesday morning study that will meet in the Sanctuary.
If you need anything, please contact me. If you need help with registration, please call the church office at 276-1700. ~ Pastor Tim

Monday Online Bible Study
Starts Monday, Sept. 21 at 2:00 p.m.
This group will gather online for study and discussion. Topic will be determined. Registration is required.

Tuesday Evening Online Marriage Enrichment Class
Starts Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Pastor Tim and Kim will lead the 6-week study online on the book
"Healthy Me, Healthy Us" Registration is required.

Wednesday In-Person Morning Bible Study
Starts Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Join Pastor Tim in the Sanctuary for the video-series of "The Bible Unearthed Study."
This group will meet in person in the Sanctuary with the same social distancing guidelines as worship. Registration is required.

Thursday Evening Online GriefShare
Starts Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Kory Schramm in support study revolving around one of life's most difficult experiences. Registration is required.
Children's Ministry
A special note to our parents: We have prayed, and dissected the many angles of how to proceed this fall. After many discussions and encouragement with Pastor Joe and other Directors, a plan has been made in how to best serve those we love deeply, your children!

Weekly Resources
Every Friday, we send a children's e-mail with lots of resources, including Bible lessons, and coloring pages. Our intent is for parents to gather children and work on these Bible lessons together as a family.

Worship Packets
If your family is worshipping with us in the Sanctuary, we have sealed bags with coloring pages, crayons and other fun activities for your children.
 
Grace Place
Preschool – 5th grade on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings during worship 
will be delayed in starting. Staff will meet at the end of September to determine start time.
 
Faith Alive
   Preschool – 5th grade on Wednesday evenings will also be delayed in starting. Staff will meet at the end of September to determine start time.
 
Please know that your children are dear to my heart, they are precious,
God’s handiwork, and a joy to serve.
Even though we will not meet in person for a few more weeks,
if there is anything that you or your children need, I am always available.
Please feel free to contact me. ~ Jenn Fuller

Youth Ministry
Wednesday recharge begins Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 6:25-7:30 pm. We will be offering 3 different ways for teens to connect with God’s Word and each other. 
In-person through small groups
Zoom small groups
Video Bible study to be done at home with parents
Registration is required for in-person and Zoom. 

We will only do small groups on Wednesdays and will evaluate the CDC/governmental guidelines and add or subtract activities as necessary.

We will be celebrating the Confirmation of 38 students on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. This will allow for social distancing during worship. 

Confirmation instruction this year will take place in small groups of 8 students plus the leader. This will be offered via in-person (Wednesday and Sundays), Zoom, and video based instruction.
Tiny Treasures
Tiny Treasures will begin our school year the week of Labor Day. While some things may look a little different this year, our commitment to providing a safe, loving environment for our students remains steadfast.

To limit the number of adults in the building, all children will be dropped off and picked up in the circular drive outside the preschool and temperatures will be taken at drop-off.

If a child has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher at drop-off or at any time during the day, or has other communicable symptoms, that child will be sent home. 

Our daily schedule has been created to avoid mixing children across classes. Toys in the classroom will be limited to those that we can easily clean on a daily basis. All other commonly-touched surfaces in the classrooms, playground, and bathrooms will also be cleaned on a daily basis, and in between classes.

Staff members will wear face coverings, either a mask and/or a face shield. Students are not required to wear a face covering, however parents are certainly welcome to send their child in one if that is what they choose.
Women's Ministry
A special note to our women: We love gathering, we love a good conversation with good coffee in hand. We also enjoy the safety and benefits of meeting online in our homes. We have a variety of in-person and online options this fall. If you need anything, please contact me.- DeAnn McCue

Homemade Household Cleaner (In person) | September 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Door Hangers – Fall and Christmas door hangers
September 15 (in-person) at 6:30 p.m.
September 17 (online) at 8 p.m. 

Monday Evening Bible Study: "Names of God" (Facebook Live)
Starts Monday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Morning Rise and Shine "Names of God" (online Zoom)
Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study: "Better: A Study of Hebrews" (online Zoom)
Wednesdays starting Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

We also have lots of October events. For a complete listing, click here.
Men's Ministry
Special note to men: You are needed. You are needed for your family, friends and co-workers. Our community and world also needs to see men of integrity, men of compassion and men of light. Let's gather together online or in person to make each other better. ~ Mike Martens

2nd Annual Trap Shooting Event
Sunday, September 13 from 1-6 PM
Bring your own guns, ammo, shooting glasses and hearing protection. No gun? No worries! We have extra 12 gauge shotguns, so just bring 12-gauge target ammo. Not sure you want to shoot? That's okay, just come for the fun, food and fellowship. Registration is required (18 years and older).
Location: The farm of David and Vicki Giesselmann
7700 SW 112th St, West Des Moines, IA 50061

Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Starts Tuesday, September 15 at 7:30 a.m.
RightNow Media Presents: The Book of Ephesians with J.D. Greear:
The Book of Ephesians is a survival manual—it equips believers to thrive in a world that hates the message of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle writes to encourage believers to live well—we've been lifted from the graveyard of sin and called to shout the gospel into the darkened world. Registration is required.

Marriage Date Night
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Join thousands of couples in churches around the country for a one-night livestream experience through RightNow Media. Register at RightNow Media.

Service Opportunities
Throughout the week, we often get requests for help. If you are interested in serving in any way, please let Mike know of your availability as well as your gifts.