Find a Life Group

Young Marrieds (with or without kids)

Tuesdays · 6:30pm

Location: West Des Moines
Leaders: Jon & Emily Fontenot

Jon and Emily Fontenot recently moved from the San Francisco Bay area to West Des Moines. They’ve been married for almost 10 years and have three energetic kids–Amelia, age 5, Dominic, age 2, and Eliana, born last summer. Jon joined the Valley Church staff in August 2017 and Emily works part-time remotely for an organization that serves immigrants.

This group is primarily for younger marrieds in their 20s-40s, with or without kids. The Fontenots are looking forward to building rich community with people from different backgrounds in the Des Moines metro!

Young Families

Sundays · 5:00pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Tony & Annie Stec

Tony and Annie live in West Des Moines and have three young children (Sophia, 6, Weston, 8, and Sienna, 10). Tony has been on the Valley Church staff since 2008 and loves the opportunity to serve the church! Annie stays at home with the kiddos and runs a small business.

Most of the people in this group have small children, but anyone interested in pursuing deeper community is welcome. This Life Group will meet on Sunday evenings and share a meal together into the fellowship time. If you’re looking for a friendly community of people to grow deeper with through the study and application of God’s word, then this is the place for you.

Young Families

Sundays · 6:00pm

Location: Urbandale
Leaders: Dave & Kelli Schoney

Dave and Kelli Schoney are parents to four kids ages 7 months-14 years. Dave is a computer programmer and Kelli homeschools their kids. They have been a part of Valley Church for 10 years.

This group is for families who are wanting to pursue true community and do real life with each other. Our hope is to be a place of encouragement, fellowship, and prayer as we work through the parenting years together. Come join us!

Young Families

Wednesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Eric & Carissa Beer
Childcare: Register children 3 and under

This Life Group is for couples looking to grow their daily walk with Jesus and to encourage one another to know him more deeply. We look to share life and develop true community through weekly discussion and fellowship. Eric and Carissa have attended Valley Church for over ten years and are parents to four active boys.

Multi-Station in Life

Sundays · 6:30pm

Leader: Angie Criger

My name is Angie Criger. I’m a young professional and have been attending Valley for 11 years. I’m excited to start a new Life Group where all ages and stations of life are welcome. My hope is that we would build community while growing deeper in our relationship with Christ. If you’re looking for genuine community, then look no further. I can’t wait to see who God will bring to this group!

Multi-Station in Life

Wednesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Jay & Kim Erickson and John Dillon

Mixed Fruit is a multi-station group of fun and fruity people who will build one another up and hold each other accountable to showing the fruits of the Spirit! We want to live Chirst-centered lives that impact our families, our friends, and our communities.

Multi-Station in Life

Saturdays · 7:00pm

Location: Waukee
Leaders: Paul & Kari Nilles

Saturday Night—Live is a group for all generations looking for a place to gather after the Saturday night service. This group will meet weekly in our Waukee home for a fun time of fellowship, food, and developing deep relationships centered around Christ.

Single Moms

Wednesdays · 6:30pm, Dinner provided at 6:00pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Jennifer George
Childcare: Register children 3 and under

This Single Moms Life Group is for women of all ages who are looking to find rest, hope, and encouragement in a Christ-centered environment. This group provides the opportunity to share the ups and downs of single parenthood while developing meaningful, supportive relationships. Jennifer is mom to two rowdy boys. She loves writing, running, cooking, and working with kids.

No Doubt · Single Women 40+

Wednesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Deb Hurley

This Life Group is for women in their 40s and up who are single or single again. It is a place to cultivate deep friendships that are centered in God’s word. If you’re looking for a friendly, no pressure group, this Life Group is for you. The leader, Deb Hurley, has lived in Iowa for 35 years. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Deb has two children and five grandchildren. She is a National Power Tumbling and Trampoline judge, which keeps her busy during the winter weekends.

Reasonable Faith: Apologetics

First & Third Monday of each month · 7:00pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Steve Stratton

This group is for those interested in becoming better prepared to respond to questions and objections regarding the existence of God and the truth of the Christian faith. As a local chapter of Dr. Wiliam Lane Craig’s Reasonable Faith ministry, our goal is to help make Christianity an intellectually viable option for thinking people in our community. Steve Stratton has developed a passion for apologetics and natural theology over the past few years.

Contact us to confirm meeting place.

Young Adults

Sundays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Julia Lantz & Ian Willard

This is a Life Group of unmarried young men and women (mostly recent college graduates and people in their 20s) focusing on Christ-centered community. We strive to grow in our understanding and obedience to the truths of God’s word and build friendships in a way that extends beyond just meeting on Sunday nights.

For more information, email Julia or Ian.

The Table

Thursdays · Social time at 7:00pm, Bible study starts at 7:30pm

Location: We meet at the Farmhouse across the street from the east parking lot of Valley Church. Please park at Valley and walk across the street.
Leaders: Joe & Karin Johnson

The Table is a group of mostly 20s and 30s, guys and girls, married, divorced, and single, who want to grow in their faith by digging into the Bible and asking questions and learning together. The group is lead by Joe and Karin Johnson, who are NOT in their 20s and 30s. Serving and social time is also an important part of this group.

Check out The Table on Facebook for our most current information.

Young Women

Tuesdays · 7:00pm

Location: Urbandale
Leader: Amy Powell

Calling all young adult ladies! New and seasoned sojourners of the faith will navigate life together, centered Christ’s truth and love in this vibrant community. Amy has been in Des Moines for 10+ years. She uses exclamation points excessively, is a world explorer, and admittedly is a work in progress, forever thankful for God’s grace. It is a joy to meet you!

Men

Wednesdays · 6:00pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Jon Fontenot

Jon is married to Emily and they have three kiddos ages 5, 2, and 6 months and a dog. He feels strongly about building community through Life Groups and encouraging guys to be servant leaders.

This group is for men (married and single) of all ages who desire to build friendships and grow deeper by studying the Bible. This group will go back-and-forth between reviewing weekend sermon topics and studies that are geared toward men.

Empty Nesters

Tuesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Waukee
Leader: Roger & Karen Blake

Roger is an air traffic control specialist at the Des Moines airport. Karen is a retired 7th and 8th grade science teacher. We both love ballroom dance and cruising. We have two grandchildren–Emma, age 5, and Ian, age 3. Karen enjoys watching them each week.

Our Life Group is called Transitions, as there is nothing more certain than change, especially as we age. And change is best endured with Christian friends. Come transition with us!

Catalyst – Next step after Divorce Care

Sundays · 11:00am

Location: Valley Church
Leader: John Berglund

This Life Group is for single-again people who have gone through Divorce Care and are looking to make friends that have had a similar experience and want to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Grief Share

Tuesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Patti Abram

If you have lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. GriefShare meets weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.

Divorce Care

Wednesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: John Berglund

This support group lasts 13 weeks long and is for those who are going through the pain and trauma of divorce or separation. Find hope and healing as we begin our session in January.