Location: Norwalk
Leaders: Kyle & Tory Flynn and Dave & Becky Audette
Some childcare available
The Flynn and Audette families are excited to start a life group in Norwalk and open their doors to develop rich community and friendships in this area. If you’re a family in Norwalk, this group is for you!
Location: Waukee
Leaders: Scott & Karen Victor
Scott and Karen recently moved to the metro and are a military family. They’ve been married for 24 years and have two grown children. Scott enjoys playing disc golf, investing/finance, running, reading and the family’s three dogs. Karen enjoys all the same things in addition to cooking, baking and trying new restaurants.Their life group will be focused on married couples in their 40s-50s in the Waukee area.
Location: Zoom
Leaders: George & Kathie Held
We are retired from work but not from growing and learning! We love to travel, and once the pandemic has ended, we have lots of places we want to see.
We have been married 5 years. This is a second marriage for both of us. George’s first wife passed away 7 years ago, and Kathie was divorced over 25 years ago. We found each other through eHarmony. We each have our children, four in-law children, and seven sweet grandbabies.
We moved to Des Moines three years ago and built a new home near Van Meter. After moving here, we visited a number of different churches and chose Valley because of its teaching and vibrant ministries.
We’d love for you to become part of our online Life Group! We’ll be a group of folks who learn, grow, listen to and support each other, serve others, and enjoy Christian fellowship.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Vernon Delpesce
Topical Study
Recently retired? Join Vernon and the gang as they discover God’s purpose for this new phase of life and explore how to finish well while having some fun.
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. Grief Share meets weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Bethany Thompson
This life group is primarily for individuals that have gone through Divorce Care and are looking to join a community that understands your pain and desire to grow spiritually. Bethany is looking forward to getting to know all who join.
Location: Cumming
Leaders: Daniel & Angela Doyle
Some childcare available
In their 10 years of marriage, Daniel and AJ have lived in several states, but love being back in their hometown of Des Moines (except when it snows). They have one toddler son, and they’ve been fortunate to serve as guardians for many other kids who are now all in college. Their favorite things include traveling, basketball (Daniel) and bubble tea (AJ). They plan to meet at their home (about 10 minutes south of Valley) and are looking forward to developing sincere friendships and growing together.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Eric & Jodi Vander Wall
Eric and Jodi have been married 10 years and have a dog named Bella. They enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and serving in the church wherever they can help. This life group is aimed at couples and singles in their 30s-40s, whatever life stage you find yourself in. They’d love to meet you as we seek to grow closer to God and form a community of support, serving, and fun!
Location: Urbandale
Leader: Ben Willcockson
This is a Life Group for young men—mostly in their 20s and/or recent college graduates who are focused on making disciples of ourselves and of all nations through fellowship, worship, ministry, discipleship, and evangelism. We are passionate about Christ and obeying his commands, teaching, and admonishing while encouraging one another in becoming more like him. In an age when truth is what you make of it, we seek to build ourselves on the gospel truth, finding our identity in Jesus—one which is given by grace alone.
Ben Willcockson recently graduated from the University of Iowa and returned to the Des Moines area working for Wells Fargo Bank & Company. Ben has been a member of Valley Church for about a year but has been attending Valley Church with his family for approximately 10 years.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Vernon Delpesce
Topical Study
Recently retired? Join Vernon and the gang as they discover God’s purpose for this new phase of life and explore how to finish well while having some fun.
Location: Valley Church
Leader: Jennifer George
Childcare Available
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.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Payton Atwood
Join other young adults as we challenge each other and grow our faith while sharing in the joys and trials of life. This group looks forward to serving the community and loving Des Moines!
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Zach Carnahan & Breanna Tisl
This is a Life Group of young men and women (mostly recent college graduates in their 20s) focused 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.
Location: Urbandale
Leader: Ben Willcockson
This is a Life Group for young men—mostly in their 20s and/or recent college graduates who are focused on making disciples of ourselves and of all nations through fellowship, worship, ministry, discipleship, and evangelism. We are passionate about Christ and obeying his commands, teaching, and admonishing while encouraging one another in becoming more like him. In an age when truth is what you make of it, we seek to build ourselves on the gospel truth, finding our identity in Jesus—one which is given by grace alone.
Ben Willcockson recently graduated from the University of Iowa and returned to the Des Moines area working for Wells Fargo Bank & Company. Ben has been a member of Valley Church for about a year but has been attending Valley Church with his family for approximately 10 years.
Location: Valley Church
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.
Location: South Ankeny
Leaders: Don & Brenda Long
Don and Brenda Long have been connecting people with God’s Word for over 40 years. They bring to the table rich marriage, family, and work experience with a heart for hospitality and large laughter. You’re invited to tackle life’s hard questions and take your learning to the next level of loving well through study and fellowship.
Location: West Des Moines and Various Locations
Leaders: Jon & Emily Fontenot
Some Childcare Available
Jon and Emily Fontenot moved from the San Francisco Bay area to West Des Moines in 2017. They’ve been married for 10 years and have four energetic kids. Jon joined the Valley Church staff in August 2017 and Emily works part-time remotely for an organization that serves immigrants. The Fontenots are looking forward to building rich community with people from different backgrounds in the Des Moines metro!
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Kyle & Kristin McManus
Kyle and Kristin have been married nine years and have four kids, ages 1-16. This group is for young families who know firsthand that raising children is a busy job. We want to pause to connect with others, share our walk in faith, and support one another in life.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Jared & Tasha Yepsen
Childcare Available
This Life Group is for couples with small children who want to be challenged and encouraged in their walk with Christ. We are committed to sharing life together, especially as it relates to having young children. Topics range from sermon-based studies to lessons in godly parenting to in-depth Bible study.
Location: Valley Church – North Point
Leaders: Barb Hervey
Join an energetic group of empty nesters sharing God’s word, caring for one another, and praying for their families. We should not be content to let life pass us by, so come and join in on the fun and fellowship.
Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Denny & Marcia Henderson
We’re a community of empty-nesters (late 50s-70s) who love to learn, serve, and grow towards being wholehearted followers of Christ.
Location: Urbandale
Leaders: Scott & Juli Longstreet
Leader: Dave & Becky Staab
Location: Valley Church
Leader: George & Kathie Held
Location: Zoom
We are retired from work but not from growing and learning! We love to travel, and once the pandemic has ended, we have lots of places we want to see.
We have been married 5 years. This is a second marriage for both of us. George’s first wife passed away 7 years ago, and Kathie was divorced over 25 years ago. We found each other through eHarmony. We each have our children, four in-law children, and seven sweet grandbabies.
We moved to Des Moines three years ago and built a new home near Van Meter. After moving here, we visited a number of different churches and chose Valley because of its teaching and vibrant ministries.
We’d love for you to become part of our online Life Group! We’ll be a group of folks who learn, grow, listen to and support each other, serve others, and enjoy Christian fellowship.
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.
Location: Urbandale
Leaders: Tom & Erin Hefner
Location: Valley Church
Leader: Daniel & Selvi Christudoss and Albert Cheah
We’re very excited to start this group! Daniel and Selvi are originally from India and have been part of Valley Church for many years. Albert is from Malaysia but has been in Iowa for the last 7 years, and truly loves this place! His experience from the past 2 years with one our young adult groups has been phenomenal!
This group is for anyone looking to build community with cultures from different backgrounds or for individuals who speak English as a second language. Get ready for new friendships, rich cultural exchange, and the opportunity to grow together in God’s word!
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. Grief Share meets weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.
Location: Valley Church
Leader: Shawn Ford and Jen Green
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.
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