We envision spring of 2024 as a time to joyfully invite our entire church family into a spiritual journey of vision, prayer, generosity, and sacrifice as we partner with God to prepare our campus for more effective ministry—now and for years to come.
Find out why now is the time for us to MAKE ROOM for the future of our Valley Church family.
We’re excited to announce that construction will begin on the lower level of the church in August 2024 as we renovate and renew our space for God to move, to be the family, and to grow the family! During this season of expansion, children and student ministries will relocate to new, fun, and safe environments where we will continue to provide the same Biblical lessons and help kids build connections with one another.
Starting Sunday, August 4, Hand-in-Hand special needs ministry will be located by the corner cafe on the east side of the upper level of Valley Church. Children’s, middle school, and high school ministries will be in the following locations:
Nursery, 0–3
Church (upper level)
4, 5, Kindergarten
Valley Community Center
1st–5th Grade
Valley Community Center (gym)
Nursery, 0–3
Church (upper level)
4, 5, Kindergarten
Valley Community Center (gym)
1st–5th Grade
Valley Community Center (gym)
6th–8th Grade
Jordan Creek Elementary (East Entrance, Gym)
9th–12th Grade
Jordan Creek Elementary (East Entrance, Cafeteria)
Nursery, 0–3
Church (upper level)
4, 5, Kindergarten
Valley Community Center (gym)
1st–5th Grade
Valley Community Center (gym)
Nursery, 0–3
Church (upper level)
4, 5, Kindergarten
Church (upper level)
1st–5th Grade
Valley Community Center (gym)
Nursery, 0–3
Church (upper level)
4, 5, Kindergarten
Valley Community Center (gym)
1st–5th Grade
Valley Community Center (gym)
6th–8th Grade
Jordan Creek Elementary (East Entrance, Gym)
9th–12th Grade
Jordan Creek Elementary (East Entrance, Cafeteria)
Nursery, 0–3
Church (upper level)
4, 5, Kindergarten
Valley Community Center (gym)
1st–5th Grade
Valley Community Center (gym)
Nursery: Infants through 3-year-olds will all be in the upper-level nursery rooms of the church for all three worship gatherings (8:15, 9:30, 11:00).
4, 5, Kindergarten: At 8:15, our 4-year-old, 5-year-old, and Kindergarten students will be in the upper-level nursery of the church. At 9:30 and 11 they will be in the event hall (gym) of the Valley Community Center.
1st-5th Grade: Our 1st-5th grade students will meet at the Valley Community Center in the event hall (gym) for all three worship gatherings (8:15, 9:30, and 11).
At the church: Check-in stations are near the nursery counter, which is to the left when you enter the main doors.
At the Valley Community Center: Check-in stations will be at the main entry of the Valley Community Center right outside of the event hall (gym).
You can park at the Valley Community Center to bring your child in for drop-off, or if the weather is nice, you can park at the church and use the crosswalk to get to the Valley Community Center.
Enter the event hall, find your child with others in his/her age group, and show the matching parent code that came with your check-in tag to the staff/volunteers as you exit the event hall.
We have an off-duty police officer who spends time between both Valley Church and the Valley Community Center on Sunday mornings. Our volunteers also create a fun and safe environment for the children.
6th-8th grade students should enter Jordan Creek Elementary at the east side of the school building, which is closest to Valley Southwoods.
Yes, students can walk on their own.
Parents may accompany their child into the building but it is not required.
We will have a check-in station set up near the Jordan Creek Elementary gym entrance. Every student will check in and get a printed name tag to wear for the morning.
There is parking on the east side of the school building.
You and your child can decide what’s best for your family. You have a few options:
Students will be able to walk as a group back to their desired location after our program is done. They will be instructed to use the sidewalk and avoid cutting through the church parking lot. Anyone who needs to cross the street to the Valley Community Center should use the crosswalk near the church entrance.
9th-12th grade students should enter Jordan Creek Elementary at the east side of the school building, which is closest to Valley Southwoods.
If your teen drives themselves, they should park in the East Valley Church lot closest to the school.
Yes, students can walk on their own.
We will check students in on our own once they enter the cafeteria. Students do not need to worry about this process, just show up!
There is parking on the east side of the school building.
To keep tabs on all students given the mobile nature of teens, we will walk as a group to the church building and will be in the atrium by 10:45 am. No need to pick students up at the school!
Nursery: Infants through 3-year-olds will all be in the upper-level nursery rooms of the church for all three worship gatherings (8:15, 9:30, 11).
4, 5, Kindergarten: At 8:15, our 4-year-old, 5-year-old, and Kindergarten students will be in the upper-level nursery of the church. At 9:30 and 11 they will be in the event hall (gym) of the Valley Community Center.
1st-5th Grade: Our 1st-5th grade students will meet at the Valley Community Center in the event hall (gym) for all three worship gatherings (8:15, 9:30, and 11).
At the church: Check-in stations are near the nursery counter, which is to the left when you enter the main doors.
At the Valley Community Center: Check-in stations will be at the main entry of the Valley Community Center right outside of the event hall (gym).
You can park at the Valley Community Center to bring your child in for drop-off, or if the weather is nice, you can park at the church and use the crosswalk to get to the Valley Community Center.
Enter the event hall, find your child with others in his/her age group, and show the matching parent code that came with your check-in tag to the staff/volunteers as you exit the event hall.
We have an off-duty police officer who spends time between both Valley Church and the Valley Community Center on Sunday mornings. Our volunteers also create a fun and safe environment for the children.
6th-8th grade students should enter Jordan Creek Elementary at the east side of the school building, which is closest to Valley Southwoods.
Yes, students can walk on their own.
Parents may accompany their child into the building but it is not required.
We will have a check-in station set up near the Jordan Creek Elementary gym entrance. Every student will check in and get a printed name tag to wear for the morning.
There is parking on the east side of the school building.
You and your child can decide what’s best for your family. You have a few options:
Students will be able to walk as a group back to their desired location after our program is done. They will be instructed to use the sidewalk and avoid cutting through the church parking lot. Anyone who needs to cross the street to the Valley Community Center should use the crosswalk near the church entrance.
9th-12th grade students should enter Jordan Creek Elementary at the east side of the school building, which is closest to Valley Southwoods.
If your teen drives themselves, they should park in the East Valley Church lot closest to the school.
Yes, students can walk on their own.
We will check students in on our own once they enter the cafeteria. Students do not need to worry about this process, just show up!
There is parking on the east side of the school building.
To keep tabs on all students given the mobile nature of teens, we will walk as a group to the church building and will be in the atrium by 10:45 am. No need to pick students up at the school!
Our Guest Experience team is happy to answer any further questions that you may have. For support or additional information, feel free to visit us at our temporary office location, 1801 Industrial Cir, West Des Moines, IA 50265, or call 515.226.9973. Thank you for helping us Make Room for God to move, to be family, and to grow the family!
Please feel free to pick up a physical copy of the Giving Guide at the Welcome Desk.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
Not able to attend? Watch the message online.
The Fourth Sign: Feeding of the Five Thousand
1After this, Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2A huge crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was performing by healing the sick. 3Jesus went up a mountain and sat down there with his disciples.
4Now the Passover, a Jewish festival, was near. 5So when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so that these people can eat?” 6He asked this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.”
8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9“There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish—but what are they for so many?”
10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.”
There was plenty of grass in that place; so they sat down. The men numbered about five thousand. 11Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks he distributed them to those who were seated—so also with the fish, as much as they wanted.
12When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.” 13So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten.
14When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This truly is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
15Therefore, when Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Questions:
We are excited to have you along on this adventure as part of the Valley Church family. You are the answer to many prayers of those who came before you! Are you ready to commit to the vision and mission and to see what God has in store for our next chapter of ministry? Continue praying over what God is asking you to make room for and bring your commitment card to church this Sunday.
Connect with a friend and use these questions to start a conversation about John 6:1-15.
What needs to PAUSE in your life today? Ask God what he’s asking you to pause just for today. Write your commitment in the space provided in your guidebook.
Jesus, I offer you what I have—every bit of it. Use it to bring good to others and glory to you. Help me to focus on that each time I think about un-pausing.
Get the whole family (or some friends) together for a time of fun and meaningful conversation. Use the questions below as discussion starters around the dinner table or on your drive somewhere.
You can even make it a fun game: Without looking at the list of questions, ask each person to randomly choose a number between 1-10. They get to answer the question that corresponds to their selected number. Repeat for as many rounds as you’d like!
Miss a day or two? Here’s your chance to catch up and be ready for Sunday! We can’t wait to see you.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
Not able to attend? Watch the message online.
The Lord of the Harvest
The Son of Man Forgives and Heals
17On one of those days while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in him. 18Just then some men came, carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before him. 19Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus.
20Seeing their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
21Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to think to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
22But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.”
25Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26Then everyone was astounded, and they were giving glory to God. And they were filled with awe and said, “We have seen incredible things today.”
Questions:
What keeps you from getting closer to Jesus? What keeps you from getting others to Jesus? Take some time today to list out some of those barriers and talk to Jesus about them. What is he asking you to break today in the name of healing?
When you meet with your Life Group, you get to take action! Rip the roof provided after your group discussion. Not able to meet this week? Write your barriers on a piece of paper and rip it up at home.
Connect with a friend and use these questions to start a conversation about Luke 5:17-26.
What needs to PAUSE in your life today? Ask God what he’s asking you to pause just for today. Write your commitment in the space provided in your guidebook.
Jesus, show me what I can do to get people to you. Whatever it is, I’m willing. Help me to focus on that each time I think about un-pausing.
Remove Barriers
This week is about removing BARRIERS that keep us from getting to Jesus. What holes do you need to rip to get closer to Jesus? What needs to be removed in your life to make room for God to move?
As a fun way to illustrate this idea, look in your junk drawer or elsewhere and post on your social or story the weirdest thing you’re holding on to. Be sure to share and tag us on Facebook and Instagram.
Why do we hold on to things that aren’t serving us? Let’s clear out what’s in the way and make room for what’s better!
Miss a day or two? Here’s your chance to catch up and be ready for Sunday! We can’t wait to see you.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
As part of our Make Room initiative, we’re also launching other ministries designed to serve the needs of the Des Moines community. Through Thrive Ministries, you can help us support vulnerable children and families.
FREE career training. Land a new career in just 6 months.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
As part of our Make Room initiative, we’re also launching other ministries designed to serve the needs of the Des Moines community. Through Thrive Ministries, you can help us support vulnerable children and families.
FREE career training. Land a new career in just 6 months.
Not able to attend? Watch the message online.
The Lord of the Harvest
35Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”
Questions:
How could you offer yourself to God for the harvest? On Sunday you received the following handout with ideas for ways we can reprioritize our resources for the crowds who need Jesus’ love. Put the handout where you’ll see it often and begin to pray how God might move you to be involved.
Connect with a friend and use these questions to start a conversation about Matthew 9:35-38.
What needs to PAUSE in your life today? Ask God what he’s asking you to pause just for today. Write your commitment in the space provided in your guidebook.
Give me deep compassion for all those around me who need to know the Good Shepherd. Show me how I can be involved in pointing them to you. Help me to focus on that each time I think about un-pausing.
At Valley, we make room for neighbors to become friends … and pray that we see those friends become family through the Gospel!
So here’s an amazing opportunity to make room in your schedule and on our campus for relationship-building: Check out all the activities happening tomorrow during Love You Des Moines Family Day, and invite a neighbor, colleague or friend to join you for one of them.
Miss a day or two? Here’s your chance to catch up and be ready for Sunday! We can’t wait to see you.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
Not able to attend? Watch the message online.
The Great Commission
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Prologue
1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit Promised
4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The Ascension
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Questions:
Hide God’s word in your heart by (temporarily) tattooing it on your wrist! The design includes the first letter of each word in Acts 1:8 to help you memorize it this week!
Connect with a friend and use these questions to start a conversation about Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:1-11.
What needs to PAUSE in your life today? Ask God what he’s asking you to pause just for today. Write your commitment in the space provided in your guidebook.
Today, I’ll take up your mission. Move aside anything keeping me from living out the calling you have for me. Help me to focus on that each time I think about un-pausing.
Don’t keep it to yourself! Take time to tell someone in your life about Easter. Here are a few ideas:
Miss a day or two? Here’s your chance to catch up and be ready for Sunday! We can’t wait to see you.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
Not able to attend? Watch the message online.
23Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
Questions:
Today is a great day to invite your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to celebrate Easter! What better way to demonstrate how God brings dead things to life than to share our Easter invitation? Continue praying for God to show you the opportunities he’s lining up for you to share the good news of Jesus.
Connect with a friend and use these questions to start a conversation about John 12:23-26.
What needs to PAUSE in your life today? Ask God what he’s asking you to pause just for today. Write your commitment in the space provided in your guidebook.
Jesus, thank you for giving up everything for me, and for others who have poured into me. Give me an eternal perspective to invest for the sake of others. Help me to focus on that each time I think about un-pausing.
Does it seem a little strange to call it Friday Funday when we’re reflecting on Jesus’ death on the cross? We get it. Entering into the Easter story starts dark, but we know what’s coming. Jesus is alive!
Miss a day or two? Here’s your chance to catch up and be ready for Sunday! We can’t wait to see you.
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
• Watch the quick Make Room video with Pastor Brandon
• Discuss the below questions
• Share personal highlights from the daily activities in the Make Room Guidebook
Not able to attend? Watch the message online.
Ministry in Galilee
14Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity. 15He was teaching in their synagogues, being praised by everyone.
Rejection at Nazareth
16He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written:
18The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
20He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”
Questions:
Use this image as your cell phone home screen or background photo, so you can take God’s truth wherever you go. Whenever you see it, remember that you are part of the unstoppable kingdom launched by Jesus.
Connect with a friend and use these questions to start a conversation about Luke 4:14-21.
What needs to PAUSE in your life today? Ask God what he’s asking you to pause just for today. Write your commitment in the space provided in your guidebook.
Jesus, I want the truths of the scroll to be accomplished in me and through me to everyone I know. Help me to focus on that each time I think about un-pausing.
Valley Community Center
Friday, March 22
5-7 pm
Hey Valley Church! Let’s “BE FAMILY” by taking time to do the things that families do together – celebrate, share a meal, catch up on life.
This is a unique opportunity to get together with no agenda at all – just hanging out and enjoying being part of this beautiful Valley Church family. Stay for 10 minutes or the whole time!
• Free food / snacks / drinks
• Tailgate games
• Bounce houses
• Open gym
Miss a day or two? Here’s your chance to catch up and be ready for Sunday! We can’t wait to see you.
© 2024 Valley Church.
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