Calendar & Events

Sunday Evenings
6:00 – 8:00 pm

8th GRADE QUEST

• Cost: $25
• Valley Church Toddler Nursery (main level)
• Meeting Dates:
  • October 13, 27
  • November 10, 24
  • December 8 (Questmas party)
  • January 12, 19
  • February 2, 16
  • March 2, 30
  • April 13, 27
  • May 5 (Last Night party)

Quest is a class for 8^th graders that meets twice a month on Sunday nights. In Quest, we dig deep and learn the basics of Christian theology in a large group setting. We cover topics like God, sin, Jesus, the Bible, and salvation. Basically, we explore why we believe what we believe. This class is deeper and more intellectual than our regular Wednesday night and Sunday morning programs. The registration cost helps to pay for a workbook that students will be given on the first night. Students should bring a paper copy of the Bible and a writing utensil for every session. Questions? Email joe at joeb@valley.church. Eat dinner before you come.

Wednesday, November 20
6:30 – 8:00 pm

PIE NIGHT

• Valley Community Center
• No RSVP required; just show up

We’ll serve pie to celebrate Thanksgiving! We are looking for a number of parents to sign up to help provide pie, either homemade or store-bought as well as help serve and clean up.

Wednesday, December 4
6:30 – 8:00 pm

BINGO NIGHT

• Valley Community Center
• No RSVP required; just show up

We’re going to play bingo and yes, there will be prizes!!!!

Wednesday, December 11
6:30 – 8:00 pm

UGLY SWEATER PARTY

• Valley Community Center
• No RSVP; just show up!
• Eat dinner before you come

We are having a Christmas party that will include dessert, games and Christmas songs. Students are encouraged, but not required, to wear an ugly Christmas sweater!

Wednesday, December 25, January 1, January 8

NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAM

• Off for Christmas and New Year’s

Wednesday, January 15
6:30 – 8:00 pm

WINTER KICKOFF: SUNGLASSES NIGHT

• Valley Community Center
• No RSVP required; just show up!

It’s time to kick off the new year with some fun! Student are encouraged, but not required, to wear sunglasses.

Friday, January 24 – Sunday, January 26

WINTER BLAST

• Register by Sunday, January 19
• Cost: $165 by Wednesday, January 15, $185 after January 15
• Drop off at 5:00pm at Valley Church
• Pick up at 12:30 pm at Valley Church
• Bring a sack supper to eat on Friday

It’s time to get away and spend an entire weekend with other students and staff from the Valley Middle School Ministry. We will drive up to Hidden Acres and spend the weekend playing snow games, attending exciting chapels and creating fun memories.

Friday, February 7
7:00 – 9:00 pm

NIGHT TO SHINE SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

• Valley Community Center

Night To Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for guests who have special needs or disabilities. This is a great opportunity to show God’s love through service! Middle school students will be able to be dance buddies, meaning they will fill out the dance floor and have fun with the Night To Shine guests.

Saturday, March 1
7:00 – 9:00 pm

VOLUNTEER PICKLEBALL NIGHT (VOLUNTEERS ONLY)

• Valley Community Center

We want to provide a night for our middle school volunteers to connect and have fun with each other! We will provide all pickleball equipment and teach you all the rules if you’ve never played before; cost is free! Eat dinner before you come; we will provide snacks and beverages!

Wednesday, March 19

NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAM

• Happy spring break!

Saturday, March 29
1:00 – 4:00 pm

LOVE YOU DES MOINES FAMILY DAY

• Valley Community Center

This day will be chalk-full of family events for the whole community! Invite your friends and neighbors to a day filled of fun, free, family-friendly activities at the Valley Community Center. The purpose of the event is to help you build relationships with your neighbors and friends who don’t know Jesus. Some middle school students will also have the chance to help lead activities throughout the day! Specific details are coming soon.

Sunday, April 6
11:00 am – 12:15 pm

5th GRADE PARENT MEETING

• Location: TBD
• No RSVP required

This meeting is for parents of students who will be entering 6th grade in fall  2025. Parents will be able to meet middle school staff, connect with other parents, learn about the developmental significance of middle school, learn how students can make a smooth transition into the Middle School Ministry, and ask questions. You don’t want to miss this!

Saturday, April 12
5:00 – 9:30 pm

SLIPPER FORMAL

• Cost: $20
• RSVP by Wednesday, April 9
• Drop off and pick up at Valley Church Main Entrance

Students will dress up in formal attire. For example, guys can wear black pants, a button down shirt, and a tie. Girls can wear moderate dresses. In addition to being in formal dress, students can wear slippers on their feet! Parents are invited to a student fashion show in the Chapel from 5:00-5:30. After that students and leaders will eat dinner at the Jordan Creek Mall Food Court. Then we’ll go do a photo scavenger hunt around Des Moines while in our formal attire!

Sunday, April 13
8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 Services

BAPTISM SUNDAY

Baptism is an important moment in the lives of Christ-followers! Baptism is not required for salvation but it is a significant moment in the life of a follower of Jesus! Middle Schoolers will have the chance to get baptized at any of the Sunday morning worship services. To get baptized, middle schoolers must complete the following three steps:

1. Attend a 15-minute Explore Baptism Gathering. Parents are encouraged to join their student but not required. Students only need to attend one session. Explore Baptism Gatherings:
   • Wednesday, February 26, 8-8:15pm at Valley Community Center
   • Sunday, March 2, 10:45-11am at Valley Community Center
   • Wednesday, March 5, 8-8:15pm at Valley Community Center
   • Sunday, March 9, 10:45-11am at Valley Community Center
2. Fill out the online baptism form. After you submit the form, someone from our team will contact you with next steps!
3. Record a baptism testimony video to be played during your baptism service. A registration for a date and time coming soon.

Wednesday, April 16
6:30 – 8:00 pm

OPEN GYM & MOVIE NIGHT

• Valley Community Center

We’ll have a low-key night to hang out, play in the gym, and watch a movie in the Cafe! Students will get to vote on the movie. We’ll serve snacks, too!

Sunday, April 20

NO SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAM

• Happy Easter!

Wednesday, April 30
6:30 – 8:00 pm

LAST NIGHT PARTY

• Valley Community Center
• No RSVP required; just show up

All 6th-8th grade students and leaders are invited to come celebrate our final Wednesday night of ministry with a party!

Wednesday, May 7
6:00 pm – Dark

VOLUNTEER DINNER

• Location: Joe Budish’s house (500 Knoll Dr, Norwalk)
• Rain back up location: Valley Community Center

There is no student programming on this night. This event is only for weekly middle school volunteers and their families. We will honor and celebrate their amazing service throughout the past school year

Wednesday, May 21
6:30 – 8:00 pm

5th GRADE HOME VISITS

During this fun event, incoming 7th and 8th grade students will greet soon-to-be 6th graders at their homes. We will greet you, get to know you a little bit, and share a gift!