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Sunday, March 26
11:00 – 12:15 pm

5th GRADE PARENT MEETING

  • Room C2 – Lower Level of Valley Church
  • No RSVP required

This meeting is for parents of student who will be entering 6th grade in Fall 2023. 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!

Wednesday, March 29
6:30 – 8:00 pm

CAKE NIGHT

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

We’re going to celebrate our friends by eating cake! Students are encouraged, but not required, to invite a friend who doesn’t normally go to any church or who doesn’t know Jesus personally. We’ll celebrate friendships and help students grow closer to one another.

Sunday, April 2
5:00-6:00 pm

8TH GRADE GIRLS HSM CONNECT #1

  • Valley Church Family Room (near upper level west entrance)
  • Pizza and drinks included
  • No RSVP required; just show up!

It’s time to get ready for High School Ministry (HSM) and we want to help the transition be as smooth as possible! All 8th grade girls are invited to a gathering that will connect you with current 10th grade girls. You will learn about High School Ministry from 10th graders, connect with 10th graders through games, and have a chance to ask questions. That way when you enter High School Ministry in a few months you’ll know a few of the older students who will be there! Questions? Email Jodi at jodio@valley.church.

Wednesday, April 5

SMALL GROUP NIGHT

  • Time and location TBD by your small group leader
  • In lieu of normal Wednesday night program

We are not meeting at the Valley Community Center on this night. Small groups have the option to do a special hang-out somewhere around town for fun, connection and snacks! Details will be provided by your small group leader.

Sunday, April 9

NO SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAM 

  • Happy Easter!
Wednesday, April 12
6:30 – 8:00 pm

PET NIGHT

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

Students will have a chance, with their parents’ help, to bring their pet from home for show-and-tell at the beginning of the night. Pet Time will be approximately 6:30-6:50 pm so parents can bring pets when they drop off their kids, stay with the pets for 20 minutes, and then take pets home at the end of Pet Time. We would ask that no pets get left at the Valley Community Center for the duration of the night. We would also ask that all animals be kept on a leash. We will be stationed outside the Valley Community Center-no pets are allowed in the building.

Saturday, April 15
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.

Learn More About Family Day
Wednesday, April 19
6:30 – 8:00 pm

SENIOR NIGHT

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

Students are encouraged but not required to dress like a senior citizen. On this night we will hear advice from the high school seniors who serve as Small Group Leaders in Middle School Ministry. We love our senior citizens and our high school seniors!

Wednesday, April 26
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!

Sunday, April 30
5:00-6:00 pm

8TH GRADE GIRLS HSM CONNECT #2

  • Valley Church Family Room (near upper level west entrance)
  • Pizza and drinks included
  • No RSVP required; just show up!

It’s time to get ready for High School Ministry (HSM) and we want to help the transition be as smooth as possible! All 8th grade girls are invited to a gathering that will connect you with current 10th grade girls. You will learn about High School Ministry from 10th graders, connect with 10th graders through games, and have a chance to ask questions. That way when you enter High School Ministry in a few months you’ll know a few of the older students who will be there! Questions? Email Jodi at jodio@valley.church.

Wednesday, May 3
6:30 – 8:00 pm

VOLUNTEER STAFF APPRECIATION NIGHT

  • Location TBD

There is no student programming 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!

Sunday, May 7
9:30 – 10:45 am

8th GRADE FAITH STORIES

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

8th grade students will share their faith story during our Sunday morning program. We want all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to attend our Sunday morning program as normal. Parents, friends, and family of 8th grade students are also invited to attend!

Wednesday, May 17
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.

By completing this registration, you are committing to being at your home with your 5th grader on Wednesday, May 17. A team of adults and students from the Middle School Ministry will greet your 5th grader in your driveway to say hi, get to know him or her, and share a few special gifts! Questions? Email joeb@valley.church.

5th Grade Families Register
Saturday, May 20
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

7TH GRADE CAMP DAY (FOR STUDENTS FINISHING 7TH GRADE)

  • Wildwood Hills Ranch
  • Cost: $40
  • Registration required by Sunday, May 14
  • Lunch is provided
  • Drop off and pick up at Valley Church
  • Wear close-toed shoes
  • Wildwood Hills on-line waiver required

It’s time for 7th grade students to prepare to be the oldest class in the Middle School Ministry! All 7th graders are invited to spend an afternoon participating in the low ropes leadership experience at Wildwood Hills, a camp about 30 minutes south of Des Moines. Students will go through a variety of challenges that will help them grow their communication, team-building, and leadership skills. Afterward, we’ll have a few hours of free time at camp. The cost includes lunch, transportation, the low ropes fee, and a snack.

Register for 7th Grade Camp Day
Friday, June 2 at 4:00 pm – Saturday, June 3 at 11:00 am

8TH GRADE VACAY (FOR STUDENTS FINISHING 8TH GRADE)

  • Cost: $70 (covers 2 meals, transportation, lodging and swimming)
  • Registration required by May 28
  • Drop off and pick up at Valley Church

It’s time for our 8th graders to have one last hurrah in the Middle School Ministry! We will swim, eat dinner, stay overnight, and prepare for the transition into the Valley High School Ministry (8th Grade Move-Up into High School is Sunday, June 4). 8th graders will also have the chance to begin connecting with High School Ministry staff.

Register for 8th Grade Vacay
Sunday, June 4
9:30 – 10:45 am

MOVE-UP SUNDAY

  • Valley Community Center Gym
  • No Registration required; just show up

The Middle School Ministry is excited to welcome our newest members! New 6th graders should come to the Valley Community Center Gym at 9:30, along with new 7th and 8th graders. We will make sure the new students receive a warm welcome!