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Sunday Evenings
6:00 – 8:00 pm

8th GRADE QUEST

  • Cost: $20
  • West Central Station – lower level of Valley Church
  • Meeting Dates:
    • May 5 (off-site: Final Quest Party, located at 3725 Commerce Dr
      West Des Moines, IA 50265—Ari Raridon’s house)

Quest is a class for 8th 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.

Register for Quest
Wednesday, April 24
6:30 – 8:00 pm

LAST NIGHT PARTY: MYSTERY NIGHT

  • 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 mystery-themed party!

Wednesday, May 1
6:30 – 8:00 pm

VOLUNTEER STAFF APPRECIATION NIGHT

  • Wednesday, May 1
  • 6:30-8:00 pm
  • Joe & Marcy Budish’s home (500 Knoll Dr in Norwalk)
  • Rain Backup Location: Valley Community Center

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!

Register for Volunteer Appreciation Night
Starting Wednesday, May 1
6:30 – 8:00 pm

TREASURED STUDY (Current 5th Grade Girls)

  • Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 PM
  • Start Date: May 1
  • Other meeting dates: May 8, 29 and June 5, 12, 19
  • Courtyard Hall East at Valley Church
  • Cost is $25 for the journal and supplies
  • Register by April 28

We are excited to invite all moms and their 5th grade daughters to Treasured, a study to connect moms and tween daughters. Treasured will focus on the following critical issues for girls in the preteen phase: identity, body image, emotions, friendships, technology and faith. This study is a great way to initiate important conversations and help moms and daughters navigate this season together, strengthening the bond between them.

Register for Treasured
Saturday, May 4
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

7TH GRADE CAMP DAY

  • Cost: $45
  • Wildwood Hills Ranch
  • Lunch is provided
  • Register by Sunday, April 28
  • Drop off & pick up at Valley Church
  • Wear close-toed shoes

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
Sunday, May 5
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 15
6:30 – 8:00 pm

5th GRADE HOME VISITS 

  • Incoming 7th & 8th graders: Pick up & drop off is at Valley Church

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!

Incoming 6th grade parents: By completing this registration, you are committing to being at your home with your incoming 6th grader on Wednesday, May 15.

Incoming 7th & 8th grade students: By completing this registration, you are committing to joining the team to go visit incoming 6th graders.

Registration for Current 5th GradersRegistration for Current 6th & 7th Graders
Friday, May 31 – Saturday, June 1
4:00 pm – 11:00 am

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

  • Cost: $40/person (covers 2 meals, transportation, lodging and swimming)
  • Drop off at Valley Church: Friday, May 31 at 4:00 pm
  • Pick up at Valley Church: Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 am
  • Register by Sunday, May 26

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 2). 8th graders will also have the chance to begin connecting with High School Ministry staff.

Register for 8th Grade Vacay (students finishing 8th grade)
Sunday, June 2
9:30 – 10:45 am

MOVE-UP SUNDAY

  • Valley Community Center
  • No RSVP required

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!