Calendar & Events

Sunday Evenings
6:00-8:00 pm

8th Grade QUEST

• Valley Church – West Central Station (lower level)
• $20 registration required
• Eat dinner before you come
• Gathering dates for spring semester:
  • Jan 9 & 23
  • Febr 6 & 20
  • Mar 6 & 27
  • Apr 10 & 24
  • May 1

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.

Friday, January 28 – Sunday, January 30

WINTER BLAST

• $140 by Jan 19; $160 Jan 20-23
• Registration closes Jan 23
• DEPART: 4:30pm at the Valley Church Main Entrance on Friday the 28th. Bring a sack supper.
• RETURN: 12:45pm at the Valley Church Main Entrance on Sunday the 30th. We will NOT eat lunch on the way home.

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 some really fun memories.

STUDENTS: Should eat dinner before they come on Friday or bring something to eat on the trip up. We will eat a late pizza snack Friday night.

Friday, February 25
6:30-10:30pm

STAFF SCAVENGER HUNT

• Cost: $15 (eat dinner before you come)
• Register by Wednesday, Feb 23
• Drop off at Valley Church
• Pick up at Valley Community Center

Our favorite middle school staff members will be dressed up in disguise. Your mission is to travel around the mall and find them hiding among the crowds. After that we’ll go back to the Valley Community Center to hang out and have some more fun. Please note that drop off is at Valley Church and pick up is at the Valley Community Center.

Sunday, February 27
8:00, 9:30 or 11:00

BAPTISM SUNDAY

Baptism is an important moment in the lives of Christ-followers! Students 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. No RSVP is required; just show up! Gatherings will be offered at the following times:
   *Sunday, Jan 16; 10:45-11:00 am at Valley Community Center
   *Wednesday, Jan 19; 8:00-8:15 pm at Valley Community Center
   *Sunday,  Jan 23; 10:45-11:00 am at Valley Community Center
   *Wednesday,  Jan 26; 8:00-8:15 pm at Valley Community Center
   *Wednesday, Feb 2; 8:00-8:15 pm at Valley Community Center
   *Sunday, Feb 6; 10:45-11:00 am 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. Dates to sign up for your video recording will be coming soon.

Saturday, March 26
6:00-7:30pm

RECPLEX INDOOR SKATING

• Cost: $10
• Register by Wednesday, March 23
• Drop off and pick up at RecPlex (6200 Grand Ave, West Des Moines)
• Bring extra $$$ for snacks

We’re excited to spend an evening skating at the newest athletic facility in Des Moines! Students will be able to ice skate on one of the RecPlex’s indoor ice rinks! Rental skates are provided and included in the registration cost.

Sunday, April 10
11:00 am – 12:15 pm

5th GRADE PARENT MEETING

• Valley Community Center Gym
• No RSVP required

This meeting is for parents of kids who are finishing 5th grade. Parents will be able to meet middle school staff, connect with other parents of 5th graders, learn how students can make a smooth transition into the Middle School Ministry, and ask questions.

Sunday, April 17

NO PROGRAM

• Off for Easter

Saturday, April 23
5:00-9:30pm

SLIPPER FORMAL

• Cost: $20
• RSVP by Wednesday, April 20
• 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 must wear slippers. We’ll be 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 the area while in our formal attire!

Sunday, May 1
11:00am – 5:00pm

7th GRADE CAMP DAY (for students finishing 7th grade)

• Cost: $40
• Lunch is provided
• RSVP by Sunday, April 24
• Drop off and pick up at Valley Community Center
• Wear close-toed shoes
• For students finishing 7th grade
• Wildwood Hills on-line waiver required
• Please complete the Wildwood Hills waiver via this link: https://signnow.com/s/EOnOpob3

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 some free time at camp. The cost includes lunch, transportation, the low ropes course fee, and a snack.