Our DNA as a church and as United Methodists includes a deep commitment to doing good, standing with those who are marginalized and making a difference in the challenges people face, whether in our community or far away. Check out some of the opportunities below to join in this work of peace, justice, and compassion.
Missions
Our Missions team chooses projects throughout the year where we can make a difference with our presence, our advocacy, and our giving. Our newsletter highlights these opportunities regularly. Take a look and see how you might connect!
Valley Work days
Our monthly Valley Work Days connect interested folks with projects that need doing around our green space and our building. Every bit of this work is aimed at outreach and ministry support for the work Valley is doing in the world. All are welcome to join in, on any 4th Saturday between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Serve a Meal
Every other month (depending on CFUM’s COVID status), we provide and/or serve a meal at CFUM (Children & Families Urban Movement), a program at 8th & College in the Riverbend neighborhood in Des Moines. It’s a great opportunity to make a difference for hungry people in the Des Moines metro. We don’t just put food on people’s plates. We’re present with conversation, care, and connection.
Rethink Incarceration
For many years we’ve maintained a partner relationship with Women at the Well, a ministry that began fifteen years ago as a church inside the Iowa women’s prison in Mitchellville. Through the years, we’ve joined in their worship, we’ve formed a reentry team to surround women returning from prison, we’ve been advocates for changes in criminal laws, and we’ve sent volunteers to work with this great ministry inside and beyond the prison. This work has changed our perspective on incarceration and criminal justice, and on the human beings who find themselves behind bars. For more information, be in touch with Pastor Lee; she’ll be glad to connect you with current service opportunities.