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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:
    • March 3 and 24
    • April 7 and 21
    • May 5 (off-site: Final Quest Party, location TBD)

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
March 29 – March 31
Various Worship Gatherings

VALLEY CHURCH EASTER WITH KIDS SERVING OPPORTUNITY

Between Good Friday and Easter gathering times, we are looking for over 50 volunteers to serve in the nursery and at Easter with Kids. We’d love to have your help! Maybe you can help either before the gathering you attend or stay after.

  • To show our appreciation for those volunteering this Easter, we are offering Jimmy John’s supper on Friday night for those serving at one of the Good Friday worship gatherings. Our primary need is the 5:30 gathering.
  • On Saturday, we are providing supper for those who serve at BOTH worship gatherings —plus a bonus surprise!!
  • On Sunday, we will have something to give as a token of our appreciation for serving at one or more worship gatherings.
Register to serve at Nursery & Easter With Kids
Sunday, March 31

NO SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAM

  • Happy Easter!
Wednesday, April 3
6:30 – 8:00 pm

DISCO NIGHT (70’s theme)

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

This night is a 1970’s theme, complete with a disco ball! Students are encouraged but not required to dress with 70’s clothes. Think bell bottom jeans, flower power, and tie dye!

Sunday, April 7
11:00 am – 12:15 pm

5TH GRADE PARENT MEETING

  • West Central Station – lower level of Valley Church
  • No RSVP required

This meeting is for parents of students who will be entering 6th grade in fall 2024. 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!

Sunday, April 7
5-6 pm

8TH GRADE GIRLS HSM CONNECT

  • Valley Church East Central Station
  • No RSVP required; just show up!

This is an opportunity for 8th grade girls to meet current 10th grade girls to build friendship and prepare to move into High School Ministry. We will serve pizza and we hope you can join us!

Wednesday, April 10
6:30 – 8:00 pm

CAREER NIGHT

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

Students are encouraged to dress up like their dream job or future career. We will hear some small group leaders share about their career and how following Jesus impacts how they do their job!

Saturday, April 13
1:00 – 4:00 pm

LOVE YOU DES MOINES FAMILY DAY

  • Valley Community Center

This day will be chock-full of family events for the whole community! Invite your friends and neighbors to a day filled with 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 coming soon.

Sign up to serve at Love You Des Moines Family Day!
Wednesday, April 17
6:30 – 8:00 pm

SENIOR NIGHT

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

On this night, we will honor our high school seniors who are small group leaders. Students are also encouraged, but not required, to dress like a senior citizen!

Wednesday, April 24
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 1
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!

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!