"Five Faith Foundations" at 2015 Collegiate Fall Conference

The 2015 Fall Conference brought over 150 students to Jordan Park Camp this weekend. 

More than 150 students from Drake, Grand View, and DMACC attended the 2015 Fall Conference this past weekend at Jordan Park Camp. Students and young adults from churches in Ames, Cedar Rapids, and Minneapolis attended the conference as well.

The weekend, hosted by Campus Fellowship, offered students an opportunity to take time away from work and school and focus on hearing from God and His Word. Pastor Dan Rude spoke five times throughout the three-day conference, addressing five key foundations to the Christian faith. "My prayer is that by the end of our time, you will own your faith," Dan said.

Dan's emphasis on the ownership of faith resonated with Drake student Apple Lim and encouraged her efforts to love students on campus. "It is very refreshing to us as we do outreach to people. How we can help people own their faith–sustainable and strong faith," Apple said.

Campus Fellowship has ministries on Drake, Grand View, and DMACC campuses. 

The conference challenged students to think about who God is and strengthen their foundation of faith. Students also enjoyed bonfires, a flag football tournament, sand volleyball, and free time to fellowship with one another throughout the weekend.

"Dan is very clear in both providing evidence in scripture and giving visual examples to remind and grind the truth into our minds," Apple said. "It impacted and encouraged me a lot just seeing my brothers and sisters spend their time at the conference, wanting to grow and learn together with me in His knowledge."

Visit fallconferencedm.com to learn more about the conference.

---

By Jackie Wallentin 

Walnut Creek Windsor Heights

A Weekend Full of Fall Festivities at Walnut Creek Downtown and South

Walnut Creek Downtown and South both hosted Party in the Parking Lot events this past weekend.
Photos courtesy of Sarah Johnson

With summer almost over, Walnut Creek Church is in full swing for the fall. This past weekend both Walnut Creek Downtown and South hosted events to kick off the season and celebrate the beginning of our new church-wide series, "Set Free". This weekend marked the first message in the new series through the Book of Exodus.

Walnut Creek South hosted Party in the Parking Lot Saturday evening before the 6pm service with kids activities, inflatables, free food, and games. Many new people came to church making this weekend the highest attendance for a South service ever. The party continued after the service with free root beer floats.

Inflatables, face painting, and other kids activities created a family-friendly environment.

On the other side of Des Moines, the East Village was abuzz between the World Food Festival and Walnut Creek Downtown's two weekend events.

After the Saturday evening services, a large screen was set up outside for tailgating–church style. While watching the big game, people could enjoy free pizza and outdoor activities. Numerous passersby from the World Food Festival stopped in to watch the game, too. The Downtown location will host tailgating after Saturday services this weekend as well.

The festivities continued Downtown on Sunday with Party in the Parking Lot. The warm September weather provided ample sunshine for the afternoon barbecue, which began following the 10 a.m. service. Families from Downtown Saturday services joined the party as well, welcoming many new couples and families from the Des Moines community.

Keep track of all Walnut Creek's fall events through our online calendar. You can also follow along with the "Set Free" series through our mobile app or online.

---

By Jackie Wallentin 

Walnut Creek Windsor Heights

"Set Free" Series Launch This Weekend

The "Set Free" series launches this weekend, September 19-20, at all four Walnut Creek Church locations. 

Walnut Creek launches a new message series – "Set Free" – church-wide this weekend. The "Set Free" series covers the end of Genesis through Exodus Chapter 20, looking at the chronicle of how God built a nation from Joseph's life and then established Israel through the leadership of His servant Moses 400 years later.

"In our own lives, God can carry us through the difficulties and challenges we encounter," said Pastor Tim Rude. "Like Israel, we can experience His comforting presence in troubling times."

The record of Exodus displays God’s power, glory, and grace. Exodus is more than a story about Moses. Exodus is the story of the people of God.

As God dwelt among the Israelites, He dwells among us today–through our lack and His provision, our conflict and His solution, our rebellion and His grace, our bondage and His mercy.

God reveals who He is and our identity as His ransomed people. As He leads the Israelites out of Egypt, God establishes Himself as their redeemer and ours. Through the blood of the lamb, God offers freedom from sin to all people. The bondage of death is gone. Jesus sets us free.

Join us in praying for the "Set Free" series, that God would show us, as a church, our hearts and the sins keeping us in bondage. That God would reveal our rebellious ways and lead us to repentance. And that God would grow our devotion and love for Him as our great redeemer.

Free "Set Free" study guides are available at each location. You can also follow the message series through our mobile app and online.

Share your thoughts and what you're learning during the series on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with the #SetFreeSeries hashtag.