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| Teams provided free breakfast throughout the downtown skywalks and the East Village. |
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| Walnut Creek Downtown teams kicked off Mission to the City with breakfast drops on early Friday morning. |
Showing posts with label Walnut Creek Downtown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walnut Creek Downtown. Show all posts
Downtown Teams Breakfast Drop Throughout the East Village and Skywalks
Glitter, Tiaras, and Princesses–Oh My!
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| Over 170 girls danced the night away at Walnut Creek's first ever Daddy-Daughter Dance. Photos by: Carrie Krupke |
The girls entered the auditorium to applause and were then ushered to a candlelit table. Dads and daughters took their pick of an array of donated desserts. Then the girls could make their own tiara or friendship bracelet, get their face painted, or smile big in front of the camera at the photo booth. There was even a special appearance by seven Disney princesses, who took pictures with girls and had fun out on the dance floor.
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| Disney princesses made a special surprise appearance at the dance. |
"I loved the image of there being an opportunity to have something that really valued that special relationship between a father and daughter. It's the picture of how God loves us; it should be celebrated," said Megan. "I was overwhelmed by just how much people cared and wanted to make this successful. We more than doubled expected numbers and fully packed the house. It was a beautiful explosion of memories and special moments."
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| Each girl received a handwritten note and a flower. |
"I was really blessed by the night. My daughter had a great time seeing princesses, making a tiara, eating treats and dancing with me," said Pastor Luke Hukee. "It was a well done event. The girls were all really excited."
Carrie Krupke, of Walnut Creek Johnston, captured hundreds of smiles as the event photographer while her husband, Gerard, and their daughter, Adelaide, danced the night away.
"Adelaide's countenance changes when Daddy walks in the room, she laughs harder with him, freely gives him kisses and hugs more often. She literally lights up with him," said Carrie. "It is Adelaide's healthy and loving relationship with her earthly father that will help her bridge the gap of understanding about her Heavenly Father. It is critical that we cultivate that every chance we get."
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| Dads and daughters could make their own tiaras and friendship bracelets, too. |
"I'm in awe of all the work that went into it so selflessly. The bulk of the volunteers do not have daughters, many were single. I love that there are people in our church body who recognize the vital importance of strengthening the relationship between daughters and their dads," said Carrie. "They saw an opportunity to serve a large part of our church families and did such a great job!"
You can view the full gallery of photos on the event's Facebook page.
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights
Christmas Eve at Walnut Creek Church
Join us at one of our three Christmas Eve services. This year Walnut Creek Church will be hosting two services at our Downtown location and one at our Windsor Heights location:
December 24 @ 4pm and 6pm
323 East Locust Street, Des Moines (Use South entrance on Walnut Street)
(515) 418-9994
December 24 @ 6pm
900 64th Street, Windsor Heights
(515) 418-9994
Awana Children's Choirs Perform "Star of Wonder," A Christmas Musical
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| The Awana Children's Choirs perform "Star of Wonder," on Sunday, December 13 at Walnut Creek Downtown. |
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| The Cubbies perform a few songs before the musical begins. | Photo courtesy of Jill Udey |
"The kids were really singing out. You could tell they enjoyed the songs," said Pastor Joel Swanson.
Prior to the program, Awana Music Directors Tiffany Fahy and Megan Coakley held two Saturday practices and a dress rehearsal the day of the musical. Children who had speaking roles also had additional practices.
"I am so proud of all of the Awana kiddos and the hard work they put into tonight's program," said Tiffany Fahy. "They looked beautiful on that stage, and they sounded amazing."
Megan Coakley thought the program went very well, especially because of the children's excitement and joy. "The kids were excited to sing their songs because when preparing for the program, I told them we were planning Jesus' birthday party," said Megan Coakley. "The Sparks and Truth and Training worked very hard each week to learn their songs. I loved when they really knew the songs and would sing their hearts out!"
Walnut Creek Kids Director Jacob Bennett, as well as Tiffany and Megan, would like to thank everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the program a success, including the tech crew, refreshments, leaders, and parents.
"I was encouraged to see God glorified through the mouths of so many children," said Jacob Bennett. "I’m really excited to see them grow in faith and see how God uses their lives in the future!"
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| The Christmas Program was hosted at Walnut Creek Downtown and brought together the Windsor Heights and Downtown Awana locations. | Photo courtesy of Jill Udey |
Walnut Creek Kids Director Jacob Bennett, as well as Tiffany and Megan, would like to thank everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the program a success, including the tech crew, refreshments, leaders, and parents.
"I was encouraged to see God glorified through the mouths of so many children," said Jacob Bennett. "I’m really excited to see them grow in faith and see how God uses their lives in the future!"
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights
"Tomorrow's Freedom Is Today's Surrender"
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| Five women perform "Dawn To Dusk" by All Sons and Daughters at the Women's Coffeehouse on November 6. |
Before the Women's Coffeehouse even began, all 570 chairs set out were taken. By 7pm, more than 620 women gathered together to hear stories of God's deliverance and rescue through personal testimonies, worship, and fellowship.
The inspiration for this year's coffeehouse came from Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
After opening in prayer, the worship band, composed of Cindy Andorf, Hannah Wright, Sara Choi, Jillian Aurelio, and Liz VanderSchel, performed "Dawn To Dusk" by All Sons and Daughters. Throughout the evening, the speakers referenced the lyric, "Tomorrow's freedom is today's surrender" to share their personal experiences of freedom found in Christ.
"The Christian life in essence is a life of surrender," said Shaly Moyal. "This year's Women's Coffeehouse centered around the theme that Christ died to free us, and that freedom is only found through surrender."
The first speaker of the evening, Haley Altmaier of Walnut Creek Downtown, shared the story of her relationship with her now husband. Haley described the desires, emotions, and actions God asked her to surrender during a time of unforeseen pain and confusion. As she surrendered, God showed her His patience, goodness, and faithfulness.
Following Haley, Carla Richey of Walnut Creek Downtown shared her testimony of how the Lord has helped her to continually surrender her children and their future to Him as she and her husband choose to center their universe around God and His Kingdom, realizing that these children are His. In surrendering her children to God, she has seen the peace that comes in trusting the Lord to lead, guide, and direct her children toward Himself.
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| Over 620 women from all locations of Walnut Creek Church attended the coffeehouse. |
The last speaker of the evening was a video testimony by Christy Jo Hogg of Walnut Creek South. At age 13, Christy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When she was 18, her brain tumor began growing again, and Christy thought God was punishing her for her rebellious lifestyle.
The day after she found out the cancer had come back, Christy met Jon and Agatha Crane of Walnut Creek South. The Cranes gave her a Gospel tract and invited her to church and their Community Group. Not long after giving her life to Christ, Christy found out she had another tumor, except this time it was inoperable. Doctors gave her 14 months to live. In the video, Christy shares her story of surrendering her entire life to God and how the Lord has helped her understand the pain and suffering of cancer.
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| The annual Women's Coffeehouse event was held Friday, November 6 at Walnut Creek Downtown. |
"We wanted women to see that this life, the Christian life, requires continual surrender as we desire to experience more and more freedom that Christ offers," said Shaly. "We tried to demonstrate and share the variety of decisions that women have had to make through various videos and testimonies, hoping and praying that each woman in attendance would be able to relate to at least one of these decisions and decide to make it for herself in an effort to see and experience Christ."
Over 100 local businesses donated door prizes, which were handed out throughout the evening. The annual coffeehouse is a way for women to invite their friends, neighborhoods, coworkers, and family members to join in genuine fellowship and hear about the power of the Lord working in other women's lives.
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights
Walnut Creek Extends Grand Welcome to Karenni Congregation
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| Walnut Creek Karenni held their first service at Walnut Creek Downtown on Sunday, November 1. Photo by: Alex Michl |
In 2013, Mike and Jenessa Lock of Walnut Creek Downtown realized that the Karenni refugees they had come to know did not have a church in Des Moines. Through a relationship with a Burmese woman named Pawdeenya, the Locks began to help her reach Karenni with the Gospel through apartment Bible studies.
About a year and a half ago, the Karenni Christian Fellowship began meeting on Sunday afternoons at Freedom For Youth Ministries. The Locks, as well as Brandon and Ashley Johnson of Walnut Creek Downtown, helped to facilitate the Sunday service including worship, teaching, and children's ministry. About 80-90 Karenni regularly fellowship together each Sunday.
Over the last year, Walnut Creek has partnered with the Karenni Fellowship in their ministry, and on November 1, Walnut Creek Karenni held their first service at Walnut Creek Downtown. The Grand Welcome Celebration marked the beginning of the Karenni service becoming part of Walnut Creek Church.
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| The service included worship in both the Kayah language and English. Photo by: Alex Michl |
The Karenni comprise nine different people groups, who speak different languages and dialects, from their home state of Myanmar (Burma). Many of the Karenni have lived for years in refugee camps in Thailand before coming to Des Moines.
Fourteen Karenni adults were also baptized during the service, sharing their testimonies of lives changed by Christ. "It was beautiful to be a part of the celebration as many of the older believers began to sing out 'There is a Fountain' while those publicly declaring their faith were entering the baptismal waters," said Mike Lock.
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| After the Karenni service, a meal catered by HyVee was served. Photo by: Alex Michl |
After the service, adults and children fellowshipped together with a meal and kids' activities, including the popular bouncehouse. "It was a great atmosphere of celebration," said Mike Lock.
Pastor Tim Rude spoke at the service and gave praise to God for all that has been happening within the Karenni people. Tim says Walnut Creek is excited to join arms with the Karenni people as they join the church and begin to have their own service at the Downtown location.
Pastor Tim Rude spoke at the service and gave praise to God for all that has been happening within the Karenni people. Tim says Walnut Creek is excited to join arms with the Karenni people as they join the church and begin to have their own service at the Downtown location.
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights
2015 Apologetics Conference, "5 Reasons to Bet Your Life on the Bible"
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| Dr. Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace presented on the reliability of the Bible during the 2015 Apologetics Conference hosted by Walnut Creek Church October 16-18. Photos courtesy of Bruce Hall |
"I'd rather live in the inconvenient truth than a convenient lie," said J. Warner Wallace this past weekend at the 2015 Apologetics Conference hosted at Walnut Creek Downtown. The conference brought over 500 people to the East Village to hear J. Warner Wallace and Dr. Sean McDowell as they presented "5 Reasons to Bet Your Life on the Bible."
Dr. Sean McDowell is a professor at Biola University as well as an author, apologist, speaker, and editor of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students. J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case homicide detective, adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University, Christian case maker, and author.
Sean began the conference on Friday night with an "Atheist Encounter," where he role-played as an atheist and answered questions from the audience, challenging them to think critically about what they believe. "Christianity can hold its own in a world full of ideas," said Sean. "Christianity is about a God who stepped into history itself."
The conference continued on Saturday with two morning sessions and one afternoon session, covering the first three reasons believers can bet their lives on the Bible. Sean spoke on Reason 1: "The Bible Is Reliable," and took a historical look at the Bible, manuscript transmission, and archaeology. Then, Jim followed up with Reason 2: "The Bible Is Trustworthy," as he looked at the difference between Biblical artifacts and evidence while responding to some of the biggest objections to the transmission of the Bible.
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| J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case homicide detective in Los Angeles County, California. Formerly an atheist, Jim became a Christian when he was 35. |
In the afternoon, Sean spoke on the evidence for the resurrection, making the case by examining the death of Jesus, the empty tomb, the appearances of Jesus, and the transformation of the disciples. "No other religion rests on a single historical event like Christianity," said Sean. "The reason I believe that God is good is because death doesn't have the final word."
On Saturday evening Jim spoke at both Downtown evening services, as well as the South location. Jim gave Reason 4: "The Bible Has Been Transmitted Accurately," discussing the eyewitnesses of the Gospel accounts and how from a cold-case perspective, he came to fully trust their reliability
To conclude the conference, both Jim and Sean gave Reason 5: "The Biblical Account Best Explains Evil." Jim spoke at the Windsor Heights Sunday morning services, while Sean spoke at the 10am Downtown service. Throughout the weekend, both Jim and Sean encouraged believers to seek God and trust the Bible for answers. "Don't be an accidental Christian," said Jim. "Know why you believe."
For more apologetic resources from Sean and Jim, visit their websites at seanmcdowell.org and coldcasechristianity.com.
Conference media will be available on the Walnut Creek website.
For more apologetic resources from Sean and Jim, visit their websites at seanmcdowell.org and coldcasechristianity.com.
Conference media will be available on the Walnut Creek website.
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights
A Weekend Full of Fall Festivities at Walnut Creek Downtown and South
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| 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.
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| 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
Summer Sowing in Valley Junction
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| A Downtown Community Group passed out over 3,000 tracts, 2,000 water bottles, and 1,000 sunglasses this summer at the Valley Junction Farmers Market. |
Every Thursday night, Greg Baker’s Downtown Community Group could be found at the Valley Junction Farmers Market. Partnering with the city of West Des Moines and the Valley Junction Foundation, the group volunteered by picking up trash in exchange for a booth. This summer marks the third year they have volunteered.
Throughout the summer, they gave out over 3,000 Gospel tracts, 2,000 bottles of water, and 1,000 Walnut Creek sunglasses, in addition to Bibles and invitations to church. The booth space allowed the group to form relationships with people at the market, West Des Moines officials, and fellow vendors.
Their prayer throughout the summer was to see the Gospel sown and people reached. God answered their prayers. One of their first weeks, they met Marci, who had just moved to Des Moines with her son. The group was then able to help her son move into Des Moines University and introduce them to Walnut Creek Downtown.
The group also reconnected with Stephen, a young man who they had met and shared the Gospel with a few years earlier. “It turned out one year later he was saved. He is only 16 but well read in the Bible and has a heart to reach the lost,” Greg said. “For the last two weeks at the market, Steven joined us at our booth and went out sharing the Gospel with us.”
Whenever the group had enough volunteers to clean up with trash and be at the booth, people would then go out into the crowd and engage in conversations about Jesus. “The Gospel was sown with many soft hearts this summer,” Greg said.
Prayers for favor with the city were also answered. Each week different city officials and volunteers would thank them and show appreciation for their work. Greg says they initially planned to work the market through July, but with so much fruit seen and so many relationships formed, they have extended their time to August and possibly September.
“We will continue to clean up trash, and sow and water God's Word. We look forward to seeing what God makes grow,” Greg said.
By Jackie Wallentin and Greg Baker
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights and Downtown
#m2tc | Pancake Brunch Raises Money for Operation Christmas Child
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| A Downtown Community Group serves pancakes Sunday to raise money for Operation Christmas Child. |
As a fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child, a Mission to
the City group served a pancake brunch after church on Sunday, May 24 at the Downtown location. The money raised – nearly $500 – will go toward the church’s
annual Christmas in July event on July 31. This year, the goal for Christmas in
July is to raise $7,000 and pack 2,000 shoeboxes with gifts for children in
impoverished countries with little or no access to the gospel.
“The pancake brunch is a great way to serve families from
the Sunday morning service as well as other Mission to the City groups looking
for an easy way to eat lunch together,” said Brett Stewart, one of the
organizers of the event. “Plus, the money raised goes to a great cause, and who doesn’t love
pancakes?”
The leftover pancakes, syrup, and butter were donated to
Bethel Mission, an emergency shelter for homeless men, and also taken to a
homeless camp in Des Moines.
Before church on Sunday, the group met at 7 a.m. at Walnut
Creek Windsor Heights to start mixing batter and flipping pancakes. They
filled seven roasters full of pancakes, which they hauled downtown before
church. Immediately following the service, the group set up a serving line in
front of the stage and also plugged in griddles to keep flipping
pancakes.
They served plain and chocolate chip pancakes with butter,
syrup, and peanut butter. They also offered lemonade, coffee, and water. The cost
was $5 per plate for all-you-can-eat pancakes, and kids ate for free.
Mark your calendars for Christmas in July on July 31, and
begin collecting new and gently used toys, school supplies, and hygiene items
for the gift boxes.
By Tim Laehn
Walnut Creek Downtown
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