Gloria Dei Adult Ministry

Gloria Dei has many opportunities for adults to study and apply God's Word to their daily lives and to enjoy fellowship with other believers. Join a group at any time.

New to the Lutheran Church? New to Gloria Dei? Check out our membership classes

In addition, if you are hurting and need some help, please check out our Congregational Care page or call the church at 276-1700.

Explore our listings and choose your favorite subject. Contact the office at 276-1700, if you have any questions, would like to sign up for a group, or would like to assist in any way.

Senior Adult Ministry

This ministry seeks to assist members of the retirement and near retirement age group to participate in the mission of the church, bringing people to Christ for the first time and for a lifetime. Four ministry action teams plan programs and events with opportunities for fellowship, service, growth and learning, and travel. Two retired pastors lead this ministry, Pastor Don Boeschen and Pastor Curt Foreman.

A Matter of Balance
Mondays and Wednesdays, April 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 and 29, 2013 from 1-3 p.m.
A Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. Classes are taught by lay led coaches twice a week for four weeks for two hours. This class is facilitated by staff from the Polk County Health Department. Cost is $20. Space is limited so register early.

To register for this class contact Diane at 276-1700 x220 or email diane@gloriadeionline.com. Please make checks payable to Polk County Health Dept.

Too Much Stuff?
Thursday, May 16, 2013, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (noon)
This class is offered to help you organize your "stuff", de-clutter your space and even provide tips for those down-sizing or planning a move. The class will be led by Jo Ann Hesse.

Please RSVP for this event by contacting Diane at 276-1700 x 220 or email Diane.

If you have questions, please contact Pastor Curt Foreman.

Adult Essentials

Prayer Ministry
At times, you may need more prayer support; therefore we have a group of people willing and able to pray for your urgent needs. We have blue prayer request cards beneath the pews in the Sanctuary. You can also submit prayer requests by calling Diane Young at 993-3870 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

If a need arises during other hours, please call 276-1700 and select option 5 for “pastoral care” and leave a message. A pastor will get back to you as soon as possible.

Small Groups
Small groups are being formed. For more information, contact Pastor Robarge.

Baptism
If you are interested in being baptized or having your children baptized, click here.

Discovery - New Member
Thursdays, May 30, June 6, 13, 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m.

This class is for those who desire to join Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, whether new to the Lutheran faith or transferring from another Lutheran church. We will revisit the basics of our beliefs and be encouraged to grow in our faith in God and service to others.
Register online or
Contact Pastor Robarge for additional information and if you are interested in attending this class.

Bible Classes

Pre-Marriage Class
Next dates to be announced!
Couples wishing to be married at Gloria Dei in the upcoming year must take a pre-marriage class. For more information, please call 276-1700 during office hours M-F 8-4 p.m.

Want information about having your wedding at Gloria Dei? Click here

Financial Peace University
Next class begins Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is now open. Childcare is provided.

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 9-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and God’s plan for your life. The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, increasing your ability to give and much, much more. More than 650,000 families and individuals have attended Financial Peace University. On average, FPU graduates have paid off over $5,300 in debt and saved $2,700.

Childcare (3 months to age 9 years) is provided free of charge. In order to ensure proper staffing please contact Diane at diane@gloriadeionline.com with first name and ages of your children.

To register, click here.

To find out more information, click here.
To watch a video, click here.
The class is $95, which can be paid in full the first night of the class.

Bible Studies and small groups

Adult Bible Study
Sundays from 9:15-10:00, 9:50-10:50 and 10:45-11:30 a.m.
This class will use the curriculum from the message series "The Story". No registration is necessary. Childcare is provided. Contact Pastor Robarge.

Women's Bible Connections
Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6:30- 8 p.m. in rooms 136-138

Mondays, April 8 to June 3, 2013 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. (will not meet May 27)
We will study “Malachi: "A Love That Never Lets Go".

This is an eight session women's Bible study on the book of Malachi. Lisa Harper's first video Bible study with LifeWay focuses on God's mercy. On our worst day, God doesn't walk away from us. And His love for us is not determined by our performance. No matter how many times we mess up, God loves (and never leaves) broken people. "I the LORD do not change." Malachi 3:6.
Women taking this bible study will gain a fresh perspective on the Book of Malachi. It is more than a book in the Bible about tithing. Lisa Harper brings the Scripture to life through dynamic storytelling.

The cost for the member book is $15. If you would like to join this study, please contact Lisa Scherer, 490-4108, or email Lisa to order a study guide.
Contact Pastor Robarge at probarge@gloriadeionline.com.

Men’s study - 33 Series - Volume 1 - A Man and His Design
Next dates for 33 Series - Volume 1 to be announced!
Choose the day. Choose the path. Honor God. Love your family.
Join us for a six-week study. Every man must understand and come to grips with the defining moments and key relationships that have shaped his unique story. Suggested donation for the book is $20.

Men’s study - 33 Series - Volume 2 - A Man and His Story
Wednesday, March 27 to Wednesday, May 1 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.; meets at Overtime - 4810 86th St., Urbandale
Every man's life tells a "story." In the pursuit of Authentic Manhood, every man must understand and come to grips with the defining moments and key relationships that have shaped his unique "story." This volume of "33 The Series", provides men with a biblical perspective of their "story." It equips them to embrace how their past has affected their present and prepares them to deal with whatever the future may hold. In "A Man and His Story", both experts and regular guys will help men learn from their past, come alive in their present and enjoy God's best in the future. Cost of $20 provides a book for each participant.



To watch a preview

Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study
Tuesdays, from 2:30 - 4 p.m. (Bible study from 3-4 p.m.)
Join us again in January as we study "Radical" by David Platt. Social time begins at 2:30, with the study beginning at 3 p.m.

Tuesday Evening Women's Bible Study - Encourage Each Other (EEO)
Tuesdays, from 7 - 8 p.m. in the cry room (ongoing)
This small group alternates between a study of a book in the Bible and a study of the group's choice. Please join us; no registration is necessary. For information call Jane Lamfers at 279-8414.

Pastor’s Bible Study
Wednesdays from 10 -11:30 a.m. in rooms 131-133
Join this ongoing group as we study various subjects led by one of our pastors. This fall we will continue with the study of the three-year lectionary series found in the Lutheran Service Book.
Contact Pastor Robarge.

Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. in room 128
Join us anytime. We have lots of coffee, prayer, study and discussion that will energize you to live out the rest of the week with enthusiasm. Contact Pastor Robarge.

Laura Rath's Blog
The January Study has concluded.
Laura Rath is a Christian, wife, mother, writer, blogger, contributor for 5 Minutes for Faith, and I work in church ministry. Over the years I've learned (often the hard way) to trust in God and depend on Him in all areas of my life. With the Lord, nothing is impossible. Laura's online Bible study, using books relevant to women today, and welcoming all women, regardless of age, location, or religious background.
The January online study will be "Finally Free...Living Free & Loving Life" by Kim Tabor.

This study has concluded but you are welcome to log on to Laura's blog to review the lessons and comments.

You can find Laura at Laura Rath - Journey in Faith.

Gloria Dei Book Club
Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Cry Room

The Gloria Dei Book Club will be discussing "Coming Home" by Karen Kingsbury.

In Coming Home, Christian author Karen Kingsbury tackles the complexity and beauty of being a family. After several years of separation, the Baxters plan a summer lakeside family reunion, a celebration everyone is looking forward to — until the unthinkable happens. As they rally together through the tragedy, the season brings changes to them all and strengthens their faith in God and each other.
If you have any questions or comments, or if you wish to suggest a book for future reading, please email Book Club leaders.

The Tool Shop will be informed of our selections, and may have copies available in the near future.  No registration is necessary.

Wedding

Our beautiful Sanctuary is available to our members for weddings. Contact the office for availability.

If you are a member of another LCMS Church, you may inquire about having your wedding here, at the discretion of the Executive Director.

For a copy of our wedding book: Click here

Pre-Marriage Class
Next dates to be announced!
Couples wishing to be married at Gloria Dei in the upcoming year must take a pre-marriage class. For more information, please call 276-1700 during office hours M-F 8-4 p.m.

Care Night Session
Fall dates to be announced!
Our support groups are designed to help people who are facing difficult situations. If you are hurting, grieving or need extra support, join us for a comforting evening on Thursdays support groups. The individual support groups meet at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Phillips at 278-5544, ext. 204.

For any needs or concerns, please call 276-1700 during office hours M-F 8-4 p.m.

For more information on Congregational Care support groups click here.

Social or Special Groups

XYZ Group
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Join this Extra Years of Zest (XYZ) group as they converse and pray together on the first Tuesday of every month at the Machine Shed Restaurant.

LWML - Women on a Mission
Various times during the month
LWML has lots of meeting times throughout the week as different circles meet to study, pray, converse and adopt many service projects. For more information, Donna Maasen at 278-4259.

Gloria Dei Quilters
Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in rooms 130/132/134
Even if you don't sew much, we can help you get started with easy patterns and helpful tips that all but guarantee success. Make a quilt for someone special or donate your quilt to a mission project. For additional information, please contact Karen Hoff.

Scrapbook Fellowship
Friday, April 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in rooms 131/133
Come as your schedule allows for a fun-filled scrapbooking time. It is a great time to work on your projects and get to know each other. For more information, contact Deb Kesse at 251-8324.
Childcare: If you need childcare, contact Carol Wenndt by Wednesday, April 10 at 306-4352 (phone or text) with the date, times (start and finish) as well as the number of children.

Faith Alive Meals
Wednesdays from 5-6:15 p.m.
Wednesdays, Sept. 12, 2012-May 1, 2013 from 5:00-6:15 p.m.
Enjoy a meal with the entire family of Gloria Dei in the Family Life Center on Wednesday evenings during the school year. The cost is $5 per adult, and $2.50 per child, children under 2 eat free.

April 10: Bacon Lettuce and Tomato/Brisket
April 17: Chicken Fingers
April 24: Grilled Hamburgers

Contact Elaine Klinefelter.

Peak Challenge 2013
July 25-29, 2013 in Leadville, Colorado
Peak Challenge is an annual opportunity for men, their sons, fathers, brothers and friends to get away from the everyday routines in life and to experience all that God has for them in a wild setting - the mountains of Colorado. This is not a "retreat" but rather an advance of men who seek to experience God in a way that will resonate deep within their souls.

Peak Challenge takes place every July in Colorado and men from around the country are part of the experience. Men are challenged physically while in Colorado hiking 14,000 foot peaks, biking and whitewater rafting. But more importantly, men are challenged spiritually to engage in the battle like never before, as they will see what is at stake. For more information, visit their Web site Peak Challenge.
Contact Bill Clark.

Life-skills Classes
We will hold classes on digital photography, Photoshop, Ebay, Internet Explorer, Facebook and other social media platforms. Dates and additional information to be announced.

Special Resources

The Harvest and The Monthly
The Harvest is a cooperative effort between Iowa District West, Camp Okoboji, LWML, Lutheran Laymen League and Lutheran Family Service. Learn about all the exciting news happening in your church at large.

Click here for the online site - Spring 2013.
Click here for the online site of the April 2013 IDW monthly supplement to the Lutheran Witness.

Professional Online Directory

We are excited to create an online directory of the wide range of talents and services of our members. If you have a business or a service that you would like to publish on our Web site, please e-mail Karen Kennedy.

New Testament and Old Testament Devotions
Our own Sue Wilson has been writing devotions that can be sent directly to your e-mail.

Dei Time NT (New Testament) Devotionals
To Register Click Here

Dei Break OT (Old Testament) Devotionals
To Register Click Here

Dei Break
Need a break? Take some time and subscribe to this daily devotion written by our own Sue Wilson. To view the site or to subscribe, Click here now.

Pray for the Military
Please remember in prayer all Gloria Dei members and friends serving in the military.

Compassion and Conviction
With the latest statement by President Obama concerning same-sex marriage, we thought it would be useful to look at the issue from a biblical perspective; therefore, we have a document that was written by a sister congregation in San Antonio, Texas. Our desire is to present the issue from a loving and compassionate perspective that will show Christ’s love to all people without regard to their sexual orientation. Download the document.

If you have questions after reading this document, please contact the church office.

Click here to listen or view Pastor Burcham's sermon on "Compassion and Conviction."

Online Giving Options

At Gloria Dei, we are excited to offer an online giving and payment option for our members. This service is secure and safe.
Stewardship: You can access commitment cards, increment sheets, simply giving sheet.
For more information, go to our online giving and payment option page.