Message Series

The life of Jesus according to Mark

This weekend continues the series of messages concentrating on the Gospel of Mark. This Gospel's central themes are the death of Jesus, discipleship, Jesus as a teacher and as the Son of God.

The message will again focus on Mark chapter 1. Enjoy this fast-moving narrative.

Discussion Guide - Feb. 4 and 5

Read the Bible online.

Survey

Members - Take a few minutes for a survey

The Governing Board wants to hear from the members at Gloria Dei to help them understand each member’s point of view. Understanding the congregation will aid them in mapping out a plan for the future. So, whether you voted yes, no or didn’t vote at all on last month’s comprehensive plan vote, please fill out the survey this week.

Click here to fill out the survey.

If you prefer written surveys, hard copies can be picked up at the Welcome Centers.
Survey ends Monday, Feb. 6

Helping teens

Grief hits home

Please keep the Johnston youth and their families in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their classmates.
To help the youth, the youth ministry is actively talking with students and will also offer a six-week grief support session starting Sunday, Feb. 12 from 6-8 p.m. If you or someone you know would like to talk or to take the session, e-mail Tim Kightlinger or call 278-5544, ext. 212.

Audio seminar

Making sure it's the greatest story ever told

Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rieman Music, 6501 Douglas Ave., Urbandale, Iowa

This free audio seminar is opened to all churches to help produce a memorable Easter worship service. Click here for more information. To register.

To help the least of these

A trip to honor and to build

A team will be heading to Dominican Republic to dedicate a gymnasium in honor of Treye Blythe, who was a young murdered while pulling a friend out of a fight. Read more about this story...

For more information or to donate to Project 52, click here.

Bible Studies

Two Bible studies

The Courageous Living Bible Study for Men

Saturday, Feb 11, 18, 25 and March 3 at 7:30 a.m.
or Sunday, Feb 12, 19, 26 and March 4 at 9 a.m.
The “Courageous Living Bible Study” is a dynamic four-week study that helps lead men toward living more courageously in four key areas: responsibility, priorities, legacy and faith. We are looking for 25 men to join the study, will you have the courage to be counted? To register.

“God’s Story Your Story” by Max Lucado

Begins this Sunday at 9:10 and 10:15 a.m.
The 9:10 and 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning adult class will start a new video series this week, entitled “God’s Story Your Story.” Max Lucado, pastor and author, provides a fresh perspective on how your daily life relates to God’s grand, epic story. No registration is needed - just show up.

Tiny Treasures Preschool Registration

Register for 2011-12 school year

Tiny Treasures Lutheran Preschool has a few openings for the current school year. If interested contact Jo Lynn Yeutsy, Director of Tiny Treasures. . Registration is as simple as ABC. To begin, click here.

Help the homeless

Share the Heat Campaign

Continues in the narthex. Gloria Dei is partnering with Joppa Ministries to help provide warmth to the homeless this winter by raising funds to purchase propane gas. Joe Stevens is the founder of Joppa Ministries that provides assistance for meeting the needs of the unsheltered in the metro area.

For more information concerning Joppa Ministries, click here.

To watch a video of the plight of the homeless, click here.

To donate today, click here.

Tithing

Text Tithing

In order to keep up with technology, Gloria Dei now accepts tithing by text! The same provider for our Simply Giving and Online Giving programs, Vanco, added a new service to the mix. Before texting a donation for the first time, login to our Web site at www.gloriadeionline.com. Click on the To pay online today and complete (or update) an online profile and check the “Opt In” box. After opting in, texting a donation to the church is quick and easy. Once you are set up, click on the text tab for further instructions. You will be typing the keyword “Give,” along with the dollar amount and your four-digit PIN. Vanco will then process your contribution from the account you have set up, just the same as if you processed an online contribution.

For more information, call Shari Smith at 515-278-5544, ext. 202.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Members

Choice Dollars can go to Gloria Dei

If you are a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, you have a new, easy way to help support what matters most to you—even your own congregation. Through Thrivent ChoiceSM, a new charitable grant program, members can help choose where Thrivent Financial distributes some of its charitable funds each year. A letter will be sent to you shortly.

By directing Choice Dollars, you can request funding for thousands of Lutheran organizations nationwide, including Gloria Dei. Potential designated Choice Dollars amounts that can be directed range from $25 to $500 for each eligible member.

For more information click here.

For Fun

Christian Games, Trivia, and Cartoons

What are Cartoons for Christ?They are a series of flash cartoons and games for the young Christian mind. The interactivity of these games make learning God's Word educational and fun for children and adults of all ages. Play the Games

Coloring Book

Open payments test for office only