National Youth Gathering : Gathering Ambassadors
The 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering is 18 months away, but plans are already underway to make this event successful. The Gathering will provide thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ and learn about the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity.
A major part of Gathering’s success is the thousands of volunteers—including Gathering Ambassadors—who dedicate their time and energy pouring into the youth participants and adult leaders attending. Gathering Ambassadors are humble servant leaders, age 26 and older, who are joyful, energetic, quick to listen, and safety-minded. They are fun, friendly, and flexible! Most of all, Gathering Ambassadors love Jesus and shine His light in all circumstances.
If you or someone you know would love to serve as a Gathering Ambassador, applications are open through March 15. To apply to become a Gathering Ambassador, visit www.lcmsgathering.com/volunteer. For more information, please contact the Gathering Ambassador Leadership team at gatheringambassador@gmail.com.
Pre-Retirement Workshop
Need help planning for retirement? Concordia Plans is hosting a pre-retirement workshop for workers in Iowa District West on Saturday, April 13, from 9 am - 3 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Workers enrolled in the Concordia Retirement Plan pension, especially those age 50 or older who are thinking about retirement, are encouraged to attend. Spouses are also welcome. Topics covered include basic retirement finances, sources of retirement income, health care in retirement, tools and resources, and more. Please register by April 5 at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RetirementCPS .
Social Media Conference
Level up your church's social media game! If you are tasked with upkeeping your church’s social media, come learn how to effectively reach more people and shine God’s light.
In this workshop you'll learn hands on skills to:
- Design social posts that authetically reflect your church's message
- Use hashtags and keywords
- Create reels and video content that connects people to the Gospel
- Drive engagement that fosteres meaningful relations
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Location: Iowa District West, 409 Kenyon Road, Suite B
Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Cost: Free
Register by May 10
Download the Flyer and PowerPoint
Spring Pastors Conference
Date: May 6-7, 2024
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church and Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield, IA
Topic: Confirmation, Catechesis, and First Communion: History and Pastoral Practice
Speaker: Rev. Mark Surburg
Cost: $100
ScheduleSpeaker BioRegister
Support the Ukrainian Lutheran Church
In light of recent events in Ukraine, we are partnering with Mission Central to raise funds for the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. These funds will go towards food, supplies, clothing, and other personal items for these refugees. Please consider supporting these individuals by sharing this information with your congregation and/or contributing financially.
Please see the attachment for full details.
Ordination Anniversaries – 2024
We share with the leadership of our congregations the names and ordination dates of Iowa District West pastors who will celebrate “special” ordination anniversaries. Congregations are encouraged to observe these ministry milestones with an appropriate celebration.
If we have erred or failed to include someone who is observing an anniversary this year, please contact Jill Davis at the District office.
We rejoice and give thanks to God with these gifts to His Church.
IDW Planned Program Bible Studies
The Human Care Committee shares the following Bible studies to help carry out resolution 2-04 from the 2015 district convention: Resolved, that the congregations, schools and other ministries of Iowa District West be encouraged to incorporate at least one intentional act of Christian mercy into their annual ministry plans with the goal of serving especially the citizens and institutions of their local community. May it make your congregation aware of the opportunities in your local community to share God’s mercy.
Leader Guides | Participant Guides
Transitioning Leadership
Preparing Congregational Leadership for Ministry with Christ.
Ministry Excellence Fund - Education Debt Assistance
The purpose of this Fund is to provide assistance to rostered pastors and professional church workers in Iowa District West in addressing financial issues which undermine the effectiveness of their ministries
Student Financial Aid
The Student Financial Aid Committee is pleased to announce that scholarships in the amount up to $5,000 are available for any student from a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Iowa District West who is currently a full-time student at one of the synodical universities. This scholarship is for non-church work students (provided by the District’s Kouhns Endowment).