Let's Do Something Beautiful for Jesus

 Everything we do, we do to serve Jesus.  We serve Him by serving others.

Here is what we do:

Wednesday Night Community Meal:  Zion provides a meal for anyone who is hungry each Wednesday night during the school year. Come and join us!

Apartment Outreach

During the summer, Zion goes to an apartment complex. We take lunch/snacks, bounce houses, crafts and face painting. We also do a Mobile Clothes Closet; where we bring our Clothes Closet to the people. We throw a big party and serve kids who don't get the opportunity to do fun summer activities. The kids absolutely love it! We have volunteers from all over the Des Moines and Ankeny area. Come join us at these outreaches. Any questions contact the main office at mainoffice@ziondsm.org.

Operation Bethlehem

We get single beds, box springs and frames from Midwest Sleep, an Iowa bed manufacturer. The beds get shipped to a local warehouse managed by one of our Zion mission partners and then the beds are shipped to Zion courtesy of Two Men and a Truck.

There is never a shortage of people needing beds. We call this project "Operation Bethlehem" because our Lord Jesus, was born in a stable and there was no bed for Him or His parents. Since we know Jesus has graciously sacrificed Himself to save us, we seek to honor Him near the date of His birthday celebration by blessing those who have no bed.

Homeless Outreach

Regardless of weather, the team gathers on the third Saturday of every month at 9AM in the Fellowship Hall. The team prepares to distribute sack lunches, clothing, coat/hat/gloves, socks, shoes, canned goods, candles, batteries, toilet paper, feminine products, bedding, garbage bags, tents, tarps and bug spray to our Des Moines area homeless. 

Summer Bible Camp

During the summer we take about 50-100 kids to Ingham Lake Bible Camp near Okoboji. We hold fund raisers, such as Painting with a Purpose, to provide camp scholarships. The kids love camp! They enjoy sleeping in beds and eating 3 meals a day (these are luxuries for some of the kids).

They love to swim in the pool and lake, take canoe rides, play outdoor group games, sing, watch skits and visit the camp store. Most of all, they get to experience the amazing love of Christ in a beautiful setting where they are surrounded by God's beauty. 

Vacation Bible School(VBS)

Zion's VBS is a four day event that brings our youth and volunteers closer to God. Each day VBS begins with a free dinner that leads into a time of worship and praise.  Students participate in a rotation of various games, crafts and a bible lesson.We end our evening together with an encouraging message. Joshua Saba is the coordinator for VBS.

Community Gardens:  Zion has dedicated a portion of our property for garden plots.  The plots are awarded to people who have no other access to land for growing their own food.  We especially want new immigrants and refugees to have access to these plots.  We can always use help maintaining the garden area.  There are currently 60 plots. 

ESL Classes:  We usually have level English classes each Tuesday and Thursday.  Tuesday and Thursday classes are from 5-7 pm. Due to Covic19, the classes are online.

Bread & Furniture Ministry

Bread

Every Tuesday and Wednesday Zion picks up bread and sweets donated by HyVee. The donation benefits families from around the community, as well as STARS kids on Wednesday nights. They are free to all in need. If you are in need, come to Zion's north entrance at 4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310.  

Furniture

If you are in need of furniture, Zion has furniture. In our main lobby, we frequently have furniture of various types: beds, couches, chairs and other such items. We may be able to deliver the furniture to you if you don't have a truck to transport it. Karim Jawda is the coordinator of these ministries contact Karim at  karimjawda@yahoo.com or call the church at (515) 270-8142.

Clothes Closet

Zion's Clothes Closet is a clothing ministry located in the lower level of Zion Lutheran Church. We have gently used clothing, bedding and housewares which are free of charge.The Clothes Closet serves many people of all ages and nationalities. The hours for the Clothes Closet are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10AM-noon. Ruth and Arlyn Boelman manage the Clothes Closet.

Q Commons 

Zion Lutheran Church hosts and joins more than 150 other cities around the world in this one-of-a-kind event that is truly global and local.

  • Q commons is an event that happens once a year in communities all around the world. Q commons brings the Q learning experience to cities around the world by teaming up with host partners for a unique evening that combines global talks via broadcast with live local presentations.

  • Q Commons is a simulcast style event that combines a global broadcast with live local elements to create an evening that is uniquely global and local. Throughout the two-hour evening, attendees will hear three talks on important topics from recognized presenters via video broadcast, and three live talks from local presenters in their city.

  • there will be just enough time for round-table conversations, and Q&A opportunities to digest the content with friends, colleagues and neighbors. It's a fast-paced evening, filled with lots of meaningful content.

  • Q Commons has been experienced by more than 40,000 individuals across 15 countries and 5 continents.

For more information or any questions or concerns or how to sign up:

click: qcommons.com/desmoines

Christmas Gifts:  Each Christmas, Zion asks the congregation to contribute Christmas gifts for the children in the STARS Kids  program on Wednesday nights.  Zion seeks partnerships with local businesses and community members to provide presents for around 600 children.  

Global Outreach:  Since so many in our community come from other places around the world it is impossible not to develop a global perspective.  Consequently, we send people and resources for community development and evangelism to Cambodia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Jordan, India and Myanmar.  

Global Missions:

Jordan - Karim Jawda

Tanzania - Bonnie Taylor & Dr. Brad Miller

Cambodia - John Dovinh

Kenya & Uganda - Dr. Brad Miller