Iowa District West-LCMS

05/29/2026

Join Us for the 2026 Iowa March for Life LCMS Rally!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 20, 2026 and be part of an impactful day of prayer, fellowship, and witness in Des Moines.
📍 Location: Trinity Lutheran Church
3223 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
🕘 Event Schedule:
• 9:00 AM – Matins Prayer Service
• 10:00 AM – Guest Speaker: Mr. Martin Cannon
• 11:00 AM – Lunch
• 12:00 PM – Rally & March at the State Capitol
Come stand together and confess Christ as we share in this meaningful event. All are welcome!
✅ RSVP via the QR code or email: [email protected]

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

✨ Iowa District West Youth Gatherings are coming soon!✨

🔥 Senior High Youth Gathering – “Unshakable Light”
📅 October 3–4, 2026 (optional early arrival October 2)
📍 Camp Okoboji

⚡ Jr Youth Gathering 2026 – “Love God • Love People”
📅 October 24–25, 2026
📍 Sheraton Hotel, West Des Moines

Mark your calendars now 🗓️ You won’t want to miss what’s ahead!
👉 Registration details, speaker info, and more coming soon. Stay tuned!

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to others. Our offices will be closed Monday, May 25, as we reflect on their sacrifice.

05/24/2026

Pentecost is a powerful and joyful celebration in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), marking the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles.
It is often called the “birthday of the Church” because, through the Holy Spirit, the Gospel began to be boldly proclaimed to people from many nations.
On Pentecost, we celebrate that:
✨ The Holy Spirit creates and strengthens faith
✨ The Gospel is for all people
✨ The Church is empowered to share Christ’s love with the world
In many LCMS congregations, you will see red paraments or clothing, symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit and the boldness given to believers.
Pentecost reminds us that God is still at work today—gathering His people, equipping His Church, and sending us out to share the Good News of Jesus.
🔥 Come, Holy Spirit! 🔥

05/21/2026

Free Webinar on Faithful Planning
Have you put off making a plan for what God has entrusted to you? Your home, savings, land, and other resources are gifts—learn how to steward them with purpose and faith.
Join the LCMS Foundation for a meaningful online session:
✨ Stewarding God’s Gifts: A Plan to Care for Your Family and Support the Ministries You Love
📅 June 16, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (CDT)
💻 Online Webinar
Led by Leon Schoenfeld, LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor, this webinar will help you:
✔️ Understand Christian stewardship of your assets
✔️ Learn the difference between gift planning and estate planning
✔️ Discover ways to care for your family and support ministry
✔️ Walk away with simple, practical next steps
👉 Take the first step toward a faithful plan today—register now!
📞 Questions? Contact Leon Schoenfeld at 712-830-7481 or [email protected]

05/20/2026

✨ Singles Retreat — You’re Invited! ✨
Ready for a weekend of connection, faith, and fun? Join the 4th Annual LCMS Lutheran Singles Retreat!
📅 August 21–23 (Friday–Sunday)
📍 Camp Okoboji, Milford, Iowa
👥 Ages 21–41
💲 Only $100 — covers everything!
This is a great opportunity to meet other singles, grow in your faith, and enjoy a relaxing getaway together.
📝 Register: faithwinterset.org
📧 Questions? Contact Dr. Keith Schweitzer
📞 641-745-5143
📩 [email protected]

05/20/2026

🎓 LCMS Student Financial Aid Opportunity

Are you a student preparing to serve or attending a Concordia school? Iowa District West is here to help support your educational journey!

✅ Financial aid available for:
• Students in LCMS universities & seminaries
• Full-time church work programs
• Other Concordia University System students (IDW members)
📌 Apply by June 1
To complete your application:
✔️ Submit the district aid form through your school
✔️ Request a pastor recommendation
✔️ Send in your completed application + photo

This support is made possible through generous gifts to strengthen Lutheran education and future church workers.

📩 Questions or submissions: [email protected]
Take the next step toward your calling—apply today!
Find the application here:

The Mission of Iowa District West is Connecting, Resourcing, Optimizing, Partnering, and Serving with the member congregations for the extension of the Gospel within our communities, throughout the District, and into all the world.