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Connecting with one another opens room for the power of the Holy Spirit. That power is released through the gifts, natural abilities, and good and bad experiences each of us has had. We all have something of value to offer, and nothing short of the transformation of the world is at stake. Meaningful work is important to having a meaningful life; contributing what you have to the transformation of the world is as meaningful as it gets.

There is more going on when we serve, though. When we respond in service, we find ourselves back at worship, discovering the love of God from the other side as we express love to others with no expectation of repayment. To respond is its own reward; it elevates our ability to praise the worthiness of God.

Respond to God's gift of love by serving your neighbor.

Use the RESPOND ICON/LINK to see a listing of ONGOING RESPOND ministries and SIGNUP for more information!

Malawi Partnership of Hope

UPDATES and OPPORTUNITIES

TIME SENSITIVE RESPOND OPPORTUNITIES

  • Agape Garden

    Sign up to help this season!

    Volunteering at the garden is a great way to get the whole family involved in helping others. Please consider getting a few nights of volunteering this summer. Many hands make light work, and it truly takes many hands!

    Regular work nights will be Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Sign up HERE for the dates that work for you. Make sure to watch our Facebook page throughout the season as well.

    We want small groups, community members and organizations, families, individuals, and ANYONE! Produce will benefit the clients of Ankeny Service Center right here in Ankeny this year. ​

  • September MISSION OF THE MONTH

    Personal Care Items

    In September, we are collecting personal care items for local agencies. Personal care items are often running low or are completely depleted for those in need, so let's help them out! Bring your donation items to the gray Mission of the Month bins at any worship location.

    We will be distributing donations to the Ankeny Service Center, Ankeny Impact, & Families
    Forward.

    Give monetarily by writing "August Mission of the Month" on your check memo or simply give online. 

  • MEALS IN MISSION

    YOU CAN ALWAYS HELP!

    Volunteers Needed for Meals We Serve to Des Moines Agencies

    YMCA Supportive Housing Meal Eight volunteers are needed each 3rd Tuesday of the month to manage a meal for the residents of the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus in Des Moines. The eight volunteers share the duties of meal prep, serving and clean-up. You are needed by 5:45pm and you will be finished up by 7:45pm. If you are brand new to this mission opportunity, there will be people there to assist you and get you going with needed tasks. Sign up here.

    Trinity Supper Club Meals: First Wednesdays AND Fourth Tuesdays
    A team of volunteers meets at the Christian Life Center to prepare meals and deliver them to Trinity Las Americas in downtown Des Moines, which goes to the community and after-school children. To make that happen, we need you! There are opportunities to bake cookies, prep meals, or deliver meals.

    • First Wednesdays: Please sign up HERE.
    • Fourth Tuesdays: Please sign up HERE.

    Central Iowa Shelter & Services Meal Join us as we serve a meal for our neighbors at Central Iowa Homeless Shelter in Des Moines on the 21st of each month. This is a wonderful way to respond to God's love and command to love our neighbors. There are opportunities to help with serving the meal, and driving the food and helpers down to the shelter. Find more information and register here.

  • Monday Community Meals

    We are now serving!

    Each Monday through the school year, a team of volunteers prepares individual meals for anyone in the community who needs a little help making ends meet, who has difficulty preparing their own meals, or who needs a night off due to the stresses of life. Meals can be picked up at the Uptown North parking lot by the Fellowship Hall. Meals are also delivered to the homebound and taken to residents in need at Ankeny AHEPA apartments.

    Sign up to help donate main dishes/sides, prepare meals, and make deliveries, etc. HERE.

  • Blood Drives

    October 29

    What a great way to respond to God’s love in our community! Every pint saves or sustains another life! Sign up for our October 29 Blood Drive at our Uptown location, 1:00-6:00pm. Register at www.lifeservebloodcenter.org. Questions? Contact Judy Ruble, 515.729.9482.

  • Bidwell Pantry Workdays

    3rd Saturdays of Each Month

    Families Forward's Bidwell Pantry needs our help! United Women in Faith (UWIF) have scheduled a workday for Saturday, September 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Projects are available for all ages and abilities from stocking shelves, hanging donated clothing, cleaning, organizing, making kits, etc. Please join our Ankeny First group and see how Bidwell Pantry functions as the largest distribution center in Iowa.

    We will be carpooling from the north Uptown parking lot leaving promptly at 8:30 a.m. Or come and go throughout the mornings as it fits your schedule. Your support and assistance are needed! Address: 1203 Hartford Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315.

    Questions? Mary Johnson (515) 771-5591 from Ankeny First

    VIEW THIS VIDEO to hear more about the Bidwell Pantry and how they utilize volunteers like you!

  • Families Forward and YMCA Supportive Housing Donations

    Simple donations needed!
    • Help Families Forward with these needs! They immediately need used plastic grocery bags (or any kind of grocery bags) for the food pantry AND laundry detergent pods.
    • Most needed donations for YMCA Supportive Housing right now! Toilet paper, plastic trash bags (13 gallon), and gently used silverware (especially forks).

    Bring all items to the Uptown site and place them in the marked bins in the "old" library.

  • Make Care Kits for Local Agencies

    It's a simple way to respond!

    Find instructions HERE!