Welcome to Grace!

a generous, spirit-filled church committed to spiritual discovery, humble service, disruptive advocacy, and boundless love.

Each of us is a child of God worthy of God’s love. In our diversity, we are created in God’s image. In celebration of that good news, everyone is invited to join in worship and fellowship. This invitation is extended to all–people of all races, all ethnic backgrounds, all generations, all physical and mental abilities, all economic conditions, all sexual orientations–honoring the diversity of our faith journeys. We invite you to bless this church with your presence as God’s grace is present in all creation.

Grace United Methodist Church is a community of Christ where a cross-section of metropolitan Des Moines gathers for worship, study and service. At the core of our existence is Christ’s vision for the world and the church. We are a servant people, striving to live our lives so as to increase the love for God and neighbor in the world.

Read Our Welcoming Statement

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status.

We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.

We are all invited to bless this church with our love, our presence, and our participation.

Approved by the Grace UMC Administrative Board Thursday, June 24, 2021. 

PROCLAIM the good news of Jesus Christ
PRACTICE uncommon hospitality, and
PREPARE disciples to serve in the world.

There really is a church like that.

We love our funky old building, but don’t let its age fool you. We are truly a church for today. 

That’s because Grace Des Moines:

  • Encourages deep thinking and honest expressions of faith;
  • Loves and supports kids with its great children and youth ministries;
  • Embraces unique people;
  • Cares about the environment;
  • Includes and affirms people with diverse backgrounds and life journeys;
  • Serves our community with a free medical clinic, neighborhood meals, free mental health clinic and legal services;
  • Blends progressive faith and tradition;
  • Feels like church, with a beautiful sanctuary and inspiring music.

If this sounds like a church you’d like to be a part of, we’d love to have you join us.

We are Still Grace and We are Still Inclusive for ALL

We are a Member of the Reconciling Ministries Network

Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice. 

Learn more about RMN

Marriage Equality Vote Results:  On March 8, 2015, we held the congregational meeting and vote regarding the marriage equality proposal. The meeting included a reading of the proposal, comments were sharing by several individuals regarding the proposal, voting and gathering of the ballots for counting, comments from Ellery Duke and several hymns were sung as we waited for the votes to be counted. The vote was announced by Mary Rae McElroy, 2015 Administrative Board Chair. Results: 202 votes were cast and of the 202, 176 were “yes” votes. The proposal passed and is now church policy. Mary Rae McElroy, administrative board chair, then closed the meeting. The entire statement is available at MarriageEqualityStatement.

Grace United Methodist Church Board of Church & Society Response to 2019 Special General Conference

In February, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to support the “Traditional Plan”, which bans ordination of openly gay clergy and performance of same-sex wedding ceremonies. It also institutes penalties for those in violation of the plan. This decision is not only hurtful to many individuals and families; it is also incompatible with Christian teachings of love and inclusion. Grace has rejected this harmful message as a reconciling congregation, and is committed to treating all people with equal love and respect.

In response to the vote, Jessica Maffitt, a member of the Church and Society committee, felt the need to publicly show Grace’s support for the LGBTQ community. Through the encouragement of the Church and Society Committee and approval by the Administrative Board, the signs were placed in front of Grace this Spring. Displaying the signs is a visible reaction to acknowledge that Grace does not align with the General Conference’s decision.

The signs have elicited a positive response from members of Grace and the community. The Church and Society committee continues to identify opportunities to show support for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

 

Join Us for Special Events Through Out the Year

Communion Sundays

The first Sunday of every month is Communion Sunday at Grace.  If you are watching on FaceBook or YouTube bring your own elements and join us virtually for communion.

Fall Festival

Join Us for the Grace United Methodist Church Fall Festival! 
Get ready for a fantastic fall celebration filled with FREE food, exciting games, a Trunk or Treat extravaganza, toe-tapping music,  inflatables, and so much more! It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Go To Camp This Year

Grace UMC encourages everyone to experience their faith through the camping experience. There are two UMC camps in Iowa with full camp schedules that will provide a wide variety of camp experiences.  Click on the Wesley Woods bell above for the full schedule.

Rev. Kirby Gull had a life-changing experience at church camp. In memory of his life and ministry, we are pleased to offer camp scholarships through his memorial funds. This fund is designed to help remove financial barriers that may prevent a person from attending camp. Fill out the Kirby Gull Memorial Camp Scholarship application and return it to the church office.

Pictures of Grace