St. John's Lutheran Church

St. John's Lutheran Church participates in God's mission to bless, save, restore, and reconcile the world through meaningful worship and faithful witness in the city of Des Moines and throughout the world.

Children's Ministries

Children’s Ministries at St. John’s focuses on the understanding that we, as Lutherans, value planned activities with intellectual depth. All components of our Children’s Ministries are developmentally appropriate, fun, and educational. This ministry helps families learn about their Lutheran faith, grow in faith, and helps families link their faith to their daily lives.


Sundays, weekly starting August 27

9:00-9:55am - Sunday School in room 205 (3-year-olds through 5th grade)

Our Nursery is also available during Worship and Special Events!


Sunday School is for All children age three-fifth grade! Sunday School is from 9:00-9:50 on Sunday mornings. All kids will meet in room 205. Leaders use a mix of the Spark curriculum, the Godly Play Curriculum, and other children’s ministry resources which create meaningful learning. During the 9am hour each week, children will explore their faith, build relationships with friends and with God, sing songs, and hear bible stories following the lectionary heard in church each week.

Children’s Music Will take place during the Sunday School hour during the Advent and Lent seasons. Children ages 3 through 5th grade will participate in different music experiences and will participate in worship during Advent, Christmas, and Holy Week.

First Communion Class will be held in the spring and children will receive the Sacrament of Communion for the first time during the Maundy Thursday Service during Holy Week. All families who feel their child is ready to attend are welcome.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held each summer at St. John’s. These shared days are spent looking at how we can use our gifts, words, and actions to serve God and others.  Children and adults alike participate in songs, games, devotions, crafts, and skits.  Dates for VBS 2024 will be announced at a later date.

Junior Confirmation Camp will be open to all 3-5th graders each summer. Children will attend camp alongside our confirmands at Lutheran Lakeside Camp in Spirit Lake, Iowa! Children will spend a week at camp participating in songs, games, devotions, crafts, skits, water activities, and much more! For more information about available weeks, please email Ann at astrom@stjohnsdsm.org.

Advent and Christmas at St. John’s include many ways for families and children to be involved in the season at St. John’s. Families will start each service during Advent with a short reading and lighting of the Advent Wreath. On Christmas Eve, the 5pm service is a service of storytelling led by the children and youth of St. John’s.  

People of all ages and walks of life are invited to participate in this ministry.  For more information, contact Ann Strom at astrom@stjohnsdsm.org.

Children’s Ministry Registration Form

 600 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa  50309 - 515.243.7691