There are a variety of ways you can volunteer to help:

1. Volunteers to help the City of Waukee
Westwind will provide the city (our event hosts) with 10 Vendor Area Volunteers to help event vendors with locating their designated spots and with set-up. Hours for this are 7:15-9:30, though we also may need a handful for other vendor tasks later in the day. We also need 5 Parade Line-up Volunteers, who will help get parade entries lined up in the Middle School Parking Lot from 9:30-11:00.

2. Volunteers to help the Waukee Arts Council
To help show the community that the arts are important at Westwind, we want to provide volunteers to help staff the Council’s “Imagine…Create…Experience” tent, a Waukee Fest staple. The tent provides free art opportunities including visual, musical, and dramatic activities. Non-creative volunteers can also help as well.

3. Westwind Parade Float “Staff”
We’re looking for some energetic, maybe even “theatrical” types, who can be a part of the Westwind float. Volunteers need to be able to walk the entire parade route, which is a mile long. Parade line-up begins at 10:00, with the parade starting promptly at 11:00.

4. Westwind Information Booth Staff
We’re looking for 3 people who can set up the booth (8:00-9:00), people who can staff the booth for a shift during the day (2 people from 9:00-12:00; and 2 people from 12:00-3:00), and 2 people who will take the last shift plus tear down the booth at the end of the day (3:00-5:30). This booth will help the community know just who we are.

5. Westwind Art Booth
Westwind will host an artist’s booth that day. If you do any work in the visual arts, we’d love to have you display some of your pieces that day. Your art can be for sale or just for display, it’s up to you. As part of the display, we’ll also ask the artists to provide a brief statement explaining how their faith affects their art. Contact Glenda Johnson at 987-2920 or gyvonneartist@msn.com before August 14th.

To volunteer, you can use this form. Contact Kevin (kevin@westwindchurch.org) if you need more information . Wear your Westwind t-shirt and we’ll see you there.

CLICK HERE

Click HERE for directions

1. It’s a pretty cheap way to have fun.
2. Lot’s of awesome middle school students will be there.
3. You get to say “Rocket Summer of Awesomeness” all summer long!

Click HERE to download a calendar.

This week of camp is designed to build friendships with International Students. We will be inviting our Nepalese friends to join us for a week of learning new things. Our own Westwind children will be teamed up with an International child and they will learn about each other’s cultures. We will learn some new words in another language and explore our different cultures. We will also be learning about God’s plan for being our friend for life. The week will include games, puppets, music, and several field trips, including an I-Cubs baseball game and a day at the Zoo! It will be a fun-packed week of excitement and learning! Cost includes Camp T-shirt, and field trips. $30.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM

This week will focus on Life Science as we explore the incredible body that God has created. We will use Psalm 139 as the basis for our week of looking at how we are “Fearfully and wonderfully made.” The week will include hands on time with experiments and looking at all kinds of biology. There will be games, some more of our puppets, and some great field trips. The children will have a ton of fun as they cross paths with all kinds of exciting creatures that teach us that life is sacred and God has great plans for each and everyone of us! Cost includes Camp T-shirt, and field trips. $30.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

Bring your friends and family out to Clive Aquatic Center in Clive for a fun-filled evening with your favorite Westwind folk. We have the entire facility rented out for Westwind friends and family. This is a great summer kickoff event that is FREE to all.

There will also be a celebration of baptisms that evening, so if your would like to be baptized, contact our office (office@westwindchurch.org)

We are excited for a few reasons:

1. Upgraded features
2. Climate controlled gymnasium
3. Larger parking lot
4. Expanded children’s ministry space
5. Expanded worship space
6. Expanded fellowship space

Here are answers to some questions you may have:

WHY IS WAUKEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MOVING?
In order to meet the growing needs of student numbers, the Waukee School District is building a new elementary school on the west side of Waukee. The financial commitment to update the current structure would cost more than they are willing to spend.

WHY DON’T WE JUST STAY AT MAPLE GROVE?
Based on the relationship we have created with the school administration, we would like to continue working with Waukee Elementary School. Plus, we get a state of the art, shiny new facility without the building campaign!

View Westwind Church Sites in a larger map

Friday, April 2nd, Good Friday Memorial,(8pm), will be an experience for young and old to take time to explore and remember the Cross of Christ. Please bring your family for this great experience you will share together.

Sunday, April 4th, Easter Sunday, will be a morning of worship, celebration and experiencing the resurrection of Christ.

1. Start your 5:00 AM Sunday Prayer Vigil a half hour later.
2. Watch a Tivo episode of the Andy Griffith Show.
3. Make eggs benedict for Sunday breakfast instead of Pop Tarts.
4. Hit the snooze alarm three more times.
5. Finish DVD #1 of your Biggest Loser fitness video.
6. Actually make it on time to church now!

See you at 10am on Sundays!

1. Be inspired through the messages of D.A. Horton and Andy Kampman
2. Meet our Westwind missionaries
3. Unveil our 2010-11 mission initiatives
4. Raise the funds necessary to participate in local, regional and global missions

Click here for the online brochure for more details. We hope you will take part in our Missions Festival and prayerfully consider making a generous contribution toward our missions budget.

Click Here to make a contribution to our Missions Budget (Click “Missions Fund” under “Apply My Gift To”)

Fraternity is designed to sharpen men; their spiritual lives, their character and their relationships. Based on Robert Lewis’ Men’s Fraternity Ministry, this ministry will “bring men together on common ground to learn together and listen to each other. Bonds of true God-centered friendships are formed as men encourage each other week- by-week to more fully embrace a godly view of manhood.”

Meeting at the Westwind Church office Thursday mornings (Starting January 14th at 6:15AM), Fraternity is designed to link men together through relevant discussions and insight into issues facing today’s man. There will be coffee and light breakfast served.

This may have described the manger scene at the first Christmas, but it is not always the best portrayal of the modern holiday season. Shopping, travel, and an infinite range of emotions often overshadow the true meaning of Christmas.

Join Westwind Church for a theatrical presentation of ‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas, a contemporary tale of a family’s travel adventures. The story illustrates the human realities of the holiday season, and you will relate to the characters’ struggles as they seek the ideal Christmas celebration.

This dramatic performance is free, open to the public, and appropriate for the entire family. A children’s choir will be performing as part of the service. Nursery services will be provided for infants and one-year-olds.

Enjoy a complimentary cup of Caribou Coffee as you gather with friends and neighbors for…

Click here and send an email invitation to friends and family.

You can see pictures of our families by clicking HERE.

We would like to acknowledge the dedications of the following children:

Emmett William Borgman
Parents: Jeff and Tsinia

Roman Anthony Chiaramonte
Parents: Tony and Katie

Trey Edward Collins
Parents: Lee and Melissa

Bennett Foster Colyer and Dawson Graham Colyer
Parents: Jon and Haverlee

Kallen James DeBoef
Parents: Shawn and Tiffany

Hansen William Higgins
Dad: Brian Higgins

Bella Eva Jasmin Kelly
Parents: Cade and Tara

Autumn Michele Leinen
Parents: Nate and Lesa

In 2006 we held the first annual Reggie’s Sleepout to help raise awareness and money to address the critical problem of Youth Homelessness in central Iowa.

In 2008, over 1000 individuals contributed to the cause by sleeping out and/or fundraising. The event was a huge success with over $156,000, including a generous $50,000 match from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation.

Help us make 2009 an even bigger success!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

BABY DEDICATION FORM

Westwind Church is one year old! And what a year it has been. So, come and join us for our Anniversary Sunday, August 30 at 9:30 AM. We will be meeting at the RACCOON RIVER PARK NATURE CENTER in West Des Moines (See directions below). There are lots of reasons to attend, but here are a few

• A look back at what God has done in and through Westwind Church
• Baptisms in the lake
• Testimonies of people from the “early months” of Westwind
• A message from Brandon and Geoff
• A catered lunch to follow the service

We hope you are as excited as us about this milestone is Westwind’s history.

View Raccoon River Park Nature Center in a larger map

Afterwards we will have an EGG HUNT for the kids. Plus more:

• Treats & Prizes in each egg
• Face Painting
• Balloon Animals
• School Playground

Make plans to come take part in this community building event. Why not use this as an opportunity to invite a friend or family member?

CLICK HERE TO SEND AN E-CARD

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

This Easter season Westwind Church will be taking time to pray and fast through an experience entitled A GLAD SURRENDER. The purpose of this event is to unite our worshipping community toward the resurrection of Christ through daily Bible readings and meditations. Starting on Wednesday, February 25, we will be reading a passage from the Book of Psalms and a prayer every day counting down to Easter. We encourage everyone to take part in this experience in some way. We believe that this will prepare our hearts and minds for the Easter season.

Also, as part of this experience, we are challenging ourselves to take part in some form of fasting. Taking away something that is important to us in order to fill it with God’s Word helps us to rely more on God, and to relate more to Christ. We hope you will consider taking part in a fast of some kind during part, or all, of this experience.

To take part in the daily reading just click on the link below:

A GLAD SURRENDER DAILY READING

We would also like you to come back and visit our site from time to time and let us know what God is doing though this experience in your life. Your words could encourage others who are walking through this experience. We look forward to hearing how God is working in you through this Lenten season.

Wednesday, February 11th
6:30 PM Student Ministry: Power of One
6:45 PM Connection Groups: We will be taking time in our CGs to reflect on missional living.

Sunday, February 15th
9:30 AM Shane Latham speaks at Celebration Service
9:30 AM Commitment Ceremony

CONNECTION GROUP BROCHURE

This month we are having a soup and bread buffet. The South Connection Group will be providing the soups. Please bring a loaf of your favorite bread, or a desert. As always, drinks will be provided.

The Westwind Christmas Card
December 21, 2008
10:00 AM

Join us for The Westwind Christmas Card: a celebration of who God is and how he came to earth in the form of a baby to be our everything. Come discover the power of Jesus Immanuel, God with us; Jesus Messiah, the one who cares for us; and Jesus our Savior, the one who rescues us. Invite a friend and come worship with us through music, drama and the message of the Gospel of Christ that is for all people.

Plan to come early for a time of connection over Christmas coffees and pastries beginning at 9:30 AM. Childcare will be provided for children, birth through pre-K and a special time will be set aside during the service for kids 4th grade and under.

It is our great joy to celebrate the birth of Jesus and we hope that you will join us for this special time!

Send an E-Card!

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s Love. Westwind is excited about the opportunity to help serve underprivileged children around the world. Here are some ways you can make a difference in the lives of those children:

Pray. Please pray the God will touch the heart of ever child who receives a shoe box gift and that he will bring many children and families to faith in Christ.

Pack a Gift. A shoe box filled with small toys and other gifts can open hurting hearts to God’s love. Instructional brochures are available at the offering table on Sundays beginning November 23 – December 6. The information can also be found at www.samaritanspurse.org. When your gift is packed you can return your boxes to the church on Sunday or bring them to the church office on or before December 7.

Give. Please remember to give $7 or more per box to cover shipping and other project costs.

Thank you for joining in this special effort.

DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

TIME: FOLLOWING THE SERVICE (11:15 AM)

COST: PLEASE BRING A SIDE, SALAD, OR DESERT TO SHARE

New Teaching Series in Matthew Begins

The story had been told from generation to generation. The Jews had waited for centuries for leader who would “rescue” them from their various oppressors and establish a Jewish “Kingdom” that would last forever. This “King” or “Messiah” (annointed one) was promised by the prophets centuries before. His entrance had been announced and was recognized by some. But not all would embrace this new “king.” We open the New Testament with Matthew and get our “first look” at this very unlikely carpenter’s son who would be king.

Click HERE to listen to the First Look messages