Learning

Gloria Dei offers a rewarding diversity of learning opportunities for persons of all ages, including University of Iowa students through our partnership with Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Adults

Adult Forum meets at 9:15 a.m. Sunday in the lounge to discuss issues of the day in light of church and theology, with an emphasis on church and theological response.

Weekday Learning includes:

Bible Studies:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. led by Pastor Karl Divine-Koch
• Tuesday at 6:45 a.m. for men – leadership rotates
• Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. – leadership rotates
• Four Women of the ELCA circles meet monthly for study and fellowship

              Adult fellowship
Outings and events are offered regularly for adults to gather and have fun together. This includes a yearly trip to a Chicago Cubs game, dinners, and movie night.

For families with very young children, we have a parent/child group which meets occasionally for fellowship and support.

Faith and 20-Something
Young adults are invited to be part of a group gathered from the local ELCA congregations and Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Sunday School meets from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. during the school year with classes for children age 3 through high school. We offer a “Vacation Bible school” day camp on a Saturday in the summer.

                 Youth, children, and family ministry

                 Children and youth are encouraged to be full participants in our faith community. From helping at worship to singing in our choirs, to participating in service projects, to joining in post-worship eats, children and youth are welcomed and treasured at Gloria Dei. We offer several "all-family" events during the program year including a Halloween party, Christmas Caroling, Mardi Gras, a trip to Adventureland, and participation in a service project called Cassie's Mittens. High School youth occasionally gather for service or fun.

For families with very young children, we have a parent/child group called Families in Formation which meets occasionally for fellowship and support. Young adults are invited to be part of the “Faith and 20-Something” group gathered from the local ELCA congregations and Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Confirmation

Our program is designed to be a comprehensive and intensive faith formation program for 7th and 8th graders. The 3-part program assists youth in developing a life of discipleship anchored in worship, service, and study. Classes focused on the Small Catechism meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays during the school year. Sunday School classes provide a biblical foundation. NOTE: No confirmation classes during December 2011.

Lutheran Campus Ministry

Through a formal convenant, Gloria Dei is a partner congregation with Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at The University of Iowa, led by Campus Pastor Rob Dotzel. LCM is about students in mission, growing in faith, expanding their horizons, and being the body of Christ on campus and in the world. Students at the University of Iowa engage one another with the Gospel through:

• Weekly fellowship suppers and intimate worship experiences
• Spiritual retreats to explore new avenues of faith
•  Regular service to the church and wider community
•  Raising money for world hunger and global missions
•  Encountering Scripture in light of current realities
• Global mission experience, i.e. Spring Break in Nicaragua
• Participation in the local chapter of Phi Beta Chi (Lutheran sorority)
•  Active involvement with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and other area congregations

Lutheran Campus Ministry is not only being the body of Christ on campus right now, but also is training leaders and evangelists and pastors and teachers and missionaries for tomorrow. Contact Pastor Rob Dotzel for more information.