6 With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God on high? Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil? Should I give my oldest child for my crime; the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit? 8 God has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.
-Micah 6:6-8
It was over a quarter of a century ago that a small group of Presbyterians began to gather to worship in Clive/West Des Moines with the purpose of starting a new congregation. These intrepid disciples desired a close community seeking to be creative and inclusive. They were willing to take the risk of starting something new that would build on our Presbyterian tradition and find imaginative ways to engage the world in faithful ways. This small group of people became Heartland Presbyterian Church in January of 1995!
In worship on Sunday, January 19, Heartland will be kicking off its 25-year anniversary by recognizing many of these charter members. The theme for our celebration this year is “Love, Justice, and All that Jazz.” This will begin a nine-month journey as we remember the past as well as look to the future. There are various events planned from reunions of youth groups to El Salvador delegations to members of the Jazz band. The history of the church will be shared throughout the anniversary celebration along with opportunities to reflect together on where God is calling our community into the next 25 years.
The anniversary celebrations will culminate on Sunday, August 30 with a big party after worship at Heartland. We hope you can come!
Grace and Peace,
Alex