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Calendar Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School

About Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School

We are a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joyfully reaching out in Des Moines and central Iowa with the love of God in Jesus Christ. Our Christian School offers an education now, and for eternity, for preschool through 8th grade.

What we believe...

  • We believe and worship the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • We believe God offers us eternal life as a free gift. (Romans 6:23)
  • We believe we are sinners and deserve to be eternally lost and punished. God hates sin, but loves the sinner. There is forgiveness from sins because of Jesus' death and resurrection. (Romans 3:23; John 3:16; John 11:25-26)
  • We believe in Jesus Christ and receive the free gift of eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 1:12)
  • We believe our task is to follow Jesus as His disciples and we are to tell others of Jesus' love. (Acts 1:8)

Vision Statement: Guiding Relationships on the Way
At Mt. Olive Lutheran, we are on a transformative journey together, fueled by our commitment to GROW; a vision that will inspire and empower us to live out our faith in profound ways.

  • Guide in Truth: Imagine a community where every heart is ignited by a deep understanding of God’s Word. We are passionate about helping each member dive deeper into Scripture, strengthening their faith, and becoming vibrant, knowledgeable followers of Christ. Together, we will uncover the truths of God’s Word and build a foundation that transforms our lives and our world.
  • Relate in Love: Picture a church where every relationship is marked by genuine love and support. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of authentic connection, where people find belonging, encouragement, and growth. By embracing one another with compassion and grace, we will create a sanctuary of love that nurtures our spiritual journey and strengthens our bonds as a community.
  • Obey in Action: Envision a community where faith leaps off the page and into action. We are driven to live out our faith through meaningful acts of service and obedience to Christ’s teachings. Our commitment to action will lead us to serve others, meet needs, and make a tangible impact in our world. As we step into our calling, we will see our faith come alive in powerful, life-changing ways.
  • Witness to Others: Imagine a school where every child, no matter their background, is wrapped in the love of Christ—a place where faith and learning intertwine to create a nurturing environment that points students and their families to the hope and truth of the Gospel. Picture a community where church and school unite in purpose, reaching out to the lost with open arms, guiding them on a journey of discovery, belonging, and transformation. Imagine the ripple effect of changed lives as unchurched students encounter the love of Jesus, bringing that light into their homes, and sparking a movement of faith that extends far beyond our walls.

Join us in this dynamic journey of GROW. Let us guide in truth, relate in love, obey in action, and witness to others. As we live out this vision, we will experience a faith that is vibrant, a community that is united, and a mission that is transformative.

Together, we will make a lasting impact, glorify God, and change lives for eternity.

Mission Statement:
At Mt. Olive Lutheran Church our mission is to ignite a passionate and transformative faith journey through GROW. We are dedicated to guiding our congregation in the truth of God's Word, nurturing authentic relationships, living out our faith through impactful action, and boldly sharing the Gospel with the world. By embracing this mission, we aim to cultivate a vibrant, loving community that reflects Christ's light and grace, making a lasting difference in our lives and our world.

Ministry Teams

Mount Olive Ministries

You are welcome to use your God-given gifts in ministry to the Body of Christ and to the Community through participation in one of our ministry teams.

Adult Ministry Team

  1. Promote spiritual encouragement of one another, including prayer support. Please contact the church & school office at school.office@molcs.org to be connected to our prayer team to share your prayers, and to join the prayer team.
  2. Foster a strong spirit of unity and togetherness
  3. Minister to the needs of congregation members, neighbors and staff
  4. Work with and support groups such as Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Men4Christ, Parish Nurses, Adult Bible Study, Church Library, and others.

Family Ministry Team

  1. Organize and conduct Sunday School programs
  2. Organize and promote Youth programs
  3. Organize and promote family programs such as Vacation Bible School, Trunk-or-Treat, Easter Egg Hunts, and others.

Christian Day School Board

  1. Oversee policies and budgets pertinent to the operation of the grade school and preschool.
  2. Work to maintain a close relationship with the Mount Olive congregation.
  3. Work to develop a closer relationship with other congregations in promoting and supporting Lutheran school education in the greater Des Moines area.
  4. Help staff manage and plan for changes in enrollment in the school
  5. Support other programs within the school such as preschool and summer care.

Board of Elders

  1. Protect and nurture the spiritual welfare of the congregation
  2. Support and oversee the Pastor(s)
  3. Ensure all Ministry Teams maintain spiritual focus.
  4. Record and report all Official Acts

Public Relations Ministry Team

  1. Organize and promote efforts to reach out to the community.
  2. Oversee and coordinate public relations needs for the church, school and Ministry Teams including communication, signage, websites, social media, participation in community events, and other public relations efforts.

Worship Ministry Team

  1. Prepare sanctuary and gathering area for each service
  2. Supply and prepare the Lord's Supper
  3. Maintain altar and other items used in worship services
  4. Assist in worship and music ministries
  5. Ensure that congregational contributions are recorded
  6. Ensure that year-end contribution statements are provided to all members

Property Ministry Team

  1. Maintain and upgrade facilities and grounds as needed,
  2. Report budget needs and expenses to the Governing Board.
  3. Oversee or coordinate security and information technology needs.

Devotions and Resources

 

Looking for an online source of daily devotions and Bible studies? 

We've listed a few great sites below. Regardless of your age, gender, or where you are in life, you'll find the refreshment of God's word of love and hope here. These organizations are dedicated to reaching people everywhere with the precious news that Christ is their savior.

Daily devotions and Bible studies are freely available on the LCMS.org website. During Advent and Lent there are special devotions posted, as well as timely devotions based on current events. Check them out.

Bible Reading & Bible Studies

There are many good options for reading the Bible online. Some are listed below.

  • In your App Store, search for The Lutheran Study Bible app from Concordia Publishing House.
  • Bible Gateway - a free, searchable Bible online, with dozens of translations and languages.
  • YouVersion is a free, searchable Bible application for your smartphone
  • Want to read the Scripture lessons for this week, or next week? The LCMS website has a great page for this.

Every week, there are many opportunities at Mount Olive to meet in small groups to study God's word and grow together.

  • Sunday school is from 9:15-10:15 on Sundays.
  • Adult Bible Class is on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15 in Mr. Covert's room.

Other Bible studies are listed in the Olive Branch Newsletter each week, including the organizer and contact information. Don't be shy: join one today.

​Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML)

All women of Mount Olive are invited!  Our local group meets twice per month for Bible Study, and is active in our regional (zone) LWML, as well as the Iowa LWML and the National LWML.

We collect mites (Mark 12) for missions. Pick up a collection box in the gathering area!  You can also give online, on the LWML website, where you can see all of the mission projects.

Check our our upcoming events, listed in the News, and in the Calendar sections of our website. 

Here's a very short, fun video from YouTube and yet another short, fun video from YouTube, to get you excited about serving the Lord with gladness through the LWML. And visit the website, linked above.

Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School Libraries

Right in our own church library and our school library at Mount Olive you will find a wealth of materials for your spiritual growth. 

  • Borrow books from the Church Library by signing the library cards and putting them in the checkout card box. 
  • Mount Olive School students check out books online during school.

Our library has many helpful resources for your Christian growth.  Browse the titles and check out a book today. 

There are devotionals, special study Bibles, topical studies such as raising Christian children, strengthening relationships, coping with grief and loss, and many others, as well as many Christian novels.

Check our our synodical publisher, Concordia Publishing House, for a vast array of Christian books and resources of all types. 

In our sanctuary, at the table by the entry, you will find free copies of the current issue of Portals of Prayer. This daily devotional will give you a renewed sense of God's love for you in Jesus Christ.

Do you need a copy of the scriptures?  We have slimline New Testaments. You can have one, free of charge. Just fill out the "contact us" form, and let us know you would like one.

Please use our libraries.  They are here for you! 

Serving God and Others

Are you fueled up and ready for service? New members are always welcome on our ministry teams. We would love to involve you. Talk to an elder or greeter at any worship service.

Our regional and national organizations are another great resource for information about our beliefs and practices, as well as devotions, Bible studies, news about our church body, ministry news and opportunities for service.

Iowa District West

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Lutheran Hour Ministries

KFUO Radio (Christ for you, anytime, anywhere)

Issues etc

This website will connect you to Lutheran Public Radio, a source of Christian Lutheran (LCMS) podcasts, syndicated radio talk shows, expert guests, and expansive topics, all while extolling Christ. You can listen online directly from the website, download programs, connect through iTues, Google, Spotify and many other platforms. You can also download their app in your app store.

Be refreshed in the Lord with this excerpt from Portals of Prayer. God bless you in Christ.

"Give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty." John 4:15

There is a thirst in all of us to be loved and cared for. A Samaritan woman wanted men to quench this thirst. The results were disappointing: Five failed marriages and an uncommitted live-in boyfriend. She likely came to the well (where she met Jesus) to draw her water in the heat of the day to avoid the scorn of others.

Like the Samaritan woman, we thirst and work so hard for attention and love that can only be found in God. Jesus says that His love is freely given, without an ounce of human labor involved. He did all the hard work for us in His perfectly obedient life, death, and resurrection. As we abide in Jesus, the Father's love on Him is now on us.  The Holy Spirit impresses us with the certainty of God's favor and love. With our thirst quenched, our worship arises wherever we are!

Are you disappointed and tired of laboring for love that is conditional and finite? Be refreshed. The triune Lord has done everything for you so that you can know His love. It is His love that truly quenches the thirsty soul.

"With heav'nly bread He makes the hungry whole.

Gives living waters to the thirsting soul"

(Lutheran Service Book 637 verse 2)

Prayer Request

Frequently Asked Questions - and How To Contact Us

Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School - How to contact us

  • 5625 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
  • We are located just southeast of the intersection of Merle Hay Road and Hickman Road in Des Moines, Iowa
  • Our phone number is 515-277-0247
  • Our email is school.office@molcs.org (for both church and school)

What are your beliefs?

  • What is Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School all about?

    We are a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joyfully reaching out in Des Moines and central Iowa with the love of God in Jesus Christ. Our Christian School offers an education now, and for eternity, for preschool through 8th grade.

    What we believe...

  • We believe and worship the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • We believe God offers us eternal life as a free gift. (Romans 6:23)
  • We believe we are sinners and deserve to be eternally lost and punished. God hates sin, but loves the sinner. There is forgiveness from sins because of Jesus' death and resurrection. (Romans 3:23; John 3:16; John 11:25-26)
  • We believe in Jesus Christ and receive the free gift of eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 1:12)
  • We believe our task is to follow Jesus as His disciples and we are to tell others of Jesus' love. (Acts 1:8)
  • We are a member congregation of the national church body The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
  • Our congregation's vision, GROW, is detailed at our link Our faith and identity

Is everyone invited?

  • YES!  Mount Olive is a place for anyone and everyone to gather together, learn, grow, and experience the profound unconditional love that God has for them in Jesus Christ.

What if I'm not a Lutheran?

  • If you are a Christian of another denomination, God's word assures us that we are united in our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and in His death and resurrection on our behalf.
  • At Mount Olive we express our Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective, but we invite all people to come and be a part of worship.
  • Please contact Pastor Kasper (garret.kasper@molcs.org) to find out about basic instruction classes to learn more about the Lutheran faith.

What if I'm not a Christian, am I still welcomed?

  • Absolutely, YES. Wherever you are on your faith journey, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we heartily welcome you to visit and observe our faith in action.

Where do I park?

  • The parking lot on the west side of our property, along Franklin Avenue which runs in front of the church, or on any of the side streets.

Where do I enter?

  • Before and during our weekend worship services, the front school door and church doors are unlocked. These doors are on the south side of the building. The doors on the north side of the building, and the west school door, are typically kept locked at these times, for security.

What should I wear?

  • Please come as you are, or dress however you wish. We gather together to learn about, grow in, and serve our almighty God.

What happens in the different services? Which one is for me?

  • Traditional worship on Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM:  We use various services from the latest synodical hymnal, Lutheran Service Book (provided, as well as on the screen at the front of the sanctuary). Traditional liturgies include Pastor and congregation participating in (often responsive) prayers and scripture readings. We lift our voices in glad praise through traditional sung liturgy (such as "This is the Feast"), and hymns with organ, piano, or other instrumental accompaniment.
  • Contemporary worship on Sundays at 10:30 AM: We use a blend of less-formal liturgy, scripture and contemporary-styled music. Pastor and congregation participate in (often responsive) prayers and scripture readings. The praise band (guitars, drums, keyboard) provides the music, and several lead singers, to lead the congregation in joyful singing of contemporary worship songs (words are on the screen at the front of the sanctuary).

If you're unsure which style fits you, why not attend both services a few times and find out where you fit?  We would love to have you join us!

Do you have classes for children and adults?

  • Our Youth Sunday School meets in one of the kindergarten classrooms from 9:15-10:15 every Sunday morning to praise the Lord, pray, and learn to trust Jesus as our savior.
  • Our Adult Sunday School meets in the 6th grade classroom from 9:15-10:15 every Sunday morning to dig into God's Word and grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus.
  • We also enjoy a time of fellowship after the early service and before the late service.

What about Communion?

  • At Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, we believe, teach, and confess that in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus Christ gives His true body and blood under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, as He promises in His Word (Matthew 26:26–28; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23–29).
  • Because Holy Communion is both a sacred gift and a public confession of faith, we practice closed communion.
  • We ask that those who receive the Sacrament at our altar be baptized Christians who are instructed in the Lutheran faith and who share our confession as taught by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
  • If you are interested in learning more or communing with us please contact Pastor Garret.

What about Baptism?

  • We believe that baptism is the free gift of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit offered to us all through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
  • Baptism is the way that we are made children of God and citizens of God’s Kingdom.
  • We believe that this gift is for infants, children and adults (Acts 2:38-39).
  • If you would like more information on baptism, feel free to speak with Pastor Garret Kasper, or Contact us.

Do you have a Facebook page?

  • Yes! Please visit and "like" our church & school Facebook page
  • That's where you will see all the latest pictures and connect with others who share your values and beliefs

We look forward to meeting you!
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