A Church on 56th Street Rooted in Christ
Oakwood United Methodist Church sits at 400 NE 56th Street in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, just east of Des Moines. The congregation describes itself as rooted in Christ, growing in faith, and serving beyond its walls to share God's love with others. That outward focus shows up as plainly in the church's schedule as in its mission statement: the building is busy every day of the week, and a big chunk of that activity exists for the neighborhood, not just for members.
A Free Food Pantry in the West Parking Lot
On Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, the church's west parking lot becomes a free food pantry. All are welcome, and donations are accepted at the church Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The pantry shares the evening with the church's Wednesday programs, and the kitchen prepares a meal each week for people attending those activities and for those visiting the pantry.
Sundays at 9:30 AM
Sunday worship begins at 9:30 AM and is livestreamed on the Oakwood YouTube channel for those who want to join virtually. After worship, the building fills with classes and small groups. Children from PreK through 5th grade meet for Oakwood Kids from 10:45 to 11:30 AM, and students in 6th through 12th grade gather for Christian Learning Time in the Coffee Shop during the same hour, working through a year-long Bible study that traces the Gospel through the whole Bible.
Wednesday Nights for Kids and Students
Wednesday is the heart of the week for young families. Oakwood Kids runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the fall. The youth group starts at 5:30 with a meal, moves to the gym for games until 7:00, then transitions to the East Overflow for a message and breaks into small discussion groups until 8:00 PM. Nathan Fischer oversees children and youth ministry and is the point of contact for parents who want their students plugged in.
Small Groups That Fit Real Schedules
Oakwood offers a wide range of small groups for those looking to deepen their faith and build community. Three groups meet at 10:30 AM on Sundays: a sermon discussion led by Nancy Berggren in the Fireside Room, and two Bible In A Year groups, one in the Prayer Room and another in the Caleb Boatman Room off the Family Life Center. On the second and fourth Mondays, Judy Wadding and Todd Buchacker lead Lectio Divina in the Prayer Room at 5:30 PM. Tuesday brings Julie Feldman's group in the Fireside Room at 5:15 PM and Rev. Alexis's Bible In A Year group on Zoom at 7:30 PM. Saturdays start at 8:00 AM with Mike Feldman's Men's Bible Study in the Fireside Room.
What Oakwood Believes
The church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, organized around five values: Connection, Discipleship, Service, Acceptance, and Prayer. Members often sum it up with three words: Connect, Grow, Serve.
Finding a Place to Serve
For anyone wanting to volunteer, the church has a standing list of needs. Extra hands are welcome for Christian Learning Time on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, for the Wednesday night meal, for committees, for music, and for hospitality. There is also a place for those who bring carpentry skills or a willingness to help in any number of ways.
Giving and Staying Connected
Online giving is set up through PushPay, and gifts can also be dropped in the offering plate on Sunday mornings or at the church office anytime. Prayer requests can be sent to prayers@oakwoodlife.org. The church shares updates through Facebook, Instagram, and its YouTube channel, where Sunday services and other events are broadcast live.