About Us

A happy group of children in costumes and an adult choir in blue robes pose for a photo in a church decorated for Christmas with trees and poinsettias.

WHO WE ARE

A Historic Church with a Future-Focused Heart

Immanuel United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of the Des Moines community for generations. Recently united with Windsor UMC, we are a diverse community of faith dedicated to experiencing God's grace and sharing it with our neighbors. Rooted in the rich traditions of the United Methodist Church, we embrace a Wesleyan theology of grace, open tables, and practical spirituality. We are a place where questions are welcomed, doubts are understood, and everyone is invited to experience the transforming love of Christ.

OUR MISSION

Encountering the beautiful, life-giving way of Jesus 
So that love spills into the world

The way of Jesus is genuinely beautiful. It is full of grace, wonder, and deep care for people. It is a way of living that gives life, heals what is broken, and draws people together. When someone truly encounters that, something shifts. Love becomes the most natural response in the world, spilling out into every relationship, every neighborhood, and every corner of life they inhabit. That is what we are here for.

OUR VISION

We Make Room

Making room is how we participate in God's love spilling into the world. We create space for God's Spirit to move, for people to heal, rest, and find wonder. We make room for the person carrying questions they have never felt safe asking out loud, for those who have been hurt by religion, for families that just need somewhere to land, for strangers who become family, for congregations seeking new life, for kids and young adults finding their place, and for refugees building new ones. Our dream is a vibrant, inclusive community where every person, regardless of background or life story, finds deep and authentic belonging. You belong here.

OUR VALUES

What Guides Our Journey

Everything we do at Immanuel is anchored in these core values:

Deep
Belonging

From the moment you walk in, you are known, loved, and genuinely wanted here, no matter where you are in your journey. We are talking about real relationships, real investment, and a community that shows up for you.

Sacred
Wonder

We hold our faith with open hands, asking honest questions, sitting with mystery, and finding God in the everyday and the extraordinary. Wonder is how we deepen our relationship with God and each other.

Radical
Authenticity

We show up honestly and tell the truth about who we are. We create the kind of space where everyone feels safe to do the same.

Lavish
Grace

God's love is extravagant, unconditional, and available to everyone. We are committed to extending that same grace to every person we encounter.

True
Wholeness

The way of Jesus attends to all of who we are: body, mind, spirit, and community. We are committed to the full health of every person who finds their home here.

Wild
Generosity

We believe caring for our neighbors is at the heart of following Jesus. We feed the hungry, serve the vulnerable, and give freely of our time and resources to the people and community around us.

OUR THEOLOGY

Rooted in Grace and United Methodist Tradition

Want to dig deeper into our theological roots? We are a proud part of the United Methodist connection. Discover our core beliefs about the Trinity, the Bible, grace, the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, and how we live out our faith together.

Explore Our Beliefs

OUR LEADERSHIP

Meet the People
Who Guide Us

Our pastors and staff are here to support, encourage, and walk alongside you on your spiritual journey. Put a face to a name and get to know the dedicated team that helps make ministry happen every week at Immanuel.

Meet the Team