District News


IDW Pastors’ Wives Retreat

This retreat is a time for Iowa District West LC-MS pastors' wives to join together for fellowship, a time of prayer and reflection on how God has placed us in our vocation as pastor's wife (among other various vocations). We look forward to hearing from our keynote speaker, Heidi Goehmann, a fellow LCMS pastor's wife and mental health professional, on mental health and our life in relation to others in this unique vocation.

ThemeLife in Relationship: Building Grace, Safety, and Well-being in Relationship
Bible Verse: Ephesians 3:17-19
Date: October 11-13, 2024
Location: Camp Okoboji, 1531 Edgewood Drive Milford, IA 51351 (Bethel Retreat Center)
Cost$85 Per Person (Checks can be mailed to: Sue Light, Iowa District West, 409 Kenyon Rd., Suite B, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501)
KeynoteHeidi Goehmann
Schedule: View file below.
Registration closes on September 11, 2024.

Greenfield Tornado 2024

As you may be aware, Greenfield, Iowa has recently been devastated by a powerful tornado that caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and lives. Families have lost their homes, cherished belongings, and, tragically, some have lost loved ones.  We have heard of others in Western Iowa who have also been impacted by these storms.

In times like these, our faith community has an opportunity to come together and make a difference. We are reaching out to you today to request your support for our disaster relief efforts. Your generous donation will directly impact the lives of those affected by this natural disaster.

How You Can Help

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Support the Ukrainian Lutheran Church

In light of recent events in Ukraine, we are partnering with Mission Central to raise funds for the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. These funds will go towards food, supplies, clothing, and other personal items for these refugees. Please consider supporting these individuals by sharing this information with your congregation and/or contributing financially.

Please see the attachment for full details.


Ordination Anniversaries 2024

We share with the leadership of our congregations the names and ordination dates of Iowa District West pastors who will celebrate “special” ordination anniversaries. Congregations are encouraged to observe these ministry milestones with an appropriate celebration.

If we have erred or failed to include someone who is observing an anniversary this year, please contact Jill Davis at the District office.

We rejoice and give thanks to God with these gifts to His Church.


IDW Planned Program Bible Studies

The Human Care Committee shares the following Bible studies to help carry out resolution 2-04 from the 2015 district convention: Resolved, that the congregations, schools and other ministries of Iowa District West be encouraged to incorporate at least one intentional act of Christian mercy into their annual ministry plans with the goal of serving especially the citizens and institutions of their local community.  May it make your congregation aware of the opportunities in your local community to share God’s mercy.

Leader Guides | Participant Guides


Transitioning Leadership

Preparing Congregational Leadership for Ministry with Christ.


Ministry Excellence Fund - Education Debt Assistance

The purpose of this Fund is to provide assistance to rostered pastors and professional church workers in Iowa District West in addressing financial issues which undermine the effectiveness of their ministries

Student Financial Aid

The Student Financial Aid Committee is pleased to announce that scholarships in the amount up to $5,000 are available for any student from a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Iowa District West who is currently a full-time student at one of the synodical universities. This scholarship is for non-church work students (provided by the District’s Kouhns Endowment).