The Norwalk United Methodist Church is a vital community of faith that is welcoming of all people. We are committed to growing in our relationships with God and one another, and to being of service to others through outreach and mission engagement. We are a growing congregation with a family atmosphere and culture, working together to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone whose lives we touch and to be of service to our community.
Our Staff
Pastor Mike has been appointed to serve the Norwalk United Methodist Church. He also serves the Carlisle United Methodist Church. We are excited to have him!
Background: I grew up in Eastern Iowa in the small town of Shueyville (in-between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City). I got married to my husband, Donavon, in 2014 and we have 3 kids (2 girls and 1 boy). I graduated with a Masters from the University of Northern Iowa and taught for 3 years as a special education teacher before staying home full-time with our first child. God has now given me the opportunity to use my education background at the church to teach our children and youth about our Lord.
Role At Church: I organize the activities at our church that are for our youth. I also coordinate Faith Formation classes for our kids in preschool-7th grade, coordinate and lead Youth Group for 6th-12th grades, and help choose curriculum for our adult small groups.
Favorites: I love spending time with my family, camping, biking, and sports. I cheer for the UNI Panthers first, with the Iowa State Cyclones at a close second. I love working with our youth and seeing them make connections between their lives and Christ.
Favorite Bible Verse: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34
Background: I was born in Cherokee, Iowa and grew up in North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, northern, central, and southern Iowa. I spent almost 30 years in human resources and safety, and the last 10 years in employee benefits before retirement. Bettie and I met accidentally and have been married for 46 years. I have two wonderful adult sons and their families: including 4 grandchildren. I graduated from Drake University and achieved the designation of CEBS – Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. I spent 20 years as an Assistant Scoutmaster.
Role At Church: My job is to care for the upkeep of the church property. I fix things that need to be fixed.
Favorites: I enjoy working on and riding bicycles. I have ridden across S. Dakota 3 times and in 24 RAGBRAIs. I enjoy taking trips with my wife, going to movies, music concerts, and the Iowa State Fair. I like pizza and diet coke, all types of music and NPR news.
Favorite Bible Verse: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Background: I have been married for 30 years. I am an active member at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianola. I worked at a Hair Stylist for 45 years and then retired. I decided I wasn't done working, just done doing hair. My husband and I have 3 boys all grown.
Role At Church: I am the church secretary.
Favorites: My husband and I are very active in many activities at our church, we love to go camping and dancing.
Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." I like this verse because it is the hardest thing for me to do, is put all my trust in the Lord.
Who Are United Methodists
United Methodists
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God’s grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God’s love–showing us the fullness of God’s care through Jesus’ teachings, death and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
Who are the people of the United Methodist Church?
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of more than 9 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God’s love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
The United Methodist Church is a member of the World Methodist Council — which ties together Methodist denominations worldwide.
What do United Methodists believe?
The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other Christian denominations. We believe God’s grace is open to all, and therefore practice “open Communion”–meaning that anyone may participate in receiving Communion. We believe salvation is an open gift from God, accepted by individuals according to their own free will. The United Methodist denomination is a “big tent” theologically, providing space for theological discourse and, at times, disagreement.
Like many other Christian groups, we affirm the beliefs expressed in the Apostles Creed. These include:
- The belief in one God, who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
- The belief in the Trinity, that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- The belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is fully human and fully divine.
What do United Methodists do?
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, taught that we pursue our faith in community and action with others. We practice a social holiness. We insist that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. The United Methodist Church has a long history of action and advocacy for social justice.
United Methodists are active in their communities and in the world through a variety of ways, including:
- Participating in local mission projects and service initiatives
- Supporting global mission efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other mission organizations
- Advocating for social justice and working to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and inequality
- Providing educational and vocational training opportunities
- Offering counseling, support groups, and other forms of pastoral care
- Creating and supporting community development programs
Contact Information
Phone
515-981-4251
With limited office hours, please leave a message when calling the church. A staff member will respond as soon as possible.
norwalkumc@norwalkumc.org
Address
1100 Gordon Ave. Norwalk, IA 50211
Office Hours
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-12:00