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Why Walnut Hills (updated January 25, 2006)

You may be looking for a church to belong to or you are just curious about that building on the hill in Urbandale, IA. with the crooked crosses.   You have questions and we would love to help you answer them. Some of the questions that have been asked are:   What is so different about the church with the crooked crosses? Is it a traditional or contemporary church? What is Walnut Hills' theology?  Will it fit with what I believe? Will I feel welcome? Why would I choose Walnut Hills as my spiritual home?

We hope the following information and articles can help you answer some of your questions.  

A Little Bit of History from Gene Koth, Founding Minister

Walnut Hills was not started in 1989 because there was a need for another United Methodist church. There were already four in the western suburbs of Des Moines, IA. What was needed was a new church that could reach those not reached by the existing churches. Walnut Hills did it by marketing itself as (in the words of its Vision Statement) "a community moving beyond the traditional, in touch with the life styles, needs and resources of people today." That "in touch" meant a simpler, more informal celebrative worship, more short-term commitments, fewer long-term commitments, small groups to get acquainted, and opportunities to make a difference in the world. The name, Walnut Hills, was by design non-religious in order not to scare people before they even made a visit. Traditional words like "sanctuary," "narthex" and "chancel" were replaced with "celebration center," "gathering area," and "platform." 

It worked. Walnut Hills UMC celebrated its 17th Anniversary in October 2006.  
Walnut Hills, soon after it started, chose a mission statement that fits "who" the church is and what the people of Walnut Hills are striving for everyday.  

Walnut Hills... 
A place to call home where we are welcomed and sent forth to serve.

In 2005 the Walnut Hills Communication Team, with the purpose of communicating the “what” and “who” of Walnut Hills to those who are seeking a place to worship, asked our senior minister, Doug Peters, to create a piece that summarized what he believes the ministry of Walnut Hills to be. The following three links is the letter that was sent to the congregation. The first link is the introduction, second is the main article and the third link is the abbreviated version of the letter.

Introduction by the Communication Team
"Who Are We?" by Doug Peters
Abbreviated Version of "Who Are We?"

Walnut Hills continues to grow and evolve.  
We are a progressive thinking church that looks to help others 
and make all feel welcome. 
We invite you to visit us and let us join you on your spiritual journey, 
as together, we are sent forth to serve.

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” -Galatians 3:28

 
12321 Hickman Road Des Moines Iowa 50323
Phone: 515-270-9226 Fax: 515-270-0838 mandi@whumc.org