Ministry
At Capitol Hill, we carry a rich legacy of loving and serving our neighbors. Both of our predecessor congregations—First Lutheran and Central Lutheran—faithfully welcomed refugees and immigrants from Vietnam, Latvia, Germany, Romania, and South Sudan.
That same spirit of welcome continues today through our mission ministries, as we seek to support our neighbors in the Des Moines community and ensure that all know they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Women’s Bible Study
Gather for a time of coffee, fellowship and study with the women of the congregation. This group meets on Monday mornings at 8:30 in the Fellowship Hall.
Men’s Bible Study
Meeting at 8:15 in the morning on Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall for Bible Study, our men gather for a time of fellowship, coffee, and morning pastries.
Esther Circle
Based around the WELCA (Women in the ELCA) publication ‘Gather Magazine’, this group of women meet at 2:00 PM on the 3rd Thursday of each month to discuss the articles within and how they speak to our lives and ministry at CHLC.
Music
Capitol Hill has a rich musical tradition that is central to our worship each Sunday. We welcome musicians of all ages and skill levels to participate.
Instrumentalists and Vocalists are regularly invited to share their gifts through special music in worship.
Choir
Led by our music director Chase Shoemaker, the choir meets on Wednesday nights to rehearse musical offerings, which are performed twice a month during worship.
Bell Choir
Led by church members, our two-octave bell choir offers music that is both expressive and enriching to worship each month.
Recorder Ensemble
Our member-led Recorder Ensemble performs during festival dates, and is a full, SATB-style ensemble.
The Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet is a volunteer-led ministry that offers clothing, food, and housewares to those in need at no cost—offered via a shopping like experience that is welcoming and dignifying for all.
UBFM - Urban Bicycle Food Ministry
Each Thursday, Capitol Hill hosts volunteers from the community to make burritos and other foods for unhoused individuals in the area, a project known as the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry.
Blessing Bags
Located near our north office door, a cooler is filled daily with small bags of non-perishable food and personal care items, freely available to any who are in need. In the winter months, the cooler is also filled with hats, gloves, and other winter essentials.