Want to conduct a Forum on an issue important to you? Talk to us. We are amazed at how rapidly the slots have filled in from January through May. So if you have a topic, drop either one of us an email. We invite members, friends, and outside speakers to make presentations and conduct discussions on hot topics of the day. We are awaiting your ideas.To suggest a forum or series, contact Mark Campbell at wallynorton@yahoo.com or 515-274-3769 and Michelle Heater at michelleheater@mchsi.com or 515-255-9529.
Sundays, 10:30 am, Channing Hall
September through May
Past Programs
Affordable Housing
January 18 at 10:30 a.m., Channing Hall
Pam Carmichael, Executive Director of Home, Inc. was our speaker. In addition to Home, Inc.,
Pam is a board member of the Polk County Housing Continuum, serves on the Governor’s Task Force - Rebuild Iowa (flood and disaster recovery), and
has been a member of the Governor’s Task Force
on Housing.
Project Connect
January 11 at 10:30 a.m., Channing Hall
Mary Beth Williams, Mentoring Coordinator led the discussion. Project Connect is a collaborative effort between the Des Moines Public Schools and the Des Moines Area Religious Council. The program provides a school-based mentoring program partnering adults with children at or below the poverty level. One hour of face time with a caring adult is changing these kids’ lives – the mentoring is as much or more about friendship than homework. The children who participate have cut their absentee and suspension rates in half and their academic performances are improving.
Universal Health Care:Cancelled due to weather/road conditions
An Open and Free Discussion January 4 at 10:30 a.m., Channing Hall
Nicky Keller and Linda Lemons will lead the forum on this timely issue. Bring your stories, fears & hopes to share with the group. Nicky and Linda are very much involved & knowledgeable about health care and potential legislative activity with a new presidential administration and a new congress.
December 28 No Program
December 21 No Program
December 14 Youth For Understanding Jim Maxwell
Youth For Understanding (YFU) is one of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected international exchange organizations.
December 7 "A Family Undertaking: A return to home funerals in America" Mary McBee
Ms. Mcbee showed a video 2 weeks earlier and this forum will include information about Iowa laws, local issues and answer questions about simple funerals and burials.
November 30 THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
No Program
November 23 "A Family Undertaking: A return to home funerals in America" Mary McBee
Ms. McBee has Native American roots and shared her passion for simpler funerals. This forum will feature the PBS program from P.O.V. "Home Funerals in America."
November 9 Raccoon River Watershed Assn Mike Delaney
The Unitarian Church grounds and the little stream that runs through the east side of the church property runs into the Raccoon River. “The Raccoon River Watershed Association is a group of citizens dedicated to the stewardship of the Raccoon River . It seeks to preserve and enhance the river and its watershed. It will strive to improve the quality of the river and its watershed so that the citizens can safely enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hunting, hiking, bird watching and other outdoor recreational activities. The association will engage in education, networking, cleanup, assessment and policy making to achieve these ends.” Mike discussed the values shared by the members and the driving forces behind this 265 member environmental group.
October 5. In the final Endowment Initiative forum, a respected Des Moines attorney, who specializes in helping people find giving-tools that best fit their personal goals and family circumstances, shared a variety of ways to support the church's Endowment Fund.
September 28. In Part 2 of the Endowment Initiative series, a variety of church members shared their personal philosophies about giving and showcase the variety of ways families and individuals have chosen to support the Endowment Fund.
September 21. The Endowment Committee kicked off a new church initiative to grow the Endowment Fund to enhance our church's strength and security with three Sunday forums. Today, member Dave Hurd shared his deeply-held convictions and reflections on how giving became a crucial part of how he lives out his core values.
September 14. Connie Ryan Terrell, Executive Director of The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa & Action Fund, and Brad Clark with One Iowa presented a Marriage Equality Forum. It was an educational, conversational discussion. They also discussed ways that people can get involved.
