Hello!

Welcome to the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines! We’re glad you’ve found us and hope you find a church home with us.

At First Unitarian, we’re brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We’re people of many beliefs and backgrounds – people with a religious background and people with none; people who believe in a God and people who don’t, and people who simply let the mystery be. And while we represent a diversity of faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality, we agree that we want to do good work in the world.

So we welcome you – your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts, your worries and your hopes. Let us support you on your faith journey.

Learn More

 

Upcoming Service

Space, Science and Spirituality – The Overview Effect

picture showing a person on rocks looking up at the night sky

Join the Celebrant Team as we explore how space exploration, science and spirituality intersect.

 

Join us live on YouTube

 

Click here for the Order of Service

(Order of Service is available on Fridays)

Forum: Strength for What Lies Ahead

 

Andy Douglas – a writer, editor, musician, teacher, and counselor living in Iowa City – will read from his new book, Strength for What Lies Ahead: Restoring Balance in a Time of Crisis. In it, Douglas reflects upon where we find ourselves, amidst climate and other crises, and offers strategies – based on research, interviews, and experience – for ways to mitigate and cope. Join us to learn about practical tools for personal resilience and collective action to restore balance, create justice, and find peace in our turbulent world.

 

Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Tai Chi

    July 16, 2026  9:30 am - 10:30 am
    Griffin and Gathering Area

    See more details

  • Summer SGM Social Session

    July 16, 2026  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Minister's Office

    See more details

  • Meeting

    July 17, 2026  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Stonewall Conference Room

    AM

    See more details

View Calendar

I’m New Here

Ready to explore Unitarian Universalism and our church? We’re ready for you!

  1. Start by joining us for our Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. CT in-person or via livestream. You can also click here for directions to our building!
  2. In the front lobby of our church, you’ll be welcomed by a Congregational Life Team member, who will direct you to visitor information and UU information.
  3. Join us after the service for coffee hour! Enjoy a generous spread of delicious food and take the opportunity to connect, mingle, and meet new people in a welcoming atmosphere.
  4. Check out our Affinity Groups for adults. We also have programs for children, youth, and adults.
  5. And finally, explore our website! There’s a lot to see and we encourage you to reach out to the contact people listed throughout the site if you have questions or want to get involved.