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.

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Upcoming Service

Installation of the Reverend Steve Sieck Service

You’re warmly invited to celebrate The Installation of the Reverend Steve Sieck as Settled Minister at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m.

An installation service is a joyful and meaningful milestone in the life of a congregation. It marks the formal celebration of the covenantal relationship between minister and congregation—honoring the shared commitment to ministry and the journey they embark on together. Join us as we celebrate this new chapter in shared faith, purpose, and community.

Childcare will be available for the Installation Service. The service will also be livestreamed for anyone who cannot attend in person.

Also, please join us afterward for light refreshments and coffee.

Join our Livestream!

Order of Service

A Mother’s Love

This Sunday we honor all those who are or have been mothers.  How might the experience of motherhood help us all awaken our curiosity for the world and one another?

Join our Livestream!

Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)

Forum: What is up with Dare to Dream?

The Dare to Dream’s Steering Committee will lay out the financial picture of the Capital Campaign and how it affects our plans. Catch up on the upcoming construction plans for the Auditorium and the outdoors. Learn the why and how of our creek restoration plan.

Curious Voices: A Youth-Led Awakening

As we explore our May theme, Awakening Curiosity, our youth take the lead in imagining a more fully inclusive, multigenerational church. Through their reflections, they’ll share what helps them feel truly seen and valued—and what could help us grow. Come ready to listen, learn, and be inspired by their vision.

Join our Livestream!

Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)

No Forum. Join us for the Lower-Level Ribbon Cutting Ceremony after the Service!

Flower Communion

This Sunday we honor the 103rd annual ritual first designed by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek.  How might this beloved tradition help us become more curious citizens in an interdependent world?

Join our Livestream!

Click here for the Order of Service (updates every Friday afternoon)

Forum: Annual Meeting Packet Review by Board

At the annual meeting on June 7, the annual packet contains decisions the board is recommending. Come hear what the board is thinking and share your thoughts.

Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • AMOS

    May 8, 2026  1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Stonewall Conference Room

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  • Flower Vases

    May 8, 2026  2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Kitchen

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  • Board Game Night

    May 8, 2026  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Griffin Hall

                                                                                                                           
    Contact: Gianfranco Berardi, gamenight@ucdsm.org

    Meets: Second Fridays; 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. CT; Griffin Hall

    Welcome: All

    Please join fellow UU friends for a fun night of board games in Griffin Hall. Bring your favorite game as well as any beverages or snacks you might want to share.

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  • Memorial Service

    May 9, 2026  9:30 am - 11:00 am
    Auditorium, Kitchen, Griffin Hall, Gathering Area

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  • Installation Service Set-Up/Clean Up

    May 9, 2026  11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Auditorium, Griffin, and Gathering area

    An installation service formally celebrates the covenantal relationship between a minister and the congregation that has called the minister. It marks the congregation’s successful completion of the ministerial search process—the weeks and months of self-examination and self-promotion as they hope to attract someone who is qualified to be, and who wants to be, their new minister. The congregational vote to call the minister—often held months earlier, during the minister’s candidating week—is the act that leads to the installation, which is a celebration of the joy both parties feel for having found one another, and their agreement to enter into a covenant of shared ministry. The Installation isn’t something the congregation does for the minister; rather, it honors and celebrates the promises you are making to one another as you knit yourselves into shared ministry.

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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.