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

The Problem with ‘Should’

As we deepen our exploration of resilience, what role do our expectations play in our ability to adapt and respond to life’s challenges? 

Join our Livestream!

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

Forum: What’s Up with Our Woods

Prairie Fire Restoration is removing non-native and invasive plants in our woods. Owner Andy James will give an update on the progress so far, and the process for total removal in spring and continuing in summer.
Upcoming Services Previous Services

Church Calendar

  • Tai Chi

    February 5, 2026  9:30 am - 10:30 am
    Griffin and Gathering Area

    See more details

  • Staff Meeting

    February 5, 2026  3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Stonewall Conference Room

    See more details

  • UU Singers Adult Choir

    February 5, 2026  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Griffin Hall

    See more details

  • Meeting

    February 6, 2026  1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Griffin Hall

    SS

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  • Hospitality Open House

    February 7, 2026  9:30 am - 11:30 am
    Kitchen, Auditorium, Griffin, Gathering Area

    All new and returning hospitality team members are invited to a drop-in orientation to get familiar with our updated safety protocols and refresh practical skills on Saturday, February 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

    We’ll have stations set up so you can visit only the areas you want or need including:

    • New safety procedures
    • How to use the dishwasher
    • Operating the lift
    • Location of tools and supplies (shovels, etc.)
    • Overview of all hospitality duties

    if you have questions, send an email to hospitality@ucdsm.org.

    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.