Rentals, Memorial Garden & Building Usage

Rental Space for Events

Introduction to our Rental Spaces

One way we serve the greater Des Moines community is to make many of our church spaces available for rent to outside groups. From the auditorium to downstairs classrooms, we have space for a variety of meetings and events.

If you’re looking for a location for your wedding, we’re happy to host your big event! Check out Griffin Hall, the Gathering Space, the Auditorium, and our newly-renovated Kitchen!

If you’re interested in renting space for other purposes, please review our Building Use Policy and Procedures, Terms and Conditions of Building Use, and our Alcohol Policy Agreement (if applicable). Then contact the Church Administrator, at admin@ucdsm.org to check availability and inquire about pricing.

         

 

       

 

Childcare Request Form

Please complete the Childcare Request Form below at least 10 days in advance of your event by using the form below.

While we do our best to provide childcare whenever requested, sometimes it’s not possible due to the nature of scheduling part-time staff. We ask for your understanding when this happens.

If you have questions about childcare, please contact our Childcare Supervisor at childcarecoordinator@ucdsm.org.

Childcare Request Form

"*" indicates required fields

MM slash DD slash YYYY
Event Start Time*
:
Event End Time*
:
Child Name & Age
Child Name & Age
Child Name & Age
Child Name & Age
Child Name & Age
Your Name
Preferably one where you can be reached while in the church
Are you a member of the church?

Accessibility

Parking & Entering

Our building has ADA-compliant automatic doors on the south and west sides with accessible parking near each entrance. The east entrance requires a long walk and stairs.

Inside Our Building

A wheelchair lift is available off of the foyer to provide access to the four levels within our church. Accessible bathrooms can be found on two floors.

If you have questions or concerns about accessibility options in our church, please learn more about our Accessibility Team or contact the team at accessibility@ucdsm.org.

Griffin Hall Gallery

In Griffin Hall, we display monthly shows by local artists, including art that can be hung on the wall. The art gallery is open whenever the church office is open and on Sunday mornings. During the month the art is displayed, we host an artist reception so everyone can listen to the artists discuss their work.

Our art wall is 10 feet high by 36 feet long. If you would like to show your artwork at First Unitarian, please review and complete our Application Form and learn about our art gallery committee.

 

Memorial Garden

Our Memorial Garden is a special place where members may honor loved ones or find a peaceful place for the interment of cremated remains. Located on the east side of the church building, the garden features a selection of native plants and lush greenery. A stone and granite walkway leads visitors to a circular center, a lovely site for weddings, memorial services or quiet meditation.

A plaque displayed near the garden lists the names of those interred. We also invite you to purchase an engraved memorial brick or granite paver to place in the garden to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone or commemorate a contribution to the garden. Please review our Memorial Garden Use Policy for more details.

For guidance planning a memorial service, funeral or celebration of life, please see When a Loved One Dies.

To reserve the Memorial Garden for an event, to purchase a memorial brick or granite paver, or to inquire about interment, please contact the Church Administrator, at admin@ucdsm.org

Our grounds feature a labyrinth walk in the southeast part of our property designed for meditation and rituals. It may be reached via a path near our east parking lot. To reserve the labyrinth for an event, please contact Hannah Notch, at buildingcoordination@ucdsm.org.

Rites of Passage

Our building offers a variety of spaces and amenities, both indoors and outdoors, to accommodate your event.

Weddings: To help make your day special, we offer a variety of resources. Just contact admin@ucdsm.org to discuss your need.

Child Dedications & Naming Ceremonies: Child dedications are an important moment in the life of a congregation. Members of the congregation pledge to provide a community of support, caring, learning, and love for the child and their family. This ritual is available only for members of the congregation, and it’s provided at no charge. Child dedications may be scheduled during a Sunday service, or on alternate days at the request of the family. No alternate officiant may conduct a child dedication at First Unitarian, but alternate officiants may join them in conducting the dedication at the request of the family.

Memorial Services, Funerals, Celebrations of Life: We offer a variety of resources during your difficult time, including help with planning a memorial service, funeral or celebration of life, if you choose.

Ceremonies of Union (Couples, Poly, or others): Ceremonies of Union are formal ceremonies of commitment without legal standing. Our minister performs these ceremonies as scheduling permits. There is no ceremony cost for members and pledging friends. All persons requesting a ceremony of union must be of legal age to marry in the jurisdiction and may not be directly related through blood or preexisting marriage or adoption. The Church Administrator can be reached at admin@ucdsm.org with questions about availability and non-member costs.

Other Services: Please contact admin@ucdsm.org about any of the following:

  • Baptism
  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah
  • Bris (with Rabbinical assistance)

Building Map