Church Calendar

Room 110

Zoom (Safford)

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Grit and Grace - Resilience Through Balance:
Please join us 30 minutes after our Sunday Service for a follow-up discussion on this week’s theme, “Grit and Grace – Resilience Through Balance.”

Stonewall Conference Room and via Zoom

Send a note to HumanistBookGroup@ucdsm.org if you would like to participate.

Contact: Brenda Trickler/Warren Stine

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018584456?pwd=Mzl5REczWWRrSXl0QnFDZ3kwdlBTUT09 

Stonewall Conference Room

Mary Safford

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Stonewall Conference Room

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

The UCDSM Board of Trustees

Meets in Stonewall Conference Room 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81039646421

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Griffin

Room 110

Zoom (Safford)
 

Cherry Picking My Journey with Louise Alcorn:
Member Louise Alcorn will discuss growing up Unitarian Universalist, the confusion and freedoms that brought, and how she "cherry-picked" her way to now.

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Cherry Picking My Journey
Please join us 30 minutes after our Sunday Service for a follow-up discussion on Louise Alcorn's sermon, "Cherry Picking My Journey." Meet new people, connect with Louise and others, and share what sources and inspirations inform your beliefs. If you have an elevator speech that explains your worldview, please be prepared to share it with others. Are there other sources you would like to explore more fully, and if so what are those sources?

Mary Safford

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Griffin Hall

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Stonewall April-March, Zoom December-March

“A Word With You” meets once a month in person and discuss topics that interest members. We would like to invite new-comers (or old ones) to our church who could join us or just visit with us. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am. The topics vary from environment to personalities.

Please contact Sachiko Murphy (wordwithyou@ucdsm.org) if you are interested.

Peace Conference Room

Stonewall

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81856044293

Meeting ID: 818 5604 4293

Stonewall Conference Room

 
Chosen by Women, About Women, Discussed by Women 

RSVP's sent to wednesdaywomen@ucdsm.org

Stonewall

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Griffin Hall

Griffin Hall
 
Satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring the mysteries of divination. Join us for an evening of delectable treats and insightful readings at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
  
Universalism and Labor Day:

 Railcar magnateGeorge Pullman was a Universalist, born and bred. He had a certain recognizableUniversalist idealism – but it went horribly, instructively, awry. As a result,we have Labor Day.

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Our theme for the month of September is “Radical Hospitality.” We’ll be exploring that theme throughout the month, including in our Connection Circles – and in this Forum. In what ways is hospitality transformative to the guest? To the host? How can we develop greater hospitality to others? To parts of ourselves?

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Stonewall Conference Room

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Room 114

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Join us on September 8th at 9:30 a.m. for our annual WaterCommunion, also known as the Water Ceremony. This special service, firstintroduced in Unitarian Universalist worship in the 1980s, is a cherishedtradition in many congregations, including our own. We invite all members tobring a small amount of water from a place that holds meaning for you. Whetherit's from your home tap or a distant journey, your water will join others' in apowerful symbol of our shared experiences and unity as a community.

 Gathering In with Rev. Meredith Garmon

In the waning days of summer (autumn begins on Sep 22), we gather in for the church year before us. Bring a small sample of water with you to represent what the last 12 weeks have been like for you. We'll reflect together on our September theme: Hospitality.

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Explore Fall Course Offerings:
 
Curious about what courses are being offered this Fall? Come and learn more! We'll be providing brief descriptions of each class to help you decide which ones are right for you. Don't miss this opportunity to explore our exciting course offerings!
 
 

Come meet your RE facilitators and get to know more about them!

Stonewall Conference Room and Zoom

Send a note to HumanistBookGroup@ucdsm.org if you would like to participate.

Contact: Brenda Trickler/Warren Stine

Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018584456?pwd=Mzl5REczWWRrSXl0QnFDZ3kwdlBTUT09

Griffin Hall
 
Our Peace, Justice, and Democracy Team invites anyone interested to orientation and training sessions on September 7th and 8th at 3 PM in Griffin Hall. You can read about the voter turnout and registration initiative at Vision Leads Community Connect.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Stonewall Conference Room

Jill Moser

Meets in the Minister's Office

 
The Grief Support Circle will start meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. Any who are dealing with the loss of a loved one are invited to attend as many or as few sessions that work for you. Feel free to bring your dinner, if you'd like. If this group doesn't work for you but you need help working through your grief, please reach out to the Pastoral Care Team

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Led by Jeremy Guenther

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Griffin Hall and Kitchen

 Meets: Second Tuesday of the month; 2:00 p.m. CT 
 
This group is for book lovers and those who like to talk about what they’re reading. Books are selected by group members from Des Moines, Urbandale and West Des Moines Public Library Book Group Sets. 
 
Contacts: Jean Tauber or Theresa Miller, bookclub@ucdsm.org

Online Only

First Unitarian is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FOC Meeting
Time: Aug 13, 2024 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
        Every month on the Second Tue, until Feb 11, 2025, 7 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcvfuuvqj8uE9w2bE0UDTkPfYRtNHWd9Hy_/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrDIoHdCRtBCPRpwqAIr4a-3wiClbj_pKzh3AUxV3VgjGMNtwJpxXJ9yJ

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83292744498?pwd=Y0Q1Q29TclZ3SzNWUm9tSXpZWmVQQT09

Meeting ID: 832 9274 4498
Passcode: 465972

Peace Library

Led by John Morrow

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Room 114
 
Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83045131767
Passcode: TAG

Griffin and Gathering Area

Peace Conference Room

UU Writers explores the monthly Soul Matters themes and engages in spiritual discernment through the art of creative writing

Join us in the auditorium for a showing of "God and Country." This 2024 American documentary film is based on Katherine Stewart's book The Power Worshippers. It discusses the emergence of Christian nationalism and its close relationship with far-right politics in the United States, exploring its perceived threat to democracy and the politicization of Christianity.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87674930680?pwd=WfEkMrXFeTeZqBS33GsUiCFTOo2ed2.1

Meeting ID: 876 7493 0680
Password: building

                                                                                                                       
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.

Led by Ellen Taylor & Martha Sherick-Shen

Large Activity Room, Downstairs Classrooms, Patio

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Theological with Meredith Garmon:

Theology isbest thought of as poetry. You have your preferred metaphors for pointing towhat is of ultimate concern, and other people may have different metaphors.It's helpful to approach theological diversity with playfulness. 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Stonewall Conference Room

Parents come hear about the class structure and tour the rooms for your child(ren)'s classes!

Utility Scale Wind Farms:

Al Powers will talk about his experience with large windfarms. He will present a general overview of the power transmission systemand current wind farm technology, and will discuss the issues involved inconnecting large wind farms to the power grid and the resulting operatingissues. He will also discuss environmental concerns and life cycle issuesrelated to the construction, operation, and ultimate removal of wind turbines.

Stonewall Conference Room

Private Event

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Stonewall Conference Room

Led by Liz Bredeson & Nancee McDowell

Please consider coming to the discussion in the auditorium if you've already seen the film. The moving showing and discussion session is in conjunction with the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. Want to watch the documentary at home? It streams on a few services. Currently, it is available on Amazon Prime at no charge.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Led by Faithyna Leonard

The UCDSM Board of Trustees

Meets in Stonewall Conference Room 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81039646421

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Griffin Hall and Gathering Area
 

Welcome to our first meeting of the season! 

We will be meeting at noon on Thursday, September 19th for lunch and a program. 

Our speakers will be Jan Kaiser and a representative of Annie’s Foundation on the topic of banned books! Should be really good.

Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Stonewall

Mary Safford 
 

These classes with the minister take a deeper dive into Unitarian Universalist history and identity.

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Stonewall Conference Room

Stonewall Conference Room and via Zoom

Send a note to HumanistBookGroup@ucdsm.org if you would like to participate.

Contact: Brenda Trickler/Warren Stine

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018584456?pwd=Mzl5REczWWRrSXl0QnFDZ3kwdlBTUT09 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Led by Martha Stephenson

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Stonewall April-March, Zoom December-March

“A Word With You” meets once a month in person and discuss topics that interest members. We would like to invite new-comers (or old ones) to our church who could join us or just visit with us. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am. The topics vary from environment to personalities.

Please contact Sachiko Murphy (wordwithyou@ucdsm.org) if you are interested.

Peace Conference Room

Stonewall Conference Room

 
Chosen by Women, About Women, Discussed by Women 

RSVP's sent to wednesdaywomen@ucdsm.org

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Led by Sarah Guenther

Griffin and Gathering Area

Room 107

Led by Frank Bowers

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275552388?pwd=CYwGBfGU2n5sYfDlBuXNmjXz8UHdy2.1

Meeting ID: 892 7555 2388
Passcode: UCDSM

ALL CHURCH

ALL CHURCH

 Meet in the lower parking lot of the church with Rev. LoraKim Joyner 

 By attending you can see birds, learn the basics of bird watching, learn how to connect to birds and nature, and enjoy one another.

During the walk we will have time for conversation, reflections, and quiet, as well as seeking to identify as many birds as possible. There will be plenty of opportunity to learn about birds and practice the spiritual aspects of watching birds which is without a doubt a wonderful mindfulness practice. For more info click here

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Our church is thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible talent of the women in our congregation at the annual UU Women’s Art Show. This year’s exhibition will feature a diverse range of works by our gifted artists, and we would love for you to be part of it.

Please join us for the artist reception in Griffin Hall, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their creative journeys and the stories behind their pieces.

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Minister's Office

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Griffin

Room 107

Area from creek up to the upper parking lot

Mary Safford

Private Event

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Mary Safford

Interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism? Do you have questions about life in this community? Whether you are new to First Unitarian or well-established, please join us for coffee and conversation about Unitarian Universalism.

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Stonewall Conference Room and Zoom

Send a note to HumanistBookGroup@ucdsm.org if you would like to participate.

Contact: Brenda Trickler/Warren Stine

Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018584456?pwd=Mzl5REczWWRrSXl0QnFDZ3kwdlBTUT09

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Beginning October 7, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 am—10:10 am (40-minute session) for six weeks. We will be learning Tai Chi for Health, a set of movements that incorporate traditional tai chi principles and are easy and enjoyable to learn. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Chairs will be available for those who prefer seated exercise.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Women’s Monthly Lunch  

All UU (and UU-interested) women are welcome to join the monthly gathering of the UU Women’s Lunch Bunch (2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:30). 

There’s always good food and lively conversation. 

Please be sure to RSVP before the luncheon if you plan to attend:  womenslunch@ucdsm.org

 Meets: Second Tuesday of the month; 2:00 p.m. CT 
 
This group is for book lovers and those who like to talk about what they’re reading. Books are selected by group members from Des Moines, Urbandale and West Des Moines Public Library Book Group Sets. 
 
Contacts: Jean Tauber or Theresa Miller, bookclub@ucdsm.org

Online Only

First Unitarian is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FOC Meeting
Time: Aug 13, 2024 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
        Every month on the Second Tue, until Feb 11, 2025, 7 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcvfuuvqj8uE9w2bE0UDTkPfYRtNHWd9Hy_/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrDIoHdCRtBCPRpwqAIr4a-3wiClbj_pKzh3AUxV3VgjGMNtwJpxXJ9yJ

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83292744498?pwd=Y0Q1Q29TclZ3SzNWUm9tSXpZWmVQQT09

Meeting ID: 832 9274 4498
Passcode: 465972

Peace Library

Led by John Morrow

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Room 114
 
Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83045131767
Passcode: TAG

Beginning October 7, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 am—10:10 am (40-minute session) for six weeks. We will be learning Tai Chi for Health, a set of movements that incorporate traditional tai chi principles and are easy and enjoyable to learn. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Chairs will be available for those who prefer seated exercise.

Griffin and Gathering Area

Room 107

Peace Conference Room

UU Writers explores the monthly Soul Matters themes and engages in spiritual discernment through the art of creative writing

Led by Ellen Taylor & Martha Sherick-Shen

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

OFFSITE

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Room 105

This group for 5^th-8^th graders explores the monthly ministry theme through activities, discussion, crafts, and service projects

Griffin Hall

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Beginning October 7, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 am—10:10 am (40-minute session) for six weeks. We will be learning Tai Chi for Health, a set of movements that incorporate traditional tai chi principles and are easy and enjoyable to learn. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Chairs will be available for those who prefer seated exercise.

Stonewall Conference Room

Jill Moser

Meets in the Minister's Office

 
The Grief Support Circle will start meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. Any who are dealing with the loss of a loved one are invited to attend as many or as few sessions that work for you. Feel free to bring your dinner, if you'd like. If this group doesn't work for you but you need help working through your grief, please reach out to the Pastoral Care Team

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Led by Jeremy Guenther

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Led by Faithyna Leonard

Griffin Hall

The UCDSM Board of Trustees

Meets in Stonewall Conference Room 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81039646421

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin Hall

Griffin and Gathering Area

Beginning October 7, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 am—10:10 am (40-minute session) for six weeks. We will be learning Tai Chi for Health, a set of movements that incorporate traditional tai chi principles and are easy and enjoyable to learn. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Chairs will be available for those who prefer seated exercise.

Griffin Hall and Gathering Area

Room 107

ZOOM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82820034153

Stonewall

Griffin Hall

Mary Safford 
 
These classes with the minister and lay-leaders take a closer look at life and membership in our congregation. Expect to hear from leaders on our Board of Trustees, Stewardship Committee, Pastoral Care Team, and more.

Auditorium, Gathering Area, Griffin Hall, kitchen, and Room 107

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Stonewall Conference Room and via Zoom

Send a note to HumanistBookGroup@ucdsm.org if you would like to participate.

Contact: Brenda Trickler/Warren Stine

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018584456?pwd=Mzl5REczWWRrSXl0QnFDZ3kwdlBTUT09 

Griffin Hall

Stonewall Conference Room

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Beginning October 7, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 am—10:10 am (40-minute session) for six weeks. We will be learning Tai Chi for Health, a set of movements that incorporate traditional tai chi principles and are easy and enjoyable to learn. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Chairs will be available for those who prefer seated exercise.

Griffin and Gathering Area

Stonewall Conference Room

Led by Liz Bredeson & Nancee McDowell

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Peace Conference Room

Stonewall Conference Room

 
Chosen by Women, About Women, Discussed by Women 

RSVP's sent to wednesdaywomen@ucdsm.org

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Led by Sarah Guenther

Griffin and Gathering Area

Beginning October 7, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 am—10:10 am (40-minute session) for six weeks. We will be learning Tai Chi for Health, a set of movements that incorporate traditional tai chi principles and are easy and enjoyable to learn. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Chairs will be available for those who prefer seated exercise.

Room 107

Led by Frank Bowers

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275552388?pwd=CYwGBfGU2n5sYfDlBuXNmjXz8UHdy2.1

Meeting ID: 892 7555 2388
Passcode: UCDSM

Green Sanctuary

Griffin Hall
 
Satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring the mysteries of divination. Join us for an evening of delectable treats and insightful readings at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Led by Martha Stephenson and Barb Martin

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Stonewall April-March, Zoom December-March

“A Word With You” meets once a month in person and discuss topics that interest members. We would like to invite new-comers (or old ones) to our church who could join us or just visit with us. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am. The topics vary from environment to personalities.

Please contact Sachiko Murphy (wordwithyou@ucdsm.org) if you are interested.

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Room 107

Griffin and Gathering Area

BYOB  (Bring Your Own Beverage)
 
Vegan/Vegetarian requests can be made to winiwilliams@gmail.com before the event.

 Meet in the lower parking lot of the church with Rev. LoraKim Joyner 

 By attending you can see birds, learn the basics of bird watching, learn how to connect to birds and nature, and enjoy one another.

During the walk we will have time for conversation, reflections, and quiet, as well as seeking to identify as many birds as possible. There will be plenty of opportunity to learn about birds and practice the spiritual aspects of watching birds which is without a doubt a wonderful mindfulness practice. For more info click here

Janet Knock
 
This session is a fun way to sample some tai chi movements and tai chi walking, a moving meditation. 

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Mary Safford

Interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism? Do you have questions about life in this community? Whether you are new to First Unitarian or well-established, please join us for coffee and conversation about Unitarian Universalism.

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Stonewall Conference Room and Zoom

Send a note to HumanistBookGroup@ucdsm.org if you would like to participate.

Contact: Brenda Trickler/Warren Stine

Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018584456?pwd=Mzl5REczWWRrSXl0QnFDZ3kwdlBTUT09

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Minister's Office

Griffin Hall

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Griffin and Gathering Area

Room 107

                                                                                                                       
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.

Led by Ellen Taylor & Martha Sherick-Shen

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)
 

Childcare is always available during Sunday services for children aged 0-4 years-old in room 112.

Room 105

This group for 5^th-8^th graders explores the monthly ministry theme through activities, discussion, crafts, and service projects

Coming of Age is a program for 8th and 9th grade youth. We’ll learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. We’ll apply our values and our idea about what matters. We’ll have fun!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89454166012?pwd=UVJGR2RlQzZqWExjd1o5VFFseXpBZz09


Meeting ID: 894 5416 6012
Passcode: 231074

Griffin and Gathering Area

Stonewall Conference Room

Jill Moser

Meets in the Minister's Office

 
The Grief Support Circle will start meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. Any who are dealing with the loss of a loved one are invited to attend as many or as few sessions that work for you. Feel free to bring your dinner, if you'd like. If this group doesn't work for you but you need help working through your grief, please reach out to the Pastoral Care Team

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377303826?pwd=hXZAPdeTUSLPSxvXayNh0bMDu6h3Wx.1

Meeting ID: 823 7730 3826
Passcode: MSC

Led by Jeremy Guenther

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’.  We meet by Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time.  All are welcome on a drop-in basis to this ongoing group. 


All levels of practice are welcome, regardless of whether you are a newcomer to meditation or have had a meditation practice for a while. Brief meditation instruction will be offered at each meeting as needed for any newcomers. At each meeting, we will check-in, practice 20 minutes of sitting meditation and 10 minutes of walking meditation followed by a short reading and discussion.


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777386156?pwd=ZFFYQUFacTlHOXU4bFk4a0Y4TWxpdz09

Email sangha@ucdsm.org for more information or to be added to the weekly Sangha meeting announcement email list.

Women’s Monthly Lunch  

All UU (and UU-interested) women are welcome to join the monthly gathering of the UU Women’s Lunch Bunch (2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:30). 

There’s always good food and lively conversation. 

Please be sure to RSVP before the luncheon if you plan to attend:  womenslunch@ucdsm.org

 Meets: Second Tuesday of the month; 2:00 p.m. CT 
 
This group is for book lovers and those who like to talk about what they’re reading. Books are selected by group members from Des Moines, Urbandale and West Des Moines Public Library Book Group Sets. 
 
Contacts: Jean Tauber or Theresa Miller, bookclub@ucdsm.org

Online Only

First Unitarian is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FOC Meeting
Time: Aug 13, 2024 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
        Every month on the Second Tue, until Feb 11, 2025, 7 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcvfuuvqj8uE9w2bE0UDTkPfYRtNHWd9Hy_/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrDIoHdCRtBCPRpwqAIr4a-3wiClbj_pKzh3AUxV3VgjGMNtwJpxXJ9yJ

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83292744498?pwd=Y0Q1Q29TclZ3SzNWUm9tSXpZWmVQQT09

Meeting ID: 832 9274 4498
Passcode: 465972

Peace Library

Led by John Morrow

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Room 114
 
Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83045131767
Passcode: TAG

Griffin and Gathering Area

Room 107

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87674930680?pwd=WfEkMrXFeTeZqBS33GsUiCFTOo2ed2.1

Meeting ID: 876 7493 0680
Password: building

Peace Conference Room

UU Writers explores the monthly Soul Matters themes and engages in spiritual discernment through the art of creative writing

Peace Conference Room

Mary Safford 
 

These classes with the minister take a deeper dive into Unitarian Universalist history and identity.

Auditorium, Gathering Area, Griffin Hall, kitchen, and Room 107

Crossroads is a place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

One Room SchUUlhouse is a place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

Room 114

Zoom (Safford)