ucdsm.communications@gmail.com

Zoom

Large Activity Room

Registration required. Priority given to members

When we provide the time and opportunities for authentic relationships to develop, then the youth gradually experience powerful transformation – they Come of Age. With the help of their families and their church community, they learn who they are, and they decide what they stand for. This is how each youth creates their own empowering story. During Coming of Age, each youth will develop a faith statement. To create their own faith statements, each week they tackle the “Big Questions”, such as: What do you believe about God? What happens after we die? How do you live a moral life? Why do bad things happen? Facilitators of the class pair each youth with a carefully-chosen adult mentor from the congregation. Youth and mentors meet about twice a month, and also complete a service project together. The year begins with a parent/youth meeting to share information about the Coming of Age year. The year concludes with a Celebration Dinner and Coming of Age Service, during which the youth plan and lead Sunday services, as well as present their faith statements.

Room 114

Room 111

This program is for children in grades K-5 who are not enrolled in OWL. Facilitators will use a thematic curriculum, with a new theme each month matching the Soul Matters curriculum. Each session will have opportunities for youth to talk with each other about what the themes mean, to create art together, play together (outside if the weather permits!), engage in movement, dance, and/or music. Facilitators may draw from a variety of activities for each session in order to engage different children’s needs and different facilitators’ talents.
No preregistration needed.

 Room 107

 
No preregistration needed.
The Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) group allows teens to bond through exploration of personal and spiritual rituals, participation in engaging activities, and empowering social activism projects. Youth in 9th-12th grade are welcome to join YRUU at any time! Along with planning events, projects and checking in with each other, we also play games and enjoy some snacks.

 
Griffin
Zoom

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

Stonewall Conference Room

Jill Moser

 Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’. 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. Chairs will be provided. If you prefer a meditation cushion, you are free to bring your own. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to help set up chairs.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.

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

 Room 105

Open to all! Spend a relaxing evening with fellow needleworkers and crafters. Enjoy crochet, cross-stitch, knitting, weaving, mending, quilting? From novice to experienced, all are welcome. We share tips, patterns, show off our work, and learn from each other. Whatever your handwork passion or interest , drop in for an evening of the joy of handwork!

Contact: membership@ucdsm.org

Room 114
 

We'll be meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, same time and place. Then, adding other roving social, spiritual, and/or service activities into the mix as the group is interested – come share your ideas with us in October!

Contact Courtney Dufford at youngadults@ucdsm.org with questions.

  Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine. 
 
Third Thursday's of the month the group will meet in Mary Safford instead of Griffin when the weather cools.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

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

CUUP's

Stonewall Conference Room

 The Trans Action Group is open to anyone under the trans umbrella or ally/supportive who's interested in finding ways to help our congregation grow in understanding of and advocacy around trans-related topics. Currently meeting virtually via Zoom. 
 
Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83929039040
Passcode: TAG

Zoom

Large Activity Room

Registration required. Priority given to members

When we provide the time and opportunities for authentic relationships to develop, then the youth gradually experience powerful transformation – they Come of Age. With the help of their families and their church community, they learn who they are, and they decide what they stand for. This is how each youth creates their own empowering story. During Coming of Age, each youth will develop a faith statement. To create their own faith statements, each week they tackle the “Big Questions”, such as: What do you believe about God? What happens after we die? How do you live a moral life? Why do bad things happen? Facilitators of the class pair each youth with a carefully-chosen adult mentor from the congregation. Youth and mentors meet about twice a month, and also complete a service project together. The year begins with a parent/youth meeting to share information about the Coming of Age year. The year concludes with a Celebration Dinner and Coming of Age Service, during which the youth plan and lead Sunday services, as well as present their faith statements.

Room 111

This program is for children in grades K-5 who are not enrolled in OWL. Facilitators will use a thematic curriculum, with a new theme each month matching the Soul Matters curriculum. Each session will have opportunities for youth to talk with each other about what the themes mean, to create art together, play together (outside if the weather permits!), engage in movement, dance, and/or music. Facilitators may draw from a variety of activities for each session in order to engage different children’s needs and different facilitators’ talents.
No preregistration needed.

 Room 107

 
No preregistration needed.
The Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) group allows teens to bond through exploration of personal and spiritual rituals, participation in engaging activities, and empowering social activism projects. Youth in 9th-12th grade are welcome to join YRUU at any time! Along with planning events, projects and checking in with each other, we also play games and enjoy some snacks.

Facilitated by Hilary Hippen-Leek
 
Room114
These book groups will meet twice a month as they work to form circles of trust to shape an integral life, explore the meaning of community, learn to teach and search for transformation, and promote nonviolent social change. All sessions are free, the only cost is to purchase the book. Register here: https://forms.gle/v2PHQo4ZBcBjWakr7 

 
Griffin
Zoom

Stonewall Conference Room

 Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’. 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. Chairs will be provided. If you prefer a meditation cushion, you are free to bring your own. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to help set up chairs.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.

 Urban Cellar, 640 S 50th St., WDM

Facilitated by Todd Lackmann
 
These book groups will meet twice a month as they work to form circles of trust to shape an integral life, explore the meaning of community, learn to teach and search for transformation, and promote nonviolent social change. All sessions are free, the only cost is to purchase the book. Register here: https://forms.gle/v2PHQo4ZBcBjWakr7 

Facilitated by Linda Lemons
 
Stonewall Conference Room

These book groups will meet twice a month as they work to form circles of trust to shape an integral life, explore the meaning of community, learn to teach and search for transformation, and promote nonviolent social change. All sessions are free, the only cost is to purchase the book. Register here: https://forms.gle/v2PHQo4ZBcBjWakr7 

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

  Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine. 
 
Third Thursday's of the month the group will meet in Mary Safford instead of Griffin when the weather cools.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

Meets: Third Thursdays Sept-May; 12:00 noon potluck, 1:00 p.m. CT speaker program; $10 yearly dues
 
This informal social and general interest group’s motto is “We eat well, talk much, sit long, and laugh lots!” while also learning from our guest speakers. Unity Circle-Alliance (often referred to as “Unity Circle”) began as a women’s service group at First Unitarian in 1879. The group has a very proud heritage of contributions over the years to our church, our city, our state, and our national culture. From the women’s suffrage movement to social issues in early Des Moines; through post-World War II support for war refugees via the national Unitarian Service Committee and into the current group’s monthly speakers, the organization has worked to improve church life and the lives of others.
 
Contacts: Theresa Miller or Nancee McDowell, unitycircle@ucdsm.org

Zoom

Large Activity Room

Registration required. Priority given to members

When we provide the time and opportunities for authentic relationships to develop, then the youth gradually experience powerful transformation – they Come of Age. With the help of their families and their church community, they learn who they are, and they decide what they stand for. This is how each youth creates their own empowering story. During Coming of Age, each youth will develop a faith statement. To create their own faith statements, each week they tackle the “Big Questions”, such as: What do you believe about God? What happens after we die? How do you live a moral life? Why do bad things happen? Facilitators of the class pair each youth with a carefully-chosen adult mentor from the congregation. Youth and mentors meet about twice a month, and also complete a service project together. The year begins with a parent/youth meeting to share information about the Coming of Age year. The year concludes with a Celebration Dinner and Coming of Age Service, during which the youth plan and lead Sunday services, as well as present their faith statements.

Room 111

This program is for children in grades K-5 who are not enrolled in OWL. Facilitators will use a thematic curriculum, with a new theme each month matching the Soul Matters curriculum. Each session will have opportunities for youth to talk with each other about what the themes mean, to create art together, play together (outside if the weather permits!), engage in movement, dance, and/or music. Facilitators may draw from a variety of activities for each session in order to engage different children’s needs and different facilitators’ talents.
No preregistration needed.

 Room 107

 
No preregistration needed.
The Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) group allows teens to bond through exploration of personal and spiritual rituals, participation in engaging activities, and empowering social activism projects. Youth in 9th-12th grade are welcome to join YRUU at any time! Along with planning events, projects and checking in with each other, we also play games and enjoy some snacks.

 
Griffin
Zoom

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

Stonewall Conference Room

 Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

Judy Davis's Home

Facilitated by Elaine Imlau and Judy Davis
 

Soul Matters is a way of engaging our monthly themes through deep listening and open-hearted sharing. Groups of 8-10 committed participants come together once a month with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in the community. We do this by listening in three distinct ways:

• First, we listen to each other.
• Second, we listen to our lives.
• Finally, we listen to our deepest selves.

Together, these sacred practices of listening — to each other, the world, and our deepest selves — add up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home. These groups are free.
Register now!
 

Stonewall Conference Room
 

Led by Sally Boeckholt and Sarah Lauer

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

This packet provides a good example of what to expect each month. 

Sign up today to join us on our journey of creative writing and spiritual exploration

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’. 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. Chairs will be provided. If you prefer a meditation cushion, you are free to bring your own. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to help set up chairs.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.

First Unitarian Church of Des Moines

Facilitated by Tracy Beck, Judy Davis, and Elaine Imlau
 Meets in Stonewall Conference Room


Soul Matters is a way of engaging our monthly themes through deep listening and open-hearted sharing. Groups of 8-10 committed participants come together once a month with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in the community. We do this by listening in three distinct ways:

• First, we listen to each other.
• Second, we listen to our lives.
• Finally, we listen to our deepest selves.

Together, these sacred practices of listening — to each other, the world, and our deepest selves — add up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home. These groups are free.
Register now!
 

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

  Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine. 
 
Third Thursday's of the month the group will meet in Mary Safford instead of Griffin when the weather cools.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

The UCDSM Board of Trustees

Meets in Stonewall Conference Room 

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

 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

First Unitarian Church of Des Moines

Facilitated by Hillary Hippen-Leek

Room 114

 

Soul Matters is a way of engaging our monthly themes through deep listening and open-hearted sharing. Groups of 8-10 committed participants come together once a month with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in the community. We do this by listening in three distinct ways:

• First, we listen to each other.
• Second, we listen to our lives.
• Finally, we listen to our deepest selves.

Together, these sacred practices of listening — to each other, the world, and our deepest selves — add up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home. These groups are free.
Register now!
 

Zoom

Room 111

This program is for children in grades K-5 who are not enrolled in OWL. Facilitators will use a thematic curriculum, with a new theme each month matching the Soul Matters curriculum. Each session will have opportunities for youth to talk with each other about what the themes mean, to create art together, play together (outside if the weather permits!), engage in movement, dance, and/or music. Facilitators may draw from a variety of activities for each session in order to engage different children’s needs and different facilitators’ talents.
No preregistration needed.

 Room 107

 
No preregistration needed.
The Young Religious Unitarian Universalist (YRUU) group allows teens to bond through exploration of personal and spiritual rituals, participation in engaging activities, and empowering social activism projects. Youth in 9th-12th grade are welcome to join YRUU at any time! Along with planning events, projects and checking in with each other, we also play games and enjoy some snacks.

Facilitated by Hilary Hippen-Leek
 
Room 114
These book groups will meet twice a month as they work to form circles of trust to shape an integral life, explore the meaning of community, learn to teach and search for transformation, and promote nonviolent social change. All sessions are free, the only cost is to purchase the book. Register here: https://forms.gle/v2PHQo4ZBcBjWakr7 

Griffin
Zoom

 Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7

Awakening Heart Sangha is a mindfulness practice group in the Plum Village Tradition of Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh, or ‘Thay’. 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. Chairs will be provided. If you prefer a meditation cushion, you are free to bring your own. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to help set up chairs.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.

Jo Fitz's home

Facilitated by Jo Fitz and Susan Seitz
 

Soul Matters is a way of engaging our monthly themes through deep listening and open-hearted sharing. Groups of 8-10 committed participants come together once a month with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in the community. We do this by listening in three distinct ways:

• First, we listen to each other.
• Second, we listen to our lives.
• Finally, we listen to our deepest selves.

Together, these sacred practices of listening — to each other, the world, and our deepest selves — add up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home. These groups are free.
Register now!
 

Zoom

“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. Currently we have five members regularly attending, and would love to share this opportunity with up to five more people. ( Zoom only until April) 

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

Facilitated by Todd Lackmann
 
These book groups will meet twice a month as they work to form circles of trust to shape an integral life, explore the meaning of community, learn to teach and search for transformation, and promote nonviolent social change. All sessions are free, the only cost is to purchase the book. Register here: https://forms.gle/v2PHQo4ZBcBjWakr7 

Facilitated by Linda Lemons

Stonewall Conference Room

 
These book groups will meet twice a month as they work to form circles of trust to shape an integral life, explore the meaning of community, learn to teach and search for transformation, and promote nonviolent social change. All sessions are free, the only cost is to purchase the book. Register here: https://forms.gle/v2PHQo4ZBcBjWakr7 

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

  Monday and Thursday at 10:00 at First Unitarian as weather cools and we move inside to Griffin Hall. Outside sessions are currently being held at the American Legion Park in West Des Moines on 4th and Vine. 
 
Third Thursday's of the month the group will meet in Mary Safford instead of Griffin when the weather cools.
 
Tai chi is an ancient form of gentle exercise sometimes called ‘moving’ meditation. This class will focus on a short form (Sun style) designed specifically to improve joint movement (which may decrease pain) and improve balance and prevent falls. In addition to these benefits, research has also shown tai chi may reduce stress.  Basic aspects of tai chi will be discussed and practiced, including breathing, weight shift, posture, slow circular movements, elongation and focus to enhance the flow of chi. The classes are taught by repetitively practicing small portions and gradually adding until the entire form has been covered.  Regular attendance is encouraged for the full benefit. There is a small fee ($20) for participants for the day session while the evening session is free. Register here: https://forms.gle/poBmQ4hsdPfQpSir7