ucdsm.communications@gmail.com

 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’.  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.

Room 114

Ann Mowery

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 and Liz Bredeson!

Auditorium

  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

 Griffin Hall
 
Volunteer Training series

 Griffin Hall
 
Volunteer Training series- 
We will meet 6 Saturday mornings: April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15
 
Everyone is welcome to attend.
We will use a UUA curriculum, "Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining," in the form of webinars. Everyone is welcome, and leaders are particularly encouraged to attend. If you're part of a group but not a leader, you'll come away with a better understanding of healthy group dynamics.
If you can't commit to all six sessions, you can catch up by watching the webinars on your own.

Room 111

Zoom
 
Animal Blessing Service 

Led by Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Community Minister, in affiliation with First Unitarian Church.

In thisintergenerational service we will have stories, music, videos, and words ofwisdom to celebrate the many species in our lives, both past and present.Through intentionally seeing how we are blessed by the life around us, we canin turn offer blessings, care and compassion to those with whom we share theplanet. Please bring pictures and mementos of animals in your lifecurrently, those you have known and are now gone, or those with whom you sharea special attachment. We also invite people to bring extra pictures andart to build a communal altar for the service.

Room 107

Room 114

Room 113

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.

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’.  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.

Room 114

Jeremy Guenther

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). 

Please note:  We have moved from A Dong back to FireCreek Grill

There’s always good food and lively conversation. 


Please be sure to RSVP by the Sunday evening (later than usual because I’m late this month) before the luncheon if you plan to attend:  womenslunch@ucdsm.org

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

RSVP required by the Saturday before the luncheon to: 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

Peace Library

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

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

Auditorium

  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

                                                                                                                       
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.

Stonewall

Room 111

Zoom

Our commitment, as members of First Unitarian, is to"grow ethically and spiritually, serve justly, and love radically." Let'slook at what the "grow ethically" part and the "loveradically" part have to do with each othe

Room 107

Room 105

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

Room 114

Room 113

Room 114
 
 
Frank Bowers

Room 114

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’.  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.

Contact: Karen Kraemer choir@ucdsm.org

Room 114
 
 
Doug Aupperle and Sally Boeckholt

Auditorium

  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

Griffin Hall, Gathering Area, and Kitchen
04/18 Our speaker will be Jeremy Lewis from the Des Moines Bicycle Collective!

 
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

 Griffin Hall
 
Volunteer Training series

Stonewall

  Griffin Hall
 
Volunteer Training series- 
We will meet 6 Saturday mornings: April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15
 
Everyone is welcome to attend.
We will use a UUA curriculum, "Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining," in the form of webinars. Everyone is welcome, and leaders are particularly encouraged to attend. If you're part of a group but not a leader, you'll come away with a better understanding of healthy group dynamics.
If you can't commit to all six sessions, you can catch up by watching the webinars on your own.

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.

Room 111

Zoom

Room 107

Room 114

Room 113

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

 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’.  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