What Do You Value? – Sunday with AMOS

10 am Celebrant: Gabrielle Eaton We are part of a larger community: one with wealth and poverty; faith communities and soccer leagues; progressives and conservatives. Our taxes – city, county, state and federal – fund various aspects of that common community. What do you value to the extent that you would raise your own taxes to see achieved? We will explore your ideas and vision, your hopes and energy around the subject of common community and commonly-held assets. What can we build when we work together? Special music by Sharon Stilwell on flute.

The Importance of Loafing

10 am Celebrant: Lyra Halsten “Loafing” is the word offered up by the Chinese inventor and author Dr. Lin Yutang in his book The Importance of Living (1937). Dr. Lin, born in China in 1895, studied at Harvard University and spent many years in New York City. His observations on American and Chinese culture, written more than 80 years ago, resonate strongly with our lives today despite changes in both societies. Relax with Rev. Jennifer Brooks as she offers languid encouragement to appreciate one of summer's greatest pleasures: loafing. Special music by Kellie Patterson

All are Called

10 am Celebrants: Kellie Patterson, Kate Allen Members share their poignant memories and stories that inspired them after attending General Assembly in Kansas City. Special music by Frankie Bell.

Principles and Promises

Watch the Video (YouTube link) The approach of Independence Day reminds us of the principles that form the idea of America: all are created equal with inherent rights, and the government is created by the people to serve the people. These ideas resonate with our seven UU principles: the inherent worth of every person; the use of democratic process in our congregations and in the world. Shared principles, clearly stated, carry with them an implicit promise that we will act together to make them live vibrantly in our political and religious life. This Sunday, Rev. Jennifer Brooks offers an assessment: how have we lived into the principles and promises on which America was based, and in our life as Unitarian Universalists? Special music by Quinn Emison Clair

Who is We?

Watch the Video (YouTube link) Jon McAlister will explore the question, "Who is we?" and make the case that it is an essential starting point for our principles and our pursuit of ethical conduct. What role has it played in our modern world, and is our "we" ready for the challenges of the twenty-first century? Special music by Bill Matykowski

Reclaiming Blessings

Watch the Video (YouTube link) Unitarian Universalists hold sacred the ties that bind and we actively seek to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Given our humanist faith, we may not think to include prayer or offering blessings in our spiritual toolbox as we do this. Rev. Erin, members of our pastoral team and justice seeking groups will share stories about how powerful it can be to reclaim these tools. Special music by Risa Vandegrift

The Blessings of Pride

10 a.m. only Celebrant: Ben Spick As the Des Moines community and most cities and states celebrate LGBTQ Pride, this Sunday we appreciate the blessings of Pride through the words and songs of Unitarian Universalist LGBTQ ministers and members. In February, we lifted up the voices of UUs of color. This service will follow a similar format, reminding us of our proud history of support for civil marriage as a civil right—and the challenges that remain. All in all, it's an opportunity to celebrate the Blessings of Pride. All are invited to join fellow UUs in marching in the Des Moines Pride Parade after the service, beginning at the State Capital at noon. Please bring a flower from your garden or florist to share in our annual Flower Communion. (Some flowers will also be available for those who forget) Special music by Megan Irey & Auden Eaton

The Blessings of Community

Watch the Video (YouTube link) One of the blessings of congregational life is the community we create together. In American society today, people often struggle to balance work with family life—the demands of the job and the deep personal need to be in meaningful relationships. The congregational community helps individuals and families find that balance, deepen relationships, and grow personally and spiritually. This Sunday, the day of our Annual Congregational Meeting, we consider and celebrate the way that the First Unitarian community brings meaning and balance to our lives. We will also recognize our graduating high school seniors in a Bridging Ceremony. One service this week at 10 a.m., followed by the Congregational Meeting at 11:15 a.m. Special music by Julie Murphy & Bruce Martin

Memory and Meaning

Watch the Video (YouTube link) On Memorial Day weekend, our thoughts inevitably turn to the causes and consequences of war. When we think of those who have died in service to our country, is our responsibility simply to remember them? Or do we have a larger responsibility to give their deaths meaning? If a family member died in active military service, you're invited to wear a black armband in their memory. Special music by Barb Martin