We the People
9:15 & 11 am Celebrant: Martha Sherick Shen In this service, the first of the month when our theme is "Memory" and the Sunday before election day, we take time to remember the origins of our nation. There is a close connection between the development of our constitutional democracy and the engagement of Unitarians and Universalists in the public life after the American Revolution. The philosophy and principles underlying the US Constitution resonate with the later-developed UU principles, and it is no accident. Special music by the Bell Ave. Ringers - Ash Grove
Wayfaring Strangers
9:15 & 11 am Celebrant: Ben Spick The sanctuary of our beloved community holds us in love as we learn and grow, seek and serve, and discover the wonder and mystery of life. The experience of community can give its members a sense of belonging. But not everyone has this experience. Everyone longs for community, for that sense of belonging, for sanctuary, yet have experienced rejection and isolation for who they are. In this Sunday following October 11 National Coming Out Day, we consider how to extend a genuine welcome, and sanctuary, to people marginalized in our society because of gender or sexual orientation. Rev. Jennifer and Ben Spick, who co-lead this service, will each offer a reflection. Special music by Bell Ave Ringers
Listen for the Voices
Watch the Video (YouTube link) In this month when our theme is "Sanctuary," we're invited to consider the many ways in which a Unitarian Universalist congregation can be a sanctuary. The obvious connection is that we might host someone who is literally in sanctuary, yet the possible meaning of sanctuary is much broader. By our attitudes, actions, and compassion, we can create sanctuary here for many people in need of it, including ourselves. It begins with listening to all the voices that long for us to hear them. Special music by UU Singers
Heart of the Church
9:15 & 11 am Celebrant: Kellie Patterson What is the "heart" of First Unitarian Church? How do individual values and aspirations combine to form the heart of this beloved community? These are the questions members have been answering over the last year through Visioning Circles and at the September 22nd Visioning Workshop—as well as at the September 9th ingathering service. Rev. Jennifer, inspired by your answers, shares her perceptions of this congregation's heart. Special music by UU Singers
Life Calls Us On
Watch the Video (YouTube link) Why are we here? What is our purpose? These are the questions that rise from the great underlying question, "What is the meaning of life?" In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, there is no single answer to these big questions. But there is one unifying message: each of us creates our own meaning and purpose. Life calls to us to use the gifts that are ours to shape a life that speaks. Special music by the Bell Ringers
The Capable Heart
10 am Celebrant: Susan Gross The idea of a “capable” heart comes from 12th century Sufi Muslim mystic and philosopher Ibn Arabi. He championed the idea of a religion of love—a religion that does not balk at differences in theology or ritual but expands to embrace all. Did we think Unitarian Universalism had this idea first? What else can we learn from a poet born in 1160 in Murcia, a then-Islamic city in what is now Spain? And what will the world become if we encourage one another, and ourselves, to develop a "capable heart"? Special music by Madeline Echternacht
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
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
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