A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315

515-244-8603

In this presentation, Amy Landrigan, Vice President of Strategy & Venture for Central Iowa Shelter and Services, will explore the comprehensive range of services provided by the organization. Learn how these initiatives work together to not only address immediate needs but also empower individuals to move from merely surviving to truly thriving. Discover the impactful ways in which CISS supports our community members on their journey to a better life.

Join the live service on Zoom!

Zoom Passcode: Safford

(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)

Forum:

Discussion with Amy Landrigan,

Vice President of Strategy & Venture for Central Iowa Shelter and Services

Join us about 30 minutes after the service for a discussion with Amy Landrigan, Vice President of Strategy and Venture for Central Iowa Shelter and Services.

Please take a moment to share a thank you or kudos. Submissions will be shared on the board in Griffin Hall and in upcoming worship services. Please click the button below to fill out the form.

FAITH FORMATION

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

CHURCH EVENTS AND NEWS

Click the button below to submit an announcement or event for publication

Deadline: Wednesday at Noon

Humanist Group Update

**Braver Angels

Join the Humanist group to discuss Christian Nationalism, with BOTH SIDES represented. The Braver Angels group meets at the Ames public library at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13th. Contact Al Powers if you are interested in carpooling.

** Book Group

The Humanist book group will meet on Sunday, July 7th, at noon in the south conference room. You can join in person or via Zoom.  We will discuss chapters 47 and 48 of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll. We’ll also select a new book at this session, so let us know what you want to discuss next.

Griffin Hall Artist Reception

Sunday, July 7th, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Our July-August artist, Sarah Schroeder will host a reception in Griffin Hall. Please stop by to enjoy light refreshments, peruse Sarah's artwork, and talk to Sarah about her pieces.

UU Women's Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, July 9th, from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

at Fire Creek Grill

Please join our monthly women's luncheon, held the second Tuesday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Fire Creek Grill, 800 South 50th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265. It's a great place for lively conversation and connection. RESERVATIONS are required. Please email womenslunch@ucdsm.org if you plan to attend.

Grief Support Circle

Thursday, July 11th, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

in the Minister's Office

The Grief Support Circle will meet next from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, in the Minister's Office, with Laura Berardi facilitating. After July's meeting, Ana Davis Evans and Martha Sherick Shen will take over facilitation duties, and the scheduled meeting time is likely to change. Details will be announced in the Intercom when they are finalized.

Sunday, July 14th, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

In honor of International Non-Binary People’s Day, join LGBTQ+ UU's of all ages, and straight/cis allies in pride-themed bingo for small prizes! A light lunch (mostly pizza), including vegan and gluten-free options, will be provided. Please contact the Queer/Trans Action Group at tag@ucdsm.org with questions.

Talent Unlimited/A Monthly Reading Group

Sunday, July 14th, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Our small group of would-be thespians has been meeting since June 2023 on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We invite you to join us on Sunday, July 14th, for a play chosen, directed, and read by our members. We gather at 5:00 p.m. for a potluck so bring your beverage of choice and something to share. The reading begins at 6:00 and we are usually finished by 7:00 p.m. The event is held in the party room at The Towers Club, 3663 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. All are welcome!

Al Exito Volunteers

Tuesday, July 16th, from 3:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

2024 Al Exito University is an intensive, real-college experience camp for Latinx students recently completing 9th-12th grades. This unique program aims to empower students by equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in higher education. Al Exito is seeking 60 passionate volunteers to assist the students in crafting a compelling first draft of their scholarship essay. This will be held at Drake University. Training and dinner will be provided. Extensive writing expertise is not required. Sign up to volunteer and learn more by clicking the button below. 

Your support can make a profound impact on these students' futures. Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to our community. If you have questions after reading the information on the signup sheet, please use this link, and Gene McCracken will contact you. Thanks!

"The Invention of Lying" Watch Party and Discussion

Saturday, July 20th, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Please join the mUUvie Discussion Group on Saturday, July 20th, to watch the 2009 comedy, "The Invention of Lying." In a world where people speak the truth and have no concept of deception, a man about to lose everything invents the “lie” and goes on to change not just the nature of movie-making but creates the basis of religion. After much effort, he also gets the girl he loves. Starring Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner. Click here to watch the trailer. We will meet in room 107 from 7-9:30. Popcorn (and ice cream!) will be provided. Bring your own drink. RSVP to mUUvie@ucdsm.org to let us know you are coming!

Women's Wednesday

Wednesday, July 23rd, from 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE!

First Annual Community Faire

September 28th, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Come share food and learn ways you may become a thread in our rich tapestry of service to our church and the wider community. Children and youth activities will be included and childcare will be provided. More details to follow.

Griffin Hall July-August Artist

Sarah Schroeder

My photographs are shot on film and not digitally edited. I use multiple exposures and other techniques like soaking the film in household chemicals to create abstract images of common sights. I never truly know the results of a shoot until the film is developed.

 For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar.

The Young Women's Resource Center and Al Exito are First Unitarian Church's Faith in Action Partners for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

The Young Women's Resource Center is a non-profit organization that supports, educates, and advocates for girls and young women ages 10-24. Through small groups and individual support, the YWRC provides programming for all young women, no matter what they may be going through. Girls and young women are defined as people who have been socialized and/or identify as female. Trans and nonbinary friends are welcome.

Al Exito is an organization that supports Latinx youth. It inspires, prepares, supports, and positions Latinx leaders from middle school through college for postsecondary attainment, career readiness, and civic engagement.

In the coming months, the Faith in Action team will have opportunities for you to support these two organizations. Please follow Intercom to find out what these will be.

Young Women's Resource Center

Our Champion is Judy Davis and

Nicole Cable

Al Exito

Our Champion is Gene McCracken and Dave Witke

You are invited to join our community minister, Rev. LoraKim Joyner, on a Parrot Pilgrimage to either Guatemala (October 31 - November 3) or Nicaragua (December 13-17). You will have the chance to learn and experience the wonder of parrots, work with local conservationists, and deepen your connection to nature. If you are interested, please contact her by the end of July so she can reserve your spot. Click on the button below for more information.

The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus is partnering with the renowned San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for "All You Need is Love & Music", a free concert that will take place this Tuesday at the Lauridsen Amphitheater in Des Moines. This concert promises a vibrant and inclusive musical experience, featuring exceptional performances and highlighting local LGBTQ+ nonprofits like Iowa Safe Schools. Join us for an unforgettable evening of unity, love, and music! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy food trucks all night. Funding for this free concert was provided by the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows. Click here for more information.

Pride is all year, and there are plenty of events still occurring after June. Click here for more information about a few events that are coming up!

Who Do I Contact for...?

Please refer to the corresponding email based on your request or inquiry.

Administrative, financial, and pledge requests: admin@ucdsm.org

Communication requests: communications@ucdsm.org

Building/room usage requests: hnotch@ucdsm.org

Calendar requests: calendar@ucdsm.org