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

515-244-8603

Join the UU Singers and Bell Ave. Ringers for an intergenerational music service for children of all ages and their families with the UU Singers and Bell Ave. Ringers! The service will be livestreamed in Griffin Hall for those with auditory sensitivities or those who prefer a calming environment.

Join our Livestream!

Forum: Board of Trustees

Join us to explore the Board of Trustees' goal to explore methods of telling our story within the congregation and to the wider community.

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.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NEWS

Construction Update

Lower-Level Construction Update



Over the next two weeks, Story Construction will continue demolition work in the lower level. This includes grinding the concrete floors and reinforcing the hallway in preparation for removing sections of masonry. Please be aware that this phase of the project may create some noise throughout the building. Thank you for your patience as we move forward with this work.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS

Giving Tree at First Unitarian

We are having a Giving Tree this winter season to support our immigrant neighbors, clients of RIVA and a Sudanese family that the immigration team has been supporting with ACIS (Allied Congregations for Immigrant Support).

With the cuts in public assistance and the difficulty in finding employment, Noura and her 8 children are having a difficult time making ends meet. Noura has requested gift cards from Walmart for each family member so they pick out their own gifts. Support to pay the utility bills is also needed. The family is Muslim, and do not celebrate Christmas. Please enclose gift cards and utility gifts in a New Year's card.

Gifts for RIVA are for families that the case managers at RIVA support, mainly Afghan and Congolese immigrants. Gifts include household items that the families need, such as diapers, wipe, laundry soap, etc.

The Giving Tree is located in the gathering area, along with instructions on how to give. Please try to return gifts by December 21st.

Faith Formation Teacher Opening

The Faith Formation program is seeking a new Faith Formation Teacher to join our team.

This 5-hour-per-week position ($22/hour) offers the opportunity to support our Sunday morning programming by arranging the classroom, welcoming families during check-in, facilitating Time for All Ages, guiding children to their classrooms, and assisting with lessons, activities, and check-out.

Ideal candidates will have experience teaching or guiding children in settings such as childcare, education, or camps; a strong commitment to Unitarian Universalist values; and the ability to support children with diverse needs, including autism, ADHD, and PTSD. Candidates should be friendly, organized, and reliable.

A background check and references are required, and there is potential for growth for the right person. Interested applicants may send their résumé to jobs@ucdsm.org. Learn more at www.ucdsm.org.

CHURCH EVENTS

To submit an announcement or event for publication, send an email to Communications@ucdsm.org.

Deadline: Wednesday by noon

Winter Solstice Hike at Brown's Woods- EVENT CANCELLED!

Saturday, December 13, at 9 a.m.

Due to the freezing temperatures we are anticipating we will experience this coming Saturday, The Centering Nature Team has decided to cancel the Winter Solstice Hike at Brown's Woods scheduled for December 13th. We hope you find another way to celebrate the Winter Solstice.  Ensuring people remain safe during walks is important to us. 

On Sunday, January 4th, we are scheduled to do a Spotlight during service and host a Showcase Table in Griffin Hall during gathering time. We have exciting events planned for 2026. Please email centeringnature@ucdsm.org with questions, feedback, or future ideas on how we can gather in nature to deepen our bond with ourselves, one another, and all living things, awaken to interconnectedness, and nourish our spirits so we can nourish the world.   

Hospitality Open House Orientation

Saturday, December 13, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

All new and returning hospitality team members are invited to a drop-in orientation to get familiar with our updated safety protocols and refresh practical skills on Saturday, December 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

We’ll have stations set up so you can visit only the areas you want or need including:

• New safety procedures
• How to use the dishwasher
• Operating the lift
• Location of tools and supplies (shovels, etc.)
• Overview of all hospitality duties

if you have questions, send an email to hospitality@ucdsm.org.

Cocoa, Crafts, and Carols with QTAG

Saturday, December 13, from 2-5 p.m.

The Queer/Transgender Action Group (QTAG) is hosting a cozy, all-ages open house with hot cocoa (or tea), holiday crafts, and even a few holiday carols in Griffin Hall on Saturday, December 13, 2 - 5 p.m. Enjoy an array of toppings, from classic to decadent, as well as vegan, and gluten-free options. All ages, genders, orientations, and allies welcome! Questions or craft suggestions? Please email the Queer/Trans Action Group at qtag@ucdsm.org.

Women's Wednesday

Wednesday, December 17 from 12:30-3 p.m.

at the Urbandale Library

Join us for a discussion chosen by women, about women, and discussed by women. Any person interested in or curious about a female perspective is welcome to join us!

We'll meet at the Urbandale Library at 12:30 p.m.

Unity Circle

Thursday, December 18 at 12 p.m.

Join us Thursday, December 18, for a Christmas Sing-along with Bruce Martin on the piano! Get into the holiday spirit with good food, good music, and good friends!

Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage. Looking forward to seeing you.

Longest Night Service

Friday, December 19 at 6 p.m.

Did you know that First Unitarian holds our Longest Night Service in December for those who find the holiday season difficult? This reflective, quiet service creates a safe space to acknowledge grief, sadness, and hardship during a time when many other celebrations emphasize joy and togetherness. Elements include candlelight, silent reflection, readings, and music, providing comfort and community for those who are mourning or suffering.

This year’s Longest Night Service will take place on Friday, December 19 at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium with a soup supper to follow at 6:45 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services with Cookies & Cocoa Coffee Hour

Tuesday, December 24 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Join us on December 24th as we celebrate Christmas Eve with warmth, community, and sweet treat with services at 4 p.m. and 7p.m. After each service, we’ll gather for a cozy Cookies & Cocoa Coffee Hour.

We invite you to bring a tray of baked goods to share—already plated and ready for the congregation to enjoy. If your treat is gluten-free or contains peanuts, please label it clearly.

Come for the service, stay for the sweetness. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Christmas Day Potluck

Wednesday, December 25 from 1-3 p.m.

Dear Members and Friends,

You are warmly invited to join us for a Christmas Day Potluck at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines on Wednesday, December 25 from 1-3 p.m. in Griffin Hall!

Whether you’re celebrating with family, spending the day solo, or simply looking for community, all are welcome at our shared table.

Please bring a dish to share and label it for any dietary restrictions so everyone can enjoy safely. If you aren’t able to bring food, please come anyway—your presence is what truly matters. Beverages and tableware will be provided.

Please reach out to Kay Scott, Kitchencommittee@ucdsm.org, with any questions.

This is a relaxed, family-friendly gathering meant to offer warmth, food, and fellowship on Christmas Day. We look forward to celebrating together. All are welcome.

The Kitchen Care Team would greatly appreciate knowing how many people will be attending, please RSVP below with how many people will be coming from your family. 

mUUvie Discussion Group

Saturday, December 27, at 7 p.m.

Please join the mUUvie Discussion Group to view and discuss "Lars and the Real Girl" in Griffin Hall. The plot follows Lars, a kind-hearted but socially awkward young man who develops a romantic yet nonsexual relationship with a life-sized doll, and the sympathetic family and townspeople who support him.

Watch the trailer here.

Popcorn will be provided; bring your own drink. RSVP to mUUvie@ucdsm.org to let us know that you are coming!

First Unitarian Humanist Update

** Christmas Party

Yes, even Humanists like Christmas parties! You are invited to join us at 6:30 PM on Friday, December 12. Click here for more information and to sign up.

** Book Group

The Humanist book group will meet on Sunday, December 21st, at 12:00 noon in the Mary Safford room (at the back of the auditorium). We will be discussing Chapter 12 of Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking by Sarah Bakewell. We’ll be voting on our next book soon, so let us know if you have a suggestion to add to the ballot. Click here for information on the book group and other Humanist activities.

** Watch Party

The Watch Party is taking a holiday vacation. The next session will be planned for January. Click here to find out more about this event or to submit suggestions for programs that you would like to see.

** Braver Angels

Join the Humanists at the next Braver Angels meeting at the Ames public library, 10:00 AM on Saturday, Dec. 13th. The discussion topic will “America at the Breaking Point: Who Owns the Affordability Agenda and Who Pays the Price?”. The conversation will explore how people across the political spectrum understand the affordability crisis, who they believe is responsible, and what mix of policy, personal responsibility, and innovation might actually make everyday life more manageable again. Contact Al Powers if you would like to car pool to Ames.

IT'S GREAT TO MEET YOU PODCAST

with Rev. Steve Sieck

Rev. Steve has a new podcast! Welcome to It's Great to Meet You! where he gets to know the good people of Des Moines doing the good work in our city.

It's Great to Meet You, Ep. 8- Robby Collier, CEO of Urban Bicycle Food Ministry of Des Moines

Links from the Show:

• Volunteer or donate to Urban Bicycle Food Ministry of Des Moines

GRIFFIN HALL ARTIST FOR DECEMBER

Nancy Prizant

Nancy Prizant is a native of Des Moines. She graduated from North High and attended Drake University.

Her enthusiastic interest in art always existed but was further ignited by her years of volunteering at the Des Moines Art Center. As a member of a team of creative people from the Members Council, they planned openings and events such as Art in the Park and many other big social occasions.

A trip to an art workshop in western Nebraska was the defining moment that set her on the art path. Following the workshop, she took classes wherever possible. Thanks to the Des Moines Art Center, her training was much influenced by international training of many instructors such as Haleh Niazmand, Anthony Pontius, and Ivan Fortushniak.

Until recently, her work was mainly figurative, focusing on Native Americans. When Covid struck, she moved to still life painting classes presented virtually by Judy Vilmain of Providence, Rhode Island.

This show is a sample of both of these periods.

A Word from the Artist: I paint expressively, using line, color, and many layers of paint to give depth and emotional intensity. My work tends to be bold and intense with much pattering. My goal is generally to capture some kind of feeling rather than an accurate likeness. I strive to give life, character, and power to my paintings. when painting people, I try to paint them in such a way as to capture a spirit or sense of dignity and grace.

Our Faith in Action (FIA) Partners for 2025-26 are RIVA and YMCA Supportive Housing. Donations made to our FIA fund will go directly to them to help their work thrive. Donations can be made electronically through the website or on Realm, or via the specially marked envelopes during Sunday services.

We will be working on ways for the congregation to connect via service to our new partners. Click their links below to learn more.

Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action

Our Champion is Cheryl Long

YMCA Supportive Housing

Our Champion is Nina Richtman

Fri Dec 12

8:15 a.m.

Social Justice Leader Support Team

6:00 p.m.

Board Game Night

Sat Dec 13

9:30 a.m.

Hospitality Orientation

2:00 p.m.

Cocoa, Crafts, and Carols with QTAG

Sun Dec 14

9:00 a.m.

Childcare (Ages 0-4)

9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service

11:00 a.m.

Forum

7/8 OWL

1:30 p.m.

NAC Rental

Mon Dec 15

8:30 a.m.

DMARC Book Group

9:30 a.m.

Tai Chi

1:00 p.m.

Small Group Ministry

7:00 p.m.

Awakening Heart Sangha, Zoom

Tue Dec 16

5:00 p.m.

Congregational Life Team

6:00 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting

Wed Dec 17

12:30 p.m.

Women's Wednesday

4:45 p.m.

Caring Community Team

5:45 p.m.

Bell Choir Rehearsal

6:00 p.m.

Small Group Ministry

7:00 p.m.

Recovery Group

Thu Dec 18

9:30 a.m.

Tai Chi

12:00 p.m.

Unity Circle

6:00 p.m.

Small Group Ministry

7:00 p.m.

UU Singers Adult Choir

Fri Dec 19

6:00 p.m.

Longest Night Service

Sat Dec 20

9:00 a.m.

Celebrant Team Meeting

10:00 a.m.

Soul Matters

Sun Dec 21

9:00 a.m.

Childcare (Ages 0-4)

9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service

9:45 a.m.

One Room SchUUlhouse

11:00 a.m.

Forum

7/8 OWL

12:00 p.m.

Humanist Book Discussion

1:30 p.m.

NAC Rental

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

Contact Us

www.ucdsm.org

Caring Ministry