A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315
515-244-8603
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Sunday, December 15, 2024 | |
A musical service with the UU Singers and the Bell Ave. Ringers.
Join the live service on Zoom!
Zoom Passcode: Safford
*There will be no slides on Zoom this week**
(Please mute your mic before the service begins!)
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Forum: DMARC & FEDS- Food Insecurity in Central Iowa
This Sunday's Forum will focus on food insecurity. Please plan to attend and learn about this crucial human need in our communities. Rev Sarah Trone Garriot from DMARC will be with us. Sarah serves as Coordinator of Interfaith Engagement. DMARC is a major part of our local Emergency Food System.
First Unitarian has been a member partner for over half of DMARC's 70+ years. A wonderful 12-minute video on the organization and its history is available. Hope you are able to attend this forum.
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With winter season approaching, please take a moment and read our inclement weather policy by clicking on the button below. | |
Room 114 is available as a Quiet Room during service. | |
Visit the Caring Community Webpage for the following options:
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Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer (515) 423-0847 or email caring@ucdsm.org.
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Pastoral care - for support through a difficult time email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org.
Check the news feed in Realm if you missed last Sunday's Joys & Sorrows.
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Service Volunteers - December 15 | |
Celebrant: Diane Ford
Song Leader: Sarah Guenther
Musicians: Bell Ave. Ringers and Choir
Pastoral Care Associate: John Morrow
AV Volunteer: Robert Malcomson
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Singing Our UU Gratitude! | |
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. | |
CHILDREN & YOUTH
FAITH FORMATION
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No Youth Faith Formation Classes on December 22 & 29 | |
Please note that Youth Faith Formation classes will not meet on December 22 and 29 to allow families and volunteers to enjoy the holiday season. Classes will resume on January 5th.
We wish you a joyful and restful holiday!
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Thank you to all who purchased this year! Remember to take your flowers home with you on Christmas Eve! Click here to view the Poinsettia insert. | |
UU 201 Membership Class
Saturday, December 21 from 1-3 p.m.
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Join us for the second membership class in our Path to Membership. The minister and lay-leaders will show you a closer look at life and membership in our congregation. You should expect to hear from leaders on our Board of Trustees, Stewardship Committee, Pastoral Care Team, and more. To sign up, click here. | |
No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 22 during Service
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Put on your thespian hats and get ready to be swept onto stage as an actor in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
No part is too big or small, and no rehearsal required for this family-friendly event. Costumes will be provided!
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Christmas Eve Service
Tuesday, December 24 at 6 p.m.
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Join us on Christmas Eve for a family-friendly service as we come together to connect, celebrate, and savor the warmth of the holidays. After the service, join us for a Cookies and Cocoa Holiday party!
**Time change- The service will begin at 6 p.m.**
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Cookies & Cocoa Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 24 following Service
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Join us after the December 24th service for a warm and festive gathering in the Griffin Hall! We’ll share cookies, cocoa, and holiday cheer as we celebrate the season together.
We invite everyone to bring a plate of your favorite holiday treats to share with the community! Whether it’s cookies, brownies, or other seasonal favorites, your contribution will add to the joy of the evening.
Let’s come together to connect, celebrate, and savor the warmth of the holidays. We hope to see you there!
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Our Congregation: Spotlights | |
As a reminder, the Sunday spotlights on Our Congregation are reserved for information from a church-recognized group (e.g., committee, Faith in Action partner) about church wide events and activities, or topics of urgency to the congregation. Spotlights should be written out and no longer than 2 minutes (approximately 250 words). To submit a Spotlight request please complete the Spotlight Request Form. Questions? Reach out to celebrants@ucdsm.org.
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COMMUNITY MINISTER UPDATE
Rev. LoraKim Joyner
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Upcoming Bird Walk
Saturday, December 21, at 9 a.m.
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Join Rev. LoraKim Joyner on the Bill Riley Trail for a bird walk: Celebrating Winter Solstice. We will meet at the “Centers Trails Access” which is the parking lot at the Greenwood Ashworth swimming pool at 102 45th Street. Click here for more information.
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Click the button below to submit an announcement or event for publication
Deadline: Wednesday at Noon
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You may have noticed that we recently installed a whiteboard next to the alarm panel by the south doors. To help us ensure everyone’s safety and avoid accidental triggers of the alarm system, we kindly ask everyone to use the whiteboard to sign in and out whenever entering or leaving the church. This simple step will help us keep track of who is in the building and prevent anyone from being unintentionally locked in. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all. | |
No Tai Chi
December 23-January 2
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Tai Chi will not be meeting for two weeks over the winter holidays: December 23- January 2. The on-going class will resume January 6 at 9:30 a.m. and we will start a new 6-week beginner session that same day. There is no fee for the class, but we do accept a free-will donation for the church. If you are interested in starting Tai Chi, please reach out to the instructor, Jan Knock. | |
Last Chance to Take the Capital Campaign Survey | |
We need your input! Our Future Is Now, and we want to hear your dreams for the church! Do we need more parking? New seats in the auditorium? What should happen with the woods and creek? Complete the survey now and tell us! We are listening! | |
**Annual Meeting:
The annual meeting date has been changed from Dec. 21 to Saturday, January 18th. The business meeting will start at 6:30 PM in Griffin Hall. The featured speaker at 7:00 PM will be Iowa State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott. Ms. Garriott recently won re-election in Senate District 14 over Mark Hanson by 29 votes.
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Decorating for the Holiday Season
December 14 at 10 a.m.
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Join us Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to decorate the church for the holiday season. Many hands make light work! Your help is greatly appreciated!
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AMOS, First U, and You!
Saturday, December 14, from 9-10:30 a.m.
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We've made the decision to CANCEL our event for tomorrow morning, December 14th, due to unpredictable weather conditions.
We will reschedule. But we would also like to invite you to AMOS training listed below. Many of us know times will change in January, and we are eager to organize for those in our communities. It won't be First U-centric, but I think you'll see very quickly how our mission at First U is aligned with the actions of AMOS. If you have questions or are curious, please don't hesitate to reach out Sally Boeckholt and Crystal Loving.
Jan. 17th 5:30-8:00 PM & Jan. 18th 9AM-4PM - Organizing for Justice Training at Walnut Hills UMC. Learn how organizing can have an impact on you as a person, in your institution, & in your community. Click here to register.
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Giving Tree in the Gathering Space | |
We will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space this Sunday. We are asking members and friends to support Young Women’s Resource Center by buying items to stock the Young Mom’s Personal Pantry. Pick a tag or two and bring your items back by next Sunday, December 22. Thanks for your support of our Faith in Action partner. | |
Kitchen Training
Saturday, December 14, 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, December 21, 9-10 a.m. or 10-11 a.m.
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The Kitchen Care Team will offer training on use and care of our church kitchen on December 14 and 21. The training will take approximately 50 minutes. We can train up to fie people at a time. Sign up for one of the following: December 14, 10-11am or 11-12pm; December 21, 9-10am or 10-11am. Kay Scott will be your trainer. Click HERE to sign up.
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Women's Wednesdays
Wednesday, December 18, 12:30-3 p.m.
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Join us in the Stonewall Conference Room for a discussion chosen by women, about women, and discussed by women. | |
Unity Circle
Thursday, December 19, 12-2 p.m.
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We will be meeting at noon on Thursday, December 19, for lunch and a program. Our December topic is "Homeless Street Outreach". Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage. Looking forward to seeing you. For December, we will be partnering with Central Iowa Shelter and Services. They would appreciate donations of mittens, hats, warm socks, etc. | |
Longest Night Service
Friday, December 20, at 6 p.m.
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First Unitarian Church of Des Moines will again host a "Longest Night" service this year. A Longest Night service recognizes that for some, the holidays are a challenging time. Whether you have experienced the death of a loved one, another loss, or are struggling with a season that's supposed to be joyful, you are welcome to attend a short service of reflection and acknowledgement of all that this time of year can hold. The service will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 20 in the Auditorium, followed by a simple soup supper. Questions? Contact pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org with any questions. | |
Solstice Cocoa, Crafts, and Carols!
Saturday, December 21, from 2-5 p.m.
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Our Covenant of UU Pagans and Queer and Transgender Action Group are teaming up to offer a cozy open house of hot cocoa (or tea), crafts, and a few holiday carols in Griffin Hall on Saturday, December 21! Enjoy an array of toppings, from classic to decadent, vegan, and gluten-free. All ages, beliefs, genders, orientations, and allies welcome! Questions or craft suggestions? Please email the Queer/Trans Action Group at tag@ucdsm.org. | |
Christmas Brunch/Lunch Potluck
Wednesday, December 25, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Don't feel like spending Christmas alone, inviting people over, or visiting those relatives this year? Then come to church and celebrate the holiday with some UU's and friends! Sign up to join the Christmas Brunch/Lunch Potluck in Griffin Hall from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on December 25. Bring dishes to share, either a brunch or a lunch dish with a serving utensil. All else will be provided. Family and friends are welcome.
Your Christmas Hosts,
Kay Scott and Sandy Simmons
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Feast of Holy Innocents
Prayer Service for Peace
Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m.
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The Peace, Justice, and Democracy Team of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines is a co-sponsor of an upcoming Feast of Holy Innocents prayer Service for Peace. This event is being organized by the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace and will be held at the Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community located at 3306 University Ave. in Des Moines.
This ecumenical service is one of a series organized over the last several years by the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace. We will be taking time to lament the terrible losses of war, to pray, reflect, imagine and re-commit ourselves to the cause of peace-making worldwide. Carmen Lampe Zeitler will offer Reflections for the service. As a co-sponsor of the event, we would like members of First Unitarian to help publicize, attend, and encourage others to attend. For more information, please email pjd@ucdsm.org.
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Griffin Hall Artist for December
Ann Mowry
Artist Reception: December 29
from 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Ann Mowery, a member of the church and an artist, began thinking about the aging body when she approached 70 years old as she was struggling with how she looked at this age.
She had never painted the figure up close or worked on creating realistic skin tones. This combined with her search for a way to continue painting with a worsening hand tremor. These forces moved her to initiate her oil series of larger scale body parts, presented in Griffin Hall.
Stop in Griffin Hall this month to view Ann's work and join her for an Artist Reception on December 29, from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.!
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Locally, food pantry and DMARC are almost synonymous! First Unitarian has been a member of DMARC since the mid-80s. (You know the DM - ARC is the Area Religious Council) Thanks to a very generous and anonymous donor, any gift you give to DMARC from November 1st to December 31st will be MATCHED, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000! (Donation link) Note: Rev Sarah Trone Garriot from DMARC will be attending our December 15th Forum. | |
2024-2025
Faith in Action Partners
Young Women's Resource Center | Al Exito
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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.
The Faith in Action team will offer you opportunities to support these two organizations in the coming months. Please follow Intercom to find out what these will be.
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Kitchen Training
Decorating for the Holiday
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Sunday Forum
Coming of Age
Coming of Age Parent Group
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Small Group
Connection Circle
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Ministerial Search Committee | |
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Awakening Heart Sangha, Zoom
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Board of Trustees Meeting | |
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Longest Night Soup Supper | |
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Kitchen Training
Celebrant Team Meeting
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Solstice Cocoa, Crafts, and Carols | |
For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar. | |
Missed a Sermon? Want to Re-visit? | |
Videos of past sermons can be found here.
The text of past sermons can be found here.
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Staff Contact Information | |
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Interim Minister
mgarmon@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 102
cell: 352-682-8492
Faithyna Leonard
Faith Formation &
Congregational Life Coordinator
fleonard@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 101
Off Mondays
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jamie Seitz
Communications Coordinator
jseitz@ucdsm.org
communications@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 105
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Tracy Aukes
Church Administrator
admin@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 103
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Zoom meetings available upon request
Hannah Notch
Office Manager & Childcare Coordinator
hnotch@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 107
Tuesday - Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Sally Boeckholt
Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@ucdsm.org
515-244-8603 ext. 104
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